The day after the ceremony, Ironforge City woke up to the sound of rustling newspapers and the glare of breaking news bulletins flashing across holo-screens.
"Five-Year-Old Prodigy Shatters Records!"
"Deford: Youngest Professional in Pokémon History."
"Three Perfect Scores — In Under an Hour Each!"
Every headline carried his name, every article struggling to put into words what the numbers already declared. In coffee shops and train stations, citizens whispered about the platinum-haired boy whose amethyst eyes had shone under the sun as the world learned of his feat.
At the heart of it all was the official notice released by the International Pokémon Alliance:
"The International Pokémon Alliance hereby confirms Deford of Evergreen Island as the youngest recorded professional in Pokémon history. Having achieved Elementary certification in Breeding, Medicine, and Research at the age of five, with perfect scores and record-breaking completion times, his achievement and recognition stand not only at the continental level of Evergreen Island but globally."
The notice spread like wildfire, translated and republished across every region's media.
From the Pearl Federation to the Eden Empire, from the Tribal Alliance to the Grayscale Kingdom, the name Deford was suddenly everywhere.
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In Ironforge City, public reaction was split between awe and disbelief.
Parents pointed him out to their children as an inspiration. Trainers debated whether he would become the youngest Champion in history.
Breeders, Doctors, and Researchers alike spoke his name with equal parts admiration and unease—for his brilliance, unease for what it might mean for the balance of their carefully structured professions.
Not all voices were friendly. Some muttered that Devon Corp. had staged the feat, or that the child was a puppet to Joseph Stone's ambitions.
Others whispered darker thoughts: What kind of boy can break records more than a decade earlier than former record holders? How can he bend the rules of possibility just like that?
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Beyond the surface, shadows stirred.
In the underworld taverns of Evergreen Island, the names of Team Magma and Team Aqua surfaced.
Their agents read the same headlines, but where the public saw a prodigy, they saw opportunity.
A child with psychic powers, flawless memory, and ties to Devon Corp. could be an ally—or a threat.
Whispers slithered through criminal channels:
"Find out where he lives."
"Learn his habits."
"If the Stones protect him, then perhaps he is worth more than gold."
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Meanwhile, in the high offices of the Evergreen Island Government, Albert's name became the subject of policy discussions.
What did it mean for licensing laws when a five-year-old could clear the professional bar meant for adults? Should safeguards be tightened, or was this proof of an evolving world where prodigies might rise faster than ever before?
Plenty old fossils rubbed their foreheads, stuck in an impasse.
"Deford is an anomaly, I don't think any other five-year-olds at the present, or even in the future, could possibly break his records!"
Similarly, the heads of some departments in the International Pokémon Alliance have been stuck in the same argument regarding Researcher Deford.
"I'm not entirely convinced that we need to change the current licensure process just because of Deford. He's a unique case, and we should not generalize this possibility to the whole world."
Another head agrees. "Besides, why do we need to limit the age of future professionals? That defeats the purpose of the licensure exams. For me, this entire argument is useless."
The room went still as they had a silent realization. Indeed, what use is it for them to intervene in such matters?
The younger the professionals, the more promising the future for the entire Pokémon World, isn't it?
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At the Stone household, Joseph read the headlines in silence while Steven scrolled endlessly through public forums exploding with speculation.
Everyone's talking about you," Steven muttered, glancing at Albert. "The world knows your name now. Doesn't that feel...I don't know...heavy?"
Albert looked up from his notes, his expression calm. "It means my time is limited before others try to control me. I will need to move quickly. Besides, I only utilized my surname, not my entire identity."
Joseph's gaze sharpened, pride mingling with concern. "Correct. You've taken your first step carefully, Albert. But remember—every step forward will cast a longer shadow. Be prepared for what follows."
The blonde nods firmly before going back to his book. "I'll be preparing my first proposal soon. The licensure exams were just a formality; the results of my future research are what truly matter to me."
Steven just stared at the composed Albert, inwardly in awe at his dedication and groundedness.
If other children were to be in Albert's position, perhaps their arrogance would reach the moon.
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Outside, the world roared with Albert's name.
Some voices praised, some envied, and some plotted.
Albert had not simply passed three exams; he had ignited the world's attention.
And the world was not always kind.