Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

Ethan sat on the edge of his seat, his hands folded tightly in front of him in Professor Oak's study.

"So, Ethan," Oak began, "how exactly did you come across information about Pokémon abilities? It's a relatively obscure topic, not typically accessible to the public."

Ethan hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. He didn't want to seem suspicious, but he also knew honesty—or at least a version of it—was required, especially with Alakazam's ever-looming presence, even though it remained unseen.

"Well," Ethan started, choosing his words carefully, "in my free time, I visit the Oak Library. There's a lot of information there, but it's... basic. I also check PokeNet whenever I can, but the freely accessible information is limited."

Oak nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. "Go on."

"It wasn't until I helped Jacob with some data entry work on his datapad that I found I could access more detailed information. Since then, whenever Jacob isn't using it, I ask if I can borrow it to study." Ethan smiled, hoping his eagerness would be seen as a love for learning. "That's how I came across abilities."

Oak chuckled softly. "Resourceful. But you came across knowledge that you normally shouldn't have access to at your level." A frown took over his expression. "In this world, knowledge isn't freely accessible to everyone. It's tiered and linked to clearance levels."

Ethan leaned forward slightly. "Wait so, the information I have access to depends on my clearance level?"

Oak nodded slowly, his eyes flickering to the side as he processed Ethan's words. "That's right." Oak continued, "The levels range from 0 to 7. Depending on where you fall in this hierarchy, you can access different kinds of information, resources, training facilities, and even jobs. Let me break it down for you."

"Level 0 is for civilians—those not directly involved in Pokémon-related professions. This includes people in law, art, literature, business, and engineering. Also, minors like yourself are classified as Level 0 until they pass the Initial Companion Aptitude Test (ICAT). Those in this level have access only to the most basic knowledge about Pokémon."

"You know about ICAT, right?" Professor Oak asked.

"Yes, the test you have to pass after the 5 year Pokemon Preparatory Program & attaining the age of 18, to officially be able to own a starter Pokémon." Ethan replied.

"Correct," Oak continued, "Once you pass ICAT, you move into Level 1. This is the level where Novice Trainers, Research Interns, and Novice Breeders find themselves."

"Level 2 is for those with a little more experience—Rookie Trainers, Research Assistants, Trainee Breeders, and so on."

"Level 3 clearance is for Intermediate Trainers, Junior Researchers, Junior Breeders, etc. Jacob, being a Junior Breeder, has Level 3 clearance. It was the level you used to get information on abilities," Oak said.

Ethan nodded with a guilty expression, realizing that he had overstepped his authority and probably gotten Jacob into trouble.

"Jacob probably thought you were just watching some Pokémon battle videos on Poketube," Oak said. "That's what kids your age normally do. Otherwise, he would not have shared his datapad, since sharing unauthorized information with someone who does not have the required clearance is a punishable offense."

"Will he get into trouble, Professor?" Ethan asked, a look of guilt on his face.

"Not for now," Oak said thoughtfully. "It was probably an honest mistake, as he didn't know what all you were looking into. So, I will forgive him this time. But don't expect to have access to such information anymore," he warned, his tone grave.

Ethan nodded pensively.

"Anyway, after Level 3, Level 4 clearance is for Advanced Trainers, Associate Researchers, Associate Breeders, and others. At this level, one is ready for more responsibility. They may even be tasked with leading projects or guiding those at lower levels."

Ethan's mind was racing. "And Level 5?"

"Level 5 is where the top performers reside—Ace Trainers, Senior Researchers, Senior Breeders, and Specialists in their respective fields. At this level, you're a leader in your domain, and people look up to you for guidance."

"Level 6 clearance represents the elite—Elite Trainers, Lead Researchers, Expert Breeders, etc. These individuals have not only excelled in their field but also have considerable influence over its future."

"And finally," Oak said, pausing for effect, "Level 7 is the pinnacle. The top of the hierarchy. Trainers who've become champions, researchers who've made groundbreaking discoveries, and breeders who've mastered the art of breeding the rarest and most unique Pokémon. At this level, you'll have access to the most exclusive resources, and your name will carry weight. Pokémon professors, like myself, and the champion of our region, Lance, fall under this category."

Ethan let the words sink in. Level 7. Realizing that the easy-going old man sitting in front of him was at the apex of this world, Ethan found a newfound respect for him.

"But..." Ethan began, a new question forming, "how do you move up these levels? Is it just about taking tests?"

Oak looked thoughtful. "For Trainers, the path is relatively simple. Catch Pokémon, train them, and prove your abilities through gym battles and tournaments. The stronger your Pokémon become, the higher you can rise."

Ethan nodded. That made sense. But what about other professions?

"For other professions, it's not quite as straightforward," Oak explained. "You'll need to take specialized tests after passing ICAT to become a breeder, researcher, healer, and the like. The results of these tests will determine your rank, and from there, you'll join institutions that provide the necessary resources to help you improve."

"Unlike a Trainer, who only needs a few Pokéballs and some camping gear to improve their strength, other professions are a bit more complicated," Oak continued. "Specialized equipment and opportunities are key. For example, a breeder needs access to a wide variety of Pokémon species, breeding facilities, costly berry blenders, etc. A healer requires expensive medical equipment, costly potions, and a researcher needs a high tech lab and collaborators. Normal individuals cannot afford these, so they join various institutions that provide these tools to help them level up while working for them."

Ethan absorbed the information, realizing that there was much more to this world than just catching Pokémon. There were layers of complexity, and he was just beginning to peel them back.

"You mentioned institutions," Ethan said. "What kind of institutions are we talking about?"

"Well," Oak began, "institutions like Oak Coral, Devon Corporation, Silph Co., and even clans like the Joy Clan and Jenny Clan are part of it. But these are the most reputed ones; there are various other, less famous breeding houses, research centers, and so on. Once you pass ICAT, you can become a Trainer, but if you want to join any of these institutions, you'll need to take additional specialized tests."

"The League conducts a common specialized test each year for different professions, for those who have passed ICAT. Based on your rank, you can apply to join the various institutions. But the real top institutions, like Oak Coral, will conduct our own tests, which will be much harder. Only by excelling in these tests can you join us normally."

"As a Pokémon Professor, I have some privileges, and I can freely recruit Level 1 clearance Research Interns based on my judgment. So even though there has never been a precedent of a 12-year-old Research Intern (Level 1), I can make an exception for you, if you pass a test of mine," Oak offered.

Ethan eyes twinkled with delight.