In the early morning, John stood at Riverstone University's harbor preparing to visit the Dragon's Nest.
While waiting for Saul to arrive, John used Zoroark's illusion ability to stand on the shore and watch the students coming and going.
The quality of students in this class was amazingly high, not just in looks, but in the strength of their Pokemon as well.
John remembered when he first enrolled, sophomore-level Pokemon ranged between levels 30-40, which was considered decent. But today, he'd seen sophomores with Pokemon all above level 40.
There were even several with level 50 Pokemon, at John's time, that was graduation-ready strength.
Their abilities had jumped at least one or two levels.
This development was largely connected to John's influence.
As John ruled as Draconia's Champion, Riverstone University's reputation had risen with his success.
The Pokemon university scene had previously been "many strong schools", numerous powerful Pokemon universities with their own advantages and disadvantages, creating equal competition.
The current situation was "one super, many strong", Riverstone University stood above other Pokemon universities. Many foreign trainers even came specifically hoping to study at Riverstone University.
And as John launched his "Individual Value Theory," John's Breeding Center sold high-quality Pokemon. Many trainers who got their preferred high-potential Pokemon from John's facility naturally became more interested in Riverstone University, where John had studied.
More people applied, but Riverstone University didn't increase enrollment numbers, so selection criteria became more and more strict.
Simply put, the young trainers gathered at Riverstone University would be the future of the trainer world in Draconia and beyond.
They would all be John's loyal "students" and "junior colleagues."
Saul had even joked that when he retired, John should take over as Riverstone University's principal.
John hadn't refused, nor had he agreed right away. After achieving true invincibility, he could become university principal and live peacefully.
While John was lost in thought, Saul arrived.
Snap!
John snapped his fingers, and Zoroark immediately canceled the illusion.
"Sorry for the wait. I had to handle some college matters, so it took a bit longer," Saul explained.
"No problem, I just got here," John shook his head. "Mentor, how are we traveling?"
"Have your Lugia take us there, I still haven't ridden a Lugia," Saul smiled.
Using a legendary Pokemon as transportation was something many trainers couldn't even dream of, especially a Shiny one.
If John hadn't been his student, Saul would have been jealous.
"If you'd like, Saul, I could ask Lugia to take you around the world."
"No, no, I'm just curious. If I flew for that long, my old bones couldn't handle it," Saul waved his hand quickly.
"Ah! It's John!"
Suddenly a sharp cry interrupted their conversation.
A passing girl screamed and covered her mouth, eyes widening as she pointed at John in surprise.
Students around her were startled by the scream and looked curiously, soon all their eyes widened too.
"Holy crap, John's back at school!"
"Big news! John returned to school!"
"John-senpai, I'm your biggest fan!"
Seeing the area about to lose control, John quickly took out a Pokeball to release his Shadow Lugia.
ROAR!
A roar shook the coastline.
"Let's go first, it might get very troublesome otherwise," John said as Gardevoir slowly appeared behind him.
"How about it? Want to become Riverstone University's principal early? The whole school is full of your fans," Saul said with a smile.
John spread his hands helplessly, such were the troubles of being famous.
Gardevoir waved her arms, and they were immediately teleported onto Lugia's back. Lugia spread its massive wings, flapped hard creating strong winds, and the two flew skyward, turning to fly straight toward the sea.
"Lugia! It's Shadow Lugia, the legendary Pokemon!"
The students screamed excitedly. The smarter ones were already taking photos with their phones.
Needless to say, today's headline at Riverstone University, and even all of Riverstone, would be John returning to his old school to visit Saul.
Lugia flew very fast through the air.
Soon they spotted the Dragon's Nest moving above the ocean.
Massive white mist covered it like a giant steamed bun.******************************************************************************************************************************************************************** Without Riverstone University's permission, even finding the Dragon's Nest wouldn't allow entry.
Previously, John had visited the Dragon's Nest twice, both times led by Scarlett.
This time, there was no need for Scarlett to lead or Saul to guide, John could pass through easily.
The white mist covering the Dragon's Nest was basically a Mist move combined with psychic shielding that prevented targeting. When intruders entered, their sense of direction would be messed up by psychic power, causing them to move away from the island and leave along the mist's edge.
But this method was child's play before the "Psychic Queen" beside John.
Easily blocking psychic interference, they entered the Dragon's Nest without trouble.
Standing on the beach's edge, John and Saul got off and recalled Lugia.
Looking into the distance, they saw mountains and green forests. Strong winds blew, creating rippling forest seas while Dragonite, Salamence, and other swift figures moved freely across the sky.
This was Garchomp's homeland, they needed to show proper respect, so they planned to walk.
Garchomp jumped from its Pokeball and roared skyward.
GARCH!
The distinctive roar was loud, spreading like sound waves across the entire island.
GARCHOMP!
GARCHOMP!
Soon, similar roaring sounds came from the Dragon's Nest depths.
Getting responses from companions, Garchomp immediately waved its claws excitedly, somewhat impatient.
John stroked the shark skin on Garchomp's back. "Let's go. You lead the way? take us to see your mother."