The bell rang, signaling the end of the first exam. After a short break, Lucas was led into the second exam.
This exam required him to observe the state of a given Pokémon with his eyes, analyze its situation, and diagnose any illnesses it might have.
There were many herbs, Berries, and mixing tools around, provided for candidates to concoct suitable medicines based on the situation.
Lucas was assigned a Buneary, which looked like a standing rabbit, entirely brown with cream-colored feet and fluffy tufts of fur. It looked very cute.
Its two long ears were currently curled up, and when it saw Lucas approaching, it let out a weak cry.
Lucas looked at the Buneary in front of him. It was so cute. He reached out and gently touched it; it was very fluffy.
[Buneary]
[Type: Normal]
[Ability: Run Away]
[Known Moves: Pound, Defense Curl, Baby-Doll Eyes, Quick Attack, Double Kick, Charm.]
[Mood: Cloudy]
[Status: Scared, Worried]
[Affection: -10 (in a scared state)]
[Description: So scared. Will he scold me like the last person?]
Seeing the description in the status bar, Lucas glanced at the Buneary again and found it trembling in his hand.
He knew that Buneary was in a bad mood and needed care, so Lucas slowly comforted it, gently stroking its ears until one ear uncurled. Only then did he put Buneary down, and using the herbs and Berries nearby, he concocted a soothing juice for it.
Seeing it drink the juice, he then picked up Buneary and walked towards the examiner.
The examiner was an old man in his sixties. He carried Buneary to the examiner and stated his findings:
"Buneary expresses its emotions through its ears. Normally, one ear is curled up and one is extended to protect itself. When both ears are curled up, it means it is in a scared state. I guess this is due to the previous person who came for the assessment scolding it, so what it needs is care and comfort..."
Lucas spoke at length, and the old man nodded as he listened.
Finally, Lucas added, "I don't think it's suitable for it to continue being an assessment Pokémon."
The old man looked at Lucas, reached out, and took the Buneary from his hands. Only then did he speak, "You're right. We indeed overlooked this matter."
"What a Breeder needs most is an eye that can observe a Pokémon's emotional changes. You did very well in this aspect. And you also did very well in solving this problem. Your name is Lucas, right? The person who scored full marks in the first exam. I announce that you have passed this assessment. Someone will take you to apply for your Breeder's license shortly."
The old man patted Lucas's shoulder and continued, "We will remove this Buneary from the assessment, don't worry."
Lucas smiled and said thank you.
"Your knowledge is extensive, and you have a great talent for breeding. Would you like to try a higher-level Breeder assessment to become a higher-tier Breeder?"
Listening to the old man, Lucas thought for a moment. He came to take the assessment only to get a discount on buying Pokémon Eggs for his Breeding House and for the rewards given by the system, so a beginner Breeder was enough.
"I don't have any plans for that at the moment. Beginner should be enough. I also run a Breeding House."
Lucas declined the old man's suggestion.
"That's a pity. How about this: when you've made up your mind, come find me. I'll give you my contact information."
Afterward, the old man gave Lucas his contact information and then had other staff members take Lucas to the Breeder Association Center to apply for his Breeder certificate.
While waiting for the certificate to be issued, Lucas stared blankly at the text in front of him.
[Achievement "Breeder" obtained: Breeder, usually referring to those who raise Pokémon. And you, after enduring countless hardships, have finally become a qualified Breeder, and have also fulfilled Great-Aunt's wish.]
Me?! Endured countless hardships?! Why didn't I know?!
[Received Great-Aunt's Gift 1: Breeding House Recipe Book]
[Received Great-Aunt's Gift 2: Breeding House Tool List]
[Breeding House Recipe Book: Great-Aunt loved gourmet food her entire life. This is the recipe book she researched throughout her life, containing a variety of dishes. By obtaining this recipe book, you will receive Great-Aunt's blessing. The dishes you prepare will be more easily liked by Pokémon, with a chance to trigger a "Gourmet Critical Hit," which can keep Pokémon happy and joyful, and may have unexpected effects.]
[Breeding House Tool List: Great-Aunt loved making small tools for Pokémon to play with her entire life. This is the tool list she created throughout her life, containing many small tools. By obtaining this tool list, you will receive Great-Aunt's blessing. Some of the tools you create will quickly become favorites of Pokémon, commonly triggering an "Affection Critical Hit." Each small tool you create will have some subtle, unexpected effects.]
Looking at the truly substantial rewards before him, Lucas was speechless for a long time.
After a long while, he softly said, "Thank you, Gra... Great-Aunt."
Just then, the staff member brought his certificate. Seeing Lucas's gentle smile, she asked, "Wh-what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Lucas said.
"Oh, here, this is your Breeder certificate."
The staff member handed him his certificate, which recorded his information and a prominent line of text:
Beginner Breeder.
"Thank you."
After thanking and saying goodbye to the staff member, Lucas went to find Jenny.
"How did it go?"
Jenny saw Lucas from afar and asked.
Lucas didn't speak; he just shook the certificate in his hand and then handed it to Jenny.
"Not bad, you passed on your first try."
Jenny returned the certificate to him and lightly punched his shoulder.
Afterward, passing by the Pokémon Center, Lucas also informed Joy, and similarly received Joy's approval.
He even took a moment to snap a photo and send it to Nina.
Nina: As expected, I wasn't wrong about you, good kid.
After going to the market with Jenny to buy a pile of ingredients, Jenny drove Lucas back to the Breeding House.
Just as Jenny was about to leave, she suddenly said:
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. The Sinnoh League said that as long as you pass the Breeder assessment, if you buy Pokémon Eggs from the League, they will give you a 50% discount. Plus, since you're the only Breeding House in Twinleaf Town and Sandgem Town, they'll give you an additional 30% off."
Lucas calculated and exclaimed in surprise, "Doesn't that mean it's only 20% of the price left?"
"To be precise, it's 10%."
Jenny smiled and said, "I managed to get you a little more on top of that."
10%? What's the difference between that and giving them away for free?
"Thank you, Sister Reese."
Lucas thanked her sincerely. These sisters, whom he had only recently met, had truly helped him a lot.
"Oh, and if I and Linnea find any wild Pokémon Eggs, we'll send them to you. Also, if anyone in Twinleaf Town needs to sell Pokémon or consign Pokémon Eggs, I'll recommend you. I'll also contact my cousins in Sandgem Town."
"Also, since your Breeding House is just starting, I took the liberty of only applying for thirty Pokémon Eggs for you. You won't blame me, will you?"
Jenny said jokingly.
Lucas listened quietly, and at this point, he also started to laugh.
"How could I dare to blame Sister Reese?"
"That's good then. Alright, go back. I have to get back to work too."
After saying that, Jenny rode away on her police motorcycle.
Watching Jenny's disappearing back, Lucas then turned and returned to the Breeding House.
Just then, Gengar rubbed its eyes and descended from the ceiling.