Half a month later, Ethan left Solaris City.
His departure was naturally because the professional evaluation was about to begin.
During that time, he took advantage of the enormous number of points he had accumulated to exchange for a large quantity of resources at the Pokémon Researchers' Guild.
With the help of his space ring, he had already ensured that once inside the Secret Kingdom, he would not have to worry about supplies.
In addition, he gathered all of his Pokémon by his side. Currently, his lineup consisted of 13 Pokémon. Excluding Shuckle, who served logistical support functions, he had 12 Pokémon suitable for combat, exactly the maximum limit he could release at the same time.
These were: Sandslash, Cacturne, Slowking, Shuckle, Meltan, Vibrava, Absol, Charizard, Lucario, Magmortar, Litwick, Rhyperior, and Tyranitar.
Among them, Sandslash, Cacturne, Slowking, Meltan, Vibrava, Charizard, and Tyranitar had reached the level of core pillars of the team. According to the trainers' strength classification, all of them were undoubtedly Professional-level Pokémon.
Some of them, even when unleashing all their hidden cards, could already brush the threshold of the Quasi-Elite level. And that was precisely the confidence Ethan had to venture into a medium-sized Secret Kingdom.
"As long as I pass the professional evaluation for Pokémon Hunter... I'll be able to obtain the right to freely enter and leave the League's Secret Kingdoms."
Every time he thought about the benefits of passing the Pokémon Hunter evaluation, Ethan couldn't help but feel tempted.
Nowadays, although there are already quite a few Secret Kingdoms integrated into the real world, almost all of them are under the League's control, except for those located in uninhabited areas or the micro–Secret Kingdoms that are difficult to detect.
The professional Pokémon Hunter certificate is precisely the pass required to enter those Secret Kingdoms. That is the main reason why so many trainers wish to obtain that certification.
However, becoming a Pokémon Hunter also implies assuming several responsibilities. One of them is that, during times of war preparation, they must unconditionally accept the League's mobilization orders; essentially, they function as a reserve force.
These are the main rights and obligations of a Pokémon Hunter. In addition, they can also choose to join the hunters' guild and become Pokémon police officers.
There are two types of Pokémon Hunters: the more traditional type, which dates back to the era of the Pokémon war, and the Pokémon police who operate within the cities.
The path Ethan chose was naturally that of the traditional hunter, mainly focused on exploring Secret Kingdoms.
...
Very soon, thanks to Charizard's swift flight, Ethan arrived punctually at the agreed meeting place for the evaluation.
On an island near Duskwell City, trainers could be seen gradually arriving while riding their Pokémon.
From the League protective suits, wilderness survival equipment, and backpacks they carried, it was clear that, like Ethan, they were all Advanced-level trainers who had come to participate in the professional Pokémon Hunter evaluation.
Ethan arrived relatively late. In the wide plaza, small groups of people could be seen chatting. Some deliberately gathered to look for allies, since inside a Secret Kingdom, having companions increased the chances of passing the evaluation. Everyone understood that having one more friend meant one more opportunity.
Ethan's arrival soon attracted the attention of the trainers present on the island. But upon noticing his age, many frowned slightly: he was too young.
"Did that kid come to the wrong place?"
"At that age, it's already difficult just to become an Advanced-level trainer, isn't it?"
Whispers soon began spreading in low voices.
Although geniuses like that were not nonexistent, the impression Ethan gave was far too ordinary.
"Forget it. Whether he has the qualification to participate or not, it's better not to pay attention to him. If he snuck in, forming a team with him would only mean carrying dead weight. And if he's a genius, with that typical arrogant character geniuses have, we wouldn't get along anyway."
They quickly reached a consensus and began to keep their distance from him. No one approached to speak to him.
For a moment, Ethan stood alone in the middle of the place, completely out of sync with the groups of Advanced-level trainers chatting among themselves.
"Well, it seems I'm being excluded... But that's fine, I didn't intend to form a team with anyone anyway."
He shook his head slightly, found a random spot, drank Berry juice, and quietly waited for the evaluation to begin.
As the agreed time approached, more people gathered on the island. Among the crowd, Ethan unexpectedly discovered a familiar face.
It was Laura Frost, the trainer who had participated alongside him in the Advanced-level trainer evaluation and who had taken second place in that edition in Evercove City.
Beside her were Gideon Crest and Gareth Crowell, acting like protective knights, watching the trainers who cast glances toward Laura with wary expressions.
Suddenly, both of them noticed Ethan standing alone in a corner. Their expressions changed; they had clearly recognized him.
As for Laura, she also saw him, and her beautiful eyes widened slightly in surprise.
On that occasion, she had personally witnessed Ethan's performance in the practical test for Advanced-level trainers.
Both his terrifying combat tactics in desert terrain and the later battle between Meltan and the dominant Drapion had left a deep impression on her.
She never imagined that Ethan would also participate in this professional Pokémon Hunter evaluation, and that by coincidence they would be assigned to the same examination field.
Just as Laura was wondering whether she should walk over to greet him, the sea, which had been calm until then, suddenly began to churn violently in the distance.
A powerful gust of wind suddenly rose in the area. Wrapped within the wind, the figure of a Pidgeot slowly appeared. On its back, a Pokémon Hunter with a police badge on his chest and three stars on his shoulders looked coldly at the trainers present.
It was obvious that this Pokémon police officer was the examiner for this field and also the one who would guide them to the Secret Kingdom where the evaluation would take place.
"I am the examiner for this field. The first phase of the evaluation will now begin. The content is very simple: follow closely behind me."
"As long as you manage to reach the target Secret Kingdom with me, you will have completed the first phase."
(End of Chapter)