Sure enough, the moment the certificates were laid out on the front desk, a flicker of surprise crossed Nurse Joy's beautiful eyes. She smiled sweetly.
"Mr. Cole was right—you're not only impressive on paper, but clearly very capable as well. Honestly, being able to present these credentials already speaks for itself. But rules are rules. If you want permanent breeding rights for those Pokémon, you'll still need to pass my assessment."
Nurse Joy stepped out from behind the counter and beckoned the two of them to follow before walking lightly toward the rear courtyard of the Pokémon Center.
Cole gazed at her graceful back with a dazed expression. "Let's follow her," he murmured dreamily.
He turned—only to realize Kael was already striding ahead.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Cole yelped and hurried after him.
...
"These little pokémon wake up at six every morning to study," Nurse Joy said as she unlocked the iron door before them. "There's no room for carelessness in medical work. Any Chansey who becomes our assistant has undergone years of medical training. Each one is an exceptional nurse."
"Lucky… lucky…"
As the door opened, soft, energetic cries filled the room. Inside, several pink, egg-shaped Pokémon wearing nurse caps moved about busily.
Some were practicing massage moves on training dummies. Others were carefully bandaging injured wild Pokémon. One even sat on a tatami mat, holding a medical atlas and studying it with intense focus.
There were five Chansey in total. When Nurse Joy entered, they all smiled at her briefly before returning to their tasks.
"They're all wonderful children," Nurse Joy said softly. "Chansey are incredibly kind Pokémon. Their hearts are delicate—and easily hurt. An unsuitable Trainer can wound them deeply. I don't want to see any of these children harmed."
"I understand how you feel," Kael replied sincerely. "A poor Trainer—or one who doesn't cherish Pokémon—can inflict emotional damage far beyond what most people imagine."
"I've seen too many Pokémon abandoned by their Trainers," Nurse Joy continued, her expression turning heavy. "Chansey are weak in battle. Apart from caring for others, they can't do much. Many Trainers only want one because it's rare—so they can show it off to friends…"
"There are scum everywhere," Cole suddenly declared loudly. "But I guarantee Kael is someone who truly loves his Pokémon. Every one of them is raised exceptionally well—and they adore him."
"Oh?" Nurse Joy smiled slyly. "That may be what Mr. Cole says—but I won't believe it unless Kael shows me his Pokémon himself."
"Come on, show her!" Cole urged impatiently, more anxious than Kael.
Kael shrugged helplessly. He unclipped Lulu's Ultra Ball from his tactical belt and pressed the button.
"Come out, Lulu!"
A flash of red light—and Lulu's graceful, elegant figure appeared in the room.
"Wow!" Nurse Joy covered her lips in astonishment. "What a beautiful Pokémon—like a little princess. Kael, her name is Lulu, right?"
Kael nodded with a smile. "Lulu is the name I gave her. Her species is Kirlia. She's from the Hoenn region—you won't find her in Kanto or Johto."
"I see. No wonder I've never seen one before," Nurse Joy said in realization.
"Lulu is Lulu—not some 'Kirlia.'"
A clear, wind-chime-like girl's voice echoed directly in Nurse Joy's mind. The sudden telepathy left her speechless in shock.
"Lulu is a Psychic-type Pokémon. Telepathy is her innate gift," Kael explained with a faint smile.
"Ah!" Nurse Joy recovered, casting Kael an envious look. "You pass the first stage. For Lulu to speak like that proves how important you are in her heart. Treat her well. You may have many Pokémon in your lifetime—but in Lulu's life, there is only you."
"You can rest assured," Kael replied firmly. "The bond between Lulu and me is beyond what others can imagine. We've laughed together, cried together, been injured together… we share the most precious memories."
Their eyes met, and in each other's gaze was the purest sincerity.
"Alright!" Nurse Joy clapped her hands lightly. "Touching moment over. We'll now begin the second stage of the assessment. Since you want permanent breeding rights for Chansey, you must have studied them extensively. Let's test your knowledge."
Without giving Kael time to think, she began immediately.
"First question: What type is Chansey?"
"Normal-type," Kael answered without hesitation.
"Second question: How many eggs can the pouch on Chansey's belly produce in one day at most?"
This question was no longer simple. A Trainer unfamiliar with Chansey would be completely lost.
Kael thought for two seconds before replying, "Three. However, if Chansey uses the move Soft-Boiled to accelerate egg formation, the correct maximum should be six."
"You're certain?" Nurse Joy's smile widened.
The question contained a subtle trap. Most knowledgeable Trainers would immediately answer three—but Chansey did possess a move that changed the calculation.
"I'm certain," Kael replied firmly.
The smile on Nurse Joy's face grew even brighter. After a brief pause, she announced sweetly:
"Congratulations—you're correct!"