"Holy crap, did you guys hear? Apparently a freshman broke the record Champion Victor Stone set twenty-five years ago."
"No way. That record was over ninety thousand points!"
"I'm serious. They say it was this year's national exam top scorer."
"Tsk… some people rewrite legends the moment they enroll, while I'm still grinding just to become a professional Trainer. Life really isn't fair."
Donghuang Academy – Third-Year Dormitory Area
Scrolling through the academy forum, Shu Xueting let out a long sigh.
"Wan Yi, do you think I'm hopeless?"
"People are breaking Champion Victor Stone's records the moment they enroll."
"And I'm still struggling just to qualify as a professional Trainer."
Hearing her friend complain, Anna Stone rolled her eyes.
"And whose fault is that?"
"You said you'd be back in a week. You only showed up today."
Shu Xueting immediately straightened up, her expression solemn.
"I've been ruined by wine and temptation…"
"From today onward—no more drinking!"
She shoved her Pokémon partner aside dramatically.
Anna stared at her in silence.
So you're just going to ignore the 'temptation' part, huh…
"Alright, Miss Sobriety," Anna said helplesslyn.
"Can we finally go train now?"
"I've been waiting half a month."
"If I knew you'd be gone this long, I would've just trained with my cousin."
"Deal!" Shu Xueting replied instantly.
"From today on, I'm turning over a new leaf!"
But just as she was about to stand—
A new forum post exploded onto the screen.
[BREAKING: Freshman DESTROYS evaluation machine during entrance exam!]
Shu Xueting froze.
She tapped into the post and saw several images:
a shattered evaluation device… and the back of a tall young man.
She sucked in a sharp breath.
"Wan Yi—Wan Yi!"
"Come look at this!"
Anna walked over, intending to glance casually—
Then she stopped dead.
"…That's Ethan."
"…He destroyed the evaluation machine?"
Her mind went blank.
She had taken that entrance exam herself.
She knew exactly how absurdly durable that machine was.
Back then, her Sunflora at peak intermediate level couldn't even leave a scratch.
And now it was destroyed?
And the one who did it… was her cousin?
Her thoughts immediately jumped to one Pokémon.
Could it have been Metagross?
Not long after—
"Wan Yi? Why are you calling me?"
"Oh, the broken evaluation machine?"
"Yeah, that was Hattrem."
"It's not that impressive—she's just been working really hard."
"Sorry, I've got something to take care of."
"I'll treat you to a meal later and explain everything."
Call ended.
Ethan Stone smiled as he looked at the little Pokémon sitting on his shoulder.
"Hattrem, you're famous now."
"The whole academy knows your name."
"Hat~"
Hattrem smiled shyly.
She didn't care about fame—only that she hadn't disappointed Ethan.
"Alright, no more mutual flattery," Ethan chuckled.
"Let's go. The principal is waiting."
Principal's Office
"Grandpa Gao, long time no see."
Ethan smiled warmly at the elderly man behind the desk.
Gao Bing, principal of Donghuang Academy, laughed.
"So you still remember this old man, huh?"
Gao Bing had once been the academic advisor of Victor Stone—
and a former member of the Elite Four himself.
Though long retired, his presence still carried immense weight.
"How could I forget?" Ethan replied smoothly.
"Your elegance back then is still unforgettable."
Gao Bing burst out laughing.
"You little brat—your mouth is as sweet as ever."
"Tell me," he said, eyes sharp.
"You know why I called you here, don't you?"
Ethan nodded.
"Entrance exam results."
"As long as I'm not being billed for the machine."
Gao Bing laughed even harder.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"This is an academy, not a repair shop."
"But honestly… raising Hattrem to this level in just half a month?"
"That surprised even me."
Gao Bing could tell she had used powerful resources—but that wasn't rare.
What was rare…
Was controlling that explosive growth so perfectly.
That was real talent.
"Enough," Gao Bing said at last.
"As the top performer, you may choose one secret treasure."
Three boxes were placed on the desk.
Toxic Orb
Twisted Spoon
Metal Coat
Ethan didn't hesitate.
"I'll take the Metal Coat."
The system notification rang instantly.
[Ding! You have obtained a Purple Opportunity: Metal Coat]
[Opportunity amplification in progress…]
[Ding! One-hundredfold amplification successful]
[Golden Opportunity acquired: Peerless Metal Coat]
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/kakashiTL