Chapter 3: The Transfer Student and the Hidden Spark
The next morning started earlier than I expected. The sound of my Pokégear alarm almost made me throw it out the window.
"Ugh… Eevee, stop looking at me like that," I groaned.
"Vee~!" it chirped happily, already wide awake.
Today was my first day at Pokémon School in Kalos.
A new region, new rules, and… new faces.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my black jacket and red gloves. "Not bad," I said to myself. "I kinda look like a protagonist now."
> [Mission: Attend Pokémon School and introduce yourself.]
[Reward: 100 EXP + 1 Free Gacha Roll]
"Nice. At least this system gives rewards for socializing," I said, smiling as I picked up Eevee and headed out.
---
The school was huge — built on top of a hill with a clear view of Lumiose City in the distance. Trainers were chatting, trading Poké Balls, and some were already battling in the practice arena.
As I stepped inside, whispers followed me.
"Who's that guy?"
"New transfer?"
"He's kinda cool-looking…"
I tried to ignore the stares and went straight to the office.
A friendly teacher with short brown hair smiled. "Ah, you must be Rihan, our new transfer student from Pallet Town?"
I nodded politely. "Yes, ma'am."
She led me to my classroom and opened the door.
"Class, we have a new student joining us today."
I walked in. Everyone turned to look. Some smiled, some just stared.
Then my eyes landed on a familiar face near the window.
"Serena…" I whispered.
She looked just as surprised. "Rihan? You're in this school too?"
I smiled awkwardly. "Guess fate really likes repeating itself."
A few students giggled. The teacher clapped her hands. "Alright, Rihan, please introduce yourself."
I scratched the back of my neck. "Uh, hey everyone. My name's Rihan. I just moved here, and I hope to become a strong Pokémon Trainer… maybe even the next Champion."
The class murmured in excitement.
The teacher nodded. "Good! You can sit beside Serena."
Of course. The only empty seat.
Serena smiled warmly as I sat down. "Looks like we're classmates now."
"Yeah," I said. "Let's see if you can keep up with me."
She raised an eyebrow playfully. "Is that a challenge?"
> [Bond of Hearts: Connection Strengthened – Serena Lv. 2: Friendly Rivalry]
I could feel the symbol on my wrist pulse slightly, but I pretended not to notice.
---
After class, we went outside for Pokémon training practice.
Serena was already practicing with her Fennekin, while I called out Eevee.
"Alright, Eevee, let's show them what we can do!"
Eevee jumped in front of me proudly.
"Fennekin, use Ember!" Serena shouted.
"Eevee, dodge and use Quick Attack!"
The two Pokémon clashed, flames and wind flying in all directions. The other students cheered as we went back and forth.
> [Battle XP: +50]
[Bond Level: Eevee Lv. 2 — Growing Trust]
The battle ended in a draw, both Pokémon panting but happy.
Serena smiled and walked toward me. "You're not bad for a transfer student."
"Same to you," I replied, offering a handshake.
Her fingers brushed against mine — soft, warm, and for a brief moment, the air around us shimmered faintly.
> [Bond of Hearts: Hidden Emotion Detected – Unnamed Feeling Awakening]
I blinked. "What was that…?"
Serena tilted her head. "Hm? Did you say something?"
"Ah, nothing. Just… system things." I muttered.
She laughed. "You're a weird one, Rihan."
"Yeah," I said, smiling faintly. "But maybe that's what makes life fun."
---
Later, as the sun began to set, I sat under a tree near the school grounds, watching the sky.
> [Daily Quest Complete: Attend Pokémon School]
[Reward Received: 100 EXP + 1 Free Gacha Roll]
"Alright, let's see what we get."
A digital wheel appeared in front of me and began spinning rapidly.
Click. Click. Click…
It stopped.
> [Congratulations! You received a Rare Skill: Aura Sense (Beginner)]
"Aura Sense?" I whispered. "Now things are getting serious."
I smiled to myself.
A new world, a new power, and new bonds that could change everything.
But somewhere deep inside my system, the Bond of Hearts flickered faintly — as if something was awakening… watching… waiting.
---
[To Be Continued…]
---