Lu Ye and Zhai Wenyao waited outside the center for quite some time.
"Coach, do you think the Pokémon from Modu University's Pokemon Breeding Center are… strong?" Lu Ye asked with a bit of uncertainty.
"It's not really about being strong or not," Zhai Wenyao pondered,
"Reports show that different breeding centers and regional climates cultivate Pokémon with specific personality traits. These traits tend to have certain inclinations."
"Combine that with unique breeding techniques… That's why some breeding centers can build a brand reputation."
Lu Ye was slightly taken aback. "Then what kind of Pokémon does Modu University's Pokemon Breeding Center produce?"
"Battle-hardened!"
Zhai Wenyao's tone suddenly turned proud. "Infernape, Swellow, Houndoom… Pokémon from Modu University's Pokemon Breeding Center are renowned across all of Donghuang!"
Lu Ye: ?
He suddenly wanted to grab Zhai Wenyao by the neck and ask why he hadn't mentioned this earlier.
If you'd said this sooner, I'd have turned around and left immediately! I wouldn't have wasted half an hour standing here like an idiot!
Just as Lu Ye was gazing blankly at the sky, Grandma Wu walked out with her cane, smiling.
"Lu Ye, you've got permission now. Come pick a Pokémon!"
The old principal of Modu University trusted Grandma Wu's judgment.
Since she had her eyes on this Trainer, giving away a starter Pokémon as an investment for the future seemed reasonable.
The young Teacher Lu had no idea what was happening and still naively hoped to pick a Slowpoke.
One word: Tragic!
Following Grandma Wu, Lu Ye walked toward another small garden where the scent of berries was even stronger, clearly indicating the presence of many rare fruit trees.
"Wenju Berries, Mago Berries, Razz Berries…"
Lu Ye called out the berry names one by one, his eyes widening.
"They even have the rare Haban Berry?"
Seeing the branches laden with fruit, Lu Ye's eyes sparkled, as if seeing bundles of cash.
Grandma Wu glanced at Lu Ye in surprise and smiled. "I didn't expect you to know so much about berries."
Lu Ye grinned. "Just a little, just a little."
Berry experts naturally attract each other.
Thanks to his Pokéblock Crafting Lv5 skill, Lu Ye's berry knowledge only strengthened Grandma Wu's resolve.
They arrived at a rocky area, where Grandma Wu pointed at a Tepig repeatedly smashing into a rock.
"This little piglet is quite hot-tempered but also the strongest. It even inherited 'Reckless' from its Darmanitan parent."
As soon as she finished speaking, Tepig slammed into the rock, shattering it with a 'thud,' then raised its head and let out a deep roar.
Lu Ye's face changed. "Grandma Wu… I don't think this one suits me…"
Grandma Wu nodded and pointed to a Cyndaquil covered in bruises.
"How about this one? It's not as strong yet, but it has a determined nature and the 'Flash Fire' ability. When it evolves into a Typhlosion, it'll be the core of any Sun team!"
Lu Ye imagined the Cyndaquil setting his house on fire and sighed deeply, shaking his head.
Grandma Wu furrowed her brows and sighed too. "You came too late… If you'd come earlier, I could've introduced you to a Chimchar."
Lu Ye's expression stiffened.
All these Fire-types are explosive maniacs! If it's anything like Ash's Infernape, how am I supposed to be a low-key player?
Lu Ye coughed. "Grandma Wu, I don't think Fire-types are for me."
The cunning Teacher Lu really didn't vibe with Fire-types.
Grandma Wu nodded, then led Lu Ye into a lush berry grove.
A Turtwig with bloodshot eyes stomped the ground angrily, sending a surge of earth power shaking the surroundings.
"D*mn!"
Nearby, a Chespin swore, leaping into the air and firing Pin Missile beams at Turtwig!
Lu Ye's expression turned complex.
Why are all the Pokémon from Modu University's Pokemon Breeding Center so aggressive?
And… why are they all starters? Isn't there a more laid-back option?
Grandma Wu laughed heartily. "These little guys are just like I was when I was young!"
Lu Ye sighed.
Grandma, you were a fierce one back in the day, huh?
So that's why all the Pokémon here are battle maniacs!
Lu Ye gave an awkward smile. "Grandma, why are they all starters? Don't you have any other Pokémon?"
Grandma Wu smiled proudly. "I got this opportunity for you from the old principal."
"I think you've got potential as a Trainer. Don't let me down!" She patted Lu Ye's shoulder.
Lu Ye: ???
Something's wrong here.
I just wanted a Slowpoke. How did I end up choosing a starter?
If I refuse now, will the old principal blacklist me?
Lu Ye's expression turned strange. "Grandma, do you have any… weaker Pokémon?"
"Oh, you want to train from scratch!"
Grandma Wu immediately understood.
These starters were strong but carried her battle-hardened style. If they didn't match a Trainer's style, they'd be a burden.
Grandma Wu nodded approvingly. This young man had a good eye!
In the Grass-type courtyard, there were no Bulbasaurs, which disappointed Lu Ye a bit.
But on second thought, Bulbasaur's Grass/Poison typing meant toxins all over its skin.
One slip-up, and he might end up in the hospital.
Plus, Haunter might accidentally drain Bulbasaur dry…
Lu Ye rubbed his temples, feeling the headache.
Who knew picking a Pokémon would be so stressful?
It's a disgrace to my reputation as Teacher Lu!
"Let's see… Maybe there's a good Water-type. Follow me."
Grandma Wu led Lu Ye to a stream, where the cool water flowed gently.
Lu Ye looked around.
A Froakie was training its Bubble move, casting a cold glance his way.
Honestly, Lu Ye liked Froakie.
Maybe with it, he could awaken some 'backstab synergy' ability.
But he wasn't the main character, and he knew it.
Besides, that cold personality might not match his style.
Lu Ye sighed. "Grandma Wu, the Pokémon here are really… top-notch!"
Grandma Wu chuckled. "You've got a sweet tongue!"
Suddenly, Lu Ye's eyes caught a brown turtle shell on a rock in the river.
It exuded pure security, like a safe decoration for his home.
In the middle of summer, while other Pokémon trained hard,
this one was confidently napping, completely carefree.
Snuggled in its shell, living a lazy, conflict-free life…
A dreamer at peace!
Lu Ye was moved to tears.
Isn't this… the hidden gem I've been searching for?
Hands trembling, Lu Ye scanned it with his system's Pokédex, and happiness overwhelmed him.
[Squirtle, Water-type
Ability: Torrent
Gender: ♂
Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Withdraw, Rapid Spin]
Look at that harmless moveset!
Not a single inherited move!
No backstabbing, no wrecking the house.
This is the dream Pokémon!
Taking a deep breath, Lu Ye pointed to the turtle shell. "Grandma, this is the one I want!"
Grandma Wu hesitated, following his gaze. "Are you sure… you want this Squirtle?"
"You can pick any starter. Think carefully…"
Lu Ye grinned. "No need. I choose this Squirtle!"
Betrayal is common, but a chill Pokémon is rare.
Modu University's Pokemon Breeding Center's hidden gem isn't easy to find!
Grandma Wu looked between Lu Ye and Squirtle, then sighed.
"Alright… it's yours!"
At that moment, the Squirtle inside the shell sensed its surroundings and opened its eyes.
A glint of light flashed in its calm eyes.
I hid so well…
How did I still get discovered?