Rustle, rustle, rustle.
The sound of frantic scribbling filled the examination room.
Examiner Matsumoto glanced at the six examinees, his eyes finally settling on the youngest among them.
He had just received the information: the last-minute participant was named Carver, a boy who had only recently turned ten.
That alone wasn't unusual, but this was a junior breeder certification exam!
And word was, he had pulled some strings to even be here…
Matsumoto felt even more certain that this child was just here out of overconfidence—perhaps treating it like a "fun experience."
But Carver didn't care what others thought.
He kept his head down and focused. The questions were simple—mostly about basic Pokémon knowledge: abilities, preferences, ecological environments, etc.
In just thirty minutes, Carver completed the exam and handed it in.
Outside the exam room, Jenny was waiting. When she saw Carver emerge, she quickly asked, "How'd it go?"
"I finished it," Carver replied.
Since grading would take time, the two casually strolled through the Pokémon Association's ecological garden.
There, Carver saw a wide variety of Fire-type Pokémon: Torchic, Numel, Slugma, Torkoal, and Vulpix…
"This area simulates the environment inside Mt. Chimney," Jenny explained. "It's ideal for Fire-type Pokémon."
The ground was crimson and cracked, with steam rising from fissures and a bubbling lava pool nearby. Slugma moved about the area.
A sign nearby explained that this simulated volcanic zone was created by placing expensive Flame Gems into specially designed machines that released fire-type energy to replicate the ideal habitat.
Carver was impressed. He made a mental note to replicate something similar in his daycare's backyard for Fire-types.
Jenny looked at Carver hesitantly, then finally spoke, "Even if you don't pass this exam, don't worry. Sometimes wild Pokémon eggs are found near Autumnleaf Town. I'll try to gather some for you to take care of."
Though Carver wasn't certified yet, she had seen how well he cared for his Lillipup and managed his daycare.
Her words touched Carver. This Jenny really was looking out for him.
From what he knew, every member of the Jenny family was deeply committed to their duties.
Perhaps she really did see herself as his older sister?
Carver still couldn't bring himself to call a near-stranger "sister," but he smiled and replied, "Let's wait for the results."
At the Breeder Association Office
Several staff were grading the exams from the six examinees.
The elderly man Jenny had spoken with earlier—Egid—walked by and asked Matsumoto, "So how did that kid Carver do? He didn't pass, did he?"
Before Matsumoto could answer, his expression changed to one of sheer disbelief.
He flipped through the test papers in shock. "Egid, are you sure that boy is ten years old? No schooling? No experience?"
Egid: "?"
Matsumoto handed him the paper.
Egid saw the score and froze.
A perfect score.
"He's the only one in this batch to get a perfect score!" Matsumoto exclaimed. "It's incredible! Some of the questions on this exam were at the intermediate breeder level!"
And Carver answered them all flawlessly.
"What's wrong, Egid?" Carver's voice echoed in his head.
Egid: "…" From now on, call me "Digé."
He didn't say it aloud. After a moment's silence, he declared: "I'll personally administer the second part of the exam!"
"What?" Matsumoto was stunned. Egid was the only advanced breeder in Autumnleaf Town—a true master.
But Egid didn't explain. He simply remembered Carver's calm, confident demeanor.
No wonder he was so sure of himself—this kid really had the talent.
He had completely misjudged him.
If Carver could ace the next part too, then it would be clear—this boy was a once-in-a-generation talent.
The Second Part: Practical Examination
The second round tested observation and diagnostic skills.
The examinees were taken into a room with six Pokémon, each in varying states of injury or illness.
Behind each Pokémon was a pile of berries, herbs, and mixing tools.
Egid stood at the front, glancing briefly at Carver before addressing everyone with a smile:
"This round tests a breeder's core skill: observation. In real life, we must assess a Pokémon's condition carefully, then select and prepare the right treatment."
He explained the rules: ten minutes to observe, diagnose, and concoct a remedy using the available ingredients.
The six Pokémon were: Lotad, Shroomish, Glameow, Gulpin, Snorunt, and Beautifly.
Carver's assigned Pokémon was a calm, cute-looking Gulpin.