The new week brought a buzz of anticipation as the students filtered into the south wing of the academy, where the specialization tracks were now held. Ray and Kira walked side by side, each dressed in reinforced academy uniforms—a slight variation from the standard, marked with a green-and-silver emblem on the chest.
The classroom was different too. No rows of desks. Instead, it resembled a field operations center: a topographic map covered one wall, and there were mock survival stations, shelves stacked with gear, and a large holo-display showing terrain simulations.
Standing at the front was a tall woman with sun-browned skin and sharp, hawk-like eyes. Her uniform was Ranger-standard: sleek, durable, and clearly worn by experience.
"I am Ranger Instructor Valea," she began, her voice like iron on stone. "And this is your first step into the wild."
Ray straightened his posture. Kira was already glowing with excitement.
Understanding the Ranger Path
Instructor Valea began by explaining what it meant to be a Ranger.
"We are not gym battlers or glory seekers," she said. "Rangers serve the world—not just the League. We protect, we rescue, we guide, and when necessary… we fight."
She tapped the holo-projector, and a display appeared showing Rangers in action: helping civilians during natural disasters, battling rampaging Pokémon, and conducting search and rescue in blizzards or deep forests.
"Our roles are diverse," Valea continued. "Some of us patrol known routes. Others are assigned to emergency strike teams. And elite Rangers work in unknown zones, where even League officials hesitate to tread."
Ray watched, heart beating faster. It felt… right.
Classification of Rangers
"There are five recognized Ranger tiers," Valea explained, cycling through visual examples.
Field Rangers – Patrol routes, respond to basic emergencies, guide travelers.
Rescue Rangers – Specialize in crisis response, especially during disasters.
Combat Rangers – Elite teams trained to neutralize wild or hostile Pokémon threats.
Recon Rangers – Masters of stealth and survival, deployed in uncharted areas.
Specialized Rangers – Rare, individually skilled in areas like toxic zones, volcano paths, or dimensional anomalies.
Each classification required different strengths—tracking, field medicine, strategy, communication. And survival training was core to them all.
"Some of you will thrive under pressure," she said. "Others may realize the wild isn't for them. Both are fine. But if you remain on this path, know this—there will be moments when no one is coming to save you. You must be enough."
Tools and Training
Valea opened a storage crate and began distributing basic Ranger kits: a collapsible multi-tool, signal flares, a canteen with purification function, and a lightweight cloak resistant to weather and minor elemental attacks.
"This gear isn't for show," she said. "It's to keep you alive."
Kira examined the gear with awe. Ray tested the weight of the cloak on his shoulders. It was real. No longer a fantasy.
"Your first mission simulation will begin next month. Until then, you'll be drilled—tracking, survival, partner coordination, first aid, and more."
Ray already felt the weight of responsibility settle over him, but it was welcome. After what he'd lived through… he knew exactly why this mattered.