Early the next morning, Evan Lane looked at the line in front of him and let out a sigh of relief.
Mapleford First Academy started at ten this morning.
Although Evan had overslept again, judging from the current situation, he could still make it to school before ten.
Soon, it was Evan’s turn.
When Miss Joy registered Snivy’s information, even she looked a little surprised.
It was actually one of Unova’s starter Pokémon.
That was a very rare Pokémon in the Arcadia Region.
After finishing the paperwork, Evan took the red-and-white Poké Ball Miss Joy handed him.
He crouched down and looked at Snivy beside him, then held out the Poké Ball in his hand.
“Snivy, are you willing to become my partner?” Snivy looked at Evan’s eyes, which were full of expectation.
Without hesitating, she pressed her hand against the button on the Poké Ball and turned into a red light before disappearing.
When the Poké Ball showed that the capture was successful, Evan almost could not hold back the excitement in his heart.
If there had not been so many people around, he would have shouted some cringe anime line like, “I caught a Snivy!” Compared with catching Pokémon in the games, catching one in reality gave a completely different sense of achievement.
Evan let Snivy back out and asked her what it was like inside.
This was something he had always been rather curious about.
Snivy shook her head.
It seemed she did not like the environment inside the Poké Ball very much.
“I’ll definitely switch you into a Luxury Ball someday!” After rubbing Snivy’s head, Evan brought her with him and hurried toward Mapleford First Academy.
On the way, Evan saw many students rushing toward school with their Pokémon.
He even saw one girl bringing along a Squirtle.
Snivy’s appearance also attracted a lot of attention.
Unova Pokémon were already uncommon in the Arcadia Region, let alone one of the rare traditional starters.
When Evan arrived in the classroom, his homeroom teacher, Mr.
Walker, saw the Snivy at his feet.
He pushed up his glasses and only recognized her after a moment.
“Is that…
Snivy, one of Unova’s starter Pokémon?” Mr.
Walker knew Evan’s family situation, so seeing him with a starter Pokémon inevitably surprised him.
“Heh, I got lucky…
really lucky.” Evan scratched his head.
The way Mr.
Walker was looking at him really felt a little strange.
Mr.
Walker did not ask too many questions.
He only told Evan to return to his seat.
Everyone had different opportunities, after all.
There was even a student in the class next door who had gambled on a mystery Egg and gotten a Charmander.
Once all the students in the class had arrived, Mr.
Walker began explaining the things they needed to pay attention to for the new semester.
Toward the end, his voice paused.
“One week from now, there will be a Pokémon battle ranking assessment.
At that time, the classes will be reorganized.
The higher your ranking, the greater your chance of being assigned to an elite class, and the more resources you will receive.” The whole class burst into discussion after hearing that.
After all, they had been classmates for two years.
Being separated all of a sudden naturally stirred up some emotions.
“If you do not perform well in the assessment one week from now, do not get discouraged.
The elite classes will eliminate the bottom five students every week.
Students from the regular classes can then challenge them.
If they win, they will replace them and enter the elite class.” “So from this moment on, you are no longer just classmates.
Every person beside you is a future rival!” After saying that, Mr.
Walker looked around the room, clearly satisfied with the shocked expressions on the students’ faces.
Although he also understood that this kind of system was cruel, anyone who wanted to become a Trainer had to experience these things.
“Lastly, starting this year, basic academic classes will be spread throughout the week.
In other words, you will only have one regular academic class each day.
The rest of the time will be spent learning Pokémon knowledge and training your Pokémon.” “Of course, if any student feels that they have already mastered enough Pokémon knowledge, they may apply for an assessment.
If you pass, you will not need to attend those classes and can plan your training time freely.” Even Mr.
Walker found this funny as he spoke.
How long had these kids even been in contact with Pokémon?
However, the principal had insisted on enforcing this method, saying that it would give geniuses more freedom.
“Mr.
Walker, I’d like to apply for the assessment!” At that moment, a voice came from the back of the classroom.
For a moment, everyone in the class turned to look.
They saw Evan raising his hand with a smile, trying to make sure his homeroom teacher noticed him.
However, Mr.
Walker frowned.
School had only just started, and Evan already wanted to take the assessment.
Moreover, Evan’s previous grades had been average, so Mr.
Walker found it hard to trust that he was ready.
“Are you sure, Evan?
Each person only gets one chance.” “Yeah, Evan.
School just started.
Are you really confident?” the class president, Liam West, echoed.
Even he, Liam West, was not confident.
So what gave Evan the right?
That skinny little green snake beside him?
Although Liam did not know what kind of Pokémon it was, with that frail-looking body, could it really take one punch from his Machop?
Seeing the mocking look on Liam’s face, Evan did not care at all.
In the past, Liam had targeted him because of his poor family background.
Now, he still had that same smug, superior attitude.
Snivy, who was beside Evan, seemed to sense something.
She stared hard at Liam and the Machop beside him, as if trying to carve their appearances into her memory.
“It’s fine, Mr.
Walker.
Since even our class president Liam West doesn’t have the confidence to try, I’ll go test the waters for everyone.” Hearing this, Liam looked as if he had choked.
For a moment, he could not say anything.
The old Evan had been someone who would not fight back when hit or talk back when insulted.
Now, he actually dared to retort.
Once they met in a Pokémon battle, Liam would definitely make both him and his Pokémon suffer!
Seeing that he could not persuade Evan, Mr.
Walker felt quite helpless.
After all, there was no rule saying students could not take the assessment right after school started.
“All right.
Since you insist on taking the assessment, I’ll inform the principal.
This afternoon, just wait for the announcement over the speakers.” After saying that, Mr.
Walker did not stay any longer.
He left the classroom to discuss the matter with the principal.
Once the homeroom teacher left, the classroom immediately became lively.
“Not bad, Evan.
You really showed off this time.” Connor Hale walked over from the side and slapped Evan on the back of the neck.
“I do have some confidence,” Evan said with a slight smile.
This system was perfect.
Sitting in Pokémon knowledge class right now would be a pure waste of time for him.
He might as well train his Pokémon instead.
“Oh, please.
You can fool your buddy, but don’t fool yourself!” After saying that, Connor wiggled his eyebrows at Evan.
He knew very well that this good friend of his often slept through class.
Evan could only smile helplessly.
It seemed that although the former Evan had been something of a background character, he had still left an impression on others, even if it was not a good one.
Just then, class president Liam West walked toward Evan with several others.
They surrounded Evan, desk and all, in the middle.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Connor was not about to put up with their nonsense.
He rolled up his sleeves and was about to step forward, but Evan grabbed him.
“Evan, so you could actually afford a Pokémon, huh?
What kind of Pokémon is that?
How about we go outside and battle?” As Liam spoke, the Machop beside him struck a bodybuilder pose, showing off its strength.
“You don’t even recognize a starter Pokémon.
No wonder you don’t dare take the assessment!” Evan had a smile on his face, but his eyes were full of contempt.
Liam’s expression changed instantly.
His eyes looked as if they were about to shoot flames.
“A Trainer speaks through strength.
I’m challenging you to a battle right now.
Do you dare accept?”