I stared at the floating timeline still shimmering in the void-light above me. Everything I thought I understood about development, maturity, and even biology had just been flipped, twisted, and overclocked Saiyan-style.
I exhaled slowly.
"Well... let's continue this info dump, why don't we? Why don't you tell me about the ranks of Pokémon next—since I imagine they have something similar to this? I mean, this is real life now."
The system voice hummed in amusement before speaking again with that same snarky tone that made me want to punch and thank it at the same time.
[Oho? Someone's intuition is as sharp as ever. Maybe you are worthy of the Void Dragon title after all.]
I rolled my eyes. "That a yes?"
[That's a you-are-so-lucky-you're-cute, Host. But yes—your instincts are right on target. There are ranks for Pokémon in this world. Far more detailed than the games ever hinted at.]
The starlit mindscape pulsed once more, and a new interface projected itself before me, displaying glowing text, illustrated examples, and power progression charts. A scroll of titles began appearing midair, sorted by tier.
The system's voice sharpened slightly as it entered teacher mode.
[There are eleven widely accepted ranks of Pokémon. Some of this will feel familiar, but trust me—there's more nuance here.]
⸻
Ranks of Pokémon:
1. Baby Pokémon
Pokémon just born or stuck in their infant forms—think Togepi. Can't exert real power, more cute than combat-ready.
2. Beginner or Common Pokémon
The entry-level wild Pokémon. Your typical Pidgey, Rattata, or Sentret.
3. Uncommon Pokémon
Fully evolved or rare Pokémon with decent strength. These are the backbone of good trainers.
4. Rare Pokémon
These are either fully evolved or naturally powerful Pokémon with total base stats over 500. Many Pseudo-Legendaries fall here.
Note: Unlike the games, base stats are not fixed.
Growth depends heavily on the trainer's bond, effort, and training method.
5. Elemental Pokémon
These Pokémon have begun to awaken their elemental nature. Their powers aren't just attacks—they can affect their surroundings on a large scale.
6. Elite Pokémon
Typically the trusted partners of gym leaders or specialized trainers. These Pokémon often command high battle instincts and strategy.
7. King Tier
Used by the Elite Four and stronger trainers. Some lower-tier Legendaries fit into this category. High adaptability, powerful instincts, and seasoned combat sense.
8. Pseudo-Champion
Power just beneath the strongest, usually reserved for Pokémon undergoing intense training or battle evolution but not yet fully realized.
9. Champion Tier
Reserved for the signature Pokémon of regional Champions—like Lance's Dragonite or Red's Pikachu. They've surpassed limits and become living legends.
10. Master Tier
Legendary Pokémon that follow a trainer, or Pokémon personally trained by world-class masters. Rare, devastating, and terrifying.
11. God Tier
The power level here? Undefined.
Mew, Dialga, Giratina, Palkia, and of course, Arceus. Their strength cannot be quantified. Their presence shifts the natural laws around them. Even sensing them is an act of willpower.
⸻
The screen hovered for a moment, flickering slightly before folding itself into a single glowing sphere of data.
I let out a breath and sat back with a small, impressed nod.
"Yeah," I muttered, watching the list burn itself into my memory. "That's definitely not in the Pokédex."
[Told you.] The system's voice was smug. [And with your future, your dragons, and your bond with the void—let's just say you won't be dealing with Common-tier for long.]
A grin tugged at the edge of my lips.
"Oh, I'm counting on it."
As the glowing chart of Pokémon ranks faded into glittering stardust, I leaned back into the swirling comfort of my throne in the void. The calm of the mindscape settled again—but my curiosity didn't.
Pokémon had ranks. That made sense. Power needed to be measured. Tracked. Structured. Especially in a world where life and death battles were common.
But one question kept echoing in my mind like a dripping faucet.
"If Pokémon are ranked like that... then how do trainers fit into this world?"
It was obvious now. A trainer's strength couldn't just be judged by badges or ego. If Pokémon had their own hierarchy, then there had to be a matching system that held humans accountable too.
So, I sat up straight, crossed my arms, and called into the shadows of my mind.
"Hey, System. New question."
A pause.
Then, the sassy voice slid in like silk over steel.
[Oooh, look at you. Digging deeper. Asking the right questions. What's next? Are you gonna start taking notes like a proper nerd?]
I rolled my eyes. "Just give me the info."
[Fine, fine~] it said with dramatic flair. [As expected from the Void Dragon's heir, your intuition's sharp as ever. Of course there are ranks for trainers.]
[After all, what fun would it be if only the Pokémon got to flex?]
With that, a new interface surged to life before me—dark crimson with gold etchings, each rank blazing to life like a badge of honor.
[Pay attention, baby dragon. Here's how your kind is classified.]
⸻
Ranks of Trainers:
1. Rookie Trainer
Newbies. Might not even have a Pokémon yet. Everyone starts somewhere.
2. Beginner Trainer
These folks passed their basics. Got a certificate. Probably entered a Rookie Tournament.
3. Intermediate Trainer
Required: Three Rare-ranked Pokémon. That's when people start taking you seriously.
4. Advanced Trainer
At least one Elemental-ranked Pokémon. You're not just battling—you're commanding power.
5. Master Trainer
Own one Pseudo-King-ranked Pokémon and suddenly, your name gets remembered.
6. Pseudo-Elite Trainer
Train a King-ranked Pokémon, and the world starts watching.
7. Elite Trainer
Only those whose entire team is made up of King-ranked Pokémon. These are the real contenders.
8. Pseudo-Champion
Needs at least one Pseudo-Champion-ranked Pokémon. Elite but not quite top-tier—yet.
9. Champion
To earn this, you need at least one Champion-ranked Pokémon and win the regional title.
10. Pseudo-Master
More than one Champion title. Multi-region domination. Your name becomes legend.
11. Pokémon Master
One of a kind. Requires eight Champion titles and defeating the current Pokémon Master.
⸻
As the list finished rendering in the air, I couldn't help but exhale.
"...That's one hell of a ladder."
The system hummed smugly.
[Yup. But guess what, Host?]
"...What?"
[You're expected to break it.]
I grinned.
"Well then... bring it on."