The frantic energy of the placement battles slowly died down, replaced by a triumphant buzz. Students gathered in excited clumps on the lawns and in the sprawling student lounge, laughing and eagerly recounting their first victories.
"I still can't believe we both won!" Elara said, taking a huge gulp of Moomoo Milk from the vending machine. "My heart was pounding the whole time! Did you see that final Vine Whip? It was so cool!"
"You were great, Elara," Ryuga chuckled, leaning against a pillar. "That trick of grabbing the Pidgey's leg? Genius. You'll be acing the strategy exams."
"Thanks! I'm gonna go check the leaderboards to see where we landed!" she said, her eyes sparkling. "Be right back!"
As she dashed off toward the massive holographic display, Ryuga saw his chance. He slipped out into a quiet, sun-drenched courtyard, the distant chatter providing the perfect cover.
"Okay, buddy, keep a lookout for me," he whispered to Dratini, who nodded and scanned the area like a tiny, serpentine guard.
Ryuga closed his eyes and focused. Alright, System. Let's see what you can really do. Show me everything.
*VWHIIIP!* The familiar blue interface snapped into view, displaying a clean main menu.
[STATUS] [SHOP] [MISSIONS] [SIGN-IN]
He quickly checked the [SIGN-IN] tab. [Daily Sign-In: Available in 22 Hours, 15 Minutes]. Good to know. After confirming Dratini's incredible Gold-Potential status again under the [STATUS] tab, he moved on to the most intriguing options.
He opened the [SHOP]. The holographic marketplace was now neatly organized with tabs. Curious, he tapped [HUMAN ITEMS] first.
[Academy Uniform (Replica): 1 AP]
[Gourmet Meal Voucher: 2 AP]
[Standard Running Shoes: 1 AP]
Ryuga blinked. "One point for a whole uniform? It's practically giving this stuff away." A wave of relief washed over him. So, I'll never have to worry about the small stuff. I can focus everything on what really matters.
He switched to the [POKÉMON ITEMS] tab, and his jaw dropped.
[TM38 - Fire Blast: 12,000 AP]
[Item: Dragon Fang: 3,000 AP]
[Item: Choice Scarf: 20,000 AP]
"Okay, yeah, that's more like it," he muttered. "The real treasures have to be earned."
Finally, he opened the [MISSIONS] tab. It was cleanly divided into three new sections. [NORMAL], [MAIN], [LIMITED TIME]. The "Limited Time" tab was empty, but a notification blinked in the "Normal" section.
[Normal Mission Complete: Win Your First Placement Battle!]
[Reward: 100 AP, 1x Potion. Claim?]
"Well, it's a start," Ryuga grinned, claiming the reward. His point balance updated to 100 AP, and a small Potion canister materialized silently in his pocket.
Then, his heart skipped a beat. A bright, unread notification was pulsing in the [MAIN] tab. He opened it.
[New Main Mission Issued: The First Step to the Apex]
This was the big one. His eyes scanned the objectives.
Objective 1: Become the #1 Ranked First-Year Student by the end of the term.
Objective 2: Defeat your fated rival, Valerius Argent, in an official match.
Then he saw the rewards, and his world tilted on its axis.
Rewards: 5,000 AP, 1x Rare Candy, 1x Legendary Shard [1/100]
Ryuga's breath caught in his throat. "Legendary Shard?!" he mouthed, his eyes wide with disbelief. A piece of an actual Legendary Pokémon?! So this is the real path... This is the secret way to surpass even my grandfather!
A slow, incredibly determined smile spread across his face. This wasn't just a school competition anymore. This was the first step on a journey to obtain a power beyond imagination.
"The number one first-year... and Valerius," he whispered, a thrill of pure challenge coursing through him. "I'm coming for you."
"Hey! What are you spacing out for?"
Ryuga jumped, the system vanishing instantly. Elara was jogging back toward him, her face flushed with excitement.
"You won't believe this! The Headmistress is about to announce the initial rankings from the placement battles! Come on, we gotta see!"
She grabbed his hand, pulling him back toward the crowded lounge. Ryuga followed, his mind racing. His journey at the academy now had a clear, epic goal. The first step to the apex, and to a legend of his own, was right in front of him.