c96: Arriving At The Electric Forest
Beihunknown colloquially as "E"—lies along the mid-Yangtze in central Huaxia. Once, in her previous life, the Three Gorges Dam had been built along this river. In this timeline, the dam's surroundings have become the renowned Electric Forest, China's premier location buzzing with wild Electric‑type Pokémon.
"The Electric Forest is right ahead!"
Chen Xiaoxiao whispered to herself, eyes fixed on the Pokédex map.
Weeks had passed since leaving the Ghost Town, and it was now January of the second year.
"Chinese New Year's almost here. I'll stay for a few days and return to Shencheng haven't seen Grandma in ages."
She glanced at the date on her Pokédex. It had been seven months since mid‑June, her longest stretch away from home though she'd video‑called her grandmother weekly.
A group of college students and three middle‑aged instructors were about 200 meters behind her.
"Ahead lies the Electric Forest," one man began, projecting his voice. "Your final exam: spend one week in the Forest and capture at least one Electric‑type Pokémon. Scoring depends on the rarity and level Pokédex rank 730 or above gains top marks. You must remain within 50 km from this point and return in seven days. Understood?"
The students chorused: "Yes, sir!"
"You may team up with classmates," he continued.
The mention of "class" piqued Chen Xiaoxiao's curiosity—she didn't belong to any university roster. The students assembled into pairs and trios.
"Teacher, may we partner with outsiders?" one boy asked, glancing at Chen Xiaoxiao.
"No. Only classmates are allowed. If we find trainers from outside aiding you, your score drops to zero," the teacher replied firmly.
The boys glanced again at Chen Xiaoxiao one joked, "I'd love to team up with that young lady!" Another replied, "Don't go picking wildflowers on the roadside!" A girl added teasingly, "Back off!"
Minutes later, teams formed. When it was time to enter the forest, all student pairs advanced except Chen Xiaoxiao. As she stepped forward, the same teacher approached her.
"Practicing here to catch an Electric Pokémon?" he asked politely.
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded. She was surprised but answered respectfully no trainer bias seen in him.
> "What's your trainer level?" he asked, noticing the Mega Keystone pendant around her neck.
Chen Xiaoxiao smiled: "Teacher, I'm not your student. Isn't this lenient allowing a stranger in? Verifying badge and trainer grade?"
He shook his head. "Just curious. But… I'd appreciate a favor—if you encounter any student in danger, please assist. We'll monitor things, but oversight's imperfect."
Chen Xiaoxiao understood this was a responsible teacher.
"Oh? You're similar in age to my students how could you help?"
She offered a playful grin.
"I see your Mega Keystone I think your strength is high."
He nodded.
"Greenhouse flowers rarely grow heartily," Chen Xiaoxiao quipped, glancing at her Keystone.
He smiled. "Indeed. After a few years under shelter, one needs facing storms to truly grow."
That mirrored the difference between university‑bound trainers and Traveling School graduates four more years of field experience could outweigh classroom superiority.
"Now you're being released from the greenhouse. Why worry?"
She teased, watching other teachers stop students passing into the forest.
"Yes we worry about Huaxia's future champions," he said, tone righteous. "While we train them indoors, the wild remains full of danger. The academic schools note injuries annually. And if a student dies on an outdoor training trip, the school's policy absolves itself. Parents still cause trouble. We just… prepare the best we can."
Chen Xiaoxiao laughed quietly.
"Well, I'm honored. I intend to go deep enough though I may not encounter any students. If I do, rest assured I won't stand idle. Stay safe, Guardian!"
She waved her Elite Trainer badge and turned toward the forest entrance.
As she strode away, the teacher stared recognizing the badge.
"Elite Trainer… Chen Xiaoxiao?!"
---
30+ advanced chapter on patreon....Visit patreon now to read my exclusive content... posting 5 chapters per day, Our collection is now available on PATREON
visit patreon.com/Elbertovic to view 30+ advanced chapters
Please subscribe guys