A sleek, silent mag-car glided to a halt before a set of colossal iron gates, each one intricately shaped like a roaring Dragonite. Beyond them, the sprawling campus of the Pendragon Academy unfolded like a dream—pristine green lawns, elegant stone buildings with towering spires, and a massive battle stadium shimmering in the distance.
"Kyuu?" Dratini chirped, poking its head out from the collar of Ryuga's brand-new academy uniform.
Ryuga reached up and gently patted his partner's head, a grin spreading across his face. "Pretty amazing, huh, buddy? This is it. Our new home for the next two years."
The car door hissed open. As Ryuga stepped out, a hush fell over the crowd of new students gathered by the entrance. Whispers erupted like wildfire.
"No way... is that...?"
"A Pendragon!"
"Look, it's Ryuga Pendragon! The Champion's grandson!"
Ryuga felt a dozen pairs of eyes lock onto him. His inner 'gamer' mind kicked in, analyzing the situation. Okay, so I've got the 'celebrity' debuff. Everyone's gonna be watching my every move. He squared his shoulders, a confident smirk playing on his lips. Good. Let them watch.
"Well, well, if it isn't the prince of Ironspire himself."
The voice was arrogant, dripping with condescension. Ryuga turned to see a boy with slicked-back silver hair and a haughty sneer. He wore the same uniform, but with an air of superiority, as if it were a king's royal attire. Perched on his shoulder was a small, rock-headed Pokémon with a fierce glint in its eye.
Ryuga's system instantly flashed a notification. [Bagon detected. Dragon Type. Potential: 🔵 Blue.]
"Don't think that Pendragon name means you've already won," the boy continued, stepping forward. "My name is Valerius Argent. And my family has supplied the Valorian League with its finest steel for centuries. Quality always beats a famous name."
Dratini let out a low, unhappy hiss from Ryuga's shoulder, sensing the hostility. Ryuga just smiled calmly.
"I don't," he said, his voice clear and steady, cutting through the nearby whispers. "But my partner and I will prove ourselves with our strength. My name is just a bonus."
Valerius's sneer tightened. "We'll see about that, Pendragon." He scoffed and turned away, melting back into the crowd.
So, my rival for this 'arc' has already shown up, Ryuga thought with amusement. Things are already getting interesting.
A loud, resonant bell chimed across the campus, signaling the start of the entrance ceremony. The massive crowd of ten-year-olds began to shuffle into a grand outdoor amphitheater, the air buzzing with nervous excitement. Ryuga found a spot in the middle, Dratini now coiled comfortably around his neck like a living scarf.
On the stage stood a tall, stern-looking woman with sharp eyes and an aura of immense power. She was the headmistress of the academy.
"Welcome, first-year students, to the Pendragon Academy!" her voice boomed, sharp and clear. "For the next two years, this will be your home, your training ground, and your battlefield! Here, you will push your limits! You will face rivals who will become your greatest allies! And you will forge bonds with your Pokémon that will last a lifetime!"
She paused, her piercing gaze sweeping across the thousands of hopeful faces.
"Your goal is not merely to graduate!" she declared, her voice rising with passion. "It is to become the strongest! To rise through the ranks, conquer the universities, and one day, earn the right to stand before the six Champions of this Empire!"
A wave of cheers erupted from the students. Ryuga felt a fire ignite in his chest. Across the amphitheater, he saw Valerius Argent glaring at him, a silent promise of a battle to come.
Dratini nudged his cheek, as if to say, We can take him!
Ryuga grinned. He looked at the stage, at his rivals, at the endless blue sky above. This was nothing like the game he once played.
This was so much better.
The headmistress raised her hand, silencing the crowd. "Your journey to the top begins now! All first-year students, proceed to the allocation fields for your very first challenge: the Placement Battles!"