Gladion reached Saffron city to get one of the last three badges that were left to complete the circuit. The Volcano badge was surprisingly easy since well Blaine was not the one who was the Gym leader.
Getting the Rainbow badge was also pretty easy. Erika was not the gym leader either. Some unknown man was the current Gym leader.
Gladion had skipped Viridian City and Fuschia city and had decided to tackle these two gyms at last. Viridian City was self explanatory, he did not want to come in Giovanni's radar right after he destroyed his plan.
If that man discovers that he is the one responsible for the failure of his Legendary capture mission, his journey would become a lot more troublesome. Heck if he could have avoided his gym all together, he would have done so.
Fuschia gym was left because Koga was another troublesome character. In manga, He was part of team Rocket. Koga was also quite sharp at information gathering since he was a shinobi so again Gladion decided to avoid him for now and tackle his gym once things have calmed down a little.
There was another reason for Gladion to visit in Saffron City. He was standing outside a building that resembled a school.
He read the building's name as he entered it.
"Saffron Psychic Academy - Home of the Disciplined Mind."
"So this is where all the mind-benders hang out," Gladion mused, adjusting his trainer belt. His newly evolved Umbreon, Nyx, padded beside him, her yellow rings glowing faintly.
[Indeed,] Nyx responded [Though one must question whether the segregation of psychic individuals promotes understanding or merely reinforces societal fears of the unknown.]
"Not now, Nyx. Save the existential crisis for after my test."
Yes, test. Psychics had to take a test if they were to use their powers in real life legally. Well, if no one was around then there is no one to report so that doesn't count.
This test has to be taken when a person reaches the age of 10 or when he becomes a psychic at a later age. Also, the psychic license did not give them the power to read anyone's mind so that was still a no-no.
The academy's interior was surprisingly modest – clean white walls adorned with photographs of famous psychics throughout history. A receptionist looked up as Gladion entered, her eyes widening slightly at the psychic pressure he unconsciously emitted.
"I'm here for the licensing test," Gladion stated.
"Of course. Though we usually don't get many applicants..." she trailed off, checking her computer. "Anyways, the Gym Leader himself conducts evaluations. Let me inform him. He would be here soon."
Gladion nodded, unsurprised. With less than thirty students between two regions Kanto and Johto, it made sense that the Gym Leader would personally oversee new additions to their ranks.
The statistics were sobering – one psychic per roughly every million people in Kanto and Johto combined.
After an hour or two, a tall man in a formal gi appeared, his presence commanding respect. This was Marcus, Sabrina's father and the current Saffron City Gym Leader. His eyes narrowed as he assessed Gladion.
"Young man, are you aware of why we require licensing?" Marcus asked, his tone serious.
"Because untrained psychics are walking natural disasters?" Gladion replied dryly.
Marcus's lip twitched. "Precisely. The power to bend reality with thought alone is not to be taken lightly. We've had instances of psychics causing mass hysteria, accidental telepathic broadcasts of nightmares, and in one particularly unfortunate case, a young man who sneezed and accidentally teleported half a building into a lake."
[How fascinating,] Nyx commented. [The inherent chaos of uncontrolled power serving as---]
"Nyx, please," Gladion interrupted. The Umbreon merely flicked her tail, looking smug.
Marcus looked at the Umbreon weirdly before leading them to a large training room where an Alakazam sat meditating.
'So this is Erza's son. The prodigy psychic just like my daughter. From what I can feel, He has control over his Psychic power so that's a relief and he is not as unemotional as my dear Sabrina. Maybe he could be the one to break through Sabrina's barriers? At last, she would find herself a friend that is not one of her Pokemons. But first I have to test him. It would do the kid no good if he was not as strong as Sabrina and she mind controlled him to become her maid.' Marcus thought with a wry smile.
"First test – establishing controlled telepathic contact with Alakazam. Many psychics can broadcast thoughts, but receiving and filtering them is the true challenge."
Gladion settled into a meditative pose, reaching out with his mind. The Alakazam's consciousness was like a vast library, thoughts arranged with perfect precision.
'Your organization is impressive,' Gladion commented telepathically.
'Your control is... acceptable,' the Alakazam responded, though Gladion caught a flicker of surprise at his ease with the connection.
The next test involved telekinesis. Marcus set up various objects – from feathers to steel beams.
"The goal is precision, not power," Marcus explained. "Lift the feather without creating a breeze, move the beam without-"
Gladion had already started, his psychic energy flowing with practiced control. The feather rose with surgical precision, while the steel beam floated as if weightless. Years of training with his father's Alakazam had paid off.
Marcus's eyebrows shot up. "Impressive. Most candidates struggle with varying weights. Now, for emotional stability..."
A series of illusions played out – loss, fear, anger – while monitoring devices measured Gladion's psychic output. Through each scenario, his power remained steady, controlled.
"Remarkable," Marcus muttered, checking the readings. "Your power level matches my daughter's at your age, but your control... it's almost unnatural for someone self-taught."
"Your daughter?" Gladion asked, feigning ignorance.
"Sabrina. She's currently participating in the league this year, but she'll take over the gym eventually. In fact, she has already completed the circuit and is training and relaxing with her Pokemon in the gym." Marcus's pride was evident. "Your Psychic power is as strong as her. And that's something since she is the strongest Psychic that I know, even stronger than me." Chapters first released on novel·fiɾe·net
'She is participating in this year's conference? That's a surprise. And she has completed the circuit already? Talk about grabbing attention. Muh, I would have completed my circuit with just Guy and Collosus by now if I wanted to but where is the fun in that.'
Marcus stared at him for a long moment. "Well," he finally said, "I believe we can skip the rest of the tests. Your control and power easily qualify you for an Advanced Psychic License. Though..." he paused, studying Gladion carefully, "I'd be very interested in having you study here. Your potential is extraordinary."
"Thank you, but I'm focused on my gym challenge right now," Gladion replied politely.
"Of course. Though if you change your mind..." Marcus handed him his license – a sleek card with 'Advanced Psychic Practitioner' emblazoned in gold.
"And if I am not wrong, You are also here for a gym battle. Correct?"
"Good, We would have the battle tomorrow in the morning."Marcus said as he thought
'Now I have to somehow convince Sabrina to meet this boy.'
-------Author Notes------
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