Returning once again through the gates of the Trainer School, Rex's feelings were completely different from before. Maybe it was because he had fulfilled his goal—everything now seemed more beautiful in his eyes.
The campus was just as lively as ever. As Rex walked across the grounds, he noticed many students engaged in Pokémon battles on the practice fields.
Of course, most of these students weren't very strong yet. That was largely because they hadn't started their field training or traveled outside.
The Trainer School had excellent instructors to teach a wide range of Pokémon knowledge, but in this somewhat sheltered and idealized academic environment, many students were simply enjoying a carefree lifestyle—not throwing themselves entirely into training and raising their Pokémon.
By contrast, in poorer and less developed regions, becoming a Pokémon Trainer was one of the few ways for kids to change their lives—and their families' futures. Even if they lacked formal knowledge, the moment they received a starter Pokémon, they would venture out without hesitation.
Through countless brushes with danger, they grew. Some would lose their lives, others would drop out of the trainer path, but those who survived typically emerged stronger than any school-trained peer.
Lost in these thoughts, Rex eventually arrived at Professor Kukui's classroom. Kukui was in the middle of a lecture.
Since Rex wasn't in a hurry, he decided not to interrupt and instead stood quietly by the window, peeking in.
Lillie, ever the model student, was focused on the lesson. In contrast, Māmane, seated in front of her, was slumped over his desk, clearly asleep. Kukui didn't seem to mind and kept explaining things to the rest of the class.
It wasn't long before Mallow, who had been bored and glancing around, spotted Rex. She immediately waved at him with a bright smile.
Her excitement drew everyone else's attention, including Kukui's. Soon, all the students noticed Rex standing outside the window.
"Rex, since you're already here, come on in. Don't worry about interrupting the class," Kukui said, waving him over.
Though he said that, Kukui appreciated that Rex had waited outside—an act of respect that showed both self-discipline and regard for the teacher.
"Alright then, thanks for having me, Professor Kukui."
Rex didn't refuse the invitation. Sitting inside was certainly better than standing outside doing nothing.
"Take your usual seat beside Lillie. Once class is over, I'll take you to my research lab. I'd like to give Swellow a full check-up," Kukui added, pointing to the empty seat next to Lillie.
"Got it, Professor."
Rex took the seat naturally, assuming the role of a model student.
Though Kukui tried to resume his lecture, it was clear the students' attention had shifted. Even Lillie, who was normally laser-focused, kept sneaking glances at Rex.
"…Alright," Kukui said after a moment. "Looks like no one's really focused anymore. If anyone wants to go explore freely, go ahead. If you want to come with me to the lab, that's fine too."
"I'm in!" Mallow said immediately, snapping back to attention.
"So am I," Lana added calmly, raising her hand.
As expected, everyone wanted to tag along to the research lab.
After all, it was only thanks to Rex's arrival that they even knew Kukui had a lab hidden behind the school. Their previous visit had already been a surprise, and now they were eager to see what else was inside.
But more importantly, they wanted to see what Swellow had become. To them, as students from the Alola region, Totem Pokémon were almost mythical—immensely powerful and one-of-a-kind.
When Rex first arrived and said he would turn his Swellow into a Totem Pokémon, everyone had encouraged him—but not without a fair share of doubt.
Once they reached Kukui's lab, the professor immediately asked Rex to release Swellow.
When the towering Swellow appeared, cloaked in a faint golden aura, Kukui and the students couldn't hide their amazement.
That shimmering aura of dominance around Swellow made it feel completely different from before—its presence alone radiated power. None of the students dared get too close.
"Incredible. I can confirm without a doubt that your Swellow has become a Totem Pokémon," Kukui said after running a full scan and handing Rex the results. "Its physical condition is much stronger than last time—and I believe this growth will continue for quite a while."
"Swellow wouldn't have made it this far without your help, Professor. If there's anything I can do to assist your research, I'll gladly cooperate," Rex replied with a smile as he read the report.
He knew favors had to be reciprocated. You couldn't just take without giving back—it was important to show appreciation.
"In that case, could you walk me through how Swellow became a Totem Pokémon?" Kukui asked, excited now that Rex had opened the door.
With that invitation, Rex didn't hold back. He explained the entire process behind Swellow's transformation—leaving out only the part about his own unique abilities.
Swellow's rapid transformation had some special conditions. Back in Hoenn, it had already reached the limit of its potential. Its massive size and mature form meant it was only missing a trigger—Z-energy.
Most Pokémon didn't have the same foundation Swellow had, so they likely wouldn't evolve into Totem Pokémon as easily. If it were that simple, Totem Pokémon wouldn't be so rare.
Even so, now that there was a proven path, Kukui knew the possibilities for Alola's trainers had grown—and with it, the region's future.