ALL NOVEL Chapter 1: ch1
Chapter 1
The temperature in Springdale City this April was mild, but as the top high school in the district, Clearwater High was already bustling with activity.
Every year at the end of April, the "National High School Pokémon Attribute Examination" took place on a grand scale. This month, the entire city, not to mention every student and their parents, was filled with nervous excitement and eager anticipation.
For many, this was the turning point of their lives.
In Class 3-B, Ethan sat in a daze, his mind clouded with confusion for nearly the entire period.
An hour ago, he had been sound asleep at home, only to be awakened by the ringing of an alarm. But when he opened his eyes, he found himself in a high school classroom, surrounded by classmates buzzing with excitement as if they'd just received the best news of their lives.
Anyone in his position would be utterly bewildered.
Reaching into his pocket, Ethan pulled out what looked like an old smartphone. Although the school technically banned phones, it seemed nobody cared about the rule. The back of his phone had a case decorated with an Eevee design, sparking a wave of disbelief.
"Did I really like Pokémon this much in high school?" Ethan thought, staring at the case with a mixture of embarrassment and nostalgia.
Turning on the phone, he saw the date: Friday, April 28th.
Swiping open the calendar, his heart nearly skipped a beat when he saw the year: 2010.
It was real.
He had somehow traveled back in time, from 2019 to 2010. The math textbook on his desk confirmed it—he was a senior in high school.
"This… this is a bit late," Ethan muttered, frowning at the low-resolution screen.
By 2010, most of the big opportunities in the tech world had already passed. The pioneers of major apps and e-commerce platforms had already made their mark. Even if he wanted to use his knowledge from the future, it didn't seem like there was much room left for a newcomer.
But then again, wasn't that the whole point of a second chance?
"Maybe I could still get into the tech world… focus on app development? Start something before the market gets saturated?"
Before Ethan could plan further, the classroom bell rang, signaling the end of the period.
Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Sanders, packed up his materials and addressed the class from the front:
"At 1:30 this afternoon, all seniors will gather in the main field for the attribute examination. I know you're all excited, but remember—whatever the results, it's just one step on your journey. Not everyone will awaken their potential to become a trainer, but that doesn't mean you can't contribute to society in your own way."
His gaze swept over the students, who were hanging onto his every word.
"I'll just say this—your efforts matter. No test can fully define your future."
Despite his words, Ethan could see the resignation in Mr. Sanders' eyes. It was clear that for those who could awaken their Pokémon potential, a world of opportunities awaited. For everyone else, the path forward would be much harder.
The room buzzed with chatter after the announcement, but Ethan was focused on something else entirely.
"What kind of attribute test is this? What does it mean to awaken potential? What's going on here?" Ethan thought, confusion growing by the second.
"Ethan, do you think we'll have what it takes to become trainers?" his seatmate, Luke, asked, his voice tinged with both hope and anxiety.
Ethan stared at him blankly for a moment before answering, "What… are you talking about?"
Luke didn't seem to notice Ethan's confusion. "I know the chances are slim. Out of the 700 seniors at Clearwater High, maybe five of us will awaken trainer potential. I'd be happy with just having elemental affinity, even if I don't awaken anything big…"
He sighed, his optimism fading. "Talent is everything. It's not something we can control, no matter how hard we try. It's like the lottery. If we don't have it, we're stuck in the crowd forever…"
Ethan didn't respond, his mind racing. Trainer? Talent? What kind of test was this? Wasn't the focus of senior year supposed to be on getting into a good college?
During the break, Ethan discreetly pulled out his phone and searched for keywords like "attribute test" and "trainer."
What he found stunned him:
[Congratulations to Matthew Hayes for reaching the rank of Elite Trainer. Another shining star for Apex City Trainer Academy.]
[The National High School Pokémon Attribute Examination continues smoothly, identifying countless talented trainers across the country. Officials emphasize fairness and accessibility for all.]
[Sightings of a Dragonite near the Silverpeak Mountains draw trainers from all over the region.]
"Wait… Dragonite? In the mountains? Isn't Dragonite four times weak to Ice? Why would it go to such a dangerous place?!"
Ethan's mind raced. But then he stopped, realization dawning.
"Hold on. That's not the point! The point is… my world has become a Pokémon world?"
For a moment, Ethan could only sit there, stunned. His second chance at life had come with a twist he never could have expected.