Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, the two famed Champions hurried straight toward Aaron, broad smiles on their faces.
They practically competed to speak first.
"Aaron, correct?"
"Hello… my name is Edmund, President of Pokémon Crown University and the Flying-type Champion among the Ten Great Champions of Hualis."
"Aaron, and me too!"
"I'm Marcus, President of Pokémon Elite Defense Academy — the Steel-type Champion of the Ten Great Champions…"
…
Still dazed, Aaron finally came back to his senses.
No wonder they had looked familiar—they were two of the Ten Great Champions of Hualis.
But what were they doing here for him?
He swallowed hard and greeted them respectfully.
"Champion Edmund. Champion Marcus… hello."
"May I ask what brings you here?"
Edmund got straight to the point.
"We're here today to offer you special admission to our university."
"You won't need to take the entrance exam. You can enroll directly."
"All tuition and fees will be waived, and you'll receive an annual scholarship of 5 million PokéDollars."
"You'll be placed in the highest priority tier for all university resources and benefits."
"Now think carefully—will you choose Pokémon Elite Defense Academy, or Pokémon Crown University?"
Both Edmund and Marcus looked unexpectedly tense as they awaited his answer.
"Special admission?"
Realization dawned on Aaron. His performance in the training camp competition must have been eye-catching enough to draw the attention of these two top-tier universities.
But he hadn't expected two Champions to show up in person.
These were true powerhouses at the very peak of the region.
"Gulp…"
He swallowed again.
He felt a stab of regret. He desperately wanted to accept on the spot—but he still had a system mission to complete: to become the national entrance exam champion.
His mind raced. In a split second, he organized his thoughts and spoke with a solemn expression.
"Champion Edmund… Champion Marcus…"
"I'm sorry… but I want to take the entrance exam."
"Ever since I was young, I've had a dream—to become the national top scorer in the entrance exam."
"I hope you can understand. This dream has always pushed me forward."
"You wouldn't want me to become someone who betrays his own dreams, would you?"
He even forced a tear into his eyes, looking every bit the sincere, idealistic dream-chaser.
The moment he finished speaking, the surrounding crowd was dumbstruck.
Even Champion Edmund and Champion Marcus froze.
He rejected them?
He actually turned down special admission from two of the Ten Great Champions?
Had the world gone insane?
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was right in front of him—and he refused it?
What kind of ridiculous dream was that?
Grace, Ethan, and the others stared in disbelief. Sterling's jaw nearly dropped, his eyes bulging as if words had gotten stuck in his throat.
"This…"
Edmund and Marcus were completely stunned.
They had never imagined Aaron would refuse them.
They were two of the Ten Great Champions!
Kid… take another look at us.
We're Champions!
Can't you cut us a little slack?
"Aaron… won't you reconsider?" Edmund tried again.
"Yes, yes… dreams are important, but—uh—but special admission is a golden opportunity!" Marcus blurted out.
"Right! A golden opportunity! Once you miss it, it's gone!"
The two Champions stubbornly continued trying to persuade him.
"Champion Marcus, Champion Edmund, I'm truly sorry."
"I still want to pursue my dream… (Damn this dream… damn that system…)"
"But please rest assured—after the entrance exam, unless something unexpected happens, I will still choose one of your universities when filling out my application."
Aaron wore a perfectly sincere expression as he spoke.
He even left them with a promise—just enough to keep them hopeful.
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Edmund and Marcus finally hesitated.
They exchanged a glance, then each took out an elegant business card and handed one to him.
"Since you have your own plans, Aaron, we won't force you. This is my personal card."
"If you need anything, feel free to contact us anytime."
"Remember—when you fill out your entrance exam choices, pick Pokémon Elite Defense Academy!"
"Get lost. Choose Pokémon Crown University!"
Watching the two Champions resume their bickering, Aaron couldn't help but smile helplessly.
Were these really the lofty Champions everyone admired?
He accepted the cards with a polite smile.
"Champions… thank you."
"Don't worry. I'll give it serious thought."
Both men nodded faintly. Marcus then added,
"Oh, right—about your Pokémon Trainer Second-Class Merit. Don't worry. I'll personally handle the application. It may take some time, but wait for my good news."
Aaron smiled lightly.
"I'll leave it in your hands, Champion Marcus."
…