The morning sun over Lilycove shimmered like a curtain of gold, casting its reflection on the white-stone spires of Lilycove University.
For most of the city, it was a normal day, but for the candidates flooding the main plaza, this was the single most important day of their youth—the Pokémon Trainer Licensure Exam.
Albert Deford walked quietly among them.
For the first time, his amethyst eyes were unshielded, no psychic veil hiding his face.
The crowd buzzed, students in pressed uniforms, parents giving last-minute encouragement, mentors whispering advice.
Some were pale with nerves, others crackling with excitement.
Albert moved through them with a calm grace, carrying nothing but his registration papers and a small satchel of necessities.
He drew some curious glances. His face was unfamiliar, yet there was a gravity to the way he carried himself, an aura of composure that felt out of place among anxious teenagers.
But Albert ignored the stares, heading straight for the registration hall.
"Name?" the receptionist asked, glancing up from her desk.
"Albert Hugo," he answered smoothly.
The name slid off his tongue with practiced ease. Deford carried weight in research circles, but "Albert Hugo" was the civilian identity that remained untouched for this new stage of his life.
The Evergreen Island Government and IPA had arranged it so thoroughly that to the world, he was nothing more than a gifted youth from a respectable family, ready to claim his place as a licensed trainer.
"Room 3A, Hall C," the woman said after stamping his slip. "You'll find your seat there. Good luck."
Albert inclined his head in thanks and continued down the corridor.
Hall C was enormous, capable of holding hundreds of students at once. Each seat was numbered, fitted with a tablet-like screen for the examination.
Supervisors in black suits patrolled the aisles, watchful for any attempt at cheating.
Albert found his place—Seat 127—and settled in.
Around him, students whispered nervously until a sharp chime silenced them.
"Candidates," a proctor's voice rang out, "the National Pokémon Trainer Licensure Exam – Theoretical Portion will now commence. You have five hours to complete 650 multiple-choice questions and a 50-point essay. Begin."
A soft hum filled the room as screens flickered to life.
Albert took a breath, straightened his back, and began.
Pokémon Biology
Question 34: Which of the following organs is responsible for a Grass-type Pokémon's ability to perform photosynthesis-like energy conversion?
Albert chose the answer instantly: A) Chlorophyll sacs embedded within the dermal layers of the Pokémon's skin.
He knew this not just from textbooks, but from research he himself had published years ago under his concealed identity.
Pokémon Battle Theory
Question 112: What is the primary reason Double Battles emphasize positioning compared to Single Battles?
Answer: C) Because move targeting and synergy between partners significantly alter both offensive and defensive strategies, making positioning critical.
Albert smiled faintly. He had written an entire paper on battle formations when he was twelve.
Pokémon Data
Question 198: Zubat colonies are primarily located in caves. Which of the following Pokémon species serves as their natural predator?
Albert didn't hesitate: D) Crobat's dominance suppresses rival colonies, but Loudred has been observed preying on smaller Zubat populations in open cave systems.
He tapped the correct option, barely pausing.
Pokémon Moves & Typing
Question 276: A Dragon-type move used against a Fairy-type Pokémon results in what interaction and why?
Answer: A) It has no effect completely. Fairy typing is immune to Dragon-type moves.
Pokémon Items & Field Knowledge
Question 312: Which stone is required for a Vulpix to evolve into Ninetales?
Albert almost chuckled.
D) Fire Stone.
Pokemon Tactics Strategy & Team Composition
Question 417: Why is it generally unwise to build a team composed entirely of Psychic-types?
Answer: C) Specialization reduces flexibility and exposes the team to predictable counters such as Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type moves.
General Knowledge: History, Society, Trainer Law
Question 522: After the war 200 years ago, the International Trainer Accord was signed. What was its primary function?
Albert answered quickly: C) To establish standardized trainer regulations across regions, restricting large-scale militarization of Pokémon and codifying trainer ranks.
Finally, the last page appeared, the essay question:
"Do Pokémon exist for humans, or do humans exist for Pokémon? Discuss with examples and argue your perspective."
Albert paused. This was the heart of it.
He laid his stylus on the desk for a moment, closing his eyes.
In his mind, he saw Eevee glowing in warmth during its evolution, Magikarp leaping desperately against the current, Pokémon smiling as they played during his research.
And so, he typed:
Pokémon and humans do not exist for one another in a hierarchy of purpose, but rather in a bond of reciprocity. Pokémon existed long before humankind, thriving in ecosystems shaped by natural law. Humans, in turn, have built civilizations with Pokémon by their side—not as tools, but as partners. To say Pokémon exist for us is to strip them of agency; to say we exist for Pokémon is to deny our own capacity for choice. Instead, we exist together, evolving not just biologically but emotionally and spiritually. This coexistence is most vividly seen in happiness-driven evolution, where love itself—not power, not dominance—triggers transformation. Such evidence demonstrates that the highest calling of a trainer is not control, but stewardship. We are not masters above them, nor servants beneath them, but companions walking the same path.
The words flowed easily, as though already written in his heart.
After a while, Albert leaned back and exhaled softly.
He glanced at the timer—barely two hours had passed.
Around him, candidates still hunched over their screens, brows furrowed, some even whispering prayers under their breath.
With steady hands, he submitted his exam. A soft chime confirmed its receipt.
The proctor raised an eyebrow as Albert stood and walked to the front of the hall to sign out. "Done already?" the man asked, not quite masking his disbelief.
Albert offered a polite smile. "Yes, sir."
The proctor's eyes lingered, as though trying to gauge whether this boy was arrogant or simply gifted.
Finally, he waved him through.