Oak began describing each Pokémon, explaining their temperaments and basic care requirements. I half-listened, my attention fixed on the dynamics playing out among the trainers.
Lawrence had already decided on Porygon, his tablet filling with notes about Silph Co. technology.
Hunter J's visor hadn't moved from Dratini. She'd calculated its value down to the last credit.
Damian kept glancing between Elekid and a few others, clearly trying to determine which looked "strongest."
Silver watched Murkrow with something like respect in his cold eyes.
Paul's assessment of Chimchar was purely clinical, noting weaknesses and calculating training regimens.
Janine had identified Skorupi as her match within seconds.
Samurai seemed drawn to Nincada's disciplined burrowing patterns.
Cheryl couldn't look away from Togepi's egg, clearly hoping it would hatch for her.
Lyra and Chikorita had already formed an unspoken connection across the glass.
And Ash sat in his chair, nervous and uncertain, not yet aware that he'd be getting the last pick—and that the last pick was secretly the best one.
"The selection order was determined by lottery last week," Oak announced, pulling out a prepared list. "I'll call your names in order. You'll approach your chosen Pokémon, receive its Pokéball, and complete your League registration with Samael's assistance."
He read the names:
"First: Lawrence Benson the Third. Second: Hunter J. Third: Damian. Fourth: Silver. Fifth: Paul. Sixth: Janine. Seventh: Samurai. Eighth: Cheryl. Ninth: Lyra. Tenth: Ash Ketchum."
Ash's face fell slightly. Last again. Just like every other time in his life, probably.
But I knew something he didn't.
'You're about to get the best starter in this room, Ash Ketchum. You just don't know it yet.'
My Pokédex buzzed urgently in my pocket.
[GP THRESHOLD DECISION]
[DEADLINE: 15 MINUTES REMAINING]
[CHOOSE NOW OR FORFEIT REWARD]
The air froze in my throat.
'I need to decide. Now. Before the selections begin.'
I looked at my grandfather. "I need to step out for a moment. Is that alright?"
Oak glanced at me, saw something in my expression that made him nod. "Of course. Be quick."
I slipped out through the side door into one of the laboratory's smaller research rooms, Gible following at my heels. The door closed behind us, muffling the sounds of the ceremony.
I pulled up the system interface and stared at the three options one final time.
Option A: Information on First Gym Leader
'Brock isn't the gym leader anymore. Whoever replaced him might be different. But honestly, I can research gym leaders through normal channels. The League publishes its rosters. This feels like the least valuable choice.'
Option B: Information on Genetic Mutations
'Understanding how Prism Transformations work would be incredible. The mechanisms, the triggers, how to identify candidates...'
I paused, thinking about what I'd just seen.
'But I already found a candidate. Riolu has the silver glow. I know genetic plasticity exists. I know it's rare. I can see it with my Prism Eye. What I don't know is where to find more specimens to build a full team.'
Option C: Information on Rare Pokémon
'A specific location. A specific Pokémon. Something I can act on immediately rather than theoretical knowledge I might use eventually.'
'And if it has genetic plasticity like Riolu does...'
Decision made.
"Option C. Rare Pokémon."
[CHOICE CONFIRMED: RARE POKÉMON LOCATION]
[PROCESSING REWARD...]
[RARE POKÉMON DETECTED]
[SPECIES: Crocodile Pokémon]
[LOCATION: Pallet Town Beach - Hidden Sea Cave]
[COORDINATES: 200 meters south of Oak Laboratory]
[BEHAVIORAL NOTE: Reclusive, territorial, refuses to emerge from cave]
[HABITAT: Tidal cave system, accessible only at low tide]
[GENETIC PLASTICITY: Confirmed - Silver glow detected]
[PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT: Lonely, defensive, seeks strong trainer]
[RECOMMENDATION: Approach with food offering and patience]
[WARNING: Aggressive if threatened]
[OPTIMAL CAPTURE WINDOW: Tonight, 9 PM - Midnight (low tide)]
I stared at the information, mind racing.
'A Crocodile Pokémon. I can think of three main crocodile-line Pokémon, but if it's Gen 1 through 4. There is only one option. Hidden in a sea cave right here in Pallet Town. With genetic plasticity confirmed.'
'That's... that has to be Totodile. But what if it's not, then the Pokémon wouldn't be readable on the Pokédex.'
'And it's been hiding here this whole time? How? Why?'
The system didn't provide those answers.
But it didn't matter.
'I can catch it tonight. Add a second Prism candidate to my team before I even leave Pallet Town. Water-type covers Fire, Ground, and Rock—all of Gible's weaknesses.'
'This is perfect.'
I returned to the ceremony room just as Oak was calling the first name.
"Lawrence Benson the Third. Please make your selection."
Lawrence approached the habitats carefully, his expensive shoes clicking softly on the laboratory floor. His electronic tablet was already out, stylus moving across the screen as he took notes aggressively.
He stopped in front of the Porygon habitat and spent several minutes examining the digital Pokémon from multiple angles. The synthetic creature floated in its specialized enclosure, geometric body shifting through various configurations in response to internal programming.
"Silph Co. Model 2.4, correct?" Lawrence asked, not looking away from his tablet.
"Yes," Oak confirmed. "One of only fifty produced before the program was discontinued."
"Fascinating. The computational architecture alone represents a significant achievement in digital biology." Lawrence tapped a few more notes. "And the League has confirmed its eligibility for standard competition?"
"Fully certified. Porygon is recognized as a legitimate Pokémon by all four regional Leagues."
"Acceptable." Lawrence finally looked up from his tablet. "I'll take it. Please provide the Pokéball and registration materials."