Freshman training camp was officially over.
The school even granted a holiday so the new students could rest and recover.
There were still four days left in the original break. Add the extra five-day vacation, and the freshmen now had a full nine days off.
Countless working adults would die of envy.
Naturally, Chen Ran had no intention of staying on campus the entire time.
As for where to go—
He hadn't decided yet.
However, he received an invitation from Wen Xiaoke.
She invited him to visit her home.
And while he was there, she wanted to purchase the Shiny Nuzleaf Chen Ran had captured earlier in the Redwood Forest secret realm.
Chen Ran didn't refuse.
After discussing it with his counselor, he obtained permission from the school to release the Nuzleaf from registration and sell it privately to Wen Xiaoke—considered a small favor.
That afternoon, Chen Ran finished eating alone and headed back toward the dormitory.
As for his three roommates?
They had long since disappeared with their girlfriends.
Traveling.
Shopping.
Living their best lives.
Dorm 427 now belonged to a single, handsome empty-nester.
But the surprise came unexpectedly.
Chen Ran received a message from the school:
> "Student Chen Ran, your freshman training camp rewards have arrived ahead of schedule. Please report to Shangshan Building to collect them."
"…Already?"
So Larvitar had arrived.
Without returning to the dorm, Chen Ran grabbed a campus bike and headed straight for Shangshan Building.
The university was enormous.
If you didn't ride, your legs would break before you got anywhere.
More than ten minutes later—
Second floor office, Shangshan Building.
Several school leaders were already present.
His counselor stood among them, staring at Chen Ran with unconcealed envy.
Larvitar.
A pseudo-legendary.
A must-have ace Pokémon for powerful Trainers.
To say they weren't tempted would be a lie.
For Trainers who dreamed of climbing the ranks of Dragon Country's elite, the allure of a pseudo-legendary was overwhelming.
But rules were rules.
Since the school had promised a pseudo-legendary as the top reward, they wouldn't go back on it.
"Chen Ran, correct?"
One of the energetic school leaders smiled warmly.
Without beating around the bush, he pointed to a Poké Ball on the table.
"Congratulations. You achieved first place in this freshman training camp. This Larvitar is your reward."
"We hope you continue striving forward—aim for Gym Leader, perhaps even the Elite Four one day."
As for Champion—
Even they didn't dare imagine that.
Jiangnan Pokémon University had existed for decades.
They had produced only one Elite Four member.
Not a single Champion.
"Thank you, sir. Thank you, leaders."
Chen Ran maintained proper courtesy despite the excitement bubbling inside him.
Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, he picked up the Poké Ball.
"Go on," one leader joked. "Open it and check."
It would be embarrassing if he walked out and discovered Larvitar wasn't even inside.
"Alright."
As Chen Ran held the Poké Ball, his emotions gradually steadied.
It's just Larvitar.
Calm down.
"Come out, Larvitar!"
A flash of red light.
A grayish-green figure materialized before everyone.
Larvitar.
Rock-like skin.
A blunt horn on its head.
Red eyes.
Short arms.
One clawed toe on each foot.
It looked like a miniature Godzilla.
Its abdomen bore a red diamond-shaped scale, and four black diamond-shaped vents lined its waist.
"Kira…"
The moment it appeared, its eyes looked unfocused.
Its posture slightly unsteady.
Its bones seemed soft—as if not fully developed.
The leaders noticed immediately.
"This Larvitar…"
One of them frowned but didn't finish his sentence.
Normally, a pseudo-legendary hatchling cost over 500 million.
Exceptional specimens fetched far more.
But this time—
The school hadn't spent that much.
Naturally, the Larvitar's condition was… less than ideal.
Chen Ning saw the issue instantly.
But given her position, she couldn't say anything.
She glanced at Chen Ran apologetically.
Still—
A pseudo-legendary was a pseudo-legendary.
This was already the best outcome possible.
At that moment, Chen Ran checked its data.
And sure enough—
Not all pseudo-legendaries were monsters from birth.
---
Larvitar
Level: 14
Type: Rock/Ground
Ability: Guts
(Boosts Attack if affected by a status condition.)
IVs:
HP (31), Attack (31), Defense (31), Sp. Atk (22), Sp. Def (25), Speed (27)
Talent: Gym-level
Moves: Tackle, Leer, Rock Throw, Payback, Bite, Scary Face
---
…Yikes.
Gym-level talent.
For a pseudo-legendary?
That was disappointing.
At first, Chen Ran felt a sting of frustration.
But when he saw Larvitar's confused, slightly fearful eyes—
His heart softened.
Immediately, he extended his aura and connected to Larvitar's mind.
"Don't worry, little guy."
"You're my partner now."
He crouched down, meeting Larvitar at eye level.
Yes, the school's gifted pseudo-legendary was a bit underwhelming.
Priceless in theory.
Yet flawed in reality.
But—
Chen Ran wasn't worried.
He still had the Flash Skin in his system inventory.
A trump card.
He would never let this pseudo-legendary go to waste.
"Kira?"
That voice…
Was that human speaking directly to it?
Larvitar stared at Chen Ran in shock.
Curious.
Hopeful.
"Don't worry."
Chen Ran extended his hand.
"I'll help you become stronger."
And this time—
He truly meant it.