บท 6: Chapter 006

The fourth round, which takes place from the second week of March, is a theory-based examination also, but there were dozens of different tests by different parties among which you could choose to attempt at least 2 to a maximum of 5. This round is optional, and any number of people who have exceptional results in the third round may attempt this if they want to.

The fifth round is highly specialised, and is not conducted under the supervision of the alliance. In fact, the fourth and fifth rounds are considered informal rounds. The specialised tests in the fourth round are set by private organisations or individuals. The test results are sent to the setters for perusal, and they can invite those they are interested in for the fifth round, which is an 'interview' of sorts. If satisfied with the applicants, they may sponsor these selected candidates.

Passing even one stage in the examination is a good show of capabilities. Passing the first round can get you basic sponsorships and jobs. There are private firms and regional forces that would sponsor you to recruit you as personnel if you have a certificate for passing the first round. Local rangers, town officials, and private forces usually recruit from this batch.

The second round further magnifies the scope of opportunities. Passing this stage allows you to apply to join larger firms, more specialized divisions of rangers, and even apply for adventure sponsorships if you have decent connections. Also, scholarships from Pokemon Academies is an option for those who pass this round.

If you pass the third round which has an average pass rate of 500 per year, you can join many large established firms or ranger divisions holding a decent standing even as a rookie. Many smaller firms will offer you generous conditions to join them. Some wealthy parties will also offer an adventure sponsorship, which is basically sponsoring you to go on an adventure and challenge the gym circuit in the hopes that you will bring fame and exposure to their organisation. You will also be able to get a full scholarship to any Pokemon academy of your choice.

The fourth round is a specialized test set by established and large organisations of Kanto, like Silph Co, major research labs, one of the 16 Kanto gyms, or wealthy organisations offering adventure sponsorship among others.

Each of these organisations set its own theoretical tests for the fourth round. They base this on their expectations for the specialised sponsorships they are offering.

For example, a research lab can set questions about the field they are studying, gyms can set questions about the type and Pokemon of their gyms, and those offering adventure sponsorships can set any questions they think their ideal adventurer maybe be able to answer. Around 200 among the 500 that pass the third round will apply for this round. And among these approximately half will be called to the headquarters of the organisation for interviews, which is basically the fifth round.

If they manage to impress in the fifth round, they will be offered sponsorships with that organisation. These sponsorships usually are much better than the regular sponsorships which one would receive by passing the third round.

Also, large organisations would offer a few adventure sponsorships. Only those who have distinguished themselves in the PIT would qualify for these elite sponsorships. People receiving this manner of sponsorship would be highly valued by their organisations and would be heavily invested in. They would be basically paid to travel, complete the gym circuit, catch Pokemon for their teams, and compete in the Indigo League.

Alex's goal, whether it was the previous Alex or the current Alex was to pass the third round. Sure, it was a tall order seeing that only around 500 people passed every year. It was difficult to even pass the second round, with an annual pass rate of 5000 people. But what are people without dreams, right?

Realistically speaking, he had some knowledge about Pokemon that seemed completely unknown here. For example, as far as he could tell, Slowpoke had only Slowbro as its evolution here. Also Eevee had only 5 known evolutions. Fairy type existed, but was dubbed as 'Dragon Immunity' ability here. All these are basic knowledge he could remember from the black sphere.

But even then, he a huge Pokemon nerd with extensive knowledge of Pokemon from his previous life was not at any kind of advantage. Because while Pokemon were only fantastical creatures of imagination in his previous life, here they were general knowledge of kids growing up. Compared to a part-time Pokemon enthusiast, the people here grew up studying Pokemon. As an orphan, he did not have a large any source of information except the orphanage's library and a few public computers with internet access installed in the orphanage.

Hence he was at a huge disadvantage.

When thinking about possible solutions to excel in the PIT, he walked into the iconic red building, which is the Pokemon Center.