"Sir, I've decided."
"I'll take the Competition Instead of Exam."
The homeroom teacher wasn't surprised.
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
He nodded slowly.
"Alright."
"If that's your choice, I'll help you apply for additional resources."
"I believe you can achieve something."
He paused.
"Kona gave you a Technical Machine."
"I'm guessing it's Ice-type?"
Gu Qiu nodded.
"Ice Beam."
The teacher exhaled.
"As expected."
"In that case, I'll apply for two more TMs through the school."
"And try to secure 200,000 League funds for you."
Gu Qiu's heart stirred.
With his current visible strength—
Even entering the city qualifiers would be difficult.
If he failed—
The teacher would face pressure.
"You just focus on training," the teacher said lightly.
"Don't burden yourself."
"I'll handle leave paperwork."
"Go."
"And don't look so touched."
Gu Qiu didn't say anything dramatic.
He wasn't that type.
Some gratitude—
Was better kept in the heart.
If the teacher ever needed him—
He would repay it fully.
Pokémon Center
After school, Gu Qiu went directly to the Pokémon Center.
Better to register early.
The lobby was quiet during school hours.
He quickly completed Beginner Trainer registration.
Simple process.
Show your Pokémon.
Receive ID.
He also registered for the official event:
Kanto Region High School Championship.
That was the formal name.
Before leaving, he purchased a set of Poké Balls.
Not because he needed them—
The system store sold similar ones.
But appearances mattered.
They were cheap.
It didn't hurt.
Home
He informed his parents.
They supported him.
Gu Qiu had always been unusually mature.
Even if they worried—
They wouldn't stop him.
At Viridian City's gate—
He suddenly paused.
Something felt forgotten.
He pulled out his phone.
Sent a message.
Gu Qiu:
I'll be leaving for a while.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Serena should still be in class.
She never used her phone during lessons.
What he didn't know—
Was that she replied instantly.
He simply didn't see it.
Viridian Forest
One day later—
He stood there again.
This time—
For a full month of training.
Trainer Rank System
At eighteen, every citizen receives a government-issued starter Pokémon.
That qualifies them as Beginner Trainers.
No benefits.
No subsidy.
To become an officially recognized Standard Trainer—
Two methods:
Enter any Pokémon University and present admission letter.Pass a Pokémon Center evaluation battle.
Standard Trainers receive small monthly subsidies:
10 basic-type energy cubes.
Most serious trainers reach this level.
Above that—
Elite Trainer.
To qualify:
Own three Pokémon at Level 30+.Pass official combat evaluation.
Only a minority achieve it.
Usually:
Regional qualifier participantsOr graduates of elite academies
Gu Qiu exhaled softly.
"This time… I'll pass through Pewter City as well."
Since arriving in this world—
He had never traveled as a true trainer.
Solo travel.
Battle.
Capture.
Grow.
It felt right.
"City qualifiers can be entered anywhere," he murmured.
"If I can't return in time, I'll transfer my battle zone."
Registration transfer through Pokémon Centers was simple.
He unclipped a Poké Ball.
"Froakie."
"Come out."
White light flashed.
The small blue frog landed lightly.
Looking up at him.
Gu Qiu smiled faintly.
"One month."
"Let's become stronger."
The forest wind rustled softly.
The journey—
Had officially begun.