11 Chapter 11 : Certification
[Author thoughts: If you like the fanfic leave a review and power stones. Though leave some suggestions in the comments. Discussions fuel my creativity.
These is a special chapter. Please Enjoy.]
[Rewrite note : I didn't change this chapter because, I felt it was awesome as it is.]
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It has been week since the results were given and a month since I came to Kanto. Elekid is completely independent in following his training routine.
While the little weedle has progressed wonderfully in String shot, enough to cause trouble for Elekid to escape from the strings. I better start him on agility.
Still, my main focus is on my surroundings -Academy Venue.
The venue buzzed with an air of excitement as the shouts of the presenter pierced through my thoughts. The voice echoed through the spacious hall, capturing the attention of the assembled audience. I glanced around, noting the mix of emotions reflected in the faces of my fellow graduates.
Though I do not have the nostalgia they share among themselves.
The Vice President, Jason, and the Mayor of Viridian City stood at the forefront, prepared to bestow the coveted certifications upon the breeders who had successfully navigated the challenges of the examination.
The atmosphere was charged with a blend of excitement and nervous energy, a culmination of weeks of anticipation and hard work.
As the presenter's voice reached a crescendo, signaling the commencement of the certification ceremony, a surge of emotions swirled within the audience. I could feel the room pulsating with the collective heartbeat of the graduates, each one harbouring dreams, aspirations, and the pride of their achievement.
The presenter, with a style of solemnity, called out names, and one by one, the breeders stepped forward to receive their certifications.
"Mr. Styrene from Viridian city"
Clap Clap
"Mr Elema from celadon"
Clap Clap
The announcements echoed through the grand hall, reaching the ears of the assembled crowd as the top three breeders were honored for their achievements. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and the excitement in the air was palpable.
The Joy girl, who had displayed remarkable expertise in her breeding abilities, was awarded the third place, receiving an evolution stone as her prize. Applause and cheers erupted from the audience, acknowledging her accomplishment.
Next in line was the white-haired old man, now identified as Blaise. He stepped forward to claim the second-place honour, garnering recognition for his skills in the field of Pokémon breeding. The audience applauded once again, appreciating the diversity and expertise of the breeders present.
As the announcer prepared to declare the first-place breeder, the spotlight shifted to me. Walking up the stage with a sense of pride and accomplishment, I heard my name resonate through the hall.
"Archer from country of Bharatsa, Kanto is the first place in Breeder. The youngest breeder in Kanto, second youngest in the world after Professor Birch. He receives the dream Pokémon of a Breeder - Eevee."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating the recognition of my efforts in the breeding field. The joyous atmosphere was contagious, and a standing ovation accompanied the announcement.
However, the surprises didn't end there. The announcer continued with unexpected revelations that hushed the crowd. "But not just that, people. This young man is also the recipient of degrees in Human Medicine and Surgery, Techno Engineering."
--------Temporal Move: Flashback --------
After the release of results and my new title as the youngest breeder in Kanto, I had an unexpected visit from the Vice President of academy, Jason.
"Archer," Jason began, his eyes showing the praise he had for me, you can recognize such true praise instantly "congratulations on becoming the youngest breeder in Kanto. I am here on behalf of Viridian Gym, to extend a sponsorship offer. "
I nodded, it is not surprising for the owner and patron of the college to give the first offer. My nod prompted Jason to reveal the details of the sponsorship offer extended to me.
"The sponsorship offer from Viridian Gym," he explained, " includes a chance to participate into our research program, giving you the opportunity to work alongside seasoned researchers and contribute to cutting-edge projects."
As Jason elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the programs, my shock grew considering some of them were Fossil Pokémon, Porygon based O.S, Communication and tech.
Now, I knew from where Giovanni is funding his projects. Success in any one enough for a noble family to laze for a generation.
Not to forget the hidden income he has as the biggest underworld boss in the world.
"The commitment is for three years," Jason continued, "during which you will actively contribute to ongoing projects. This hands-on experience will be invaluable for your growth as a breeder and researcher. Then after the completion of commitment, based on your proposal, if it is passing the review. A project will be approved, which will be headed by you, showered with ample funds."
"Your journey doesn't end with the breeder license," Jason emphasized. "This opportunity can make you the future icon of Pokémon breeding in Kanto."
If I was just a normal Breeder, I would have sold my soul right this instant. He essentially giving a job as a research assistant and fast track to opportunity to become a Pokémon researcher. The only better offer than this for a Breeder would be an offer from Regional Professors.
"I am sorry. I regret to reject this offer."
The bodyguard beside the Jason was about to say something, most likely to scold me for rejecting such a chance but Jason stopped him with a single glance.
He then turned his gaze to me and asked, "Are you sure?"
No hesitation, No anger, No pity. Just a single question from the military man.
"Yes."
Jason nodded as he started packing his things back into his suitcase, as he was about to leave my room, I asked him "Can you do me a Favor? It is a simple thing for you."
The bodyguard from before asked me gruffly in his place, "What?"
Seizing the moment, I decided to make a request. "I want to sit on another exam. Accurately speaking, multiple exams."
-----Temporal Move: Time skip-----
[After a week of exams, day before graduation ceremony]
The day before the graduation ceremony, I received a call to collect the results from the other exams. My curiosity piqued, I made my way to Jason's office, where he guided me further into the administrative section. Oddly, Jason stood respectfully to the side as I approached another office, and my mind began racing with possibilities.
As the door swung open, my eyes fell upon a man standing in front of an imposing Persian, his presence emanating an influence that seemed to pressure the very air. A man whose name carried weight and authority, turned his chair to face me. The atmosphere grew tense, and my body reacted with goosebumps as his stern voice filled the room.
"Hello, Mr. Archer. I am Giovanni."
The realization hit me like a thunderbolt at the same time his introduction rang in to the room. Fuck, this is a joke. You know I might be expecting this meeting to happen at some point in my life but not so soon and especially not so suddenly.
Giovanni, one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in the Pokémon world, stood before me.
Despite my attempts to maintain composure, the difficulty in breathing under his scrutinizing stare was felt.
"Hello, sir," I managed to respond, my voice betraying my surprise. "I wasn't expecting to meet you."
Giovanni's gaze held a depth that seemed to penetrate through layers of perception. His Persian remained stoic, adding to the intimidating atmosphere.
Giovanni observed me in silence for a few minutes before he broke it with a seemingly casual question, "Can I see your Pokémon?" Despite feeling bewildered and slightly unwilling, I couldn't bring myself to refuse such a powerful figure. With a nod, I released Elekid and Weedle in a bright flash of light.
To my surprise, Giovanni approached my Pokémon, his gaze particularly fixed on Elekid. The Electric-type seemed to be on guard, while Weedle, on the other hand, appeared to be enjoying the attention. In a playful gesture, Weedle even launched small strands of string into Giovanni's hands, unintentionally ruining the impeccable suit he wore.
An immediate current of fear coursed through me as I watched the unpredictable interaction unfold.
However, to my astonishment, Giovanni's stern demeanor softened into a smile. He turned to me and gestured towards a paper on the table, saying, "Take a look."
Compelled by a mix of curiosity and apprehension, I read the contents of the paper. The offer was beyond anything I could have imagined: 20 million Pokédollars, a research project, a residential mansion in the outskirts of Viridian City, and an open-handed favor from Giovanni himself. The weight of the offer nearly gave me a heart attack.
Giovanni, without uttering a word, simply said, "Tear it." The command felt like a dagger to my heart, and I hesitated. He walked past me, took his seat again, and observed as I reluctantly tore the paper. The action tore my heart the same way it tore the paper.
Giovanni, seemingly unperturbed, resumed his position while his Persian continued to inspect Elekid, who remained as stiff as I felt.
Giovanni continued to pet Weedle gently as he posed a question that hung heavily in the air, "Do you know why I took back my offer?" I shook my head in response, eager to understand the sudden change of heart.
He continued, his voice carrying a weight of experience, "You see, Archer, people generally have certain features about them—call them traits if you wish. Some have talent, some have loyalty, while I myself had a burning ambition. I don't have your talent, but all I had is ambition and a shrew of a mother. That ambition made me a hard worker. That ambition made me a talented young man at your age. That ambition made me stand at the peak of my generation. That ambition gave me everything I have now."
Giovanni locked eyes with me, his gaze penetrating, and spoke with a directness that left no room for misunderstanding, "You are blessed with incredible talent." A rush of pride surged through me at his acknowledgment. With the advanced AI and my meta-knowledge, I could indeed be considered incredibly talented.
He continued, "For some, talent drives them forward or makes them compliant. While for some, it even ruins them." Something in his eyes hinted at the stories behind each case.
I recalled my own case from my past life, where my talent often led to complacency after graduating as a surgeon.
"But you, Archer, do you know what that talent of yours does?" he questioned. I admitted my ignorance with a respectful "No, sir."
"It is making you ambitious. Your breeding of Elekid and this little guy," he gestured towards Weedle, "sealed my decision to tear the paper." A chill ran down my spine. I was now not just intimidated by his numerous identities, but genuinely scared of him. In a single meeting, he had unearthed something about me that even I wasn't fully aware of. My newfound potential is truly fuelling my ambition, Mr.Giovanni pointed out the proof.
"Your talent is pushing your ambition—the early graduations, numerous certificates, and now the breeding as I mentioned. It tells me that you are aiming for the Indigo Conference first place." His words hung in the air, and for a moment, the reality of my own aspirations struck me with a force that left me momentarily speechless.
Perhaps, they were mere dreams or fantasies but over the course years, my rapid progress surpassing even Sam who had 2 years' experience with few months of training Elekid gradually turned them to plain simple ambitions.
If it wasn't for my maturity from my past life, I would have been consumed by it easily. Like continuing through Dregen's path, but in my case, I would be a complete criminal, simply because I don't have the natural kindness of Dregen.
Not to forget the crueler ways of pokemon breeding involving Canabalism. In a way, I am lucky It was my mature self who had these advantages. If a kid who don't have any moral compass has them, then the result might as well be left to the gods.
Giovanni turned to Jason and inquired, "What do you think is the chance of little Archer winning the conference?" Jason, known for his directness, responded without hesitation, "None." Giovanni merely nodded in agreement, shooting a quick glance at my tightened fists.
He then addressed Jason to continue, which the military man did, "While he is talented, the conference has heirs and members of various families with lineage dating back to before the invention of pokeballs. They systematically formed training methods, resources, and secrets of their signature pokémon. Not to forget the newly risen civilian class with powerful connections or wealth to navigate the path to Victory Road. And let's not also forget the tactics required to win the tournament."
Giovanni chuckled and asserted, "You are wrong, Jason." Jason blinked in surprise as Giovanni continued, "This Elekid is no less than that Electric gym's pokemon in Sinnoh. Even this Weedle is walking the correct path. Though you should remember little Archer, that its true potential unlocks at Beedrill stage, while the first stages are stages of accumulation."
I nodded in appreciation of the valuable advice. Considering the strength of Giovanni's Beedrill, his words held weight. "As for wealth, well, my sponsorship itself is proof that it isn't the limiting factor."
"Now, tell me the reason," Giovanni prompted.
Jason was stumped at that while giving a complex look towards me but I was thinking internally until it struck me then, and I replied in place of Jason, "Time."
Giovanni clapped approvingly and nodded, "Yes, time. All of the competitors and you basically have the same position. In fact, I believe you have better advantages, but they've had it since birth for at least a decade. As for you..."
He shook his head, emphasizing the importance of the realization.
Even Elekid, bred by me for three years to chase the championship, faced a difficult reality.
I knew it in the back of my mind, but I had been disregarding it. Even the fast-growing Weedle posed a significant challenge.
I needed similar species that grew fast and had good potential for breeding and training, but it wasn't an easy task. The sorrow in Elekid's eyes about his dashed dreams for championship resonated with my own feelings of sadness.
"Let me give you a gift." Giovanni tossed me a map fitted with a Red coin. Opening it revealed a detailed map of the surroundings of Viridian, including the territory of Viridian Forest. The map contained priceless markings indicating various Pokémon and their locations, even noting the size of groups.
This map is enough for me to find Pokémon that can fit in my team, especially ones that can match up to Elekid or has fast growth rate like weedle.
A chill ran down my spine for the second time during our conversation. Despite the logical knowledge of his motives, my heart was genuinely thankful for his gift. In this short yet profound exchange, Giovanni seemed to have a grasp on my heart, inspiring loyalty effortlessly. In my heart, it became clear that as long as he was willing, he could easily influence my thoughts.
"Now, I believe you have a chance, little Archer." Giovanni's words lingered in the air.
