Stonehaven Academy.
As the only elite academy in the city, Stonehaven boasted a powerful faculty and exceptional students. While few of its graduates ultimately became Professional Summoners, the number was still significant compared to other schools.
This year was no exception; the academy grounds had once again served as a site for the Imperial Ordeals. With the final combat trial now over, the grueling exams were finally finished.
Valen pulled on his blue and white school uniform and left the house. He took a walk, observing the Anima that populated the city. Most were common types—Pidgey flitting between rooftops, Caterpie inching along garden walls. The rarer species he spotted were all walking beside humans, their Nexus Orbs marking them as already claimed.
He passed through the academy's wrought-iron gates and made his way to Room 302 of the Integrated Studies Building. It was the headquarters for a small, exclusive club of only five members. A club to which Valen belonged.
It was called the Empathy Circle.
In the old world, the club's purpose would have been simple: counseling students buckling under academic pressure. But in this reality, its function had evolved. They were now responsible for mediating the complex, often volatile emotional bonds between Summoners and their Anima. The workload was surprisingly heavy; if not for their faculty advisor, Mr. Li, handling the most difficult cases, they'd have no time for their own classes.
"Seraphina? Thought you'd have gone home by now."
Valen pushed the door open. It was unlocked. He immediately recognized the girl inside, dressed in denim shorts and a simple white tee. It was Seraphina Thorne, his senior and mentor in the Circle. Beside her, a sleek Persian lounged, letting out a weary yawn. Freed from the school uniform, she seemed to shine with a relaxed confidence he hadn't seen before.
"Valen?" she said, looking up. "Mr. Li dropped off the materials for this year's Nurturer exams. Figured I'd review them before heading out."
"The Nurturer exams? This is the latest test?"
"Fresh off the press. Want to see?"
The path of the Anima Nurturer was a calling for Summoners who preferred raising Anima to fighting them. A Professional Nurturer commanded as much respect as a Professional Summoner; an old adage claimed that behind every great Summoner stood an even greater Nurturer. Their expertise was sought by everyone from powerful corporations to research institutes. Most importantly, they lived comfortable lives, free from the obligation to venture into the perilous depths of the Secret Realms.
Mediating bonds was a core skill for a Nurturer. In that sense, the members of the Empathy Circle were like apprentices, learning a simplified version of the Nurturer's craft.
Valen took the exam papers from her, a wry thought crossing his mind.
Let's see what my video game knowledge is worth here.
Question 1: What is the primary method of locomotion for a Beldum?
It uses psychic power to float, obviously.
He flipped to the answer key. Magnetism?! His face fell. Right, Steel-type. Should have thought of that.
Question 2: What is the optimal incubation temperature for a Swablu egg?
He didn't have a clue. Why can't they ask about evolution chains? Type matchups? Viable Art combinations?
He skipped to the long-form questions and felt his hope drain away.
Essay Prompt: A Marill presents with pale green coloration on its facial pouch and exhibits signs of extreme distress. [See Diagram] Propose a course of treatment.
Take it to a Healer? What else would you do?
He knew that wasn't the answer. The sample response was a dizzying wall of text detailing diagnostic procedures, herbal remedies, and energy-balancing techniques.
Question 5: Select one of the following Arts and detail the methodology for teaching it to a Meowth: Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Double Team…
Easy. You use an Art-Disc. Just bonk it on the head and it learns instantly.
But Art-Discs were a fantasy of his old world; they didn't exist here.
"Are these questions for real?" Valen looked up, defeated. "This is insane. None of my knowledge is applicable."
"They're simple, aren't they?" Seraphina laughed at his expression. "They say the written portion was the easiest it's been in five years. The practical exams are the real killer. I heard they're almost impossible for a normal person to pass."
"Okay, stop, I've heard enough," Valen held up his hands in surrender. "Forget being a Nurturer. I'll stick to my plan: Professional Summoner."
"I knew you'd say that." She gave him a strange look. "You're the only one in the Circle who isn't aiming for the Nurturer track. Once we four seniors graduate, you're the new President. I'm honestly a little worried about leaving the club in your hands."
"Mr. Li has been too swamped to oversee recruitment," she added. "Don't let the Circle get disbanded on your watch."
"Relax. I'll find a whole new crew of capable members this fall," he said, giving her an OK sign.
"I'll hold you to that. In the meantime, you need to focus. The combat trials for your year are going to be tough. You know you can always ask me for help," she offered.
Only a fraction of Stonehaven's graduates made it into top-tier institutions like The Nyxorian Collegium, and only a fraction of those ever earned a Professional Summoner's license. His path was anything but easy.
"I will," Valen said with a faint smile.
The shock had faded, replaced by a steely resolve. He had accepted this new reality. The members of the Empathy Circle were chosen for their cheerful dispositions and strength of will, and he was no exception. His family had sacrificed a fortune for his education and his upcoming Summoner registration. He couldn't let them down.
And besides, the more he learned, the more this impossible world fascinated him. He couldn't wait to get his first Anima.