Pokémon Dominion: A New Earth

Chapter 2

1:00 PM.

A voice echoed from the classroom speakers:

"All senior students, please gather at the main field. The talent examination will begin shortly. Homeroom teachers, please assist in maintaining order during the testing process."

The energy in Class 3-B erupted like fireworks.

"It's happening! It's finally happening!"

"Let's go, let's go! To the field!"

"I can't believe it. If I awaken a strong talent, my life's about to change!"

"I heard three students at Westwood High awakened Dragonite-level potential yesterday. Greenfield High is even better than Westwood, so we're bound to have more!"

Luke, Ethan's enthusiastic seatmate, was practically glowing with excitement as he fastened his belt and got in line. "Ethan, if I awaken as a trainer, I'll make sure to look out for you!"

"Thanks a lot," Ethan replied dryly. By now, he had spent most of his lunch break researching this strange new world on his phone and had pieced together a general idea of what was happening.

Apparently, the "National High School Pokémon Attribute Examination" was a test to determine if someone had the potential to become a Pokémon trainer.

A hundred years ago, creatures called Pokémon began to appear in this world. These Pokémon possessed extraordinary abilities: breathing fire, summoning storms, freezing enemies, and even altering the weather.

With their arrival, the natural laws of the Earth began to shift. Humans, for reasons no one fully understood, developed the ability to form bonds with Pokémon through special tools called Poké Balls. This bond allowed them to harness Pokémon's powers.

"So basically, this is a real-life version of Pokémon," Ethan thought, arriving at the only logical conclusion.

What he didn't yet know was how dangerous Pokémon could be in this world. If they were anything like the animated versions, a Thunderbolt from a Pikachu might leave someone singed but otherwise fine. But if this world followed real-world physics, even a basic Ember attack could be catastrophic.

"Stay calm. I can handle this," Ethan muttered to himself, steadying his nerves.

The entire senior class, along with students from 16 other classes, flooded into the school's main field. There was an electric sense of anticipation in the air.

Becoming a Pokémon trainer meant more than just having a strong partner; it meant a future filled with opportunity, respect, and power. For many, this was their one shot at a better life.

The field was packed—not only with senior students but also underclassmen and even junior high students who had come to watch. The school allowed it, knowing that no one could focus on lessons during such an exciting event.

As Ethan entered the field, his gaze was immediately drawn to a massive creature.

It stood at least eight feet tall, with a rugged, spiky carapace reminiscent of a hedgehog. Its yellow scales gleamed under the sun, and its sharp claws glinted like polished steel. The Pokémon exuded an aura of power, its deep breathing causing the surrounding ground to tremble slightly.

"That's a Sandslash! Senior Mark's partner!" someone exclaimed nearby.

"Whoa, it's huge! I've never seen a Sandslash that big!"

"I heard Senior Mark returned from Drake Academy just to guide new trainers here in Greendale City!"

Ethan stared at the Sandslash, utterly dumbfounded.

This wasn't the Sandslash he remembered from games or anime. That Sandslash was supposed to be around three feet tall, not towering over everyone like a freight truck.

"What the hell? This thing could flatten a car with one swipe!" Ethan thought, his mind racing.

Its claws alone were nearly two feet long, gleaming with a menacing light. Even its spiked back looked as though it could impale anything unlucky enough to get too close.

"If that thing hit me, I'd be toast. Forget Pokémon battles—this is a deathmatch!"

Ethan shuddered at the thought of what other Pokémon might look like in this world. Images of a real-life Jynx or Machamp flashed in his mind, and he grimaced.

"This is terrifying," he muttered under his breath as he followed his classmates to the assembly area.

"Attention, students!"

The voice of the principal boomed over the field. Standing on the podium, he gestured for the crowd to quiet down.

Ethan recognized him immediately—Principal Whitaker. Though the man would eventually be arrested for embezzlement in a few years, today he appeared authoritative and confident.

"Welcome to this year's talent examination," the principal began. "Last year, Greendale High saw five students awaken as trainers, all of whom were accepted into prestigious national academies. This year, I hope we will surpass that number!"

A wave of applause followed his speech, though Ethan suspected most students were too anxious to care about school statistics.

"To save time, I'll keep this brief. It's my honor to introduce a special guest: Mark Harris, a proud alumnus of Greendale High and a graduate of Drake Academy! Mark will be assisting with today's event and sharing his insights as a seasoned trainer. Please give him a warm welcome!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as Mark, the owner of the imposing Sandslash, stepped forward.

Ethan couldn't help but stare at the towering Pokémon beside him. This world's Pokémon were far more formidable than he had anticipated.

"Let's see what this talent test is all about," Ethan thought, bracing himself for whatever came next.