Silas took a deep breath and carefully set the ingredients into the Pokéblock processor.
Those requiring special preparation were handled first. Order, quantity, and timing-all precisely controlled.
His movements flowed smoothly, with not a single wasted motion.
The examiners exchanged looks of appreciation. Their eyes glimmered, as though they were watching a rare treasure at work.
Impurities removed. Berries mashed into pulp. The mixture ground, separated, and fused. A touch of spice added to draw out aroma. Shaped, dried, and solidified.
Step by step, everything was flawless.
At the final moment, Silas sprinkled a seasoning that enhanced fragrance before sealing the cube.
In less than ten minutes, a gleaming Pokéblock rolled neatly out from the machine's outlet.
The examiners were stunned. Ignoring decorum, they immediately walked over, picked up the block, and examined it closely.
"Mm… bright sheen, smooth shape, aroma rich and balanced. This is definitely a high-grade product," one middle-aged examiner praised.
The elder, Edgar Glass, was even more direct. Taking out a small tool, he shaved off a sliver of the block, placed it in his mouth, and slowly savored it.
"...Genius," Master Edgar murmured.
With the chief examiner's verdict clear, the other two did not hesitate.
"Indeed. His theoretical knowledge may still be shallow for his age, but his craftsmanship in Pokéblock-making is exceptional."
"Unanimous," Edgar declared. "Silas, from today, you are officially recognized as a Junior Breeder of the Rustboro Breeders' Guild."
Seventeen years old-a Junior Breeder!
Each year, only a handful across multiple regions managed to pass this exam. And most owed their success to powerful family backing or leniency from the Guild.
But this boy had passed purely on ability. That rarity shocked them all.
Edgar produced a medal from within his robes: a silver sun-shaped badge, dimmer than the golden one gleaming on his own chest. At its base, the words Junior Breeder were engraved in tiny letters.
"This is proof of your certification. With this, you are entitled to the privileges and benefits extended to Breeders by the Pokémon League."
The weight of the medal far exceeded any mere Alliance rank.
"Come visit the Guild often, little one. Exchange ideas with us old men when you have time," one examiner said warmly.
Silas bowed deeply in gratitude, the medal now hanging proudly on his chest.
....
When he stepped back into the waiting hall, the first thing he saw was the arrogant young man from before. The man's face was dark, still sour from his failure.
He sneered at Silas, ready to mock-until his gaze fell on the sun-shaped badge glittering against Silas's chest.
His words froze in his throat. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"...Impossible!"
The outburst turned every head.
Gasps echoed as people noticed the medal.
"Oh my god-seventeen and already a Junior Breeder! His future is limitless!"
"Please, young man, honor me by visiting my home! I have a granddaughter-eighteen, and very beautiful…"
Grandpa Fushan chuckled, the only one calm enough to remain composed. Still, even he could not hide a flicker of awe.
The hall erupted into chatter, surrounding Silas with congratulations and questions.
"Really only seventeen?"
"It's true-that's the Breeder's medal!"
"What have I even been doing these last twenty years?!"
Nurse Joy, who had already been surprised earlier, was left utterly stunned. Her gentle expression stiffened, pink cheeks flushed, lips parted in shock.
'Once in a century… a true genius', the thought echoed in her mind.
If before Silas wasn't worth her family's attention, now… he was someone they absolutely could not ignore.
The arrogant youth sat frozen in his chair, pale and trembling. He had entered with bold words, declaring he would pass this year for sure. Instead, he had failed and been forced to watch another's star rise before his eyes.
As Nurse Joy walked gracefully past him-not to comfort him, but to praise Silas alongside the others-humiliation burned him hollow.
By the time the room emptied, he was the only one left, face red, bolting out in shame.
.....
News spread like wildfire:
"Seventeen-Year-Old Prodigy-Junior Breeder Certified!"
The headlines dominated Rustboro City, the name Silas now echoing across the Breeder community.
...
Inside the Guild president's office, Edgar Glass sat at his desk, smiling as he read the fresh Alliance newspaper.
"Seventeen… Junior Breeder. Truly remarkable…"
Just then, a staff member burst in, breathless.
"President! A call from Breeders' Headquarters!"
Edgar quickly straightened his clothes and answered with utmost respect.
"Yes… yes! I understand. Rustboro will not disappoint the Alliance's trust."
When the call ended, his wrinkled face glowed with excitement. His hands trembled as he gripped the desk.
Headquarters had just approved a 50% increase in resources allocated to the Rustboro Guild for the coming term.
Rustboro's Breeder Guild had just risen to new heights.
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(End of chapter)