Time flew by swiftly, and a few days quickly passed, bringing them to the eve of the midterm joint examination.
During this period, David and his classmates did not continue their routine training as usual.
Instead, under Dominic's guidance, they thoroughly reviewed knowledge related to wilderness survival. Drawing from his own experience, Dominic taught them many valuable tips for Trainers exploring the wild.
Furthermore, under his leadership, the students of Class One visited F-rank Secret Realms multiple times for simulated wilderness survival training.
Secret Realms of this rank had a sufficiently high safety factor, allowing them to adapt to the wilderness environment in advance and avoid being caught off guard later.
The content of this joint examination's practical assessment was decided by the League. Since they chose the innovative approach of arranging it in a wilderness environment, there was naturally a reason behind it.
A wilderness survival elimination contest is far more complex than a simple Pokémon battle. The presence of various changing factors makes the entire assessment full of unknowns, but at the same time, it can better evaluate students' comprehensive abilities.
After understanding the assessment content and combining it with news David had previously seen about university students majoring in Pokémon Training experiencing multiple accidents—even fatalities—during holidays due to wilderness adventures and Secret Realm explorations, it wasn't difficult to see the League's intention: to improve the comprehensive abilities of the new generation of Trainers.
The number of new-generation Trainers has significantly increased, with more people becoming Trainers each year.
On the surface, this seemed positive.
However, compared to the past, current Trainers are more like flowers grown in a greenhouse, mostly skilled only in theoretical knowledge and arena battles, with pitifully little experience in wild battles and exploration. This situation clearly wasn't conducive to growth.
This wilderness joint examination was an attempt by the League to enrich the experience of the new generation of Trainers and better enhance their comprehensive abilities.
Looking at the current situation, if the results proved favorable, such assessments would likely become more frequent in the future.
Soon, the midterm joint examination arrived as scheduled. David and his classmates first had to face the written tests.
On November 6, 2017, Cloudspire Calendar, at 8:00 AM, outside Imperial Capital No. 1 High School, the examination hall gates opened punctually as the minute hand reached twelve. The students waiting outside surged forward in a rush.
The scene was quite lively. These were all candidates participating in this joint examination, and most showed hints of nervousness on their faces.
Anyone with sense knew that the results of this joint examination would largely determine how much attention and support they'd receive from their schools afterward.
To put it bluntly, it might even affect their future development.
In the crowd, David looked at the exam room number displayed on his phone. Following the information provided, he navigated through the crowded hall, using the surrounding signs to find his assigned exam room.
"This really feels like taking an exam again..."
Squeezed in the crowd, David felt the sensation of being pushed forward, unable to stop, and recalled his past exam experiences with a sigh.
Finally, after considerable effort, he managed to reach his exam room.
During the previous two days, conventional subjects like Language Arts and Mathematics had already been tested. However, exams in the Pokémon world certainly wouldn't cover only these. Today's subjects were History and Pokémon Theoretical Knowledge.
David quietly took his seat, and soon the test papers were distributed.
The morning's subject was History.
David smiled as he looked at the paper.
First question: What was the exact founding date of the ancient Cloudspire Empire, and who was its first emperor?
This was simple: Cloudspire Calendar Year 960, which is the first year of the Old Cloudspire Calendar. The founder was known as the Dragon Emperor.
David continued reading.
Second question: Describe the political system of the ancient Cloudspire Empire and the changes in totem worship in the Cloudspire region.
This was also straightforward. The ancient Cloudspire Empire adopted a feudal election system, choosing emperors through competitive elections. As for totem worship, it evolved from the Black Rayquaza at the nation's founding to Lugia during the empire's middle period. After the League was established, there was no clear official totem worship. However, because the Cloudspire League received assistance from Ho-Oh during its establishment, Ho-Oh's elements were often incorporated into the League's official symbols.
Since awakening his Aura abilities, besides his body becoming progressively healthier, David's memory capabilities had also become extraordinarily enhanced, reaching near-photographic levels.
Sometimes, he even wondered if he'd awakened Aura or Psychic powers.
An hour into the exam, when the proctor announced that papers could be submitted, David immediately placed his completed paper on the front podium and left.
It was still early—the perfect time to grab some breakfast.
As for the Pokémon Theoretical Knowledge exam in the afternoon, there was even less to worry about.
After quickly solving the simple warm-up questions, he went directly to the final two pages.
First question: Please list at least five Pokémon that can learn the move Teleport (evolved and initial forms count as one species).
This was simple: Ralts, Abra, Elgyem, Natu, Baltoy...
Second question: Please list at least three Pokémon that are not Dragon-type but are categorized into the Dragon Egg Group.
This was even more aligned with the Moore family's area of expertise. One must understand that Dragon-type Secret Realms don't contain only Dragon-type Pokémon—many Pokémon belonging to the Dragon Egg Group or possessing Dragon bloodlines also inhabit these areas.
Without hesitation, David immediately picked up his pen and wrote: Sceptile, Charizard, Gyarados, Milotic...
An interesting fact: Scrafty, which had battled David's Zorua before, also belongs to the Dragon Egg Group and can even inherit Dragon Dance as an Egg Move.
"Didn't expect that, did you? I can use Dragon Dance too!"
Here, David wanted to specifically criticize a certain Pokémon that was a legitimate Dragon-type pseudo-legendary but couldn't learn Dragon Dance, forced to settle for Swords Dance instead.
He reached the final question: How should a Fire-type Pokémon's cold be treated? Please provide a complete treatment plan.
David raised an eyebrow. A Pokémon Breeder question!
After some thought, he wrote: Place the Pokémon in a high-temperature environment as quickly as possible, ensuring its body doesn't come into contact with water while maintaining the function of its internal and external flame-producing organs (Charmander's tail flame, Cyndaquil's back vents, etc.).
Then, prepare a mixed Pokéblock using Custap Berry (to resist cold) and Oran Berry (to restore stamina), and feed it to the Pokémon.
So easy!
After writing a lengthy response, David stretched, submitted his paper just within the minimum time requirement, and left.
With the Pokémon Theoretical Knowledge exam easily handled, the three days of written exams concluded. Next, they would face the wilderness practical assessment.