Most of them listened with varying degrees of attention.
Lyra took extensive notes.
Lawrence scanned his Porygon immediately to catalog it.
Hunter J studied the device's tactical applications.
Damian looked bored.
Paul examined it clinically. And Ash stared at his Pokédex with wonder, clutching Riolu protectively the entire time.
When all ten registrations were complete, Oak moved to stand at the front of the room one final time.
"You are now official Pokémon League trainers," he announced, and genuine pride colored his voice despite the questionable character of some present. "Your journey begins today. Where that journey leads—gym challenges, research, contests, breeding, or any other path—is entirely up to you."
He paused, letting the weight of that freedom settle over them.
"But before you leave, I want to emphasize one final point." His expression became serious. "The world beyond this laboratory is dangerous. Team Rocket operates openly in some areas. Team Galactic has escalated to terrorism in others. Wild Pokémon can be territorial and aggressive. Natural disasters, harsh weather, treacherous terrain—all of these pose legitimate threats."
Several trainers shifted uncomfortably, the reality of what they were undertaking suddenly feeling more concrete.
"Your starter Pokémon is your first line of defense against these dangers. But more importantly, they're your companion through all of it. The loneliness, the fear, the exhaustion, the doubt." Oak's voice softened. "Treasure that companionship. Protect it. Because in the moments when everything else fails, that bond might be the only thing that saves your life."
He let that sink in, then smiled. "But don't let me scare you too much. Most trainers complete their first circuit without serious incident. Stay smart, stay cautious, and trust your partners. You'll do fine."
"Now go. Begin your journeys. And make me proud."
The trainers stood, gathered their belongings, said farewell to Oak, and prepared to depart.
Lawrence was first out the door, already on his phone arranging transportation back to wherever he'd come from.
Hunter J followed silently, her visor scanning the area outside the laboratory for potential targets.
Damian swaggered out with Elekid trailing behind him, still bragging loudly about his inevitable success. Paul left without a word, and Chimchar recalled to its ball. Silver departed with Murkrow on his shoulder, heading north without saying goodbye to anyone.
Janine vanished. One moment, she was in the shadows near the wall; the next, she was gone. Even I hadn't seen her leave.
Samurai bowed formally to Oak, to me, to each of the remaining trainers, then departed with Nincada still perched on his armored shoulder. "I shall honor this gift through dedicated training."
Cheryl and Lyra stayed behind briefly, chatting with each other about their respective routes and comparing notes on Pokémon care.
Togepi and Chikorita seemed equally interested in each other, the baby Fairy-type reaching out to touch Chikorita's leaf curiously.
"We should travel together!" Lyra suggested enthusiastically. "At least to Viridian Forest. Safety in numbers, and we can help each other with our Pokémon's training."
"I'd love that," Cheryl agreed warmly. "Togepi is so young; having experienced trainers around would be wonderful."
They made plans to meet at the Pokémon Center in an hour, then departed together, already becoming fast friends.
Which left only Ash, still sitting in his chair with Riolu in his arms. He had dozed off against his chest, exhausted by the emotional ordeal of the selection process.
Ash looked up at me with an expression that mixed gratitude and uncertainty. "Samael? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Yesterday, when you fought those Team Rocket members... You knew you couldn't win, right? Your Gible was way too low level compared to their Pokémon."
I nodded. "Level seven versus Level twenty and eighteen. We never had a chance."
"But you fought anyway. Why?"
I considered the question carefully. "Because leaving you there wasn't an option. Sometimes you don't get to choose between good outcomes and bad outcomes. You choose between doing something and doing nothing. And doing nothing felt worse than losing."
Ash absorbed that, his grip on Riolu tightening slightly. "I want to be like that. Strong enough to help people even when it's scary. Strong enough that Riolu never has to be afraid again."
"You already are," I said honestly. "You helped Riolu today. Gave him hope when everyone else saw a damaged Pokémon nobody wanted. That took strength."
"Rio..." Riolu stirred slightly at the sound of his name, pressing closer to Ash.
Ash looked down at his new partner with apparent affection. "We're going to get stronger together. Both of us."
He stood carefully, supporting Riolu's weight, and approached me with visible determination. "Samael, I know you saved my life yesterday. And I know you're probably way more experienced than I am. But... would you maybe want to travel together? At least to Pewter City?"
I raised an eyebrow. "You want to travel with me?"
"I'd feel safer with someone who knows what they're doing. And Riolu might feel more comfortable with another Pokémon around. Someone who's been through real battles." He glanced at Gible. "Your Gible is really strong, right? Even after losing to Team Rocket?"
'The loud human wants to travel with us,' Gible observed. 'The damaged Fighting-type too.'
'What do you think?' I asked mentally.
'He has potential. And his Pokémon has more potential than he realizes. Traveling together would provide additional security. Two trainers are harder to ambush than one.'