Lucien City's central square was crowded with people. The citizens pressed together in front of the steps where Elif stood.
"I wonder why Lord Elif suddenly gathered us here."
"Is the war about to start?"
"No, that cannot be."
Before the speculation grew louder, Elif surveyed the crowd. He cleared his throat, and the noisy civilians instantly fell silent.
"Everyone, I gathered you here today under His Highness Lucien's command."
"A new organization will be established: the Trainer Association. A Trainer is someone who raises and works with magical beasts, what we commonly call Beast Tamers."
"Lucien City urgently needs people who can help guide magical beasts and maintain stability. His Highness Lucien intends to cultivate Trainers who can protect the territory and help newly arrived magical beasts adapt to life here."
His announcement sparked excitement.
"A Beast Tamer?"
"People like that have such high status!"
"Can I become one?"
"That sounds incredible. If I become a Trainer, I could ride a flying beast through the sky."
After living alongside Pokémon for a year, most civilians had shed their fear. Curiosity had taken its place.
Once the excitement subsided, a man in front raised his hand."Lord Elif, how do we join the Trainer Association?"
Elif smiled.
"His Highness said that becoming a Trainer is not determined by class or birth. Anyone who likes magical beasts, who can accept and care for them sincerely, may become a Trainer."
"This will be a royal organization directly under His Highness Lucien. He will personally teach you how to train magical beasts and will provide each of you with a partner Pokémon to choose from."
"You will help resolve incidents involving magical beasts. As compensation, the association will grant you a monthly allowance on the fifteenth."
The crowd brightened again. This opportunity seemed almost unreal.
But Elif continued.
"However, if anyone is discovered harming magical beast or acting dishonestly, the association will punish them severely."
"Starting today, only children between the ages of ten and fifteen may register at the city hall."
"Only children? Why cannot adults become Trainers? We love magical beasts too."
"Adults will have a chance later," Elif explained. "His Highness has his reasons. This is only a trial phase. Once the association matures, the method of becoming a Trainer will be shared with everyone."
The civilians relaxed, and many hurried home to bring their children to register.
The next morning, inside the city hall, Lucien stood before a group of children. Their faces showed excitement mixed with nervousness. There were about forty of them, boys and girls alike.
The moment they saw him, several froze. They had never been so close to royalty.
A few braver ones stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Highness!"
The rest followed quickly.
Lucien nodded.
"Do not be nervous. Welcome to the world of magical beasts."
He reached into his pocket and took out a Berry-crafted Poké Ball.
A flash of white light burst out as Dragonite appeared.
Its round body, soft belly, gentle eyes, and the powerful dragon aura it carried immediately captured every child's attention.
"Wow!"
Lucien smiled.
"This is a magical beast. They live in this world just like humans do."
"You can find them in the sea, in the sky, in forests, and on plains. Once, humans and magical beast were enemies. But now, we work together, help one another, and grow side by side."
"In everyday life, we cooperate with magical beast. Sometimes, we fight alongside them."
"So cool!"
Most of the children had already seen how people in the territory relied on Pokémon for work and defense. Hearing Lucien's words, their eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Everyone," Lucien called out, "do you want to become Trainers, to live and fight beside magical beasts , and become the strongest partners?"
"Yes!" the children shouted together.
"Good. Then come find me at the breeding center outside the territory."
Lucien stepped outside, climbed onto Dragonite's back, and soared into the sky.
The children stared upward in a daze until Elif chuckled and reminded them, "His Highness has already prepared your first magical beast partners. Use your own strength to find His Highness at the breeding center. This is your first test."
A test.
The moment the word reached their ears, the children's eyes blazed with determination.
They had to pass it. They had to live up to His Highness Lucien's expectations.
With that thought burning in their hearts, the group of children rushed out of the city hall. They had lived within the city their whole lives, and the newly built breeding center was unfamiliar to them.
But that was fine.
The clever ones quickly realized they could ask adults for directions.
The road between Lucien City and the breeding center was not long. Along the way lived gentle Pokémon such as Budew, Petilil, and Pidove.
None of them were aggressive, so the children would be safe.
Even if an accident occurred, they would still be protected.
Lucien had already ordered Dragonite and Serperior to secretly patrol the country road to ensure the children's safety.
Lucien himself went on ahead to the breeding center.
Inside, a number of Pokémon,Tepig, Clefairy, Psyduck, Buneary, and Patrat, were gathered, watching him with anticipation.
Lucien smiled at them.
"Don't worry. The children will be here soon."
...
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