After saying goodbye to A.J., Tianlin continued his journey.
“Why is there so much fog?
I can’t see anything…”
While crossing a mountain, he was suddenly enveloped by an extremely dense fog.
On both sides of the path seemed to be nothing but emptiness—one wrong step could mean falling off a cliff.
With no other choice, he felt around for a rock and sat down, waiting for the fog to clear.
Suddenly, voices came from ahead.
“Question: At what level does Oddish evolve into Gloom, and what is its final evolution?”
“Um… Oddish evolves into Gloom at level 21… as for the final evolution… it’s ***”
The voice hesitated for a long time before admitting awkwardly, “I forgot.”
“Ridiculous, Xiaochun!
Your grades are always terrible.
It’s embarrassing to be in the same class as you.
Gloom’s final evolution is Vileplume—something even a child knows!”
Immediately after, the sound of a whip cracked through the fog.
“No matter how much you study, you’re useless!
Get out of here!”
The whip cracked again.
Tianlin couldn’t take it anymore and stepped forward.
“Stop!
From what I heard, you’re classmates.
How can you treat someone like this?”
“Who are you?
Get lost, stranger!
This is discipline out of love.
Only this way can he become a true elite like us,” said a long-haired young man arrogantly.
“Elite?
Doesn’t look like it,” Tianlin replied coldly.
“Besides, you already got something wrong.
Oddish’s final evolution isn’t just Vileplume—it can also become Bellossom.
Do you know how?”
“Hmph, that’s easy—with a Sun Stone!”
Then let’s try another: there’s a Bug-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region that splits into two after evolving.
What is it?”
The students hesitated.
“So you don’t know that one?
And you still call yourselves elite?”
Their expressions tightened.
“One more: what does Porygon need to evolve into Porygon2 and then into Porygon-Z?
And which Pokémon currently has the fewest weaknesses?
And what is the ratio of offspring between Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ when considering Nidoking and Nidoqueen?”
Complete silence.
No one could answer.
“That’s all made up!
There’s no Pokémon that splits into two evolutions!
You’re lying!” the long-haired boy shouted.
Tianlin smiled disdainfully.
“Fine, I’ll answer.”
He explained calmly:
The Pokémon that splits is Nincada, which evolves into Ninjask and Shedinja
Porygon evolves using an Upgrade, then a Dubious Disc
The Pokémon with the fewest weaknesses is Eelektross, thanks to Levitate
And the last question has no simple answer, since Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ are separate species and incompatible after evolution
“All of this comes from Professor Oak’s research reports.
If you don’t believe me, go check.”
The students were speechless.
Their arrogance completely vanished.
“So… does that mean I can use ‘discipline out of love’ on you too?” Tianlin said lightly.
The students backed away in fear.
“S-sorry…!”
Tianlin turned to the boy on the ground.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes… thank you.
You’re amazing!
Those guys are elite students from the Pokémon Research Academy, all with strength above three badges… and they still couldn’t compare to you!”
“You’re exaggerating,” Tianlin replied.
“You must have at least four badges, right?”
“Actually… only two,” he said calmly.
“Only two?!” Xiaochun was shocked.
“And your knowledge is still that incredible…”
“Do you also have two?”
“Yes.
My Pokémon is a Gloom.
In simulated battles, I’ve defeated the Pewter and Cerulean Gyms many times.
I’m close to beating the Viridian Gym too!”
Tianlin frowned.
Simulated battles… weren’t the same as real combat.
He knew that theory without practice had little value.
The Pokémon Research Academy was officially recognized by the Pokémon League—a prestigious institution with students from many regions.
Many of them could even enter the League without collecting badges, but very few possessed true combat strength.
They had plenty of theory.
But not experience.
“Ah!
You need to leave quickly!” Xiaochun suddenly said.
“The class leader will find you!
She’s stronger than four badges!”
“Class leader?” Tianlin repeated.
“Yes, Yuto Sundae!
If she finds you, she’ll punish you!”
Tianlin smiled slightly.
“Then I’d like to see for myself.”
Ignoring the warning, he walked straight into the Pokémon Research Academy.