Professor Rowan looked at Luther and continued, "Pokédexes are typically given to Rookie Trainers who show promise and are favored by the Research Lab, usually around the age of ten."
"But as far as I know, Ash from Pallet Town set out knowing almost nothing, he was essentially a complete novice," Luther shrugged. "Is that what you mean by having potential and being favored by the Research Lab?"
"Is that really the case?" Professor Rowan rarely showed a hint of a smile but he did at this moment and said. "Professor Oak and I graduated in the same year; he is my junior, and I trust his judgment. While Ash may have rushed into his journey without sufficient knowledge, his bond with Pokémon has been profound since childhood. It is indeed this connection that allows him to stand out."
'Who understands this?'
Luther felt the weight of the world's unpredictability; he had never encountered these plot points before… It seemed that trying to predict actions based on the animated storyline was fraught with peril; who knows where things might go awry?
"By the way, what's your reason for wanting a Pokédex?"
"To become an exceptional Trainer!" Luther answered without hesitation.
"The Elite Four of the Sinnoh Region don't carry Pokédexes, yet they are still remarkable Trainers."
Luther struggled to come up with a better reason. He couldn't exactly say that in his world, many people dreamed of having a Pokédex and embarking on an adventure with their favorite Pokémon, could he?
In this dream, the most essential elements were a Pokédex and a Pokémon of one's own.
Luther already had his own Pokémon. With this ceremonial step toward chasing his dream, only the Pokédex remained. With such a rare opportunity to fulfill his dream, how could Luther possibly give up?
Noticing Luther lost in thought, Professor Rowan opened a box on the table that had been covered with papers. Inside were a Pokédex and six Poké Balls.
Under Luther's eager gaze, Professor Rowan picked up the Pokédex and asked seriously, "How much do you understand about the Pokédex?"
"It's a mobile Pokémon database that helps Rookie Trainers quickly access information and view data on captured Pokémon."
"And what else?"
Luther recalled that the Pokédex in the anime had various functions… The ability to query captured Pokémon data and type advantages seemed to have appeared in the Sinnoh Region…
He initially wanted to mention game mechanics, but fearing he might say something wrong, Luther decided to keep quiet and shook his head.
"The Pokédex is also a tool for Trainers to provide data to researchers and professors. Trainers who receive a Pokédex take it on their adventures, encountering various Pokémon, and the data they record is periodically sent back to different Research Labs. The stories they share about their experiences with Pokémon help them explore new research avenues and enhance our studies."
"Not every Rookie Trainer qualifies to receive a Pokédex from the Research Labs in various regions. All Pokédex holders undergo long-term observation by the institutions affiliated with the Research Labs before they are contacted to receive a Pokédex. While the criteria may vary slightly from one Research Lab to another, the foundation remains the same…"
Professor Rowan's hawk-like gaze made Luther feel uneasy.
"We must live up to our identity."
"Live up to our identity…" Luther echoed, feeling a bit dazed.
Professor Rowan gently stroked the Pokédex and said, "As someone who studies Pokémon, our most frequent interactions are with Pokémon and Trainers. Young Pokémon Trainers, supported by the law allowing them to venture out at ten, step into the world, facing the unknown. This bold action is thrilling for children eager to explore… As those who have experienced it, we have no right to interfere, but we can use our professional duty to help prevent potential dangers."
"Refusing those who lack self-preservation skills, outdoor experience, and common sense from going on adventures is our responsibility to both Pokémon and Trainers. We also have to convey the harsh realities, making it clear that they do not qualify to be Pokédex holders and lack the ability to travel. The recent push to abolish the ten-year-old adulthood law has been endorsed by major Research Labs; this is part of our professional duty. Furthermore, the Pokédex holds another value."
"What value?" Luther asked, intrigued.
Professor Rowan patted the Pokédex. "Can you guess how many Trainers actually hold a Pokédex?"
Luther was taken aback; this question was completely outside the realm of what he knew. The anime never addressed this. He only recalled that a few quirky characters occasionally appeared with Pokédexes for a few episodes, and in a special episode, it was mentioned that the number of people who owned a Pokédex was probably no more than twenty…
"A thousand?" Luther cautiously suggested, thinking it was a reasonable estimate, even though he knew the data from the special episode couldn't be relied upon.
"A thousand?" Professor Rowan raised an eyebrow. "So far, only about two hundred Pokédexes have been distributed by Research Labs in each region."
Memories of the original Luther reminded him that this world was far more expansive than the animated one he understood… The low population density was largely due to the vast amount of land.
Considering that only two hundred Trainers could be recognized by the Research Lab in such a wide area as the Sinnoh Region, Luther felt a wave of despair wash over him.
He had never been a standout in his life. At school, he could only vaguely claim to be above average when reporting grades to his family, and he was neither exceptional nor made mistakes at work.
The word "mediocre" could easily describe Luther's life. He was not content with mediocrity… But every time he looked up at those at the top, he felt breathless. In the constant comparisons, his desire to strive for success gradually crumbled.
"Just as you seek my help through Shiran's recommendation, the Pokédex I give you is also a form of endorsement, a powerful key. Most Trainers understand that Pokédex holders are recognized by the Research Labs and professors across various regions, along with the institutions that support them… It carries significant intrinsic value. The holder is essentially backed by us within the Trainer community."
"Now do you understand what the Pokédex represents?" Professor Rowan glanced at Luther, whose eyes had dimmed, and shook his head in disappointment. "You still haven't overcome your fears, and your understanding of Pokémon is lacking. It seems you still lack confidence. I must prioritize your safety… You do not yet qualify to receive a Pokédex…"
At that moment, a flash of light from a Poké Ball illuminated the ground, and Ralts appeared in front of Luther.
Luther picked up Ralts and said to Professor Rowan, "I do not lack confidence! Ralts is still willing to follow me, which proves that I haven't backed down!"
Sensing Professor Rowan's somber gaze, Ralts inched a little closer to Luther, this affectionate gesture softening Professor Rowan's expression just a bit.
Silence enveloped the lobby as Professor Rowan and Luther stood motionless, locked in a gaze.
Sensing the reluctance and determination hidden in Luther's eyes, Professor Rowan broke the tense silence and said softly, "Prove it to me."
Luther exchanged a glance with Ralts and asked, "Prove what?"
"Your ability." Professor Rowan turned and activated a video call, revealing several researchers on the other end.
After a brief discussion with the researchers, Professor Rowan led the somewhat bewildered Luther through the lobby to an open area behind the Research Lab.
Luther finally discovered where the other types of Pokémon were. This area, tucked away behind the Research Lab, housed several small Day Cares, where many Pokémon lived in cozy little homes.
A handcart filled with Poké Balls, about half the height of a person, was pushed over by several researchers.
"Each Pokédex holder has different personalities, styles of action, and attitudes toward Pokémon. However, they all share a common love and bond with them. Only by understanding your Pokémon and building trust can one be considered a qualified Trainer."
"Some Pokédex holders see Pokémon as partners, some view them as teachers, and others regard them as comrades in times of hardship…"
Luther felt this statement was strikingly familiar… It was almost a mirror of Professor Oak's words from a special episode, and he instantly understood what was coming.
His heart raced nervously, and his breathing quickened. There was no doubt that Professor Rowan intended to assess him through a battle. However, he had never participated in a Pokémon battle, at least not in this world… He was only familiar with turn-based mechanics.
"Although I don't know what your answer will be, we can learn something through this test." Professor Rowan selected a Poké Ball from the cart and tossed it, summoning a Breloom onto the ground. "As you can see, this cart contains Pokémon used for research in our lab. You and I will each choose six Pokémon for a 6V6 battle."
Luther's face turned pale; this was practically a nightmare scenario. If a 3V3 battle could best reflect a Trainer's skill, then a 6V6 battle-tested a Trainer's overall ability in both strategy and teamwork with Pokémon.
He was just a rookie who had crossed over less than a week ago and had never engaged in a real Pokémon battle. To jump straight into a 6V6 battle? Professor Rowan, are you serious?
Luther glanced at the Poké Balls in the cart and then at the Breloom on the ground, determined to fight for even a slim chance of victory: "In a situation where we each choose, your understanding of the Research Lab's Pokémon far exceeds mine. If I'm at a disadvantage, doesn't that mean I'll lose no matter how I choose?"
"No, you've misunderstood my point." Professor Rowan shook his head. "What I mean is, we will each choose six Pokémon without knowing what's in the Poké Balls."
(End of Chapter)