chapter 3

As I stood in the tranquility of my haven, a small patch of land that I had named myself, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this peaceful oasis. The haven was just over 5 acres and filled with lush berry trees, herbs, and vibrant flowers. A sparkling pond took center stage in the middle, providing refreshing water after a long day of training.

The air was crisp and invigorating, and I basked in the warmth of the sun as it beat down on my skin. Although I hadn't experienced any rainfall here, my plants continued to thrive, and I attributed it to the divine intervention of a higher power.

I appreciated the day and night system in place, allowing me to keep track of time in this world. It followed a 24-hour cycle, just like the real world, and it gave me a sense of normalcy.

Yesterday, I celebrated my 11th birthday, and even though it was a small gathering with just my mom, the staff at home, and myself, it was a joyous occasion. My mom couldn't help but look a bit sad as the day progressed, fearing what it meant for me to turn 11. But she kept a brave face and celebrated with me nonetheless.

My mom was a stunning redhead with beautiful curls that framed her face. Her skin was flawless, and her amber eyes shone brightly. She wore glasses, which only added to her allure.

As for me, I inherited my mom's red hair, but mine was straight. My skin was smooth, aside from a few scars on my knuckles and hands from training and sword practice. I had my dad's dark red eyes, which made me unique, but I knew they could also make me stand out negatively.

Mom often reminded me that I had my dad's eyes, and it always made her smile sadly. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness when I saw my reflection and remembered that my dad was no longer with us. It was tough for my mom too, who always saw a bit of him in me.

My haven was sparse, lacking in modern amenities like a fridge or a chair. But I didn't mind, and I made do with whatever was available to me. I couldn't risk stealing or buying anything that might make my mom suspicious. However, I did dream of building a chair or a table one day, but I would need to smuggle some tools in and I don't trust my carpentry. Perhaps, when I went to the academy, I would finally have the opportunity to make my dream a reality.

As I basked in the peaceful surroundings of my haven, I couldn't help but think about the prestigious academy that lay beyond its borders. It was the pinnacle of every aspiring trainer's dreams, and I was no exception. But the road to get there was arduous, to say the least.

The Academy only accepted 30 students each year from the entire Kanto region, which made it incredibly competitive. It was no secret that the most talented and skilled trainers emerged from this hallowed institution, and parents went to great lengths to secure a spot for their children.

But the cost of admission was steep - a staggering 100,000 pokedollars, equivalent to half a year's salary for most people. And that was just the beginning. The entrance exam was notoriously difficult, requiring a deep understanding of everything there was to know about Pokemon - from their habits and preferences to their habitats and history. Despite the overwhelming odds, I knew I had what it took to make it through.

Most students failed to even score 30%, let alone the required 60% to get accepted. But for me, nothing was impossible. I had poured over every book, every scrap of information, preparing myself tirelessly for the exam. With the help of their tutors, who were teachers at the academy itself, they felt certain they could make it.

I had been slowly working on convincing my mother to let me pursue my dream of becoming a trainer and attending the academy. It wasn't easy, but she had finally come around to the idea. And just when I thought things couldn't get any better, she surprised me with an incredible gift.

After my birthday celebration, she handed me a small box wrapped in red paper - the color of my striking red eyes. Excitement coursed through me as I quickly tore away the wrapping. Inside, I found a Pokeball and an envelope with a beautiful crest stamped on it.

As I eagerly opened the envelope, my heart skipped a beat as I read the invitation. I had been invited to take the entrance exam next week! My dream was within reach, and I couldn't wait to show everyone what I was capable of.

Overwhelmed with joy, I burst into my mother's office without warning, eager to share the news. There she sat, typing away at her computer and reading from a book, but she looked up at me with a warm smile.

"What's got you so excited, dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"I got an invitation to take the entrance exam for the academy!" I exclaimed, waving the invitation and Pokeball in her face.

My mother's face lit up with excitement and pride. "That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for you, dear," she said, pulling me into a tight embrace.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I hugged her back tightly. It was a moment I would never forget. For once, it felt like everything was falling into place.

As I pulled away, I looked up at my mother, a determined look on my face. "I'll make you proud, Mom. I'll become the best trainer there ever was, and I'll make sure Dad's legacy lives on."

My mother smiled at me, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm already so proud of you, my dear. You don't have to prove anything to me. Just be yourself, and that's enough."

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for my mother's unwavering support. I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me, but I was more determined than ever to succeed. With the academy within reach, nothing could stop me from achieving my dream.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I spent the next few days preparing for the entrance exam. I had already memorized everything there was to know about Pokemon, but I wanted to make sure I was in peak physical condition as well. So, I spent hours each day practicing my sword skills and running laps around my haven.

On the day of the exam, I woke up early and put on my best clothes - a plain black T-shirt and matching pants. I had to make a good impression, and I knew that the academy officials would be watching closely.

As my mother and I made our way to the testing center, I couldn't help but feel nervous. What if I didn't score well enough? What if I wasn't good enough to attend the academy? But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on my goal - to become the best trainer I could be.

When we arrived, there were already hundreds of other hopefuls waiting in line. We took my place in the queue and waited patiently for my turn. As we waited, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the other trainers. We were all in this together, and we all wanted to succeed.

Finally, it was my turn to enter the testing center. I took a deep breath, my mother hugged me and wished me good luck, I stepped inside. The room was large and bright, with rows of tables and chairs set up for the exam. I took a seat at one of the tables and waited for the test to begin.

The exam was grueling, to say the least. It covered everything from basic Pokemon knowledge to complex battle strategies. I prepared myself for the exam. I answered each question to the best of my ability, drawing on my years of training and experience.

When the exam was over, I handed in my test paper and left. It says they will contact you with your score and if you get accepted or not.

As they drove home, the sun was setting in the distance, casting a warm orange glow over the city. The traffic was relatively light, and they made good time on the way back. As they approached their home, I felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was relieved that the exam was over and I had done well, but on the other hand, I was nervous about how my mother would react to my performance.

As they pulled into the driveway, I could feel my heart racing. My mother parked the car and turned to me, "So, how did you do on the exam?" she asked, her eyes searching for any hint of how I was feeling.

I took a deep breath and told her, "I think I did well. I answered all the questions confidently and felt like I was well-prepared for the exam."

My mother's face lit up with a smile of relief and pride, "That's fantastic! I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you," she said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

As they got out of the car and made their way inside, my mother continued to ask me more about the exam. She wanted to know which questions were the hardest and which ones I felt most confident about. I could tell she was genuinely interested in hearing about my experience and was proud of my achievements.

As they sat down at the kitchen table, my mother poured them each a glass of water and they continued to chat about the exam. I felt a sense of warmth and comfort as I spoke with her, knowing that she was there to support me and celebrate my successes. It was a moment that I knew I would cherish for a long time to come.

As I made my way back to my haven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had worked so hard for this, but it was not over just yet. I need to get a score. That determent if I get in or not. And even after I get in the journey was far from over. The real challenge was yet to come. The academy was renowned for its rigorous training program, and I knew that I had to be ready for whatever came my way.

I reflected on my years of training, my dedication, and my passion for Pokemon battling. I knew that I had what it took to succeed, and I was determined to give it my all. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, and I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, I was ready to face them head-on.

Over the next few days, I anxiously awaited the results of the exam. Each day felt like an eternity as I waited for that one email or phone call that would determine my future. Finally, on the fourth day, I received the news in the form of a letter that I had been waiting for.

I got accepted into the Pokemon Academy with a score of 86%, an unthinkable number. Students over 80% are veteran trainers with years under their belts. I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to start my journey toward becoming a top-ranked Pokemon trainer.