Regarding the food aspect, Kai had given it considerable thought.
He knew his recent expenses had been high, but the newborn stage was crucial for a Pokémon, and nutrition had to be optimal.
Only then could Eevee grow up healthy.
Kai lingered for a while, put down the dietary plan, and took out his summer homework.
Five Years of College Entrance Exams, Three Years of Simulation.
Even though he was a Trainer now, he still had homework.
The college entrance exams included Chinese, Mathematics, and English—inescapable, though they focused on foundational questions. Students at key high schools had additional written exams testing Pokémon knowledge.
Not every Trainer could succeed by relying on Pokémon battles alone.
Most people didn't have a talent for battling. For them, the financial burden of this identity could become a drag, and they'd change careers after graduation.
However, the Trainer identity had its advantages, stemming from the Pokémon partner itself.
Jugglers… Magicians… Laborers… Journalists… Actors… Nurses… Doctors… Researchers… Firefighters… the advantage applied to many fields.
Just imagine: when a fire breaks out, is it faster to put it out with conventional equipment, or with the abilities of a Water-type Pokémon?
A qualified firefighter with a Water-type partner could enter the fire scene immediately to rescue victims.
Another example…
Doctors treating patients. If they had a Pokémon partner that could use Hypnosis or precise Psychic abilities, it would undoubtedly aid in treatment and surgery.
These professionals still needed knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and even mathematics.
As much as Kai wanted to be a more battle-focused Trainer, he knew there was no escaping these subjects.
Even with numerous national policies favoring Trainers in recent years, there was no reason to abandon traditional disciplines. Talent in other fields remained equally important.
To Kai's delight, however, he felt he could score highly on the Pokémon knowledge written exam without excessive studying.
It was far easier than the Breeder assessment.
Look at the picture and write the Pokémon's name.
Which Pokémon can learn this move?
Write the type effectiveness chart.
As well as some laws related to Trainers and Pokémon.
If he couldn't get high marks on these, he might as well knock his own head off…
.........
By noon, Eevee was still sleeping. Kai ordered takeout for himself.
He didn't rush to tell his parents—who were at work—that Eevee had hatched, planning to surprise them that evening.
In his forgetfulness, Kai overlooked that he was connected with them on social media. When he took a picture of the sleeping Eevee and posted it online, they saw it immediately.
Father: It hatched? Did you feed it?
Reply to Father: Fed, fed.
Mother: As lovely as you were as a baby. Feels like raising another son.
Reply to Mother: ??
I'll take that as a compliment.
Though, little Eevee seems to be female.
Meanwhile, the Class 12 group chat was especially lively. Messages hadn't stopped since yesterday.
Every time a classmate's Pokémon hatched, the group would discuss it at length.
Not long after Kai finished his meal, he uploaded a picture of Eevee to the group. The next moment, the chat exploded.
One person: "OMG, so cute! I wish my Mankey could be this cute."
Another: "Don't daydream. Mankeys are too fierce. Are you stupid?" came an immediate taunt.
First person: "You've offended me! Wait till my Mankey hatches, we'll PK later."
Second: "Fine, my Poliwag isn't afraid of your Mankey…"
Kai just watched until many people @'ed him, then he joined the discussion.
Kai: "Well, I know my Eevee is very cute, but don't be too envious. I'll let others hug Eevee when school starts, but only girls."
He hit send!
For a moment, the group fell silent.
Then the screen flooded with words like "shameless" and "you wish."
But there were other replies too.
Lyra: "Really? Deal."
Dawn: "Great!"
Barry: "Interesting."
Lucas: "Looking forward to it."
Dawn: "D*mn Lucas, why are you, a guy, looking forward to it?!"
They chatted about Eevee for about an hour before shifting topics.
The class president suddenly asked: "Everyone, have you all downloaded the Pokédex App?"
"Why is mine always lagging? Trash phone!"
The Pokédex App was mobile software. Using the phone's camera, you could scan a Pokémon to get partial information about it—a essential tool for new Trainers.
Ah!
If the class president hadn't mentioned it, Kai would have almost forgotten, though he felt he might not need it much.
Kai: "Blaming your phone instead of the app… seems you've long been dissatisfied with it." He added: "When Eevee wakes up, I'll take it to the Pokémon Center to activate my Trainer ID. Can you only log into the app after that, right?"
Class President: "Yes… Hey, don't say more, my phone is getting hot. I'm going to the store for a new one."
Kai: "….."
Kai: "Go ahead," he replied, leaving it at that.
Suddenly…
At that moment, Kai heard a faint sound. Following it, he saw the little Eevee lying on the bed beginning to stir.
It opened its eyes drowsily, not fully awake. It rolled on the bed, unwrapping the Silk Scarf.
Little Eevee seemed confused until fully awake, then realized something was missing. It jumped up and looked around: Σ(°△°|||)
Click…
Kai quickly captured the moment.
"Vee!"
The camera shutter sound helped Eevee locate Kai precisely. Seeing him, little Eevee happily ran over without a word and jumped into his arms.
"How was your sleep?" Kai stroked Eevee's forehead.
My adorably silly little Eevee.
"Vee vee~" Eevee nodded vigorously.
And then…
Its stomach growled.
Kai smiled. As expected of a newborn Pokémon, digestion was rapid. He remembered that after drinking Moomoo Milk himself, he hadn't felt hungry for a long time.
"Climb up here," Kai said, pointing to his shoulder. "I'll prepare milk for you. After you drink, I'll take you out for a stroll."
Eevee was very obedient, climbing obediently onto Kai's shoulder—a posture similar to Ash and Pikachu in the anime.
Feeling the warmth on his neck, Kai let out a contented sigh.
It was very comfortable…
Not as tiring as he'd imagined.
So Kai decided that unless necessary, he'd let Eevee stay with him instead of returning it to a Poké Ball.
"Ah, I almost forgot… After activating my Trainer ID, I need to buy a Poké Ball for Eevee."
Kai suddenly remembered that after activation, he could legally purchase a Poké Ball. Then, at the Pokémon Center, he'd need to register Eevee's information with the ball.
Binding Eevee's information to his Trainer ID and the Poké Ball was equivalent to creating little Eevee's official identification.