"Oliver, I represent Xia National Academy University," one of the recruiters began confidently. "Don't listen to what the previous gentleman said. Our Pokémon Research program is universally recognized as number one in the country. It's undoubtedly the best environment for you to thrive. And beyond what they've offered—we're prepared to raise the annual scholarship to two million credits."
Oliver nodded politely and turned to the next speaker.
The third recruiter felt a faint chill in his heart.
This young man…
He's clearly waiting for the price to rise.
Gritting his teeth, he raised the offer.
"Oliver, we are from Magic City University…"
"Oliver, I represent Fudan University…"
"Oliver, I'm from Sichuan University…"
"Oliver, I represent Qingmen University…"
One by one, six universities completed their introductions.
And each offer surpassed the previous.
Scholarships increased.
Research funding grew.
Privileges expanded.
Soon, only Capital University and Qingmu University remained.
The two undisputed giants of the nation.
At times, Qingmu ranked first.
At times, Capital took the lead.
Their rivalry had lasted decades.
Capital University Makes Its Move
The next to speak was Capital University's representative.
A refined middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses.
"I am Li, from Capital University. I won't waste time on formalities."
He spoke steadily.
"We can offer you five million credits annually in scholarship."
"And we will assign you a dedicated top-tier laboratory."
"Any research-related issues—you will receive full institutional support."
The room fell into stunned silence.
The scholarship amount wasn't the most shocking part.
The laboratory was.
A fully equipped top-tier lab cost no less than seventy million credits to establish—and often far more.
At Capital University, there were only three such labs:
Two public-use labs.
One exclusively for Professor Li Mingyao, Dean of Pokémon Research.
And now—
They were offering one to an eighteen-year-old freshman.
The other recruiters felt their hearts sink.
How could anyone refuse that?
Even Oliver was genuinely surprised.
The equipment he had received from the League was valuable—
But it didn't compare to a true, independent laboratory.
If he had to compare—
Only Lu Xinghe's hidden research facility approached that level of completeness.
He slowly turned to the final recruiter.
Qingmu University.
Qingmu's Counteroffer
The only woman in the room.
She hesitated briefly before speaking.
"Anything Capital University offers—we can match."
"Five million annual scholarship."
"A dedicated laboratory."
"And…"
She paused.
"Dr. Hou Yuanshan will personally mentor you."
The room stirred again.
Hou Yuanshan.
Like Li Mingyao, he was a League-recognized Pokémon Doctor.
The two were senior and junior disciples under Lu Xinghe.
With Lu Xinghe living reclusively, they were essentially the two most prestigious Pokémon Doctors in Xia.
"Personal mentorship, hm…" Oliver mused softly.
Then he turned to Capital's Li.
"And Capital University? Any response?"
Li adjusted his glasses.
"We can promise personal guidance from Dr. Li Mingyao."
That commitment had clearly been pre-approved.
No one would dare casually pledge a League-certified Doctor's time.
Oliver's Real Demand
Oliver smiled faintly.
"But what I want… isn't exactly that."
The room stiffened.
Here it comes.
He spoke slowly.
"I require freedom."
"I frequently travel for research. I will not remain on campus regularly."
"I do not want restrictions placed on my Pokémon training."
The two leading recruiters visibly relaxed.
They had expected far harsher demands.
Freedom of attendance?
Manageable.
Training Pokémon?
They exchanged silent confusion.
Why was a research prodigy investing energy in training?
If he faced danger, battle specialists would handle it.
But this wasn't a deal-breaker.
They stepped outside to call their universities.
Soon, both returned.
"Agreed."
Capital's Li added another clause:
"In addition, you will have an annual resource allocation of five million credits—exclusively for research materials."
Qingmu's representative fell silent.
They could not match that.
Their recruitment budget wasn't infinite—and they had other talents to secure as well.
Decision
Oliver stood.
"It seems the outcome is clear."
Capital's Li extended his hand.
"Welcome to Capital University."
Oliver shook it firmly.
Around them, seven recruiters watched with mixed disappointment and resignation.
In their eyes—
Oliver had chosen Capital because it paid the highest price.
Only Oliver knew—
Capital University had always been his first choice.
Everything before—
Had been negotiation.
Without that deliberate performance:
The laboratory would never have been granted.
The scholarship would not have reached that figure.
The research allocation would never have been added.
These recruiters were veterans.
Seasoned negotiators.
And Oliver had matched them.
Why Capital University?
Because Capital University offered more than funding.
It offered:
Direct proximity to the League's core decision-makers.
Access to the most advanced restricted Secret Realms.
Closer connection to the national research pipeline.
Strategic positioning within Xia's power structure.
For someone with Oliver's ambitions—
There was no better stage.
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