Chapter 1: Rambo

Thirty years ago... It was a time of chaos and upheaval, where human technology regressed due to a monumental event. That event was the invasion of an alternate world. On that fateful day, the concept of parallel universes became a reality, as people witnessed the immense power from another realm.

The first spatial rift on Earth appeared directly above Sunvale City. Initially, everyone thought it was some advanced 3D AR projection. However, when peculiar, frenzied creatures started emerging one after another, panic set in.

The military quickly moved to contain Sunvale City, trapping the numerous and varied creatures within its borders. It soon became apparent that Sunvale City was not the only place experiencing these spatial rifts; other cities and even remote wilderness areas also saw the emergence of these rifts. These rifts varied in nature—some were temporary, while others were permanent.

The appearance of these rifts rendered all human satellites, signal towers, and various communication devices useless. Humanity lost the ability to communicate over long distances conveniently, and in battle, they became "blind" as radars also failed.

Powerful beings from the alternate world pushed humanity to the brink, making the outdoors increasingly inhospitable. Many villages were wiped out due to relentless attacks from these creatures. The struggle between humans and these otherworldly beings persisted for a decade until a pivotal entity appeared, bringing an end to the war.

Ho-Oh, a magnificent and extraordinary creature from the alternate world, arrived and used telepathy and a calming influence to restore sanity to the other beings, enabling communication and cooperation with humans.

Under Ho-Oh's guidance, the two major global coalitions, Western and Eastern nations, successfully negotiated peace with the otherworldly beings. Ho-Oh revealed their scholarly name—Pokémon. In their world, creatures like Ho-Oh were known as Legendary Pokémon, possessing the power to control the very laws of nature. It was unclear whether they retained these abilities on Earth, but it was certain that even without such powers, Legendary Pokémon were immensely powerful. Ho-Oh's ability to restore the sanity of all Pokémon worldwide was unmatched by any human capability.

From Ho-Oh, humanity learned that their world was collapsing due to an indescribable force that destroyed their universe. The remnants of their universe, upon contact with our universe, began to merge, resulting in the countless spatial rifts.

In the following twenty years, humanity relentlessly explored the world within these rifts, acquiring advanced technologies and tools related to Pokémon. They discovered a comprehensive book documenting over 1,000 types of Pokémon. This book was replicated and distributed freely to everyone, deepening humanity's understanding and reducing their fear of these creatures.

Thus, the world entered a new era, known as—the Pokémon Era.

"Rambo, come out! You're going to be late for class!" Rambo's mother—Margaret, knocked persistently on his door, trying to rouse him from his slumber.

Bang, bang, bang.

Rambo was jolted awake by the insistent knocking. He opened his bleary eyes and glanced at the clock on the wall. The clock, shaped like a Voltorb, stared back at him with its digital display blinking at 7:30 AM. He groaned and rubbed his face, sitting up slowly in bed.

"Mom, I'm awake now," Rambo called out, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"Well, hurry up and get ready," Margaret replied, her tone softening. "Breakfast is on the table."

Rambo's room was clean and tidy. The floor was spotless, without any rubbish. His bed was neatly made, with a plain blue bedspread that matched the curtains hanging by the window. A sturdy wooden desk stood against one wall, covered with neatly stacked homework and various school supplies.

Above the desk was a bookshelf filled with books of all kinds—novels, textbooks, and volumes about Pokémon. The shelves were packed, showing Rambo's love for reading. 

A soft hum came from an electric fan on his desk, circulating the morning air. Sunlight streamed through a large window, casting a warm glow over everything. His backpack, packed and ready 

for the day, sat by the door.

Rambo quickly got out of bed and started getting dressed. He could hear his mother moving around in the kitchen, preparing for the day.

Rutherford High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Wulnarile City, renowned for producing independent and talented graduates. One notable alumnus is Professor Frederic, a respected local Pokémon expert known for his groundbreaking research and contributions to Pokémon science.

The school boasts a highly qualified faculty, including Gold Class Pokémon Trainers who teach specialized courses in Pokémon studies. Following the harmonious coexistence of Pokémon and humans, Pokémon education has become an integral part of the curriculum worldwide. This includes courses on Pokémon biology, battle strategies, and care techniques, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in both traditional subjects and Pokémon expertise.

Rutherford High School is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support its comprehensive educational programs. The campus features modern classrooms with advanced learning technologies, fully-equipped science laboratories, and a vast library with an extensive collection of books and digital resources on Pokémon and other academic subjects.

Additionally, the school provides well-maintained sports facilities, including a gymnasium and outdoor fields for various athletic activities. The Pokémon training grounds are a highlight, offering students the opportunity to practice and hone their skills with their Pokémon partners under the guidance of experienced trainers.

One of the unique aspects of Rutherford High School is its integration of Pokémon into daily school life. The school hosts regular inter-class Pokémon battles, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and teamwork. Special events and guest lectures by renowned Pokémon trainers and researchers are common, providing students with insights into advanced Pokémon training techniques and the latest research developments.

Upon turning 18, students receive a Pokémon assigned by the school, supported by government subsidies. This tradition not only marks the transition to adulthood but also emphasizes the importance of responsibility and partnership with Pokémon.

Rutherford High School's commitment to excellence and comprehensive resources ensures that its students are well-prepared for future challenges, whether they pursue higher education, professional careers, or become Pokémon trainers and researchers.

Overall, Rutherford High School exemplifies a premier educational institution, combining academic rigor with a deep appreciation for the unique bond between humans and Pokémon.

Rutherford High School, Class 6B.

"Morning, Rambo. Are you excited for the next class?" Larry's face radiated with excitement.

Larry was Rambo's classmate and sat right next to him. He had golden hair that shimmered in the morning light, contrasting sharply with his fair, white skin. Standing tall at 185 cm, Larry had a slim yet athletic build. His striking blue eyes and confident smile often drew attention.

Larry was known for his excellent academic performance, especially in Pokemon battle strategies. Rumor had it that he already received his first Pokemon from his parents, unlike most of his peers who still had to wait for the school to assign them one. His enthusiasm and passion for Pokemon were evident, making him a respected figure among his classmates.

"Kinda, I couldn't even sleep well last night," Rambo replied, his voice tinged with excitement and a hint of fatigue. Today was the day the school would assign Pokemon to the students. Rambo, who had always dreamed of becoming a Pokemon Trainer, was eager to find out who his partner would be.

"Oh, come on. Don't worry about it. Your results are great, by the way. I bet you'll get to pick your Starter Pokemon ahead of the others," Larry said, patting Rambo on the shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"Oh yeah, by the way, which type did you choose as your specialty? You've kept it a secret until now. Come on, are you really afraid I'll pick the type that has an advantage over yours? Haha!" Larry joked, laughing good-naturedly.

"Dark type, that's absolutely my favorite. I'm hoping to get a Dark-type Pokemon like Sandile or Pawniard. Both of them are so cool!" Rambo's voice clearly conveyed his excitement and anticipation.

Larry responded in shock, "Seriously? Dark type?"

"What's wrong with Dark type?" Rambo asked, puzzled.

"Well, I know some insider information. Apparently, there's a Froakie from France in this batch, and its final evolution is also a Dark type. Do you think you have a chance to get it?" Larry's father, Owen Mattherson, was on the school's board, which is how Larry knew this exclusive information.

Starter Pokemon are a special class of Pokemon. Their defining characteristic is that their base stat total in their final evolution is always 530, and they are extremely rare. When a group of such Pokemon is discovered, the government takes over their care and cultivation.

The government raises them to expand their population, distributing these highly potential Pokemon to individuals who have made significant contributions or to exceptionally talented individuals. The fact that Rutherford High School has a Froakie likely has something to do with this arrangement.

"Nah, I don't think that I have that chance to obtain a Starter Pokemon anyways, not at all. And I am good with Sandile or Pawniard too," Rambo replied, he knew that his family wasn't that rich or powerful, he was just from a normal family, his father was a lawyer and a Bronze Class Pokemon Trainer, which was the most common one.

"Okay, fine then, but remember to choose Froakie if you have a chance," Larry kept reminding Rambo.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll keep that in mind," Rambo replied dismissively. He didn't believe he had any real chance of getting Froakie. Such a rare Pokemon would either be designated for someone exceptionally talented or snatched up by influential families.

After an announcement, the students of Class 6B lined up neatly in the hallway and walked towards Rutherford's Breeding Center.

A coworker from Rutherford's Breeding Center emerged from the door, visibly sweating and looking exhausted, as if he'd been working since early morning.

The coworker said, "Rambo? Who is Rambo? Please come in first. The others, line up according to this name list."

Rambo stepped forward and followed the coworker into Rutherford's Breeding Center. "May I check your Student Card?" the coworker asked.

Rambo nodded, "Of course, here is my Student Card." He pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to the coworker.

"Your Student ID is #3233, okay, thanks for your cooperation," the coworker smiled and politely returned the Student Card to Rambo.

Inside Rutherford's Breeding Center, the atmosphere was lively and bustling. Coworkers were diligently taking care of various Pokemon, ensuring they were well-fed and healthy. Rambo could see several Pokemon interacting with each other and the staff.

Lillipup, with its fluffy fur, eagerly chased a ball across the room, barking happily. Nearby, a sleek Purrloin lounged on a windowsill, its eyes half-closed in a relaxed manner. A group of Pidove fluttered around a large aviary, cooing softly as they perched on branches.

On the ground, a sturdy Roggenrola moved steadily, its rocky body making soft clinking sounds with each step. Klink, with its interlocking gears, rotated rhythmically, emitting a faint mechanical hum. Timburr, holding a wooden beam, practiced its strength exercises under the watchful eye of a coworker.

The Pokemon interacted playfully and harmoniously, creating a scene of peaceful coexistence. Coworkers moved about, feeding the Pokemon, cleaning their habitats, and engaging in friendly banter. The air was filled with a mix of chirps, barks, and mechanical sounds, creating a symphony of the diverse Pokemon world.

After a while, Rambo and the coworker stopped in front of Professor Norwayne's office. "Here we are. See you later, and remember to make a good choice. Just a friendly reminder: the government has laws to punish Pokemon Trainers who abandon their Pokemon. These laws have been in place since the day Ho-Oh first communicated with humans, so be mindful of your decision," the coworker said, offering a final piece of advice before leaving Rambo alone to face Professor Norwayne.