"Wartortle is unable to battle! This evaluation is over," announced the judge after seeing the Pokémon fall defeated.
"How... how is this possible?! Why is that Sandslash so strong?" Jake Turner instantly went pale, a drop of cold sweat running down his forehead as he looked at Sandslash with fear in his eyes.
That Crush Claw just now had defeated his Wartortle in a single blow! It was terrifying power!
"Wow... Looks like Sandslash has gotten even stronger," commented Alex Baxter, stunned. "That creative battle style... that's definitely Ethan's doing."
Sandslash, with its inexhaustible potential, combined with special food for Ground-type Pokémon, deep knowledge about its species, and Ethan Black's unique training ideas, had become a true monster on the battlefield.
"Jake, a bet is a bet. Don't forget our agreement," Alex Baxter reminded him as soon as Jake Turner stepped down from the stage.
"This time, I admit I was wrong. But don't think you can be proud just because you brought in a veteran to fight for you," Jake Turner growled in frustration, gritting his teeth.
"Veteran? HAHAHAHA! Ethan, he says you're a veteran!" Alex Baxter burst out laughing so hard he almost fell over.
"What are you laughing at?" Jake Turner said with an annoyed expression. In his mind, a student with higher grades than him and a Pokémon that strong could only be a veteran close to graduation.
"What if I told you that Ethan Black is younger than me, and that he's had that Sandslash for less than four months?" replied Alex Baxter, looking at Jake Turner with an amused smile.
"Only four months with that Sandslash!? That's impossible!" Jake Turner went even paler. But... why would Alex Baxter lie about something so easy to check?
To train a Sandslash to that level in such a short time... only heirs of wealthy or influential families could do that. But even then, would someone at that level ever choose a Sandslash as their starter?
"Don't overthink it. It's no secret. You can go ask if you don't believe me," said Alex Baxter, knowing exactly what was going through Jake Turner's mind.
Without wasting time, he pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to Jake Turner: "Here's the transfer contract for the slot. Sign it, please."
"You...!" Jake Turner almost coughed up blood when he saw Alex Baxter had prepared the contract beforehand. His face turned completely red.
PAF!
At that moment, a notebook dropped heavily to the floor.
Ethan Black glanced over and saw it was Alex Baxter's certificate as a "Basic-Level Pokémon Researcher."
"Alex, you dropped your certificate," Ethan Black said disdainfully. It was obvious he had thrown it on purpose.
"Huh? Oh, oh, thanks!" replied Alex Baxter, pretending to be surprised. "Good thing you told me, losing this would be a nightmare!"
He picked up the certificate and began dusting it off from nonexistent dirt.
"A Pokémon Researcher Certificate...?" Jake Turner's face turned purple with rage. He knew Alex Baxter was just showing off.
"Don't get so worked up!" Jake Turner growled with a snort and quickly signed the contract. If he stayed another minute, he knew he would explode from fury.
"Safe travels! Don't bother coming back!" Alex Baxter stored the contract, overflowing with satisfaction. "Feels so good to act all high and mighty!"
Ethan Black could only shrug helplessly. Such a grudge holder...
"Here, Ethan, this slot is yours," said Alex Baxter, handing him the signed contract.
"And this is reliable?" Ethan Black asked as he looked at the simple contract, making a face like, seriously?
"It's signed and stamped! There's no way it's invalid. Plus, we both have reputations to maintain. If we ask Professor Harris for help, that slot will officially be yours," said Alex Baxter, patting him on the shoulder to reassure him.
Ethan Black nodded. Deep down, he was starting to get excited. What Pokémon had they chosen as starters this time? Would the typical starters from the games and anime appear?
That bet was nothing more than an anecdote within the Intermediate-Level Trainer exam.
After a while, it was Alex Baxter's turn.
But it didn't go too well. His Magneton, though strong, wasn't a match for his opponent's Persian. It was a tough battle, and he ended up losing narrowly.
Fortunately, his excellent strategy and clever use of the move Gyro Ball allowed him to earn enough points to pass the Intermediate-Level Trainer exam.
The same happened with Jake Turner. Despite losing to Ethan Black, his level was undeniably adequate, and he also passed.
Of course, the first place in this evaluation went to Ethan Black. His Sandslash was so dominant that it achieved an astounding score of 98 points, which caused a small stir within the Pokémon Trainer Guild.
...
With their Intermediate-Level Trainer certificates in hand, Ethan Black and Alex Baxter immediately went to register for the million-dollar voucher competition on 11/11 at the Devon store.
After signing up, Ethan Black sighed in relief, and they decided to take a walk around the store.
When they passed by the counter for Pokémon items, Ethan Black noticed that the Protector item was still there, abandoned in a corner. That put him at ease.
"As long as no one discovers its true value, no fool will buy that ugly thing," he thought.
"Excuse me, sir, may I help you with something?" an employee asked kindly when he saw him.
"Hmm... Give me two Poké Balls, the most basic kind," said Ethan Black after thinking for a moment.
He preferred to have spares in case an interesting Pokémon appeared. Imagine losing a great opportunity just because he didn't have a Poké Ball at hand...
(End of chapter)