The path of a Trainer was a personal choice, and the authorities never forced it. After all, many preferred a quiet life where their family could live in peace and safety. Even some who became Pokémon Trainers would choose to renounce their status after surviving a particularly brutal experience in a Secret Realm.
Seeing her best friend's distress, He Lu offered another word of comfort. "Yunjie, relax. Brother Xuan won't have any trouble. Senior Lin and the others went to a Low-level Realm, but Brother Xuan went to a Mid-level Realm. It's only natural for him to take a bit longer to get back."
Her logic was sound. Most Low-level Realms were situated close to major cities like Shanghai. The higher the rank of the realm, the further it was typically located from urban centers—a strategic arrangement established during the country's founding.
Of course, there were anomalies, such as sudden "Rift Emergencies" where a new realm could tear open anywhere, even in a city center. But the realms Zhao Xuan and his peers frequented were stable ones that had existed since the dawn of the New Yanhuwa Republic or even longer.
"You're right. My cousin will be fine," Li Yunjie nodded, as if bolstering her own courage. "He even promised to bring back a surprise for me this time."
They had grown up together, and Zhao Xuan doted on her shamelessly. Li Yunjie's reliance on him was even deeper than her dependence on her own parents. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to him.
"GAA!!! GAA!!!"
Suddenly, a sharp, piercing cry cut through the air like a blade of ice, echoing across the vast training field. The sound was like a thunderclap that forced every teacher and student at Spring Autumn Middle School to snap their heads upward.
A massive, predatory shape was hurtling toward the field at a staggering speed. Its outstretched wings were broad and powerful, reminiscent of two fighter jets roaring through the sky. The sheer displacement of air sent a gale whistling through the campus, making the surrounding trees groan and sway.
This beast was covered in a layer of steel-hard, midnight-blue feathers. Under the brilliant afternoon sun, the plumage flickered with a cold, lethal glint. Its talons were enormous and bright, looking capable of shredding reinforced concrete, and its crimson eyes radiated a crushing sense of authority.
Compared to this monster, Lin Zhi's Fearow looked like an underdeveloped chick.
From the rest area, Lin Zhi watched the descent and let out a helpless laugh. "Talk about being outclassed. Zhao Xuan's Corviknight is getting bigger every time I see it. That power is terrifying."
"At least you can ride yours, Lin Zhi," a boy beside him grumbled. "My Swellow can only carry me by clutching my shoulders with its claws. It's a nightmare."
The group of returning Trainers burst into laughter, though their eyes never left the sky. The rest of the students were a mix of awe, envy, and curiosity. Zhao Xuan wasn't a gold coin—not everyone liked him—but everyone respected the power he wielded.
Fang Yifan, however, looked particularly sour. Seeing the look of pure relief and joy on the faces of Qiao Yingzi and Huang Zhitao made his expression darken even further.
High above, Zhao Xuan looked down at the crowd. Thinking of his cousin Yunjie and his friend Yingzi, he allowed himself a genuine smile. He patted Corviknight's armored back. "Corviknight, let's land."
"GAA!!!"
With a final, piercing cry, the steel beast descended.
Whish! Whish!
As the wings—spanning over six meters—began to backbeat, a violent downdraft slammed into the training field. It kicked up a wall of dust and gravel far more intense than the Fearow's landing. Those standing too close were forced back several steps, some stumbling as they shielded their eyes from the grit.
Despite the chaos of the wind, Corviknight landed with surgical precision in the dead center of the field. It folded its wings and stood still, a living mountain of shadow.
Zhao Xuan, clad in his torn camouflage gear, leaped down from its back. Even with its wings folded, Corviknight stood nearly three meters tall. Standing beside it, Zhao Xuan looked like a child standing at the foot of a small hill.
As his boots hit the ground, Principal Guo Guangping was already jogging toward him, followed by several teachers. Among them was a woman with a cold, elegant aura—Li Meng, Zhao Xuan's homeroom teacher. Though he was a Trainer, Zhao Xuan still had to attend regular classes to supplement his tactical knowledge. He and Qiao Yingzi were in the same class for exactly that reason.
"Hahaha! Zhao Xuan, you're finally back! I thought you'd skipped the assembly and headed straight home again!" Guo's voice boomed before he even reached the boy.
Zhao Xuan felt a twinge of embarrassment. He had done exactly that after the last mission, and the old man clearly hadn't forgotten. So petty, he thought with a smirk.
"I had things to do that time, Principal," Zhao Xuan said smoothly. He then turned to his teacher. "Ms. Li, long time no see. Hello, teachers."
"You kid..." Guo laughed and cursed at the same time, looking over Zhao Xuan. Seeing that the boy only had some minor injuries on his arms, he let out a sigh of relief.
Li Meng felt the same. Zhao Xuan was effectively the "soul" of her class. Although he could be a headache at times, she truly cared for him. It pained her that someone his age had to carry such heavy burdens. Every time he left for a Secret Realm, she lived in a state of constant anxiety, terrified he might not return.
"What's the matter, Ms. Li? Don't you recognize me?" Zhao Xuan teased when he saw her dazed expression.
"Don't talk nonsense, Zhao Xuan," Li Meng replied, rolling her eyes before adding with a sly grin. "I was just thinking about how much homework I should assign you to make up for the month you missed."
Zhao Xuan gasped dramatically. "Ms. Li, are you a demon? That's cold! If I'd known, I wouldn't have come back!"
He made a show of trying to climb back onto Corviknight to flee, prompting a round of laughter from Principal Guo and the others.
After a moment, Guo said, "Go catch up with Lin Zhi and the others. The school rewards will be distributed once everyone has returned."
"Understood, Principal." Zhao Xuan nodded. He pulled out a Pokéball, recalled Corviknight in a flash of red light, and headed toward Lin Zhi's group.
Seeing this, Guo Guangping dismissed the student body. The remaining Trainers wouldn't be back for at least another two hours due to the inevitable city-wide traffic jams, so there was no point in making everyone wait.
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