Beep..beep...beep...
Inside the room, a red-haired girl lay sprawled across her bed. Despite the relentless sound of the alarm clock, there was no sign of her waking up.
Then—
"Evelyn, wake up!! It's time to go to school!"
A shout rang out from beyond the door.
Startled by the sudden yell, the girl's eyes flew open. She hurriedly sat up and glanced around in confusion before stumbling toward the door.
"Oh, Mom, please stop shouting," she said after opening it, her voice still heavy with sleep.
"If you don't want me to shout, then wake up on your own," her mother replied sternly. "Don't you realize what time it is?"
At those words, Evelyn froze. She turned her head and looked at the clock beside her bed.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh no! What should I do? There are only thirty minutes left before class!"
Panic immediately spread across her face as the reality sank in—she was almost late for school.
"Go wash up first," her mother said. "If you skip breakfast, you can still make it."
"You're right!"
Without another word, Evelyn rushed back into her room, grabbed a towel, and dashed into the bathroom connected to it.
Watching her daughter's frantic movements, her mother couldn't help but sigh, worry clearly written across her face.
***
Ding..dang...dong....
Inside the classroom.
" Phew... I almost late 😮💨"
The girl with a scarlet hair and eyes muttered as she slipped into her seat. Her vivid scarlet hair was tied neatly into a ponytail.
"It's rare for you to come in so late, Eve."
The voice came from the girl sitting beside her.
"Oh, good morning, Sher."
The speaker had short pink hair and bright sky-blue eyes, which made her look especially cute in her school uniform. Despite her appearance, she was well known as a tomboy, she preferred sporty clothes, excelled at physical activities, and was especially talented in sports.
Her name is Sherry Anderson, One of her close friend , and also the granddaughter of the school's principal.
"I couldn't sleep last night," Evelyn grumbled. "Because of that, I almost ended up late."
"Well, I can't really blame you," Sherry replied with a nod. "Considering how important today is."
Evelyn nodded in agreement.
Today was the day.
The results would be announced. Those who passed the test would earn the right to obtain a regional starter Pokémon.
The school they attended, Santalune Pokémon School, was located in Santalune City, within the Kalos Region.
This academy was designed for students who wished to work alongside Pokémon in the future. It was divided into several departments: Battle Department, for those aiming to challenge Gyms and become Trainers. Research Department, for aspiring Pokémon researchers. And lastly , Breeder Department, for students who wished to specialize in Pokémon care and breeding
Evelyn and her friends belonged to the Battle Department.
That was why their first Pokémon mattered so much.
A regional starter Pokémon referred to a Pokémon specially bred by the Regional League. Each year, a small number were chosen as representative starters and offered only to selected individuals.
These Pokémon were known for their rapid growth and exceptional strength, powerful enough to rival Pokémon just below pseudo-legendary level.
Every year, aspiring Trainers had to pass a series of rigorous tests to earn the right to receive one.
"But it shouldn't be a problem for you, right?" Sherry said confidently. "You're ranked first in our year, after all."
Evelyn Scarlet.
The granddaughter of the wealthy and influential Scarlet Family.
Every year, she claimed first place in both theoretical and practical exams. With her striking scarlet hair, matching eyes, and a face so beautiful it seemed sculpted by the gods themselves, she had become the center of attention from the very first day she entered the school. Even now , there are many student who sneak a glance to this direction, from inside or outside the classroom, and from boys and even girls.
Yet either she didn't notice, or she simply didn't care. Her focus remained on her conversation with Sherry.
"But you know there's a word called 'if' in this world, right?" Evelyn replied, resting her head on her desk. "Getting first place here doesn't mean I'll definitely pass a test that includes students from other schools too."
"If you don't pass," Sherry said sternly, "what does that say about the rest of us who ranked below you?"
At those words, Evelyn fell silent.
Fifteen years had passed since she arrived in this world. Unlike the anime she once watched, where becoming a Trainer at ten was normal. Here, one had to be at least fifteen years old.
Not only that, aspiring Trainers were required to complete mandatory studies at a Pokémon School or pass a certification exam.
I guess I got a little impatient, she admitted to herself.
After spending so many years in a world filled with Pokémon, it was only natural that she desperately wanted one of her own—especially after seeing her cousin receive a Pokémon just a few months ago.
"You're right," Evelyn said softly. "I'm sorry."
"No… I'm sorry too," Sherry replied. "I lost my temper for a moment."
"Hahaha… looks like we're both anxious, huh, Sher?" Evelyn laughed lightly.
"Yeah. If Mary were here, she'd probably scold both of us," Sherry said with a nod.
Evelyn glanced around the classroom but couldn't spot their other friend.
"By the way, where is she?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I saw her earlier, before you arrived," Sherry replied, sounding uncertain. "Maybe she went to the restroom?"
Just then, the classroom door slid open.
A girl with long blue hair and yellow eyes stepped inside.
Maria Graham.
"Oh, there she is," Evelyn said, waving her over.
"Eve, Sher… good morning," Maria greeted them weakly.
"Are you okay, Mary?" Sherry asked, concern evident as she noticed her pale face.
"It's just a stomachache," Maria replied. "Don't worry about me."
Evelyn looked at her with worry still lingering in her eyes, but before she could say anything, the teacher entered the classroom.
"Alright, everyone," the teacher announced, "before we begin today's lesson, let's take attendance."
With that, the roll call began, names being read one by one.
***
Break Time
Evelyn and her friend was sitting inside the cafeteria . But the lunch in front of them still intact.
Each of them was holding a smartphone.
"It's out, the announcement is out," Mary said as she scrolled rapidly across her screen.
Evelyn and Sherry immediately did the same, their fingers moving as they searched through the list for their names.
A few moments passed.
Then, almost at the same time, all three of them looked up from their phones and met each other's gazes.
And smiled.
They had passed.
All of them had cleared the first test.