A week before the exams, Joseph summoned Albert to his study. The room smelled faintly of parchment and ink, with shelves lined by Devon's old records. Joseph sat behind his desk, a single lamp casting warm light across the papers spread before him.
"Before tomorrow, Albert," Joseph began, "you must fully understand what lies ahead. Passing an elementary exam is not just about knowledge. It is about entering a system that has shaped this world for centuries. Every profession carries its own hierarchy, its own responsibilities. If you are to take three at once, you must know what you are committing to."
Albert nodded once, amethyst eyes steady. "Please explain."
Joseph's gaze sharpened, then he began.
"First, the Breeder's path," Joseph said, sliding a parchment across the desk. "Breeders are caretakers, scientists, and artisans all in one. They are responsible for the health and growth of Pokémon in every stage of life.
"There are seven ranks, as is the case with the Doctor and Research profession, each reflecting depth of knowledge and mastery.
Apprentice – a student under the wing of a mentor, with no official credentials yet.
Elementary – one who has passed the first assessment, possessing broad but shallow knowledge, and at least familiarity with one field of specialization.
Intermediate – someone proficient in one specialization, while remaining at least familiar with the others.
Advanced – an individual with expertise in one specialization and proficiency in the rest.
Top – masterful in one specialization and an expert in the others, often recognized across a continent.
Master – complete mastery in every field of their profession, their methods setting the standard for others.
Champion – a title reserved for revolutionaries, those who fundamentally transform their field with discoveries or breakthroughs."
Joseph tapped the parchment, where neat notes described the fields of specialization in Breeding: Pokémon Food, Pokémon Growth, and Pokémon Grooming. Each field, including fields of Medicine and Research, has four stages of proficiency—namely Familiar, Proficient, Expert, and Mastery.
"Breeders," Joseph said firmly, "are the unseen foundation. They ensure our partners are strong before they even step onto a battlefield."
Albert's hand tightened slightly around the paper. His eyes shone. Food, growth, grooming… a ladder of endless experimentation.
Joseph continued. "Doctors are the healers of our world. While Breeders focus on life's growth, Doctors focus on illness, wounds, and recovery."
"Again, the ranks are the following: Apprentice → Elementary → Intermediate → Advanced → Expert → Top → Master → Champion."
He added, "Their specialization fields are Treatment, Physiology, and Psychology. A good Doctor cures injuries, while a great one restores body and mind alike."
Joseph's gaze softened. "Remember this well. Many children want to be Trainers or Coordinators, but without Doctors, this world would collapse in a week."
Albert bowed his head slightly. "I understand. The foundation of strength is health."
Joseph's tone grew heavier. "Now, Researchers. Knowledge is their domain. They are the mapmakers of discovery. With enough contributions, we call them Professors."
Again, he laid out the structure: Apprentice → Elementary → Intermediate → Advanced → Expert → Top → Master → Champion.
"Their fields are Genetics, Evolution, and Background. Genetics is the study of inheritance— abilities, traits, and hereditary quirks. Evolution… you already know. Background encompasses behavior, history, and even the study of Pokémon now extinct. At the Master level, a Researcher earns the title of Professor, and at the Champion level, it means they have changed the very foundation of our understanding."
Albert's pulse quickened. His photographic memory catalogued every word, but more than that, his heart resonated. Research. Evolution. Genetics. This is the path closest to what I want to pursue.
Finally, Joseph spoke of the other two paths—ones Albert would not test for, but needed to know.
"Coordinators," Joseph said, "refine how Pokémon present themselves. They elevate battles into art, creating harmony between appearance and technique. Their ranks are built on victories in contests, from Starter to Apprentice, to Elementary, all the way to Champion Coordinator—one who redefines what beauty and coordination mean."
"And Trainers…" Joseph's voice grew deeper, commanding. "The battlefield is their home. Their strength is judged by the level of their partners, ascending from Starter to Rookie, Adept, Veteran, Expert, and so on… until Master Trainer. Few have ever reached that stage. Fewer still survive the journey approaching it."
He paused, leaning back in his chair.
"All five professions shape the Pokémon world. Some pursue one, some dabble in two. But you, Albert Hugo Deford, intend to walk three paths at once. Tomorrow, you will be tested on your foundation—on whether you are worthy to even begin."
Albert absorbed the silence that followed, his amethyst eyes glowing faintly with psychic sheen. "I won't fail."
Joseph's lips curved slightly, a mixture of pride and gravity. "See that you don't. You carry not just Devon's trust now, but the weight of every opportunity I've given you. Tomorrow is your first proving ground. Walk into it with nothing less than certainty."
Albert inclined his head. "I will."
That night, as Albert returned to his room, his mind was already building structures of knowledge in perfect clarity. He reviewed the ranks, the fields, and the requirements. He did not see them as barriers—he saw them as a ladder.
And tomorrow, he would take his first step.