A large plaza bustled with activity as the Breeder Qualification Exam was set to begin. The stands surrounding the plaza were filled with spectators, though not as packed as they would be for a Pokémon battle or a Pokémon Contest.
Breeders, much like Rangers, had their own headquarters established by the League. However, the recruitment process differed significantly. While any League Trainer could apply to become a Ranger through selection or by participating in the Indigo Plateau Conference, becoming a Breeder required an entirely different set of skills.
There were no strength requirements to become a Breeder, but extensive knowledge was mandatory—especially in areas like Pokémon care, treatment methods, and crafting Pokémon food. In a way, Breeders were akin to veterinarians, perhaps even surpassing them in certain aspects.
As a result, very few chose this path, and even fewer succeeded. To encourage more qualified Breeders, the League hosted qualification exams not only at headquarters but also in various towns, inviting the public to watch. This was part of a broader effort to promote the Breeder profession in the Kanto region.
Breeders were ranked from Grade Nine to Grade One, with Grade One being the lowest. Rankings were determined by how much knowledge a Breeder possessed, how many Pokémon species they could care for, and the quality of food or Pokéblocks they could produce.
The candidates in the plaza today were all aspiring Grade One Breeders. Once the candidates were in place, the proctors wasted no time and commenced the first round—a written exam combined with oral questions.
The written test was worth 100 points, with ten questions posed by the proctors. The combined scores from this test and subsequent rounds would determine whether a candidate could qualify as a Breeder.
Among the candidates, Ron's eyes quickly settled on one competitor in the corner. The young man's unremarkable appearance blended into the crowd, but unlike the others, who frequently paused to ponder their answers, this candidate wrote without hesitation.
To others, his speed might suggest blind guessing. However, Ron could discern whether someone was confident or simply scribbling nonsense. His curiosity piqued, he shifted closer to observe.
With the help of his Gardevoir's psychic abilities, Ron could detect the young man's turbulent emotions—resentment and anger toward the League, mingled with hope, longing, and profound sadness. Such a chaotic blend of feelings was rare, even for Gardevoir.
The candidate's name was Lars Flavian. He finished his paper first and signaled to submit it. A proctor began asking oral questions, but Lars answered each one fluently without hesitation.
Ordinarily, a proctor would be pleased to encounter such a promising candidate. However, Gardevoir sensed only mockery and indifference from the proctor—as if Lars' answers were irrelevant from the outset.
As the other candidates completed their exams, Ron's thoughts drifted to his own past—cheating glances at others' papers during dull exams.
During the break for score tallying, the second round began: preparing Pokémon food. Each candidate received different assignments, and their creations would be judged both by proctors and by Pokémon taste tests.
Lars' task was to prepare food for Squirtle—one of the Kanto starter Pokémon. This should have been an easy task, provided he had the right ingredients.
However, Lars deliberately selected only the spiciest berries and supplements—ingredients that Squirtle notoriously disliked. His measured, unhurried actions suggested he was familiar with such situations.
When the written test scores were posted, Lars ranked near the bottom with 59 points, having answered only four questions correctly. The same spectators who had admired his earlier confidence now ridiculed him.
"Thought he was a king, turns out he's a bronze," someone jeered.
Lars remained unfazed, pouring his full concentration into the food preparation. Placing the finished Pokémon food on the exam table, Lars was once again the first to finish.
Seeing this, the surrounding taunts grew even louder, especially from those who had just praised Lars' skill only to be proven wrong. It was as if mocking him now would distance them from their earlier compliments.
With a cold expression, the examiner approached Lars and released a Squirtle. Handing the Pokémon food to the Squirtle, the examiner subtly shielded the view of the others and sprinkled a fine layer of powder over the food.
Unfortunately, such a small trick could not escape the notice of Gardevoir. Realizing this, Ron was now completely certain—this frequently targeted examinee must have been marked by someone within the League, just like himself.
Suddenly, Ron felt a sense of shared suffering with this examinee.
The only difference was that Ron possessed the potential and determination to overturn those who plotted against him.
But Lars was just a Breeder. Without sufficient strength, the League could toy with him as they pleased. Even now, in front of many onlookers, they could manipulate the Breeder Qualification Exam at will, proving that Lars' hopes of becoming a Breeder were all but extinguished.
Unless Lars chose a different path—like joining Team Rocket, or aligning with other factions—he would never rise in this lifetime.
Moreover, even if Lars fully realized his potential as a Breeder, it would still be difficult to exact revenge on those in power.
If he agreed to lend a hand, wouldn't this opportunity present itself naturally?
In high spirits, Ron quietly observed the ongoing exam through the Pokédex. He was curious to see just how deep the League's darkness could run.
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