"The life of a trainer is both noble and dangerous."
Larx tuned out the random unimportant NPC teacher character droning at the front of the lecture hall. Professor Kane—that was his name, she'd checked the roster once—had the charisma of a wet napkin and the teaching style of someone reading a script they didn't believe in. His voice was monotone, his posture defeated, and his eyes had that thousand-yard stare of a man who'd seen too many freshmen die and stopped caring somewhere around year five.
The lecture hall itself was a monument to institutional intimidation. Concrete walls painted in that specific shade of "we don't give a fuck" gray. Fluorescent lights hummed overhead like dying insects. Propaganda posters lined the walls—glossy images of champion trainers standing victorious over their opponents, their Pokémon gleaming with health and power. Beneath each poster, in smaller text that most students probably didn't read: "Survival Rate: 40%. Glory Rate: 0.02%."
Real encouraging.
The seats were arranged in steep tiers, forcing everyone to look down at the instructor like they were watching a gladiator about to get mauled. Larx sat somewhere in the middle, close enough to hear but far enough back that she could observe without being observed. Around her, the other freshmen fidgeted, whispered, or stared with wide-eyed terror at the statistics projected on the holo-screen.
60% freshman death rate.
The number hung there like a guillotine blade.
To Larx's left sat a girl with bright pink hair tied in twin tails, chewing gum loud enough to be a war crime. Her name tag read Bonnie Sato. She had the look of someone who thought this was all a game, that the statistics were exaggerated, that she would be different. Larx gave her three months before reality broke her spine.
To her right was a tall, broad-shouldered guy with a buzzcut and a scar running down his jaw. Marcus Webb, according to his tag. Ex-military family, probably. He sat rigid, taking notes with mechanical precision, his handwriting sharp and efficient. He'd last longer than Bonnie—maybe six months—but he'd crack eventually. Too much discipline, not enough adaptability.
Behind her, someone was humming the fucking PokéRap under their breath. Larx resisted the urge to turn around and throat-punch them. Barely.
"The Pokémon University," Kane continued, his voice as flat as roadkill, "is divided into two departments: the Trainer Circuit and the Breeder Program. Your performance in the placement test will determine your major. Trainers engage in combat, field missions, and competitive circuits. Breeders focus on genetics, care, and research. Both are essential. Both are dangerous."
Larx snorted softly. Dangerous. Yeah, sure. Breeders got paper cuts and the occasional Pokémon bite. Trainers got their faces melted off by Charizards or crushed under Onix. There was a difference.
"Trainers are assigned missions based on skill set and aptitude," Kane droned on. "The University, as a subsidiary of the Pokémon League, will provide protection until you graduate with your bachelor's degree and earn three badges. Even so, the death rate among freshmen is—"
"Sixty percent," Bonnie muttered, rolling her eyes. "We get it."
Kane didn't even blink. "Sixty-three percent, actually. Updated this morning. Three students died in a training accident yesterday."
The room went silent.
Larx grinned. Now they were paying attention.
"Once you become a Pro Trainer," Kane continued, "the death rate increases. Significantly. The League does not protect professionals. You are on your own."
Marcus's pen stopped moving. Bonnie's gum-chewing slowed.
Larx leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. This wasn't new information. She'd read about it all online, dissected forum posts, watched livestreams of upperclassmen ranting about the system. She knew the game. The University was a meat grinder designed to produce champions or corpses. Nothing in between.
The first semester was a shared pool of classes—basic care, battle theory, Poképsychology, legal frameworks, survival tactics. After that came the placement test. That's when the University sorted everyone into their real majors, based on raw performance. No favoritism, no family connections, no bullshit. Just you, your Pokémon, and whether or not you could survive.
Simple. Brutal. Fair.
Larx liked that.
"Your first task," Kane said, finally showing a flicker of something that might've been emotion, "is to select your starter Pokémon. You will be taken to the University Ranch, where you will have one hour to secure an egg. After that, regardless of whether you've succeeded or not, you must leave. Failure to do so will result in immediate expulsion and a 100,000 PokéDollar fine."
Half the class flinched.
Expulsion. Not detention. Not a warning. Just out—kicked from the University and probably blacklisted by the League.
"Any questions?"
Silence.
Kane nodded, satisfied. "Good. Follow me."
---Pokemon: Master of Dragons---
The walk to the Ranch was a study in psychological warfare.
The campus itself was massive—sprawling concrete structures connected by elevated walkways and underground tunnels. Everything was designed to remind you that you were small, expendable, and one mistake away from being forgotten. The main quad was dominated by a massive statue of a Dragonite locked in combat with a Tyranitar, both mid-roar, frozen in bronze. Beneath it, a plaque read: "Only the Strong Survive."
Subtle.
As the freshman class shuffled along the walkway, older students watched from the railings above. Some leaned casually, arms crossed, smirking. Others pointed and whispered. A few called out.
"Fresh meat!"
"Bet half of them don't make it past the first month!"
"Hey, pinkie! You gonna cry when your Pokémon dies?"
Bonnie flipped them off. Marcus ignored them. Larx filed their faces away for later. She'd remember who mocked her. And when she had power, she'd make sure they remembered too.
The path to the Ranch took them through the outer campus, past the training arenas and medical facilities. Larx caught glimpses through reinforced windows—students sparring with their Pokémon, medics rushing to stabilize a trainer with third-degree burns, a Machoke punching through a concrete pillar like it was made of foam.
This wasn't the anime. This was real. And it was beautiful.
The Ranch itself loomed ahead like a cathedral of glass and steel. The dome was enormous—easily the size of three football fields—its surface reflecting the smog-choked sky of Black Dragon City. The structure hummed with energy, the faint buzz of climate control systems and containment fields. From inside came sounds: roars, screeches, the rustle of wings, the hiss of something venomous.
The smell hit next. Grass, earth, animal musk, and something sharper—ozone, maybe, or the metallic tang of Pokémon energy. It was overwhelming, primal, and Larx inhaled deeply, letting it fill her lungs.
This is where it starts.
Outside the gates, a group of upperclassmen in matching jackets—probably third or fourth years—handed out Poké Balls to each freshman. Larx took hers with a raised eyebrow. It was heavier than she expected, cold metal humming faintly in her palm. Real deal. Weighty. Dangerous.
A Poké Ball could only be legally owned by licensed Trainers. Owning one without the paperwork was a felony—real time, real consequences. Sometimes even execution, depending on the region.
Larx grinned as the gates creaked open.
"Let's see which of you little bastards thinks you're good enough to roll with a Dragon Lord."
---Pokemon: Master of Dragons---
Professor Kane stood at the entrance, flanked by two upperclassmen who looked like they could bench-press a Snorlax. His expression was unreadable, but his voice carried weight.
"Listen carefully," he said, and the murmur of the crowd died instantly. "You have one hour inside the Ranch. One hour to find an egg, bond with it, and secure it in your Poké Ball. The Ranch contains over three hundred species of Pokémon, ranging from common to legendary bloodlines. Some are docile. Most are not."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"The eggs are not unguarded. Many are protected by their parents. If you want a high-potential starter, you will need to earn it. Impress the parent, prove your worth, or be strong enough to take it by force. The Ranch does not care about your feelings. Neither do the Pokémon."
Bonnie shifted nervously. Marcus's jaw tightened.
"If you are injured, medical staff will extract you. If you are killed..." Kane's eyes swept the crowd. "Your family will be notified. Your tuition will not be refunded."
Someone in the back whimpered.
"Restricted zones are marked with red barriers. Entering them is not forbidden, but it is not recommended. The Pokémon in those zones are dangerous, unstable, or experimental. If you choose to enter, you do so at your own risk."
Larx's grin widened. Restricted zones. That's where the good shit was.
"Time starts now," Kane said, stepping aside. "Don't be stupid."
The gates swung open with a metallic groan, and the freshman class surged forward like a stampede.
Larx didn't run. She walked.
---Pokemon: Master of Dragons---
The inside of the Ranch was chaos.
Freshmen scattered in every direction, some sprinting toward the obvious targets—Charmander nests glowing with warmth, Squirtle pools shimmering in artificial sunlight, Bulbasaur groves smelling of fresh soil and chlorophyll. Others hesitated, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the place.
The Ranch was divided into biomes—grasslands, forests, wetlands, rocky outcrops, even a small volcanic zone in the far corner. Each biome housed different species, different eggs, different dangers. The air was thick with humidity and the sounds of life: chirps, growls, the rustle of wings, the splash of water.
Larx ignored it all.
She moved through the grasslands first, past clusters of freshmen arguing over Pidgey eggs and Rattata nests. Pathetic. Those were 1-star potential at best—common trash that'd cap out at mediocrity. She passed a girl sobbing over a cracked Caterpie egg, a guy trying to wrestle a Mankey for its offspring, and Bonnie—fucking Bonnie—squealing over an Eevee like it was a goddamn puppy.
Larx kept walking.
She passed the forest biome, where Beedrill buzzed angrily around their hives and a Primeape roared at a freshman who'd gotten too close. She passed the wetlands, where a Poliwrath sat guard over a clutch of Poliwag eggs, its eyes cold and calculating. She passed the rocky outcrops, where a Graveler crushed a boulder to dust just to make a point.
None of it felt right.
Then she saw the restricted zone.
It was cordoned off with thick red rope and an electric warning sign: CAUTION: VENOMOUS—HANDLE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Larx ducked under the rope without hesitation.
The restricted zone was quieter, darker. The grass here was dry and sun-warmed, the air sharper, tinged with something chemical. Fewer Pokémon, but the ones that were here moved with purpose—Arbok coiled in the shadows, Seviper hissing from the underbrush, a Drapion clicking its claws in warning.
And there, tucked under a patch of rocks, was a clutch of eggs.
Most were splotchy, unremarkable—Bug-types or Rock-types, probably. But one stood out.
It was larger than the others, its shell a dusty violet with faint black markings that shimmered like oil on water. The surface wasn't smooth—it had texture, like scales, and it pulsed faintly with heat.
Larx crouched low, letting the shadows swallow her. She didn't move. Didn't breathe. Just watched.
The egg twitched.
A faint hiss escaped from inside, barely audible but unmistakable. Venomous. Predatory. Alive.
Larx's grin cracked open.
She didn't reach for it right away. That would've been stupid. If this egg was anything like its parents, it'd smell weakness, fear, desperation. Larx had none of that. Just cold calculation and the reckless confidence of someone who'd already lost everything once.
She waited.
The egg twitched again, harder this time. The shell cracked slightly, and a thin line of venom seeped out, hissing as it hit the ground.
Larx moved.
Her hand shot forward, fingers brushing the shell. The moment she made contact, the egg went still. Not dead—just... waiting. Testing.
Larx didn't flinch. She held her hand there, steady, letting the egg feel her. Her heartbeat. Her intent. Her lack of fear.
The egg pulsed once, warm and heavy with venom.
Then it accepted her.
The System pinged in her brain like a smug little gremlin.
[Ekans (Egg) has accepted you as its future Trainer.]
[Dragon Lord System: Approval granted. Serpent with scale potential detected.]
[Lineage: Serpentblood – Dragon-Adjacent Classification confirmed.]
[New Passive: Serpent Kinship (Beginner) – Grants increased Pokémon bonding rate with serpent-types, allows user to understand serpent Pokémon intent more easily, improves training efficiency by 5%.]
Larx exhaled slowly, cradling the egg like a stolen treasure.
Behind her, someone gasped.
She turned to see an upperclassman—one of the ones who'd been handing out Poké Balls—staring at her with wide eyes.
"You... picked a snake egg?" they asked, voice tinged with disbelief.
Larx stared them down. "Yeah. Problem?"
They backed off like someone just farted up a toxic gas cloud. "No. No problem. Just... good luck with that."
Larx smirked. "Luck's got nothing to do with it."
---Pokemon: Master of Dragons---
Larx didn't bother watching the parade of freshmen sob their way out with their fluffballs and discount starters. She flopped down under a tree like she owned the place, setting the violet-scaled egg in her lap. Her hands rested on it like it was a coiled bomb.
Because it basically was.
A flicker ran through her vision—text burned across her retina, clear as day.
[Pokémon: Ekans]
Gender: Female
Type: Poison
Ability: Intimidate
Moves: Leer, Wrap, Poison Fang (Egg Move), Disable (Egg Move), Spite (Egg Move), Poison Tail (Egg Move), Sucker Punch (Egg Move)
Potential: ★★★★☆
PL-0: Dormant
Tier 0: Unawakened
Badass Ranking: 0
[Congratulations on picking your first Pokémon. Granting Newbie Pack.]
"Zero badass, huh?" Larx muttered, smirking at the egg. "I'm looking at a hand grenade with scales and attitude. That's minimum a three."
Then came the good stuff—System dropping loot like it owed her backpay.
[Congratulations on picking your first Pokémon. Granting Newbie Pack.]
[You have received: 1x S-rank Poison Poké Ball, 1x S-rank Egg Case, 1x S-rank Ekans Egg Solution, 1x Dragon Lord Emblem (Starter Rank)]
The items materialized in a flash of violet light, solid and real. The S-rank Poké Ball gleamed dark purple in her hand, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seemed to shift in the light. It was heavier than the standard-issue ball, humming with contained energy.
The Egg Case clicked open with a soft hiss, revealing a padded interior lined with temperature-regulating gel. The moment Larx lowered the egg inside, the case sealed with a satisfying click, and a faint hum kicked in—regulating temperature, toxicity levels, and suppressing hatchling tantrums.
The Ekans Egg Solution came in a sleek vial, the liquid inside a deep crimson that swirled like blood. The label read: "Enhances venom production, strengthens shell integrity, accelerates hatchling development. Use sparingly."
Larx grinned. "Oh, I'm gonna use this generously."
The Dragon Lord Emblem was a small pin, shaped like a coiled serpent with ruby eyes. It pulsed faintly with energy, and when Larx pinned it to her jacket, she felt a surge of warmth spread through her chest.
[Note: Due to your selection of a Non-Standard Dragon-Type Equivalent, you have unlocked the 'Venom Line' Synergy Tree. Additional rewards available upon hatching.]
[Venom Line Synergy Tree: Unlocked]
[Tier 1: Serpent's Fang – Increases venom potency by 10%. Grants resistance to Poison-type attacks.]
[Tier 2: Coiled Strike – Increases speed and precision of constriction-based moves. Grants bonus damage to immobilized targets.]
[Tier 3: Toxic Dominance – Unlocks advanced venom techniques. Grants ability to inflict multi-stage poison effects.]
[Tier 4: Serpent King – ???]
[Tier 5: Dragon's Venom – ???]
Larx's grin widened. "Hell. Yes."
She didn't care that her system was fifteen years late. Or that her boy toy was off in another world about to get his pelvis broken when—not if—she found him. Or even that she was now obligated to train only dragons.
Because this meant one thing: she could go apeshit, and no one could stop her.
---Pokemon: Master of Dragons---
Larx slung the Egg Case over her shoulder and stood, brushing dirt off her pants. Around her, the Ranch was still chaos—freshmen scrambling, crying, arguing over eggs. Some had succeeded, clutching their prizes like lifelines. Others had failed, empty-handed and devastated.
She passed a guy sobbing over a broken Pidgey egg, a girl nursing a nasty bite from a Mankey, and Marcus—stoic, disciplined Marcus—holding a Machop egg with grim satisfaction.
Bonnie was still squealing over her Eevee.
Larx rolled her eyes and kept walking.
As she approached the exit, Professor Kane stood waiting, his expression unreadable. He glanced at the Egg Case slung over her shoulder, then at the Dragon Lord Emblem pinned to her jacket.
"Ekans," he said flatly. "Restricted zone."
"Yep," Larx said, not slowing down.
"You know that's a 4-star potential egg, right? Most freshmen can't handle anything above 2-star."
"Good thing I'm not most freshmen."
Kane studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "We'll see. Don't die in the first month."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Larx said, grinning.
She walked through the gates, leaving the Ranch behind. Behind her, the sounds of chaos faded—replaced by the hum of the city, the distant roar of Pokémon battles, and the steady pulse of her own heartbeat.
One hour left on the clock. Didn't matter. She was already done.
---Pokemon: Master of Dragons---
[POKÉMON SPECIES FILE: KANTO EKANS]
Classification:Serpentes toxicus kantoensis
Common Name: Ekans
Type: Poison
Egg Group: Field | Dragon
Overview:
Ekans is a predatory serpent Pokémon native to the Kanto region's grasslands, foothills, and rural outskirts. It slithers silently in tall grass or underbrush, using its low body temperature and flexible spine to remain undetected by both prey and predators.
The species is notable for its unique jaw structure, which allows it to unhinge and swallow prey whole, including small Pokémon like Pidgey and Rattata. While not particularly fast, its ability to wrap, constrict, and envenomate gives it a disproportionate edge in the wild food chain. It prefers to hunt at dawn and dusk, taking advantage of poor light and sleepy prey.
Behavior:
Kanto Ekans are solitary and territorial. They do not tolerate others of their kind in their hunting grounds unless mating, and even then, the encounter often ends with one participant scarred—or digested. While generally quiet and watchful, they exhibit sudden, decisive aggression when provoked or hungry. Trainers often misread their stillness as obedience. It's not. It's patience. And judgment.
Though not intelligent in the traditional sense, Ekans are highly instinctive and learn patterns quickly. They've been observed avoiding specific Trainer types based on scent alone. Some researchers believe this links to their ability to detect the chemical signature of fear or arrogance.
Trainer Notes:
Ekans is not for beginners, despite what the Pokédex says. Its loyalty must be earned, not assumed. It does not suffer fools, nor does it appreciate being called "cute." Proper handling requires protective gear, caution, and a willingness to bleed a little—figuratively and literally.
Its venom can cause intense muscle cramping and hallucinations in humans, though most Ekans in captivity hold back from fatal strikes unless severely threatened.
If you're brave—or crazy—enough to raise one, the rewards are undeniable: a stealthy, vicious ally with a mean streak and loyalty that runs as deep as its bite marks.
[EQUIPMENT DATABASE: S-RANK DELUXE INCUBATION SOLUTION & EGG CASE]
Classification:Apparatus incubationis supremus – Toxin-Regulated Thermal Management System
Overview:
The S-Rank Deluxe Incubation Solution & Egg Case is a high-tier biotech apparatus designed for accelerated Pokémon egg development, particularly suited for venomous or environmentally sensitive species. The integrated system combines precision temperature regulation (±0.5°C accuracy), real-time toxin level monitoring, and adaptive humidity control to create optimal hatching conditions. The padded interior utilizes phase-change gel technology to maintain stable thermal environments regardless of external conditions, while the sealed chamber actively filters and recycles gaseous toxins produced by developing embryos—critical for species like Ekans whose venom production begins in utero. Standard incubation periods are reduced by 15-25% depending on species genetics and egg potential rating.
Technical Specifications:
Temperature Range: 28-38°C (adjustable via biometric interface)
Toxin Filtration: Active carbon-polymer matrix with 99.7% efficiency
Hatch Rate Acceleration: +20% baseline (scales with egg potential)
Power Duration: 72 hours per charge (solar-compatible)
Durability: Reinforced polymer shell, impact-resistant to 500kg force
Compatibility: All egg types; optimized for Poison, Dragon, and hybrid classifications
Usage Notes:
Activate the case immediately upon egg acquisition. The system will auto-calibrate to the specific embryo's developmental stage and species requirements. Monitor the biometric readout daily; deviation alerts indicate environmental stress or genetic complications. For venomous eggs like Ekans, the toxin filtration prevents dangerous gas accumulation that could damage the developing embryo or create hazardous conditions during hatching. Do not open the case during active incubation cycles. Estimated hatch window for 4-star potential Ekans eggs: 7-9 days from activation.
[EQUIPMENT DATABASE: S-RANK POISON POKÉ BALL]
Classification:Sphæra capturae toxicus supremus – Venom-Reactive Containment Sphere
Overview:
The S-Rank Poison Poké Ball is a specialized capture device engineered for Poison-type Pokémon with reinforced polymer construction resistant to corrosive venom and acidic secretions. The ball's internal mechanism features enhanced catch-rate algorithms (+35% baseline on Poison-types) and adaptive grip technology that compensates for aggressive thrashing or escape attempts. Durability testing confirms structural integrity under extreme venom exposure and repeated capture attempts on high-level specimens.
Technical Specifications:
Catch Rate Bonus: +35% on Poison-type Pokémon; +15% on Poison-hybrid types
Venom Resistance: 99.2% corrosion immunity (tested against Muk secretions)
Durability Rating: Impact-resistant to 800kg force; acid-resistant to pH 1.2
Capture Mechanism: Adaptive grip with reinforced locking mechanism
Compatibility: All Poison-type species; optimized for aggressive or high-level captures
Usage Notes:
Throw with standard Poké Ball mechanics. The ball's venom-reactive coating automatically adjusts grip strength based on target species' toxin output. Recommended for capturing wild Poison-types or high-potential specimens with aggressive temperaments. Not recommended for use on non-Poison types, as specialized mechanics may reduce effectiveness.
[EQUIPMENT DATABASE: S-RANK EKANS EGG SOLUTION]
Classification:Solutio nutrimentalis toxicus – Embryonic Venom Accelerant
Overview:
The S-Rank Ekans Egg Solution is a nutrient-rich incubation supplement formulated specifically for Poison-type embryonic development, accelerating venom gland formation and toxin production maturation. When used in conjunction with the S-Rank Egg Case, the solution increases hatch-rate acceleration by an additional +15% and enhances post-hatch venom potency by approximately 12-18% above baseline. The formula is calibrated for Ekans genetics but remains compatible with other Poison-type eggs.
Technical Specifications:
Hatch Rate Acceleration Bonus: +15% (stacks with Egg Case bonuses)
Venom Potency Enhancement: +12-18% above baseline production
Toxin Gland Development: Accelerated maturation; reduces developmental defects
Compatibility: Optimized for Ekans; compatible with all Poison-type eggs
Application Method: Inject 5ml into Egg Case nutrient chamber every 24 hours
Usage Notes:
Apply solution daily during incubation cycle for maximum effectiveness. Monitor biometric readout for toxin level spikes; excessive application may cause embryonic stress. Solution is non-toxic to handlers but should not be ingested. Estimated venom production increase manifests within 48 hours post-hatch.
[EQUIPMENT DATABASE: DRAGON LORD EMBLEM (STARTER RANK)]
Classification:Insigne draconis supremus – Passive Status Artifact
Overview:
The Dragon Lord Emblem (Starter Rank) is a passive status item marking the bearer as an active Dragon Lord System user, granting subtle but measurable stat bonuses to all Dragon-type Pokémon in the user's possession. The emblem functions as a biometric key unlocking Dragon-exclusive training protocols, breeding programs, and system-locked evolution paths unavailable to standard trainers. Possession of the emblem grants +5% to all Dragon-type base stats and +8% to Dragon-type move power output.
Technical Specifications:
Stat Bonus (Dragon-types): +5% to all base stats
Move Power Bonus (Dragon-types): +8% to Dragon-type move damage output
System Integration: Unlocks Dragon Lord System exclusive training paths
Breeding Access: Grants access to Dragon-exclusive breeding programs
Evolution Unlock: Enables system-locked Dragon-type evolution paths
Passive Effect: Continuous; no activation required
Usage Notes:
Emblem must remain in trainer's possession to maintain bonuses. Transferring emblem to another trainer will deactivate all bonuses for the original bearer. Emblem is non-transferable and bound to the Dragon Lord System user upon acquisition. Bonuses apply only to Dragon-type Pokémon; hybrid types receive 50% bonus effectiveness.