Tianlin ignored Xiaochun’s attempt to stop him and walked straight into the academy, immediately drawing hostile stares from the surrounding students.
“Wow… the environment here is actually pretty good,” Tianlin said casually, observing the campus.
“Of course it is.
This is an aristocratic academy.
A commoner like you wouldn’t understand that,” a clear female voice responded.
Tianlin turned around.
Standing there was the so-called Excellent Yuto Sundae—a top-tier beauty, exactly the type that would make even someone like Ash, that eternally dense “evergreen tree,” blush in embarrassment.
“Yeah, I don’t really understand,” Tianlin replied flatly.
“But what I do understand is this—students who study in such a good environment yet only know how to lock themselves away and then get eliminated in a single round of the Pokémon League… what’s the point of that?”
“W-What did you say?” the academy students shouted angrily, immediately releasing their Poké Balls, ready to attack.
“Stop,” the Excellent Yuto Sundae raised her hand.
“He did ask a few extremely deep questions earlier.
Anyone who can produce that level of knowledge can’t be an unknown nobody.
State your name.”
“My name is Tianlin.
I didn’t come here to insult your students.
I just don’t like their attitude,” he replied.
“Tianlin… that name sounds familiar,” she murmured.
“No matter who you are, I can’t ignore what you just said—that our academy students are only good for one round in the Pokémon League.
Every graduate here has solid theoretical knowledge and understands tactics used by Gym Leaders, Elite Four, even Champions.
You’re not qualified to look down on us.
Let’s battle.
I’ll use knowledge to teach you a lesson.”
“If it’s a battle, I won’t refuse,” Tianlin said calmly.
“But I don’t want to waste time.
One-on-one.
We send Pokémon at the same time.”
“Fine.
Go, Golem!”
“Go, Beldum,” Tianlin replied at nearly the same moment.
The battlefield was set.
Golem stood on the opposite side—elite early-level strength.
Iron Dumbbells was slightly weaker in raw stats, and although Steel types resist Rock, Ground moves also threaten Steel.
This was not an advantageous matchup.
“Beldum… one of the rare Steel Pokémon from Hoenn, even in shiny form,” Yuto Sundae said confidently.
“But what’s the point?
It only knows one move—Tackle.
How arrogant you were earlier… what a joke.”
Tianlin smiled slightly.
“You think it only knows Tackle?
That’s fine.”
“Beldum, use Tackle.”
The Pokémon rushed forward again and again, repeatedly striking the same point on Golem’s body.
Golem endured it easily at first.
“You’re just wasting effort.
Golem, return the damage and use Rollout!”
The collision sent Beldum flying back.
“See?
This is the difference in knowledge and strength,” she said proudly.
Around them, students began laughing.
“What a pathetic performance!”
“Totally outclassed!”
Yuto Sundae became even more confident.
But Tianlin noticed something.
The same impact point… every time.
A crack had formed.
“Good opportunity,” Tianlin said quietly.
“Beldum, use Iron Head.”
“Impossible!” she snapped.
“Beldum only know Tackle!”
But this time—
Beldum’ body shimmered with metallic light and slammed directly into the cracked point.
CRACK.
Golem staggered violently.
Yuto Sundae froze.
“H-How…?”
“Let me tell you something,” Tianlin said calmly.
“Books are not absolute truth.
You’re too dependent on them.”
“Golem!
Use Heavy Slam!”
The Ground-type attack hit hard, but Beldum’ Sturdy Body reduced the impact.
“Beldum, Iron Wall.”
Defense rose sharply.
“Then use Arm Thrust!”
“Zen Headbutt”
A surge of psychic energy crushed the incoming attack instantly.
Yuto Sundae’s expression collapsed.
“This… this shouldn’t be possible…”
“It seems you’ve already lost your will to fight,” Tianlin said.
“Let’s finish this—Iron Head.”
BOOM.
Golem collapsed completely.
Battle over.
Silence filled the academy.
“Yuto Sundae… lost?”
“Impossible…”
An elderly voice suddenly sounded.
An old man walked forward.
“My name is Hiroye Matsumoto, principal of this academy—and her grandfather.”
He looked at Tianlin.
“And you are the famous ‘Little Doctor’ Tianlin, correct?”
“I am,” Tianlin replied.
“I see… Professor Oak speaks of you often.
He is very proud of you.”
Then the old man sighed.
“This academy… has become too dependent on theory.”
He turned to Tianlin.
“Would you be willing to come to my office and discuss something in detail?”
Inside the office, Matsumoto spoke calmly.
“I believe the problem you pointed out is correct.
Our students lack real battle experience.
We need someone to break this cycle.”
“So you want me to help reform the academy?” Tianlin asked.
“In a sense, yes,” the principal nodded.
“We can offer rare Pokémon, resources, anything you need.”
“I’m sorry,” Tianlin refused immediately.
“I prefer traveling.
I believe Pokémon choose their own path.
My partners are waiting for me somewhere.”
“As expected…” the old man smiled bitterly.
At that moment, Yuto Sundae walked in.
“Grandfather, don’t waste your time.
He clearly looks down on our academy.”
“Then let me change the request,” Matsumoto said suddenly.
Both Tianlin and the girl turned.
“Take Sundae with you on your journey.”
“WHAT?!” both shouted at the same time.
“I refuse!” she said immediately.
Matsumoto remained calm.
“Sundae, today’s events should have made it clear.
You are a trainer only on paper now.
If you want to grow, you must experience the real world.”
He looked at her gently.
“And I can’t rest easy leaving you alone.
But if you travel with Tianlin… I will feel safer.”
Silence.
After a long pause—
“…Fine,” she said reluctantly.
“For my grandfather… and for my growth… I’ll travel with him.”
Tianlin sighed inwardly.