Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

Three months passed swiftly, yet the buzz surrounding Ethan's discovery of Vital Powder had not waned. If anything, it had grown exponentially. Reports confirmed that his method of inducing Vital Powder production in Bulbasaurs had been successfully replicated across numerous Bulbasaurs, with new data highlighting an astonishing efficiency rate of over 65% compared to the existing machinery-based processes.

The most remarkable revelation, however, was that this unique ability extended beyond Bulbasaurs to their evolutions. Master Cedric and his team of breeders demonstrated that Ivysaurs and Venusaurs, when fed stronger medicinal herbs, could produce even more potent powders. These powders exhibited properties that hinted at revolutionary applications in the field of potion-making.

Early analyses suggested that highly concentrated Vital Powder produced by Venusaur after ingesting potent medicinal herbs might hold the key to creating a potion rivalling the healing power of the Chansey's line, while offering superior portability and ease of use in emergencies. Some even dared to speculate that these powders might lead to advancements that could surpass the effectiveness of the Max Potion, the pinnacle of healing potion currently available.

This revelation ignited a fresh avenue of research— enhancing existing potion recipes to make them far more potent. However, achieving this breakthrough was recognized as a monumental task, potentially requiring years of dedicated research, collaboration, and experimentation.

Recognizing the significance of this potential research field, Professor Oak approached Ethan with an invitation to join a newly formed research team dedicated to this very purpose. The offer was both a compliment and an acknowledgment of Ethan's unique contributions, yet Ethan, after careful consideration, politely declined.

"Professor," he explained, "I'm deeply grateful for the offer. Truly, I am. But I feel an equally strong pull to explore the broader scientific landscape of this world. Confining myself to a single, specific area of research at this stage feels… limiting."

Oak, though slightly disappointed, respected Ethan's ambition. "I understand, Ethan," he said with a warm smile. "Your curiosity is one of your greatest strengths. However," he continued, "I would like you to compile your findings regarding Vital Powder into a paper for publication in the Indigo Science Journal. It's important to document this breakthrough for the wider scientific community."

Ethan readily agreed. "Of course, Professor. It would be an honor."

"Excellent," Oak replied, clearly pleased. "I've arranged for you to collaborate with Master Cedric's team of breeders and researchers on this paper. They've been instrumental in gathering the data, and working with them will also give you some valuable experience."

With this instruction, Ethan made his way towards Master Cedric's breeding facility.

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Ethan walked into Master Cedric's breeding facility , it was an impressive sight. The sprawling complex was alive with activity, the air thick with the earthy scents of medicinal herbs and Pokémon feed. Rows of specialized enclosures housed various Pokémon, each enclosure meticulously designed to meet the needs of its inhabitants. Researchers moved purposefully among the pens, their lab coats billowing slightly as they carried datapads, herbal mixtures, and other equipment.

At the heart of it all sat Master Cedric himself. He was hunched over a wooden desk piled high with papers, books, and datapads. His grizzled hair, perpetually furrowed brow, and imposing frame gave him the appearance of a man who had long since dispensed with frivolities. His reputation as a brilliant yet unforgiving taskmaster preceded him.

Ethan approached cautiously, the sound of his shoes clicking on the tiled floor. Cedric didn't acknowledge him immediately, too engrossed in his notes. When he finally looked up, his piercing gray eyes swept over Ethan with a mix of irritation and grudging acknowledgment.

"Ah, the young prodigy," Cedric drawled, his tone dripping with subtle sarcasm. "What brings you to my domain? Looking for another lucky break?"

Ethan held his composure, bowing slightly in deference. "Professor Oak suggested I collaborate with your team to draft the paper for publication. I was hoping for your guidance."

Cedric snorted, setting his datapad down with a thud. "Guidance? I've got better things to do than babysit. Work with my juniors. They'll help you draft whatever uninteresting drivel you need for the journal."

Ethan's patience held firm. "Thank you, Master Cedric," he replied evenly.

Cedric waved a dismissive hand and turned back to his work, effectively ending the conversation. Ethan, however, remained rooted to the spot.

After a moment of awkward silence, Cedric glanced back at Ethan, irritation flickering in his eyes. "What is it now?" he snapped.

Ethan took a deep breath. "Master Cedric," he began politely, "I was also wondering… while we're working on the paper, would you be willing to recommend me for advancement in the professional research hierarchy?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Cedric's face, quickly masked by his usual gruffness. He let out a short, harsh laugh. "Recommend you? For what?"

"For advancement," Ethan reiterated. "To a higher clearance tier."

Cedric scoffed. "Fine," he mumbled, turning away again. "I'll put in a word."

Ethan blinked, momentarily taken aback by the ease of Cedric's agreement. He had braced himself for a prolonged debate, prepared to present a slew of arguments to win the older researcher over. Instead, it had been startlingly effortless.

"Just to clarify," Ethan pressed cautiously, "you're agreeing to recommend me for advancement to Tier 3 Junior Researcher also, right? Not just Tier 2 Assistant Researcher?"

Cedric spun around, a deep scowl etching itself onto his weathered features. "Tier 3?" he sputtered, his voice rising. "You're barely fifteen! What makes you think you deserve to jump straight to Junior Researcher?"

Ethan met Cedric's sharp gaze without flinching. "When this research paper is published in the Indigo Journal of Pokémon Research," he explained calmly, "I will meet the primary qualification for that tier. All that remains is passing the rank-up exam, which I'm confident I can handle. However, since I don't yet have an ICAT certification, I need the approval of three S-tier individuals. With your and Professor Oak's recommendations, I'll only need one more."

Cedric's face darkened, his scowl deepening. "Just because you stumbled upon something useful, you think you're entitled to such a rapid ascent?" he raged. "Age limits and qualifications like the ICAT exist for a reason! They ensure competency and safety! I agreed to recommend you for Tier 2 as a favor to Oak, and even that's a stretch considering your discovery was largely due to chance. Now you're aiming for Junior Researcher at fifteen? Overambitious, much?"

"But I will soon have the qualifications," Ethan countered, his voice remaining steady. "The publication in the journal will fulfill the research requirement."

"Qualifications? Where's your ICAT, then?" Cedric challenged, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You talk about publishing in the journal, but you should understand that making you the lead author is a courtesy, a favor from Oak. Just because you had a lucky break in an area, we haven't focused on doesn't entitle you to that position. My subordinates have put in far more work over the past three months than you have in the last two years. One of them should be the lead author. You're only getting this opportunity because Oak seems partial to you. Remember that."

Cedric's voice dropped, becoming colder and more measured. "The ICAT is required for a reason. Bypassing that requirement and rising through the ranks prematurely is dangerous, not just for you, but for the Pokémon and other researchers. How can someone without even basic competency in Pokémon handling take on individual research? You could get yourself or a Pokémon seriously hurt."

"But I'm not handling dangerous Pokémon," Ethan retorted, his voice regaining its previous firmness. "In fact, many children from wealthy families have unofficial Pokémon registered under their parents' names, which are then transferred to them as starters after they pass the ICAT. How is that different?"

"They do that under the safety and protection of their trainer parents," Cedric explained, his voice laced with exasperation. "There's minimal risk of accidents. They aren't conducting independent research."

"Isn't that the same here?" Ethan countered. "With Alakazam's constant presence monitoring every corner of this facility, and Professor Oak's Champion-level team maintaining security at Oak Coral, is there a safer place in Kanto? There's virtually no chance of an accident here either. Besides," Ethan's voice took on a sharper edge, "isn't restricting my access to information simply because I'm an orphan a waste of potential? You're judging me based on my background, not my capabilities."

Cedric paused, the weight of Ethan's words sinking in. For a brief moment, his hardened expression softened, and a flicker of something unspoken crossed his eyes—respect, or perhaps grudging acknowledgment. Ethan's determination stood out in sharp contrast to the subservience Cedric was used to. Most people who approached him were eager to curry favor, bending over backward to appease his demands. But this boy, barely more than a child, met him head-on, unflinching and resolute.

How long had it been, Cedric wondered, since someone had challenged him like this? He couldn't quite recall. It was almost… refreshing. That fire, that unyielding spirit, stirred a long-buried memory of his own early days in breeding—a time when he had faced towering figures who had dismissed him as a nobody with nothing more than ambition and grit. For a moment, Cedric saw a reflection of his younger self in Ethan, though he quickly shoved the thought aside.

After a lengthy silence, Cedric let out a low grunt, leaning back in his chair. His steely gaze bore into Ethan, as if testing the boy's resolve one final time. Then, in a tone that was marginally less gruff, he spoke.

"Alright," he said, the edge in his voice softening ever so slightly. "You've got spirit. I'll give you that. But spirit alone doesn't cut it in this world."

Ethan remained silent, waiting for Cedric to continue.

"I'll recommend you for Tier 3," Cedric conceded, his words slow and deliberate. "But only if you prove your potential. You keep talking about it, now it's time to show it."

Ethan's eyebrows lifted slightly. He had expected more resistance, though he quickly realized there was a catch coming.

Cedric leaned forward, his imposing presence magnified by the harsh glow of the datapad on his desk. "Your lucky break with Bulbasaur physiology doesn't count. One discovery, no matter how impressive, doesn't entitle you to leapfrog the system. If you want my endorsement, you'll need to contribute something else—something new."

Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Another major discovery?"

"No," Cedric said, shaking his head. "It doesn't have to be groundbreaking like Vital Powder. But it has to be substantial enough to earn you a spot on another research paper—one that's published in the Indigo Science Journal. You don't even have to be the lead author. You can assist someone else's project. But your contribution must be significant enough to warrant co-authorship."

Cedric's gaze was sharp as a blade as he fixed it on Ethan. "Do that, and I'll keep my word. I'll recommend you for early Tier 3 promotion."

The room fell silent, the weight of Cedric's challenge hanging heavy in the air. Ethan's expression was calm, though his mind was already racing. He didn't need to speak to confirm his determination; his stance and unwavering gaze said it all.

Inwardly, Cedric was already calculating the odds. Even if Ethan exceeded expectations, it would likely take at least a year—possibly two—for him to contribute enough to earn a co-authorship on a publication. Research of that caliber was neither quick nor easy. And even if the boy somehow passed his test, Cedric knew there was another hurdle standing in his way: the requirement for three S-tier endorsements.

Cedric smirked to himself. In Pallet Town, there were only two S-tier individuals: himself and Samuel. Ethan would have no easy way to get the third S tier endorsement. By the time the boy managed to check all those boxes, Cedric figured, he'd be eighteen anyway—the age at which he could take the ICAT and rank up through the standard process.

In Cedric's mind, the system would hold. The rules existed for a reason, and he disliked anyone who tried to circumvent them. If the boy could jump through the hoops Cedric had laid out, then perhaps he deserved the rank. But Cedric wasn't about to make it easy.

"Do you understand?" Cedric asked, his tone sharp and final.

Ethan nodded, his expression unyielding. "Yes, Master Cedric."

"Good." Cedric's lips twitched into a faint, smug smile. "Then you'd better get started. Time's not on your side, boy."

Without another word, Ethan turned on his heel and strode out of the office, his mind already whirring with possibilities.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, watching the boy's retreating figure. Despite his outward smugness, he couldn't help but feel a spark of intrigue. He wasn't sure if it was annoyance or admiration, but something about Ethan's defiance left a mark.

For the first time in years, Cedric found himself curious to see if someone could rise to meet the challenges he had set. Still, he doubted it. In his experience, rules and bureaucracy always had a way of weeding out the overly ambitious.

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