Each examiner had to assess several candidates in order of their candidate numbers. Zhang Cheng was second in line, and the first candidate had already entered the Battle Area to begin the assessment.
Through his Detection System, Zhang Cheng discovered that the examiners' Pokémon were all level 36, just high enough to meet the standard for an Elite Trainer. However, the Pokémon used by the examiners were all of fairly high quality, making them considerably tougher opponents.
In other words, to earn full marks, a candidate first needed the strength of an Elite Trainer at the very least, as well as high-quality Pokémon. Only by meeting both conditions and combining them with sound commands could a Trainer hope to achieve a perfect score.
Most of the candidates' Pokémon were currently between levels 25 and 30. Defeating an examiner was unrealistic; all they could do was show what they were capable of during battle and pull off some impressive plays to earn extra points.
After a wait of nearly half an hour, the first candidate finished the assessment, and it was Zhang Cheng's turn. A staff member led him to his assigned battle area.
"Are you ready?" the examiner asked once Zhang Cheng was in position.
"I'm ready. We can begin anytime," Zhang Cheng replied.
"Begin the battle!" A staff member blew a whistle, and Zhang Cheng and the examiner threw their Poké Balls simultaneously.
"Poliwrath, get ready to battle!"
"Go, Gastrodon!"
As usual, Zhang Cheng sent out Poliwrath as his main combatant. The examiner chose Gastrodon, a Water- and Ground-type Pokémon.
Upon seeing his opponent's Pokémon, Zhang Cheng quickly opened the system to inspect Gastrodon's stats:
``` Name: Gastrodon (Level 36)
Gender: Female
Potential: B-
Types: Water, Ground
Held item: None
Basic moves: Mud-Slap, Mud Sport, Harden, Water Pulse, Mud