"Alright, I will now announce the rules of the evaluation."
Seeing that no one backed out, the evaluating professor nodded in satisfaction.
The content of this evaluation was quite simple: survive inside the Secret Kingdom and find the exit. That alone was enough to be considered a pass.
Additionally, all students' backpacks and belongings had been confiscated. Each person could only carry six Poké Balls; anything else was forbidden inside the Secret Kingdom.
Upon hearing this condition, everyone's faces paled. Surviving in a wild and dangerous environment didn't depend solely on strength; finding food and water was also vital.
In fact, for this test, many students had prepared a large number of supplies: enough food and water to endure for a long time.
But now, all of that was useless. They would enter the Secret Kingdom empty-handed and would have to look for food and water on their own.
Fortunately, the university provided them with a simple map and a rescue flare, which made everyone breathe a little easier.
Following the map would make it easier to find food and water, though even so, passing the test would not be simple.
"I see... it seems this evaluation doesn't aim to measure only a trainer's strength. The ability to survive in the wild is even more important."
Ethan nodded, feeling slightly excited. This test clearly took references from the exam to become an Advanced-level Trainer.
Experiencing it in advance would serve as good practice and help him improve in the future.
Shortly after distributing the maps and flares, the test officially began. Under the teachers' guidance, the students formed lines and moved toward the dimensional gate set up by the university.
"It seems these Psychic-type Pokémon can influence the destination point within the Secret Kingdom so that the students are teleported randomly."
Ethan observed the dimensional gate, curious. He didn't know whether this technology came from the Secret Kingdom itself or if it had been developed by the researchers of the League.
If it was the latter, then the League's true power was clearly much deeper than they showed.
As the line moved forward, Ethan entered the dimensional gate. His figure distorted, disappearing from the spot and entering the Secret Kingdom.
After a slight dizziness, once he regained consciousness he found himself in a dense forest. Looking up, he saw the blue sky and the shining sun.
"As expected, I'm not in the same place as before."
His eyes narrowed, confirming what he had suspected.
In front of him, the forest stretched in all directions. He couldn't help but sigh at how vast the Secret Kingdom of Ironvale City's Pokémon University was. But he still had no idea where exactly he was.
Without hesitation, Ethan took out his Poké Balls and released his six Pokémon. In a wild and dangerous environment, he couldn't let his guard down.
Once they were all out, he unfolded the map and began reviewing it.
"Yadon!"
At that moment, Slowking made a soft sound and pointed toward a distant rock.
"Hm? Is something there?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes and looked toward the rock.
"A Ghost-type Pokémon?"
Thanks to Slowking's warning, Ethan slightly furrowed his brows.
At the same time, he understood why there was a Ghost-type Pokémon in that place.
This type of Pokémon surely formed part of the security system prepared by the university.
Its likely role was to protect the students and, at the same time, watch over them from the shadows.
It made sense: using invisible Ghost-type Pokémon as bodyguards was a very effective way to ensure safety without attracting attention.
"A Ghost-type Pokémon... If I could catch it, it would be very useful."
As he thought about this, he remembered that there was a Poké Ball in his backpack containing a Dusknoir he had almost forgotten about.
Luckily, Ghost-type Pokémon could remain for long periods without consuming energy, even if they grew weak. Otherwise, that Dusknoir would have starved to death by now.
Poor Dusknoir...
"When I become an Advanced-level Trainer, maybe I can try my luck entering the Spirit World."
Ethan pondered this and felt a bit excited. Several images of Ghost-type Pokémon appeared in his mind.
If one had to choose a favorite Pokémon, most would undoubtedly pick Gengar.
Ethan adored it as well. Its ability to hide in shadows and the storage space inside its body were extremely practical.
Even so, Gengar didn't fit very well with his Sandstorm team. If he had to choose an ideal Ghost-type Pokémon for that style, it would be Palossand.
The lord of sandcastles was as strong as Gengar, could bury itself underground to hide, and even its body—a hollow sandcastle—could hold people inside. Its storage capacity far surpassed even Gengar's.
"Well, I'll think about that later."
"Besides, capturing a Ghost-type Pokémon requires approval. After all, many of them feed on life energy. If you can't control them, they're dangerous."
"Although, from what I know, the approval process isn't that strict. It's like getting a license. In certain cities of the country, many trainers have Ghost-type Pokémon."
Ethan shook his head, pushing the matter aside. Traveling to the Spirit World was far too dangerous for now. Besides, it wasn't necessary to go there to obtain a Ghost-type Pokémon; the Ancient Ruins of Arcaia City were also a good place.
Furthermore, at the Pokémon University of Arcaia City they were experts in ancient writing from the Pokémon World. And Ethan possessed an ancient text possibly related to Regirock. He would definitely travel there eventually, so he'd take the chance to try catching a Ghost-type Pokémon.
Returning to the present, Ethan turned his gaze back toward the rock. His eyes hardened as he gave the order: "Slowking, use Confusion to force it out."
(End of chapter)