The reading hall was a vast rectangular space, illuminated by rows of hanging lamps that cast a warm, uniform light over the aspirants. The walls, lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, exuded a sense of wisdom and tradition. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the soft scratching of quills on paper and the occasional sigh of a nervous aspirant.
Kenji sat at one of the desks, feeling the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He observed the other aspirants, trying to assess their level of preparation. Some seemed confident and self-assured, while others displayed evident signs of anxiety. A boy trembled uncontrollably, while a girl nervously chewed on her pencil.
Kenji took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He had studied as best as he could, but he knew he couldn't compete with those who had dedicated their entire lives to studying beasts. However, he had one advantage: his knowledge of Pokémon, which gave him a different perspective on the world of combat.
Suddenly, the hall door swung open, and a woman entered, immediately capturing everyone's attention. She was an imposing figure, with a natural elegance that radiated power and sophistication. Her face was beautiful, with delicate and refined features, but her gaze was cold and impenetrable.
The woman wore a navy-blue silk suit adorned with silver embroidery that shimmered under the lamplight. Her hair was tied up in an elegant bun, revealing a long and slender neck. She walked with grace and determination, as if each step was a statement of intent. Kenji felt his heart pound in his chest, both in admiration of her beauty and intimidation by her presence.
The woman stopped in front of the class, scanning the aspirants with an evaluating gaze. Her silence stretched for several seconds, creating an atmosphere of tension and expectation.
"Good morning," the woman finally spoke, her voice melodious yet distant. "I am Professor Shizuka, the supervisor of this exam. I ask that you remain silent and pay close attention to my instructions."
Her voice resonated throughout the hall, silencing any murmurs or whispers. The aspirants, mesmerized by her beauty and authority, obeyed without hesitation.
"The exam is about to begin," continued Professor Shizuka. "Please place your belongings under your desks and leave only a pencil and an eraser on your table. Any attempt to cheat will result in immediate expulsion."
The aspirants quickly and silently followed her instructions. Kenji placed his books and phone in his backpack, feeling sweat bead on his forehead.
"In this world, certain individuals have been blessed with innate abilities, an almost superhuman capacity. However, these abilities can lead one to either understand or underestimate what is not immediately visible. Regardless of one's power or strength, understanding and the ability to analyze one's surroundings are always necessary," the professor continued.
Suddenly, a rapid and silent flapping sound echoed through the hall. The aspirants looked up, surprised by the noise. Before they could react, a flying creature darted through the desks at incredible speed, placing an exam on each desk.
The creature was so fast that they barely saw it. They only glimpsed a dark, elegant shadow with long, glistening feathers.
When the creature finished its task, it perched beside Professor Shizuka's desk, revealing its true form. It was a Plumaveloz, an avian beast known for its speed and intelligence.
The Plumaveloz was jet-black, with long, glossy feathers that extended from its head to the floor. Its beak was as sharp as a needle, and its eyes gleamed with penetrating intelligence. It was a magnificent and awe-inspiring creature.
"This is Yami," said Professor Shizuka, stroking the Plumaveloz's head. "He is my companion, my friend, my protector. He will supervise the exam, and I assure you, he will not tolerate any form of disrespect."
As if understanding his master's words, Yami let out a sharp cry and surveyed the aspirants with a stern gaze. Kenji felt his heart race. It was clear that Professor Shizuka and her Plumaveloz were a force to be reckoned with.
"Now," said Professor Shizuka, picking up an exam from one of the desks, "begin the test. You have two hours to complete it. Your time starts now."
With that, the professor took her seat and waited patiently. Yami remained standing, though his eyes were closed.
The silence returned to the hall, denser and more oppressive than before. The aspirants picked up their pencils and began reading the exam questions. Kenji took a deep breath, trying to focus. It was time to put his knowledge to the test.
The exam consisted of several sections. The first section was multiple-choice, with questions about beast classifications, their habitats, and basic abilities. Kenji answered quickly, relying on his knowledge from Pokémon games and his experiences in the Forbidden Forest.
The second section was true or false, with questions about the history of Ryūsei Academy, combat laws, and notable figures in the world of beast combat. Kenji carefully considered each question, as some were tricky and required in-depth knowledge.
The third section required written responses, covering battle strategies, elemental weaknesses, and training methods. Kenji felt more comfortable in this section, as he could apply his practical knowledge and creativity to his answers.
However, the fourth section was the most challenging of all. It involved analyzing a real battle between two beast warriors, requiring the aspirants to identify each fighter's strengths and weaknesses as well as the strategies they employed. Kenji struggled with this section, as it demanded a deep understanding of combat and analytical skills he had yet to fully develop.
Time flew by, and the pressure increased as the deadline approached. Kenji reviewed his answers repeatedly, correcting any mistakes he spotted. He knew that every point mattered, that each correct answer brought him closer to his dream of entering Ryūsei Academy.
Finally, Professor Shizuka rose from her chair and announced, "Time is up. Please place your exams on your desks and stand in silence. Yami will collect your papers."
Kenji obeyed her instructions, feeling immense relief. He had completed the exam and given it his best effort. Now, all that remained was to await the results.
Yami, Professor Shizuka's Plumaveloz, flew between the desks, gathering the exams with his sharp claws. The creature moved with speed and precision, maintaining the silence of the hall.
When Yami finished collecting the exams, Professor Shizuka cast one last glance at the aspirants. "You may leave," she said, her melodious yet distant voice filling the hall. "The names of the successful candidates will be posted on the courtyard notice board in one hour. I wish you all the best of luck."
With that, Professor Shizuka turned and left the hall, followed closely by Yami. Kenji let out a long sigh and stood up from his desk. The first obstacle had been overcome; now, he just had to wait and see if he had done well enough.