Liujin Province, Yindu City At Yindu Steelix High School, Class 1 of the second year, the homeroom teacher stood at the front of the classroom, delivering the final lesson of the semester.
“Five hundred years ago, Pokémon scholars from the Xia Kingdom proposed the Pokémon Potential Theory, suggesting that a Pokémon’s maximum growth isn’t determined solely by the resources invested in it, but also by its innate potential.” “Around the same time, scholars in the West published similar research.” As he spoke, the teacher wrote two phrases on the whiteboard: Strength Limit Potential Thirty-five students sat below him.
Most listened attentively, while a handful stared absentmindedly out the window.
— “So how do we determine a Pokémon’s potential?” “In the past, trainers could only rely on personal experience.” “It wasn’t until more than two hundred years ago that the first Pokémon Potential Detector was successfully developed.” “However, that machine was enormous—about the size of an entire basketball court.” “Even then, it could only measure the potential of Pokémon below the Elite level, and its results were far from accurate.” He wrote another term on the board: Potential Detector “After nearly two centuries of technological advancement, today’s detectors are only about the size of a television.” “You simply place a Poké Ball onto the device, and it automatically analyzes the potential of the Pokémon inside.” “The invention of the Potential Detector confirmed that a Pokémon’s growth limit is indeed closely related to its natural potential.” “But its invention also raised an entirely new question.” — “Several centuries ago, Western Pokémon researchers conducted a famous experiment.” “They selected two twin Bulbasaur, both possessing Quasi-Elite potential, and entrusted them to a pair of twin trainers.” “Throughout their growth…” “Their diet was identical.” “The resources invested in them were identical.” “The rare treasures used during cultivation were identical.” “In the early stages, their development was nearly perfect.” “They evolved into Ivysaur on the same day.” “Later, they evolved into Venusaur on the very same day.” “But after that…” “Their growth paths slowly diverged.” “Ten years later, one Venusaur had successfully reached the Quasi-Elite level.” “The other remained stuck at the peak of the Gym Level for four years, unable to make a breakthrough.” The teacher looked around the classroom.
“Why do you think that happened?” “The two Bulbasaur had identical potential.” “They received exactly the same resources.” “Even their trainers were twins.” “Researchers across both the East and the West repeated similar experiments countless times.” “It wasn’t until one hundred years ago that Dr.
Deng Zhao of the Xia Kingdom proposed the Trainer Potential Theory.” — “Dr.
Deng Zhao believed that if Pokémon possess different levels of potential…” “Then trainers must also possess their own unique potential.” “After years of research and verification by scholars from many nations…” “His theory was finally proven correct.” “The Trainer Potential Theory truly exists.” He paused before continuing.
“Throughout their lives, Pokémon and their trainers grow together.” “They strengthen one another.” “Trainers provide guidance, resources, and support.” “Pokémon, in return, earn honor, achievements, and status for their trainers.” “However…” “If a trainer possesses insufficient potential…” “They will eventually limit the growth of even a highly talented Pokémon.” “The twin Venusaur experiment is the clearest example.” “Although both Venusaur possessed identical potential…” “Their trainers did not.” “One trainer had exceptional potential.” “The other did not.” “As a result…” “The Venusaur partnered with the more talented trainer successfully reached the Quasi-Elite level.” “The other became trapped at the peak of the Gym Level, forever unable to display the strength its potential promised.” The teacher wrote four more words across the whiteboard: Potential Strength Trainer Pokémon He then put down the marker and looked at the class.
— “After this summer vacation, all of you will become third-year students.” “At that point, the school will divide students into Pokémon Classes and Regular Academic Classes.” “If you wish to enter a Pokémon Class, you’ll need to register as an official trainer through the Trainer Association App during the summer vacation.” “You must also register your first Pokémon, which cannot exceed Level 5.” “You may purchase a Pokémon from a licensed breeding center.” “Or…” “You can register through me.” “The school also offers starter Pokémon at reduced prices.” He smiled gently.
“I know many of you dream of becoming Pokémon Trainers.” “It’s a dream shared by countless young people.” “But as your teacher…” “I must tell you the reality.” — “I’ve already explained that becoming an outstanding trainer requires two things.” “A Pokémon with excellent potential.” “And a trainer with equally outstanding potential.” “We can measure a Pokémon’s potential using a detector.” “But…” “We still have no reliable way to measure a trainer’s potential.” “Of course, individuals born with special abilities—such as Aura, Psychic Powers, or a Dragon Heart—are generally recognized as possessing at least Elite-level trainer potential.” He continued, “Training Pokémon also requires enormous financial resources.” “Even an ordinary Caterpie with average potential costs 20,000 Daxia Coins.” “And that’s only the beginning.” “The expenses involved in raising a Pokémon only continue to increase.” “For many families…” “It becomes an enormous burden.” — “But the greatest challenge isn’t money.” “It’s survival.” “If you truly wish to become stronger…” “You must battle other trainers.” “You must enter the wilderness.” “And you must fight wild Pokémon.” “I’m sure all of you have read this year’s report from the Xia Kingdom Trainer Association.” “Last year, approximately 35 million people registered as new trainers.” “Of those…” “Only around 20 million actually continued walking the path of a professional trainer.” “One year later…” “Nearly five million of them had already lost their lives.” The classroom instantly fell silent.
“Being a Pokémon Trainer is one of the most dangerous professions in the world.” “Statistics show that more than 10% of active trainers die during wilderness expeditions every single year.” “The cities may be governed by laws.” “But beyond their borders…” “You’ll face countless wild Pokémon.” “And sometimes…” “Other trainers can be even more dangerous.” “According to the World Trainer Association, the five-year survival rate for trainers is only 52%.” “Nearly half of all trainers die within five years.” He sighed quietly.
“Just last month…” “Elite Zhang Tian, ranked 56th on the Elite Rankings, was officially confirmed dead after disappearing in the Xihuang Desert in northern Xia.” — “I’m not telling you these things to crush your dreams.” “I’m telling you because becoming a trainer requires far more than passion.” “It demands talent.” “Wealth.” “Opportunity.” “Determination.” “And the courage to risk your life.” “If your love for Pokémon is genuine…” “There are many other careers where you can still make a meaningful contribution.” “You could become a Pokémon Researcher.” “A Pokémon Doctor.” “A Pokémon Breeder.” “A Pokémon Groomer.” “Or pursue countless other professions.” “If you excel in any of them…” “You’ll earn just as much respect.” The teacher’s words caused many students to lower their heads in thought.
Becoming a Pokémon Trainer wasn’t difficult.
Anyone with a registered Pokémon could call themselves one.
But becoming an exceptional trainer…
That was an entirely different matter.
Talent.
Resources.
Background.
Opportunity.
Perseverance.
Every one of them was indispensable.