The afternoon sun filtered gently through the trees around the Virel household, painting golden speckles across the yard. Seated at a large wooden table beneath a pergola, Professor Oak leaned forward with interest while Ray unfurled several pages of notes, some drawn with diagrams, others filled with numbers and tables.
They had been at it for hours—and yet Oak's eyes never wavered from Ray's eager explanations.
"I've been thinking," Ray began, his finger tracing a chart he had drawn by hand. "We keep using these rigid classifications—Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced—but they're more like labels than actual measurements."
Oak nodded. "I've long thought the same. But most systems in place are difficult to replace. What's your alternative?"
Ray flipped the page. "A numeric scale. A dynamic, data-driven system that assigns Pokémon a value between 1 and 100, depending on a combination of core traits. A level-based model."
Oak raised his eyebrows, interested.
"It wouldn't be arbitrary," Ray explained. "To determine a Pokémon's Combat Level, we'd measure specific attributes. Things like…"
He pointed at a new chart.
Combat Metrics:
Physical Power
Special Power
Speed & Reaction Time
Battle Experience & Tactical Response
Stamina & Durability
Move Mastery
Aptitude Influence
"These are the base indicators," Ray continued. "Each one is measured using a combination of field results and aptitude synergy. A Pokémon with better Aptitude potential can reach higher values in each area. But even among Pokémon of the same species and Aptitude… actual growth varies."
Oak tilted his head. "So you're proposing that even two Pokémon with, say, Green Aptitude, could score differently on this Combat Level scale?"
"Exactly," Ray said, eyes shining. "It reflects actual development, not just potential."
He pulled out a compact binder and flipped to a section labeled "Case Studies." On the first page was a detailed breakdown of Pidgeotto.
Ray's Pidgeotto – Analysis:
Aptitude: Blue
Current Combat Level (est.): 30
Physical Power: Moderate-High
Speed: High
Move Mastery: Above average (wing-based techniques particularly)
Battle Experience: Moderate (trained against wild Pokémon, involved in high-stress battle)
Notable trait: High responsiveness and loyalty improve tactical synergy
"I used these metrics," Ray explained, "to calculate a relative level. At this stage, Pidgeotto's performance matches what I've defined as Level 30. He might even be a bit higher now, since we last tested."
Professor Oak was silent for a moment, then smiled.
"You've reverse-engineered a scalable system that reflects true battlefield capability, not just raw stats or potential. Remarkable."
Ray looked up hopefully. "You think it could work?"
Oak stroked his chin. "Yes. But I would add a few things."
He leaned forward and pulled out a pen, writing beside Ray's table.
Supplemental Factors to Consider:
Emotional Resilience
Bond Strength with Trainer
Tactical Versatility (ability to improvise in unknown conditions)
"Sometimes a Pokémon performs far beyond its numerical capacity because of willpower or the influence of its trainer," Oak said. "I've seen that time and time again."
Ray's eyes widened. "That makes sense. Some of the Pokémon I've seen defy the data."
"Exactly," Oak said. "And I think this system could account for that with a modifier range—a way to show that Combat Level is a core reference, but situational influence can boost it slightly under extreme circumstances."
Ray jotted the idea down instantly.
"Maybe something like a ±5 buffer," he said. "To reflect edge cases."
Oak nodded with satisfaction. "This could revolutionize how trainers prepare their teams. Imagine being able to assess not just species matchups, but actual level disparity, adjusted for real traits."
Ray's hands trembled slightly as he stared at his notebook.
"This could change everything, Professor. Gym battles, tournaments, ranking systems…"
Oak placed a firm hand on Ray's shoulder. "And you will be the one to deliver it. With the right support, we'll refine this system and present it to the League for review. But first—we keep it between us."
Ray nodded, heart racing.
A numerical system, based not on abstract categories but measurable growth.
A new standard for the future of Pokémon.