The dawn mist over the academy's grounds was heavier than usual. Today was the Survival Simulation Exam, a multi-stage trial designed to test everything: stamina, decision-making, Pokémon handling, and mental endurance. It wasn't just for points—it was to identify those cadets who could survive real border missions.
Morning: Survival Simulation Begins
Instructor Arwin stood on a raised platform, flanked by two veteran Corps lieutenants. Their Pokémon — massive, battle-worn — hovered nearby in Pokéballs, silent and ready. Among them was Lieutenant Mara Ysanne, a lithe woman with battle scars tattooed across her expression. Her eyes flicked toward Uriah for a moment longer than professional courtesy demanded.
Arwin's voice boomed, "Cadets, this is not a drill. You will face simulated breaches, wild Pokémon, limited resources, and real teamwork challenges. Your performance today will decide whether you're recommended for advanced deployment."
He nodded. The lieutenants released a few drones to mark the simulation boundaries. Two sectors were defined: Sector Red (forest terrain) and Sector Gray (urban rubble mock-up). Cadets would be split into pairs or trios to complete objectives and extract safely.
Uriah scanned the crowd. Rane was there, obviously teamed up with two other cadets. He gave Uriah a cold smile. Uriah didn't respond.
Simulation Part One — Sector Red
Uriah was paired with Marian (the Machop cadet) and another cadet, Tessa, whose starter was a Murkrow. Their first objective: locate a "downed sensor beacon" in the forest, retrieve it, and survive a "wild Pokémon assault."
They moved silently. Uriah kept Vulpix in its ball until needed, breathing in his stabilised rhythm. Shinx was clipped to his belt, ready to be released when he judged.
After roughly twenty minutes, Marian spotted the beacon — half buried under moss and fallen branches.
"Here," she whispered. "But I feel things around us."
No sooner had she spoken than a shadow darted between trees.
A wild Zubat swarm descended, screeching. Simulation rules allowed "controlled engagement" — cadets could release their Pokémon.
Uriah nodded."Vulpix – release. Use Ember arcs to disorganize; don't waste power."
Vulpix glowed fiery, but under his command, it held back from full force, firing controlled arcs. Marian's Machop engaged front-line, but she hesitated for a second too long. A Zubat grazed her — a simulation wound, but it counted.
Tessa released Murkrow, who soared overhead, using Wing Attack to pry some Zubats off path.
Uriah gave the command: "Vulpix, flare upward. Now!"
Vulpix's flames shot in an arc, forcing Zubats higher, disrupting their swarm cohesion. Shinx stayed in its Pokéball; Uriah judged that pulling it out would destabilize his formation tactic — he needed fire to work first.
Once the swarm was broken, Marian grabbed the beacon. Tessa provided aerial cover, Murkrow darting between branches. Uriah stayed back, calling: "Retreat. Fall back to the extraction point."
They regrouped and headed to the edge of the simulation zone. But as they ran, Uriah felt a subtle lag in Marian's pace — she was shaken.
"Keep breathing with me," he told her. They synchronized steps. Vulpix's tail flickered.
At the extraction point, Lieutenant Mara's voice came over the comms: "Team Alpha — good work. Simulation part one complete."
Uriah's heart sank less than he thought it would. Good, but not perfect.
Simulation Part Two — Sector Gray (Urban Rubble)
Next, they entered the mock "ruined city" area. Walls lay broken, fake concrete rubble, scattered props of destroyed vehicles and broken shops. This wasn't a test of forest stealth — it was close quarters, rescue, and risk.
Their second objective: find and "rescue" an injured mannequin (simulated civilian), marked with an orange flag, and escort it out.
As they entered, the air pressure felt heavier. Simulation speakers crackled out emergency alarm sounds. Suddenly, a report: "Wild Pokémon detected—Electrike and Rattata." The simulation watchers projected both types into the rubble.
Uriah signaled quietly: "Vulpix, remain on guard. Shinx, be ready."
He released Shinx first—it emerged trembling slightly, but under his calm direction, crouched low, eyes scanning.
The Electrike struck first, small and aggressive, its sparks flickering erratically. The Rattata darted around, attempting to flank.
Uriah whispered: "Shinx, Spark — small burst, then sidestep."His voice was firm but not loud; he let the fox make the first move this time.
Shinx lunged, cracked a controlled spark. The Electrike hissed in surprise. Shinx sidestepped. The Rattata tried to rush in.
Vulpix flared up lightly, forcing the Rattata back. It wasn't a high-power Ember, just enough thermal pressure to scare.
Marian and Tessa moved to escort the mannequin out. Tessa hoisted it, Marian shielded it with Machop.
One of the Electrike bolts grazed a wall, but thanks to the fire distraction, they avoided direct hits on the team.
They made their way to the extraction zone, and Lieutenant Mara spoke through comms again: "Team Alpha, successful extractions. Simulation mission complete. Return to base."
As they walked back, Uriah allowed a flicker of fatigue: his legs ached, his breath was deeper, and both Pokémon were panting softly. But he felt something else — readiness. They'd passed more than just test metrics. They'd performed under real stress.
The Real Mission — Semi-Dangerous Urban Sweep
That evening, Uriah was surprised when Lieutenant Mara appeared in front of him in the main courtyard, flanked by other instructor officers. She removed her cap, wiping sweat from her brow.
"Cadet Hale," she said calmly, "we monitored your simulation performance. You show promise — discipline, control, and leadership. I have a mission for you."
It was not a simulation. This was real.
A Pokémon had been reported inside the city boundary: a wild Growlithe near the old industrial quarter, likely injured, possibly dangerous to civilians. The presence had triggered a low-tier alert; not full Tide, but serious enough.
Mara offered him a small team: one other cadet (a trainee named Fenos with a Croconaw) and a veteran handler (Corps Specialist Joren, with a fully evolved Umbreon).
"Your task," Mara said, "is to locate the Growlithe, assess its injury, and contain or capture it with minimal harm to both the town and the dog."
Uriah nodded. He understood the stakes.
They moved out at dusk.
Somewhere in his mind, Rane's voice echoed: "I'll show you who's incompetent." Uriah hated that voice, but he didn't underestimate it.
While Uriah and the others made their way into the industrial quarter, cadets in the Task Center reported a glitch: some equipment had been tampered with. Pokéball releases were loosening. Some containment nets were slack.
Corps Specialist Joren frowned, but said nothing. He trusted Uriah to keep his guard.
In the alleyways, the trio tracked the scent of Growlithe — burnt rubber, fur singed, and the unmistakable warm-breath smell of a fire-type in pain.
They found it in a half-collapsed warehouse. The Growlithe limped, fur matted with grime, paw bleeding.
Joren stepped forward with caution, commanding, "Umbreon, shield — no attacks until we assess."
Umbreon appeared, low and silent, its stance defensive.
Uriah spoke softly, "Growlithe, we're not here to hurt you. Just help us help you."
Growlithe snarled weakly, probably more from pain than aggression.
Uriah waited, measured.
"Vulpix — flare, but low intensity, toward the ground."
Fire flickered. Growlithe flinched. Pain flared in its eyes.
"Shinx — approach slowly, spark. Just enough to stun, not hurt."
Shinx emitted a small spark that crackled into the wall nearby. Growlithe backed off, shadow flicking in its eyes.
Joren ordered: "Now, Cadet Hale — throw a Great Ball."
Uriah unhooked a Great Ball (costlier, but more reliable) — he'd saved points for this. He threw it—not violently, but with precision.
The ball wobbled once, twice... clicked.
Growlithe was captured.
It roared inside, but the ball held.
They escorted the ball out, carefully. Joren nodded at Uriah. "You acted with respect, not force. Good job."
Lieutenant Mara reappeared at the debriefing. She studied Uriah, her expression unreadable.
"You performed well under stress. I will recommend you for advanced containment training. But be careful — leadership invites enemies. Not just wild Pokémon."
Uriah didn't flinch.
When he went to buy mission rewards, the ledger showed:
Mission reward: 15 points → 1,500 Training Currency
Item bonus: Healing Kit + Rare Berry package (worth 300 currency)
He spent:
1 Great Ball (50 currency)
Medic supplies for Growlithe (healed via academy clinic with the healing kit)
Balance left: still significant.
Back in his dorm, Uriah retrieved the Pokéballs of his three Pokémon: Vulpix, Shinx, and now Growlithe. He crouched in the quiet alcove.
He opened Growlithe's ball. The fire-dog stepped out carefully, limping slightly.
He offered some nutrient food from his stock. Growlithe accepted it slowly, ears back, eyes wary.
Vulpix watched, tail flicking gently.Shinx stayed close, its eyes soft but alert.
Uriah rested a hand on Growlithe's head—steady, firm.
"Welcome to the unit," he said quietly. "If you heal, we move forward. Together."
Growlithe leaned in. Not affection, not surrender—but acknowledgment.