After the exam, John took Togepi and Delibird on a flight back to school that same afternoon. There wasn't much point in staying in the mountainous city. The exam results would take some time to process and would eventually be published online. If he passed, the Breeders Association would mail the "Junior Breeder License" directly to the address he had provided during registration.
This time, John had filled in his address at Riverstone University, so he planned to wait there. By five in the evening, he was back on campus. The university felt unusually quiet—most students were likely still in the mountain city.
Passing by the cafeteria, John decided to treat himself to a leisurely meal as a reward for getting through the day's exam. Once satisfied, he headed back to his small campus cottage, letting his Flygon out of its Pokeball to keep him company. After settling in, John released the rest of his Pokemon and began preparing their dinner. Once they were fed, he flopped onto his bed, letting out a deep sigh of relief.
With dinner done, he ordered some takeaway to indulge himself further. Milk tea sounded good, especially since he'd forgotten to drink the one he'd bought earlier. Finally able to relax, John stretched out, grabbed the remote, and turned on a variety show. For now, he could set aside the study guides and training manuals. The junior breeder exam was behind him, and the next step, the intermediate exam, seemed like a distant worry.
Unlike the junior test, the intermediate breeder exam required practical application—a test of one's ability to navigate dangerous regions and care for Pokemon in the wild. It wasn't something to stress about yet; for now, all he needed was consistent daily practice and knowledge accumulation.
As John leaned back, he reached for his Gameboy. Time to see how far he'd gotten in Breaking Waves's Quest. The ship-based adventure game had been his go-to for the month. Whenever he had a spare moment, he'd turn it on, hoping for a new twist in the story. Unfortunately, it had been weeks since anything exciting had happened.
"Huh?" John mumbled as he powered on the Gameboy. His avatar was standing on the deck of the Cruise, but something was different. The ship was docked at a bustling harbor, surrounded by similar vessels. This wasn't the usual map. Curious, he guided his character toward the captain's quarters, only to find it empty. Exploring further, he finally got some answers from a nearby sailor.
According to the NPC, the ship had stopped at Alto Mare, a city known as the "The Water Capital" and widely regarded as the most beautiful city in the world. The ship was there for a three-day layover. The captain had decided to restock supplies and allow two characters, Zack and Anna, to take wedding photos in the picturesque location.
John's interest was piqued. "Alto Mare?" The name sounded familiar. Then it hit him. Alto Mare was the setting for the legendary Pokemon Latias and Latios in one of the animated movies. It was also the main stage for The Guardians of Water. Excited, John decided his next move in the game was clear. He'd explore the city.
He guided his avatar off the boat and into the vibrant streets of Alto Mare. The game's scenery was stunning, even by its pixelated standards. The canals wove through the city like intricate veins, connecting its many islands. Boats of all shapes and sizes glided across the water, with trainers and tourists alike filling the streets and docks. The immersive visuals transported John into the game.
Just as he was about to board a gondola for a tour, a commotion drew his attention. "Make way! Make way!" an urgent voice called out. John steered his character aside just in time to see a Totodile zipping through the canal, towing a sleek, oval-shaped boat. At the helm stood a young girl gripping a rope attached to the Pokemon. Despite Totodile's small stature, it propelled the boat and its passenger at an impressive speed.
Moments later, two more racers appeared, each piloting their own boats. One had a Starmie leading the charge, while the other relied on a Mantine. The trio raced down the waterway, their laughter and shouts echoing through the canals.
"What's going on?" John had his avatar ask a nearby boatman.
"That's a water race," the boatman explained. "It's a traditional sport here in Alto Mare. Trainers and their Pokemon team up to navigate these canals as fast as they can. It's a test of both skill and teamwork. If you're interested, you can even join in. There are prizes for the winners."
John's curiosity was now fully ignited. A water race sounded like a perfect way to pass the time. "Let's go check it out," he said, steering his avatar toward the direction of the racers.
The boatman ferried him to the main square of Alto Mare, where the water race registration was taking place. Along the way, John marveled at the city's beauty. Statues of Latias and Latios adorned the square, a tribute to the city's legendary guardians. According to the game's lore, the two Pokemon had once saved Alto Mare from a great disaster and had chosen to remain, watching over the city ever since.
When John's avatar arrived at the registration booth, the boatman gave a parting piece of advice. "Sign up here, and don't forget to read the rules. Good luck out there!"
John smiled, his fingers flying over the Gameboy's buttons. "Let's see what this water race is all about." The excitement of exploring Alto Mare and competing in its unique events was exactly the kind of adventure he'd been waiting for.