Students from one village-level base after another gradually arrived.
In just a few minutes, the previously quiet staging area had become crowded with people.
“This trial ground gathers participants from over a hundred village-level bases across Jiangnan Province.
As for reception points like the one we’re standing at now, there are more than a dozen of them.” Hearing that, Lucas ‘s heart stirred.
It looked like this trial was much larger than he had expected.
Just the number of people gathered at their reception platform already numbered in the hundreds, perhaps even over a thousand.
“This trial area is incredibly vast.
It’s filled with dangerous regions and powerful ferocious beasts.
Of course…” Teacher Henry smiled.
“There are opportunities hidden within it as well.
You may even encounter wild Pokémon.
If you’re lucky enough, you might even obtain a Pokémon Egg.” At those words, everyone’s breathing quickened.
Unlike Pokémon that were summoned after birth, most Pokémon hatched from Eggs would instinctively regard the first person they saw upon opening their eyes as their parent.
In other words…
Obtaining a Pokémon Egg was equivalent to gaining another Pokémon.
For Trainers, nothing was more desirable.
“When you reach the center of this region, you’ll find another reception team waiting there.
They’ll guide you to the next stage of the competition.” Lucas didn’t think it sounded particularly difficult.
Simply put…
Wasn’t it just a survival challenge?
“Heh.” “But don’t think you’ll pass just by making it there.” As he spoke, Teacher Henry pointed toward a crystal pillar in the distance that resembled the crystal used during the Pokémon Summoning Ceremony.
“See that pillar?” “It’s used to evaluate the strength of your Bond Pokémon.” “In a moment, each of you will touch the crystal.” “It will assign you a rating.” “There are six rating levels in total.” “For newcomers like you who only recently summoned your Pokémon, you’ll probably all receive a Level 1 rating.” “Of course…” “There are also older participants who’ve spent several years training and already possess Two-Star Pokémon.” “They’ll naturally begin with a Level 2 rating.” Michael asked with a dark expression, “What if someone doesn’t have a Bond Pokémon?” “What rating would they receive?” The moment the question was asked, many strange looks were directed at him.
Especially from the senior students who weren’t aware of his circumstances.
The only reason Michael had been allowed to participate without a Bond Pokémon was because his father had used his influence to open the back door for him.
For the wealthy and powerful…
That was practically routine.
Feeling everyone’s odd gazes, Michael was extremely displeased.
Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do except snort coldly.
Teacher Henry was an experienced adult.
He naturally chose to pretend not to notice such matters.
Rubbing his round chin thoughtfully, he answered, “In that case…” “You probably wouldn’t receive any rating.” “In other words…” “You’d be Level 0.” “Pfft.” Ryan immediately burst into laughter.
Thinking about how the once-arrogant young master of the school had become the weakest participant in the entire trial amused him far too much.
Michael shot him a furious glare.
Although Ryan restrained himself slightly…
There wasn’t much respect left on his face.
“However…” Teacher Henry continued.
“Student Michael, there’s no need to worry.” “The truth is…” “Whether you’re Level 0, Level 1, or even Level 2…” “None of those ratings are enough to advance.” “According to the rules, even if you successfully reach the destination, no reception staff will acknowledge you.” The entire group instantly filled with question marks.
“To qualify for advancement…” “You must reach at least Level 3.” “One-Star Pokémon receive a Level 1 rating.” “Two-Star Pokémon receive Level 2.” “So…” “Doesn’t that mean you’d need a Three-Star Pokémon to reach Level 3?” Tian Yue covered her mouth in surprise.
Teacher Henry chuckled.
“Don’t worry.” “Let me explain.” “Your rating isn’t determined solely by your Pokémon’s Star Rank.” “It also depends on your achievements during the trial.” “If you defeat ferocious beasts…” “Or obtain valuable treasures…” “The monitoring devices will record your performance.” “Those accomplishments will be converted into points and added to your original rating.” “That’s how you’ll increase your level.” Everyone immediately relaxed.
So…
Killing ferocious beasts and obtaining treasures could also raise their scores.
“Of course…” Teacher Henry smiled mysteriously.
“Those aren’t actually the fastest ways to level up.” “The quickest method…” “…is to seize someone else’s rating.” The moment those words left his mouth…
Everyone froze.
Their expressions changed one after another.
“Especially if you’re starting at a lower level.” “For example…” “Student Michael is currently Level 0.” “If he defeats a Level 1 Trainer and takes their rating…” “He’ll immediately become Level 1 himself.” Although Teacher Henry maintained his cheerful smile…
To everyone present…
That smile suddenly seemed rather frightening.
Lucas ‘s eyebrows twitched.
These rules were essentially encouraging participants to eliminate one another.
It was survival of the fittest.
A true battle to determine the strongest.
Ryan, who had been laughing only moments earlier, suddenly stiffened.
He noticed Michael staring at him with obvious ill intent.
“W-What are you looking at?” “Nothing.” Michael calmly clasped his hands behind his back and answered lightly.
“Ahem.” Teacher Henry immediately noticed the dangerous atmosphere.
“Let me remind everyone.” “It’s best not to fight among yourselves.” “Your true opponents are the participants from the other bases.” Only then did Ryan quietly let out a sigh of relief.
Soon…
Everyone lined up before the crystal pillar.
As one participant after another touched the crystal…
Brilliant light erupted from its surface.
Moments later, a status display appeared.
Ryan Oddish Level: 2 (1-Star Pokémon) After each evaluation, a staff member standing beside the crystal attached a wrist-mounted device to the participant.
The device functioned like a watch.
It recorded battle results, determined victories and defeats, and evaluated the value of treasures and rare items collected during the trial.
Lucy Taillow Level: 2 (1-Star Pokémon) Emily Lapras Level…