Pokemon: Sign-in System

Chapter 8: Bronze Secret Realm Assessment



In a flash, the disc transformed into a vibrant, earthy yellow light, swirling with energy before it seamlessly entered Gible's body through the centre of his forehead.

Ten seconds ticked by, and in a sudden burst, Gible opened his eyes, which sparkled with newfound vigour. His usually blue claws shimmered with a khaki hue, as if they were infused with the very essence of the earth. With a determined press against the ground, he focused his energy, and the sand and gravel within a one-meter radius around him began to shift and churn as if responding to his command.

Then, in a swift and decisive motion, Gible made a powerful grasping action. Instantly, the ground erupted into the air, as Gible's claws bored into the earth like the sharpest of drill bits, effortlessly slicing through the soil that had once resisted him. An entrance leading straight downward gradually began to form—a perfect hole created by his relentless effort.

"That's it," Adrian exclaimed, his face lighting up with satisfaction. He gestured to Gible, signalling him to pause his relentless digging. Adrian was thrilled to see the progress.

Ever since Gible acquired the Exp. Share, his ability to master skills had improved dramatically. In the past, adapting to a new skill had taken considerable time and practice, but now, after just a few attempts, that adaptation period had all but vanished.

"Alright, it's time to try Dragon Claw," Adrian announced, his heart racing with anticipation. He took a deep breath and carefully placed the second disc on Gible's forehead, feeling the surge of energy coursing through both of them.

Under Adrian's watchful eye, the chip transformed into a pulsing purple light, merging seamlessly with Gible's consciousness. But this time, the process seemed to inflict discomfort on Gible. The moment stretched painfully out to a full minute, each second feeling like an eternity for Adrian, watching anxiously as his Pokémon wrestled with the integration of the new skill.

Dragon Claw was a powerful technique that could only be learned once Gible reached level 30, and Adrian's mind was flooded with uncertainty. Would Gible be able to master it fully? Nonetheless, Adrian held onto the belief that if Gible could grasp the fundamentals of the move, it would be enough to unleash its potential. Gible's tenacity reassured him; the little dragon was undeterred and ready for anything.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived.

"Gible!"

Gible cried out, signalling that the disc was fully integrated. His eyes burst open, gleaming with excitement, as if he had just unearthed a hidden treasure.

"Use Dragon Claw!" Adrian commanded, sensing the energy pulsating between them. Gible obeyed immediately, his sharp claws extending outward as a brilliant purple halo enveloped them. With a fierce swing towards the wall, he unleashed his newfound power.

Smoke and dust erupted into the air, swirling around them like a tempest. Adrian waved his hand, gently fanning away the cloud of debris. As the dust settled, he beheld the incredible result: three deep, jagged scratches marred the surface of the white wall, each one half a meter deep. The sight was a testament to Gible's strength and the effectiveness of the Dragon Claw technique.

Gible was ecstatic, leaping with joy at the sight of his handiwork! Adrian reached down, affectionately patting Gible's head, his heart swelling with pride. In that moment, he felt a deep sense of determination; the training was officially underway, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

...…..

...….

A week later, the atmosphere was heavy as the graduation assessment was about to commence. The Velmor City, though a bit warm in June, was experiencing a pleasant summer day, with a gentle breeze providing some relief from the heat. Each year, the graduation examination draws in a multitude of spectators, creating gridlock on the roads leading to the venue. To manage the influx of people and ensure safety, Pokémon troops were strategically stationed in the suburbs well ahead of the event, ready to maintain order.

This year, the Bronze Secret Realm, a mystical location in the south-eastern district of Velmor City known for its unique Pokémon habitats and challenging terrain, was selected as the assessment site for senior high school students. As candidates and parents approached the entrance to this captivating realm, they were met with a sea of anxious faces, each reflecting a mix of hope and trepidation. Among the throng, Adrian stood out; he observed several cameras capturing candid moments of candidates preparing for the intense showdown ahead.

The entrance was dominated by a large floating screen displaying the scoreboard, where live updates of the assessment results would be broadcasted throughout the day.

Candidates would need to battle various Pokémon, each representing different skill levels, to secure points. The total score accumulated during these battles would determine their ranking at the end of the assessment. Those who surpassed the designated passing score would secure their spot in Pokémon University, one of the most prestigious institutions for aspiring Trainers. The higher the scores, the more options candidates had when selecting their specialized programs.

In addition to earning points from battles, candidates could also gain points by capturing Pokémon within the secret realm. The value assigned to each captured Pokémon depended on its qualifications and rarity, adding an intriguing strategic layer to the assessment. Anything achieved in the secret realm would belong to the candidates, reinforcing the idea of personal achievement. However, there were strict regulations in place: candidates could not attack one another or attempt to snatch points, ensuring a sense of safety and fairness. This was particularly significant as most high school seniors had only one or two Pokémon—too few to engage in combative skirmishes amongst themselves.

Adrian found this protective measure reassuring, especially considering the stories he had heard about the cutthroat environment that awaited students at Pokémon University. Once immersed in that world, the level of competition would skyrocket, and students would need to be vigilant, not only in battling Pokémon but also in navigating the complex dynamics among their peers.

As Adrian scanned the crowd, he noticed the palpable tension in the air. Some candidates exhibited signs of severe anxiety, with visible trembling in their legs, while others had wide eyes filled with apprehension as they stared at the entrance. In front of him, a young boy was sweating profusely, his shirt drenched, suggesting that his nerves were getting the best of him. Adrian empathized with him; he recognized that such feelings were common during significant life events. In his own experience, the college entrance examination had elicited similar stress among students, and he understood that the graduation assessment, akin to a rite of passage, was a high-pressure situation.

Among the crowd, Adrian remained eerily calm, his composure marking him as an anomaly among the anxious candidates. "Sir, look at that candidate," a cameraman suddenly exclaimed, his interest piqued as he caught sight of Adrian amid the commotion. Director Winslow, the production director overseeing the shoot, glanced over with mild curiosity. The moment he laid eyes on Adrian, he noticed how the young man's striking presence seemed to cut through the sweltering summer heat, energizing those around him.

"Make sure to capture a few more close-ups; we'll feature this footage in the evening news broadcast from Eryndor," Director Winslow instructed, now fully engaged. The cameraman nodded, his focus sharpened as he trained his lens on Adrian, eager to capture the essence of his calm amidst chaos.

At that instant, neither the cameraman nor Director Winslow could have anticipated that the boy they were capturing so casually would soon ignite fervent discussions during the assessment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved!

...….

Since it was the first time that fingerprint information was being identified, the process took longer than expected. Adrian anxiously waited, glancing at the clock as half an hour slipped by. Finally, after a thorough verification by the Pokémon troops stationed at the entrance of the secret realm, Adrian received the confirmation he had been hoping for and was granted passage into the mystical world beyond.

As he approached the entrance, he was struck by the sight of the light curtain—an enchanting barrier shimmering with vibrant colours that danced like sunlight on water. It radiated an aura of magic, giving the impression that reality as he knew it had faded away. With a cautious yet excited heart, Adrian tentatively extended his hand toward the light curtain, feeling a strange pull that both fascinated and unnerved him.

The moment his fingers made contact, an overwhelming sensation enveloped him, and the space around him shifted dramatically. It was as though he was being drawn into another dimension, completely separated from the world he had just left behind. As he passed through the light curtain, the familiar sounds of the outside world—voices, the rustle of leaves, the chatter of passerby—disappeared entirely, leaving him in a profound silence that heightened his sense of anticipation.

He stepped fully into the secret realm, ready to explore the wonders that awaited him in this new, extraordinary environment.

...….

Every year, as the broadcast date arrives, viewers across Eryndor eagerly anticipate the spectacle of the live broadcast featuring the secret assessment. Whether or not they have candidates competing at home, families and friends gather, settling in front of their televisions with excitement.

At last, the live broadcast kicks off. The opening scene is a dazzling display of fireworks cascading through the night sky, eventually morphing into the vibrant title "Graduation Assessment from the Velmor City." The anticipation builds during the prologue as the camera, positioned high above the ground, begins to slowly zoom in, revealing a breath-taking valley nestled within the lush landscape.

In this beautiful setting, the lively nature of the Pokémon world comes alive. Groups of Pidgeotto and Spearow flit gracefully above, their wings glinting in the sunlight, while Diglett occasionally pops up from the earth, its routine comings and goings evoking a sense of playful curiosity. Meanwhile, Metapod and Butterfree dart through the dense woods nearby, exhibiting their delicate yet lively movements. Along the shore of a pristine lake, a Golduck saunters confidently, its demeanour exuding a sense of carefreeness. Below the surface, a Squirtle hides just under the water, sending up gentle streams of bubbles that burst playfully at the surface.

As this enchanting tableau of Pokémon coexisting harmoniously with nature unfolds, it captivates every viewer who is watching the live broadcast. One viewer comments, "Wow, it's so beautiful! I wish I could join the examination in the secret realm!" Another responds, "Not everyone can become a Trainer. Sure, these Pokémon seem harmless now, but in battle, they can unleash a staggering power!" Intrigued by the event, someone wonders aloud, "I wonder who will clinch the first place in this year's standings?"

Reminiscing about past competitions, another viewer recalls, "Last year, the race for first place was incredibly intense! Not only candidates from National University of Science and Technology took part, but also those from prestigious schools like Capital Prime University and Redmond University!" The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as yet another viewer chimes in, "The competition in the Velmor City is already fierce, and being number one carries much more weight than it does in smaller, third-tier cities."

As countless comments and reactions flood the live broadcast screen, the conversation draws attention to the mounting tension among the competitors. At this moment, the candidates have just crossed the threshold into the Bronze Secret Realm. Upon their entrance, each one is transported to a myriad of uncertain locations within the expansive secret realm, heightening their sense of adventure and challenge.

Adrian stands still for a moment, his eyes slightly drooping as he takes in the thick foliage surrounding him. Towering trees envelop him, their abundant leaves swaying gently in the wind, creating soft rustling sounds that seem to welcome his presence. Yet, the path before him—a quiet, obscured trail leading deeper into the heart of the woods—feels like an entrancing invitation layered with a hint of peril. It is both mysterious and daunting!

Suddenly, a notification chimes in his mind:

**Ding!**

[Sign-in location: Velmor City Bronze Secret Realm – Mysterious Forest!]

[Check-in at a designated location was successful!] he reads with a mix of relief and excitement.

[Congratulations to the host for receiving the reward— The Halo of Goddess of Luck!]

[The Halo of Goddess of Luck: The host will be graced with blessings from the Goddess of Luck for one hour, boosting luck significantly!]

[Successfully signing in at a special location grants you a chance to win a random prize.]

With newfound motivation coursing through him, Adrian prepares to face the challenges that await in this extraordinary realm.


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