บท 22: Chapter 022

"Nidoqueen can't learn horn drill because it doesn't have a horn. The protrusions on its head are not horns. This, the move Mega Horn is exclusive to Nidoking" said Jack to the other three seated in front of him.

It had been five months since the Zubat riot. There wasn't a repeat of the incident. Roger frequently went to the caves at first, but he stopped going after a month. The Zubat now once again went past Hurik Town at 6 30 in the evening and 5 30 in the morning. Other than that, balance was restored to the town.

Jack was practising describing characteristics of Pokemon. These were frequent questions in the second and third rounds of the PIT, as found by previous test papers on the internet.

Alex was smoothly able to download a lot of Pokemon information from the Pokemon Center computers without a problem. In fact, he went there another couple of times due to deficiencies in data. What he brought helped the three others and himself immensely. Instead of just descriptions in books, now they had photos and videos of Pokemon to study.

Nurse Joy and Roger probably found out about the trips to the Pokemon Center computes. But they turned a blind eye to it, which lead to the other three lamenting on why they didn't do so earlier.

Alex suggested they quiz each other on Pokemon so that they could develop descriptive abilities.

"Good. Now Alex, tell us about Weedle" said Joseph.

Alex answered, "Weedle is a Bug and Poison type Pokemon...."

Slightly after 6 o'clock in the evening, Alex was in the hall reading a book about berries. Jack was also in front of him, reading a book titled, "Career Choices"

"Joseph isn't with you? I thought you were inseparable..." said Jack after a while.

"Don't mention him! Every day, mornings and evenings, when those Zubat passes through, he gets all depressed and starts murmuring about his Crobat!" said Alex.

"Didn't comfort him?" he questioned.

"Did the first 10 times. No change. I eventually decided to leave him alone" said Alex.

"So...any good ideas?" asked Alex beckoning towards the book Jack was reading.

"Ranger. That's what I wanted to be since I was a little kid and that has not changed" replied Jack almost immediately.

"Then why are you reading this?" asked Alex.

"Just for time pass. It wouldn't hurt to have some understanding of other jobs right?" replied Jack.

"What about you?" he asked.

"I will try to pass the third round. Then an adventure sponsorship maybe" replied Alex.

"You don't sound all that excited, about the adventure I mean. When Joseph speaks of adventure his eyes sparkle. Your's turn dull" said Jack.

"I guess I still don't understand fully why 10-year-olds are allowed out on adventures" said Alex.

"What do you mean? The age for adventures was always 10" said Jack.

Alex shook his head and did not speak any further. He was still a little wary about the so-called, 'adventure.' 10-year-olds travelling through forests, lakes, mountains, and trees did not sound very nice, especially when all those places contained monsters that could easily kill you.

"I guess I still have some decision making to do. I'll see what my choices are before I make my decision" said Alex.

"Any backup plan in case you decide not to go on an adventure?" asked Jack.

"I don't know. Maybe I will apply for the International Police. I kind of like the idea of being law enforcement" said Alex.

"Well, I am going to sleep. Registration for the PIT open tomorrow. Uncle Roger will register the four of us. Next week, we will be writing the exam that can make or break us. I know we still have some studying sessions left, but here and now, I'll wish you all the best" said Jack, as he closed his boom and prepared to leave.

"Same" said Alex to Jack's back.

Alex then started thinking about what he wanted to do. An adventure sounded nice, but he still felt that 10 years is way too young. While he liked the idea of being law enforcement, he understood that the death rate of newcomers was very high. He didn't like the idea of dying very much.

Alex closed his eyes and focused on the black sphere. With the almost photographic memory, he had committed almost everything he could get his hands on to his memory. He had extensive knowledge on most common Pokemon and was practically guaranteed to pass the second round. Both he and Joseph may have some struggles in the third round, because despite all their theoretical knowledge, they didn't know how well they would fare in the practical aspect.

He had an advantage in that round too as his cheat would allow him to see the data of the Pokemon. So he was probably guaranteed to pass even the third round.

"One week!" sighed Alex, and closed his book and started walking upstairs.