🎄 Christmas Special Discount 🎄From December 23 to December 25, there will be a public 50% discount on the following tiers:Intermediate Trainers, Advanced Trainers, Elite Trainers, Elite Four Trainers, Champion Trainers, and Legendary Trainers.
🎆 New Year Discount 🎆There will also be a 50% discount, but it won't be public. On December 31, the discount code will be published inside the chapters, so stay tuned 👀✨
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The intermediate campus of the Pokémon University of Ironvale City was located on a plain surrounded by mountains on all four sides.
After walking for several hours, Ethan Black finally arrived, exhausted from the journey.
"Ethan, you finally made it," said Kyle Miller, who was waiting at the entrance with a Nidoran♂.
"Ugh... if I had known, I would've asked you to come pick me up. This path drained all my energy," replied Ethan Black, shaking his head with resignation before turning his gaze to the Nidoran next to Kyle Miller.
Nidoran♂ was a small violet rodent-like Pokémon, with dark purple spots, large green inner ears, small fangs, red eyes, a poisonous horn on its head, and three rows of spines on its back, the middle one being the longest. It had short limbs with two toes on each foot, and only males existed; its female counterpart was Nidoran♀.
"What a cute Nidoran," said Ethan Black admiringly, taking a nutrient juice from his backpack and offering it.
"Hehe, about the Scyther you wanted, I've already been pulling some strings to get it. I think you'll have it soon," commented Kyle Miller with a slightly awkward smile, as if to say: "It's not fully settled yet."
"No problem. I already have six Pokémon now, and training them all will take time," replied Ethan Black calmly.
Although he was very interested in Scyther and its evolution Scizor, he wasn't in a rush. Besides, Scizor was a species recently discovered by the Pokémon Research Guild, so it wasn't yet publicly available.
If, in exchange for obtaining a Scizor, the Pokémon Research Guild cut off his supply of resources, that would be a much greater loss.
"By the way, what about Hailey and Sarah?" asked Ethan Black, looking around.
"Oh, they're students in the Pokémon breeding major. Before passing the exam for intermediate-level breeder, they have to remain a while longer in the beginner campus. But I don't think they'll have any problem passing; surely they'll be here in the intermediate campus soon," explained Kyle Miller, as he picked up Nidoran♂ in his arms and guided Ethan Black inside.
After completing the enrollment procedures, Ethan Black finally received the key to his dorm. After such a long trip, the only thing he wanted was to throw himself on the bed and sleep.
The university was difficult to enter, but the treatment of students was excellent.
For example, the dorms were individual, with full kitchen, living room, and bathroom, just like a house, providing the best living environment for trainers and Pokémon.
"This place is great," exclaimed Ethan Black admiringly.
"Yeah, but the competition is fierce," replied Kyle Miller, dropping onto the sofa with a sigh.
"Competition?" asked Ethan Black, intrigued.
"That's right. Don't think the university will just hand you resources for free. In the intermediate campus, besides wilderness survival courses, there are monthly battle exams. Resources are distributed according to your ranking in the university: if you're at the top, you eat meat; if you're at the bottom, you only get the scraps," explained Kyle Miller seriously.
"It's that harsh?" Ethan Black was surprised.
"Of course. We are the League's reserve army. If a war breaks out and Pokémon invade the real world, we'll have to go to the frontlines," added Kyle Miller.
Kyle Miller's words made Ethan Black abandon the idea of "going to university to relax." As the saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility"; the more you receive, the more you must give. There are no free lunches.
"Prepare yourself well. In one month there will be a diagnostic exam in the intermediate campus, and the result will determine the resources you'll receive the following month," warned Kyle Miller.
Ethan Black's eyes lit up. He didn't mind that rule; in fact, it excited him a little. The rules were simple: the strong get stronger, the weak get weaker. And he didn't consider himself weak.
"Judging by your face, I already know what you're thinking," Kyle Miller smiled. "With our strength, we'll definitely be among the top spots of the newcomers. But don't get overconfident: every position makes a huge difference in resources."
"Also, according to the university team rules, the ten members must be in the top 10 of the ranking. If not, they're out."
At that moment, Kyle Miller became very serious. Being part of the university team not only gave access to the normal resources, but also to a special allocation for the team. Losing that spot would be unforgivable.
After chatting a bit more and sharing some training tips, Kyle Miller hurried off, with an expression of having gained good ideas for training his Pokémon.
Finally, Ethan Black had time to explore his dorm.
Living room, kitchen, bathroom, and separate bedroom... not bad.
Especially the kitchen, equipped with all kinds of utensils. Did they expect trainers to practice survival cooking?
"Looks like it... I've heard there's no cafeteria here, and no regular restaurants either," said Ethan Black, leafing through a wilderness cooking recipe book with a grimace.
Was this really the Pokémon University and not the Tōtsuki Culinary Academy?
"Well then... they say the university encourages finding companions, so finding someone who can cook is key. Especially a breeder who takes good care of Pokémon and also cooks wonderfully: the ideal partner. Just like Ash always travels with a breeder, the help they give a trainer is enormous," thought Ethan Black.
While reflecting, he took out the Poké Balls and released Sandslash, Cacturne, Shellder, Meltan, Shuckle, and Trapinch, to help him clean the dorm.
"Six Pokémon and me, perfect for taking turns with the work," he thought happily, determined to make good use of his resources.
"Eh... Sandslash, your claws are way too sharp."
"Cacturne, why don't you have fingers?"
"Meltan, Trapinch, don't bite that!"
"Shellder, Shuckle... you two better just watch."
After a while of failed attempts, Ethan Black gave up on the idea of having them do the cleaning.
"One must do things oneself to be well served... How I miss Dad's Machop, who knew how to do house chores. Maybe I should also catch a Fighting-type Pokémon..."
(End of Chapter)