Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

The second-largest group of people gathered in the southern part of the square, led by Guga, whom Aoki knew. Many powerful individuals surrounded Guga. As Aoki glanced over, his eyes met Guga's, who had been staring at him for some time. Guga flashed a wicked smile at Aoki before looking away.

Aoki didn't give Guga much attention.

Once the mysterious figure took their seat, Viper began observing the field. He noted everyone's expressions and behaviors with satisfaction. A week ago, they were just children playing games. Now, the test had transformed them.

The decrease in numbers didn't concern Viper. Compared to previous years, the current group was quite large and of good quality. Despite only fifty places being available, this year's participants were the most promising. In past trials, the number rarely reached fifty, sometimes even as low as twenty.

Having passed the initial, most challenging phase, over 120 people remained. Viper was already pleased with this outcome.

He signaled to his assistant to begin the second test.

The second test was nearly identical to the first, focusing on attack value. While not a complete measure of strength, a sufficient attack score was essential.

Aoki learned from the instructors that a new rule had been added: the lowest scorer in the test would be eliminated.

This rule caused an uproar. Would the lowest scorer be eliminated outright?

Aoki frowned slightly. This rule was a harsh deterrent for those who hoped to get by without giving their best. Though only fifty could pass the final trial, not all failures meant death. Team Rocket wouldn't waste potential recruits. Those who survived and met the minimum standards could still join at a low level, with a chance to climb the ranks if they impressed the right people.

Now, with this new rule, anyone trying to coast would face a brutal end. Like sheep being chased by lions, the slowest would be caught. The testers were now in a survival-of-the-fittest scenario, with Team Rocket as the predators.

The square grew louder with anxious chatter, mostly from the weaker participants.

"Quiet!" Viper barked. A hardened veteran, he had little patience for the weak. "If you don't want to participate, leave now. Anyone who holds us up will be treated as the lowest scorer!"

His command silenced the crowd. No one dared challenge him.

Under Team Rocket's soldiers' direction, the participants began lining up reluctantly, each hoping not to be first, as the first position meant uncertainty. What if those behind scored higher?

Seeing the delay, Viper's face darkened.

The soldiers grew more aggressive, pushing the testers into place. They knew Viper's temper far better than the participants.

"Enough stalling, I'll go first," Guga declared, stepping forward with his Ekans. His disdain was evident as he took the lead.

With someone willing to go first, the others began lining up more readily. For the strong, position didn't matter.

Aoki was placed near the end of the line.

"Begin the test!" announced the official next to the testing stone.

Without hesitation, Guga and his Ekans approached. "Ekans, use Bite!"

Ekans struck the testing stone with precision, its fangs glinting as it bit down hard. After the attack, it retreated smoothly, showcasing its disciplined training.

"Attack value: 258!" the official announced, surprised by the high score.

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

"Guga's score is 258! Almost three times his previous score of 98!" one participant marveled.

"That's a huge leap!" another exclaimed.

"Trouble," some muttered, feeling the pressure.

Guga smirked and stepped down, satisfied.

The other participants followed in turn, their expressions ranging from joy to despair.

Each knew that if their score placed them at the bottom, they were in danger. Those on the brink anxiously watched, hoping someone else would score lower.

After many participants tested, the highest score remained Guga's 258. Second place was Jasmine, with her Zubat, scoring 227. The third was a lone trainer with a Poochyena, scoring 225. Fourth was Soros, a cheerful young man with a Koffing, scoring 215. His sunny demeanor had drawn other solo trainers into his group.

Finally, it was Aoki's turn. Guga watched him closely, his earlier disdain turning serious.

Even Viper and the mysterious figure in the stands paid attention. What would Aoki achieve?

As Aoki stepped forward, some recognized him.

"It's him! The one who placed second last time using tricks!" someone shouted.

"I wonder what he'll do today," another mused.

"He's nothing special," someone scoffed. "Those tricks won't work now."

"The Murkrow is strong," a more observant participant noted, judging its power by its appearance.

Ignoring the chatter, Aoki gave his command. "Murkrow, full power, use Wing Attack!"

"Caw!" Murkrow cried, spreading its wings as energy gathered.

Without delay, Murkrow struck the testing stone with full force.

"Attack value: 265," the official announced after a moment, stunned. "Currently in first place."

The crowd gasped.

"265 points! No way, is the testing stone broken?" someone muttered in disbelief.

Most had believed Aoki's earlier success was a fluke, but now they were forced to reconsider.

Guga, surprised but respectful, realized that Aoki was stronger than he had anticipated. "Can training in the wild really make such a difference?" he wondered, questioning his strategy of forming a group for mutual growth instead of solo training in the wild.