"Ding~ Congratulations on completing the mission: Secured a spot in the College Entrance Training Camp!!"
"Congratulations on obtaining: Pokémon Candy (Beginner) ×1, Shiny Pokémon Card ×1, Armament Haki Skill Card!!"
The system notification rang in Aaron's ears.
Joy surged through him. He immediately opened the item panels to check their attributes.
[Name: Shiny Pokémon Card]
[Effect: When used on a non-Shiny Pokémon, it converts the Pokémon into a Shiny Pokémon, granting Shiny-specific bonus effects...]
...
[Name: Armament Haki]
[Type: None (Variable)]
[Power: None]
[Description: Greatly increases a Pokémon's defense and attack power. Can also be combined with certain skills to increase their power by 100%...]
"—Hiss..."
After reading the descriptions of the two items, Aaron sharply sucked in a breath.
An item that could directly turn an ordinary Pokémon into a Shiny Pokémon—only the system could pull off something like this!!
Armament Haki was even more formidable. Not only did it boost both defense and attack, but it could also double the power of certain skills.
A full 100% increase.
Absolutely monstrous!!
Aaron immediately made up his mind. His second Pokémon would definitely eat the Nika Fruit and use Armament Haki.
That way, a Pokémon-version Luffy would officially set sail!!
...
"Ding~ Triggered mission: Capture a second Pokémon!"
"As the host of this system, having only one Pokémon is downright embarrassing. Capture a second Pokémon in the Elite Training Zone. Required talent: at least Elite level..."
"Mission rewards: Pokémon Candy (Beginner) ×1, Soothe Bell, Mega Punch Skill ×1..."
...
The system notification sounded once again beside Aaron's ear, causing him to pause slightly in surprise.
Looks like this trip to the Elite Training Zone was absolutely necessary.
After announcing the news, the old principal dismissed the crowd. Aaron returned to the classroom.
Soon after, his homeroom teacher, Alaric, entered with a broad smile and addressed the entire class excitedly.
"Students, I have some great news to announce..."
"Our classmate Aaron has just defeated students from the honors classes and secured a precious spot in the Training Camp!!"
"Let's give Aaron a round of applause!!"
"He's brought honor to our entire class!!"
As soon as Alaric finished speaking, the classroom erupted in shocked exclamations, followed by thunderous applause.
Class monitor Magnus—who had returned at some point—looked as though he'd swallowed something vile, his face twisted with discomfort.
He really should have taken one more day off...
He regretted coming to school so badly!!
Magnus wanted nothing more than to slap himself twice. He seriously couldn't handle this kind of stimulation!!
"Aaron... you're insane! You actually got a Training Camp slot?!"
"If your parents find out, won't they throw a massive banquet?!"
"They'll probably invite the whole neighborhood—even the dogs—to fill a table..."
"You know that anyone who comes out of the Training Camp is guaranteed at least a second-tier Pokémon university, and plenty even make it into top-tier national key universities!!"
"Aaron... what kind of miracle pill have you been eating lately? How did you suddenly awaken like this?! Why are you so ridiculous all of a sudden...?"
"We agreed we'd all be lazy together!!"
"And you secretly took off on your own?!"
Yuri wore an exaggerated expression as he unloaded nonstop at Aaron, staring at him like he was looking at some kind of monster.
"Get lost... I was always this strong. I was just keeping a low profile before. Don't you get it?"
Aaron shot Yuri a sideways glance and replied disdainfully.
From this moment on, Aaron had completely made a name for himself at Sealine Trainer Academy.
Everyone now knew that there was a student from a regular class who had crushed the honors classes and secured a Training Camp slot.
Because of this, Alaric also received praise from the school leadership for his excellent teaching. There was even talk of a possible promotion next semester.
This made Alaric so happy that the smile never left his face.
...
After school, back at home, Aaron shared the good news with his parents during dinner.
His mother, Celia, was so happy that she nearly dropped her bowl. She kept piling food into Aaron's bowl until it was overflowing.
"As expected of my son! Now let's see which relatives still dare say our Aaron has bad grades and no future?!"
Her smile bloomed like a chrysanthemum as she spoke.
Even his father, Victor, showed a rare hint of a smile on his usually stern face, though he still reminded him seriously.
"Don't get arrogant just because you made it into the Training Camp. Follow orders once you're inside and focus on improving your strength."
Aaron's younger sister, Lily, didn't show much expression.
She was also a sophomore at Sealine Trainer Academy, and the news had already spread like wildfire across the school that afternoon.
At first, she absolutely refused to believe it. But once she confirmed that it really was her annoying older brother, she was utterly shocked.
Completely unbelievable...
What kind of stuff was Aaron made of? Didn't she know him well enough?!
And that Froakie that had only just hatched—at best it should have been Newbie (Mid Stage), right?!
How could he possibly secure a Training Camp slot?!
Every student in the honors classes had Pokémon at least at Newbie (Late Stage)...
Lily wracked her 200-IQ brain and still couldn't figure it out.
How on earth did that bastard Aaron manage to get into the Training Camp?!
...
Lily glanced at Aaron, a trace of curiosity flashing through her eyes.
She really wanted to know how he had obtained the Training Camp slot, but she couldn't bring herself to ask that jerk outright.
So she forcibly suppressed her curiosity and chewed her food hard.
Yet for some reason, the dishes that were usually so delicious suddenly tasted bland...
Aaron noticed her subtle expression and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
Heh.
Looks like I've got you figured out, you tsundere little sister!!