On the surface, the lives of heirs from prestigious families appeared glamorous—something countless ordinary people envied.
But behind that luxurious lifestyle lay an unforgiving set of family rules.
If you wanted the family’s support and access to its resources, you had to prove your worth.
The most valued talent was, naturally, the ability to become an exceptional Pokémon Trainer.
If you lacked that talent, you were expected to excel in another field—perhaps a Pokémon-related profession, politics, or the family business.
Those who failed to distinguish themselves in any way weren’t abandoned entirely, but they could forget about receiving any meaningful resources or support from the family.
There was, of course, one exception.
If you had an influential elder willing to ignore the family rules and back you personally, your future depended entirely on that person’s continued strength and influence.
The moment they lost their authority…
Your support would disappear with them.
Within the Sterling Family, nearly every direct descendant became either a Trainer or a highly accomplished professional in the Pokémon industry.
Collateral family members followed a similar path.
Those with Trainer talent pursued that career.
Those without it entered politics, business, or worked within the family’s various enterprises, contributing in other ways.
— Most of Adrian Sterling’s classmates came from respectable families.
However, compared to the Sterling Family, their backgrounds were insignificant.
At best, their families might occasionally interact with collateral branches of the Sterling Family.
Meeting a direct descendant like Adrian was an entirely different matter.
Now that he had become their classmate, many students eagerly tried to build a good relationship with him.
Pride?
Dignity?
Neither mattered.
If they could earn Adrian’s goodwill, even a single favorable word from him could dramatically improve their standing within their own families.
Adrian, meanwhile, responded to everyone politely.
He chatted with each student without displaying even the slightest impatience or arrogance.
His calm composure naturally earned everyone’s admiration.
After all…
Today’s insignificant classmate might become tomorrow’s influential figure.
Showing a little kindness now cost him nothing.
— Before long…
The clock struck eight o’clock.
The classroom bell rang.
The students reluctantly returned to their seats as footsteps echoed from outside.
Their homeroom teacher entered the classroom.
He slowly surveyed the room.
When his gaze reached Adrian, it lingered for only a brief moment before moving on.
“Good morning, everyone.” “I am your homeroom teacher for your final year of high school.” “My name is Xia Xiangyu.” He wrote his name neatly on the whiteboard before turning back toward the class.
“I am a Steel-type Trainer at the Early Quasi-Elite Rank.” His calm yet commanding voice instantly quieted the room.
“From today onward, I will guide all of you through your final year.” “My goal…” “Is for at least half of this class to be admitted to one of Xia Country’s top Pokémon universities.” As he spoke, his eyes briefly rested on Adrian once more.
A trace of expectation flashed across them.
“I know some of you possess extraordinary talent.” “But talent alone is never enough.” “Only discipline and hard work lead to true success.” — The classroom remained completely silent.
The pressure radiating from a genuine Quasi-Elite Trainer was overwhelming.
Many students looked excited.
Others were visibly nervous.
To them, a Quasi-Elite Trainer was already a remarkable figure.
In many small and medium-sized cities, someone of Xia Xiangyu’s strength could easily serve as the President—or at least the Vice President—of the local Trainer Association.
The gap between a Quasi-Elite and a true Elite Trainer was enormous.
Crossing that final threshold required both exceptional Trainer ability and extraordinary Pokémon talent.
Without both…
Becoming an Elite was nearly impossible.
Even within prestigious families, reaching the Elite Rank was considered a tremendous achievement.
Statistically…
Only one out of every ten thousand Trainers ever became an Elite.
The odds were unbelievably low.
Yet once someone crossed that threshold, their social status changed completely.
Becoming an Elite was also considered the minimum requirement for establishing a powerful Trainer family.
Even then…
Building a family capable of lasting for generations required the efforts of at least three successive generations.
For most Trainers…
Elite Rank remained an impossible dream.
As a result, Quasi-Elite became the highest point many talented Trainers would ever reach.
Even so…
Those individuals were already regarded as geniuses by ordinary standards.
— Unknown to most students…
Xia Xiangyu actually belonged to the Sterling Family as well.
However, unlike Adrian—a direct descendant destined to inherit the family— Xia Xiangyu came from one of its collateral branches.
He naturally knew who Adrian was.
Adrian, however, had never heard of him.
His appointment as Adrian’s homeroom teacher wasn’t a coincidence.
Several influential elders from his branch had worked hard to secure the position.
Teaching the future heir of the Sterling Family would strengthen the relationship between their branch and the family’s main lineage.
For them…
It was an invaluable opportunity.
Despite being from a collateral branch, Xia Xiangyu had reached the Quasi-Elite Rank through his own talent and determination.
Because of that achievement, he enjoyed considerable respect within the Sterling Family.
— Standing confidently before the class, Xia Xiangyu began outlining the year’s curriculum.
“This year, you will participate in countless battle simulations and live combat exercises.” “Every battle is a chance to improve.” “Don’t fear defeat.” “If you can learn from every loss, you’ll continue growing stronger.” As he spoke, he wrote the curriculum on the board.
“Battle training alone isn’t enough.” “Theoretical knowledge is equally important.” “Type matchups.” “Move characteristics.” “Evolution methods.” “Battle strategies.” “You must master all of them.” “Only by combining knowledge with practical experience can you become an outstanding Trainer.” The students listened attentively.
Many were already imagining themselves entering one of the country’s prestigious Pokémon universities.
Even Adrian straightened slightly.
Although he possessed extraordinary talent…
He had no intention of becoming complacent.
— Xia Xiangyu continued, “In the coming months, I’ll create personalized training plans for every student.” “Those pursuing the Trainer path will focus on strengthening their bonds with their Pokémon while developing each Pokémon’s hidden potential.” “Students planning careers as Breeders or Pokémon Researchers will receive additional practical training suited to those professions.” Finally…
His gaze settled on Adrian once more.
“Adrian Sterling.” “As the grandson of Elder Xia, I believe your ambitions reach far beyond this classroom.” “I hope you’ll set an example for your classmates this year and help lead them forward.” He openly revealed Adrian’s identity.
There was no reason to hide it anymore.
After Adrian’s performance at the Battle Club, everyone already knew who he was.
Adrian simply nodded.
No more.
No less.
— An atmosphere of anticipation filled the classroom.
Everyone understood that this final year of high school would determine the course of their future.
With a Quasi-Elite Trainer personally guiding them, every student felt both pressure and excitement.
After all…
Someone of Xia Xiangyu’s strength could easily have become a school principal—or accepted an important position elsewhere.
Teaching an ordinary high school class almost seemed like a waste of his abilities.
— “Alright.” “Let’s begin introductions.” “I’ll call each student’s name.” “When it’s your turn, introduce yourself and tell the class what type of Trainer you intend to become.” “If you’re planning to become a Pokémon Breeder or Pokémon Researcher instead, you don’t need to mention a Pokémon type.” Opening the class roster on his computer, Xia Xiangyu called out the first name.
“Bian Guojun.” A young man immediately stood up.
“Hello, everyone.” “My name is Bian Guojun.” “I’m aiming to become a Fire-type Trainer.” ________________________________________ ⚡ Enjoying the story?
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