Aaron also filled in his university choice on his application form: Pokémon Crown University.
By the time they arrived, everyone was already there. That was the school of Edmund, the Flying-type Champion.
Although he felt it didn't really matter which school he attended, he personally preferred Pokémon Crown University a bit more. Perhaps it was due to lingering influences from his life on Earth. The name "Pokémon Crown University" stirred a trace of nostalgia in him.
...
After filling out his application, Principal Sterling called Aaron over and brought him to the principal's office.
Inside, the two of them simply stared at each other.
Aaron was speechless. The atmosphere felt... off.
Unable to bear the awkward silence, Aaron spoke first.
"Principal... did you need something from me!?"
Sterling put on an angry expression, snorted, and said,
"You've got some nerve, kid. You became the top scorer on the exam and then disappeared. Those city officials and reporters have been coming here every day. The threshold of my office has practically been worn down."
"And yet you're off enjoying yourself..."
"Have some pity for this old man..."
Aaron gave an awkward smile.
"Principal, you've misunderstood me!"
"I did it on purpose. Otherwise, how would Sealine First Academy make the news!?"
"As long as I'm not at school, they'll keep coming. That means our school gets featured on TV every day. It's free publicity!"
Aaron spoke with righteous conviction, as if he were truly doing it all for his alma mater.
"Uh..."
Sterling was momentarily stunned and fell silent.
It actually... kind of made sense?
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I see... you really are clever. I misunderstood you."
"Very good. My efforts in nurturing you weren't wasted."
Aaron secretly let out a sigh of relief. Smiling, he continued,
"Not at all... it's all thanks to the principal's guidance."
"And as a student of Sealine First Academy, promoting our alma mater is my responsibility..."
Sterling's smile widened, his eyes filled with appreciation as he looked at Aaron.
"Well said!!"
"You've got a bright future ahead of you."
"Oh right, I saw your application. You chose Pokémon Crown University, correct?"
"Yes, I did."
Aaron nodded.
Sterling immediately showed a satisfied smile.
"Hehe... be honest now. Have you taken a liking to my daughter!?"
"So, how was your conversation with her?"
Aaron froze, completely stunned.
Then he remembered that Sterling's daughter was a teacher at Pokémon Crown University and had forced him to add her contact information.
How was their conversation?
He seemed to have only said one sentence.
To be precise, three words.
Mee-mee-mee!
It should be... probably... maybe... okay?
Aaron forced a smile.
"It went pretty well, hahaha!"
Sterling was secretly delighted.
Although Aaron was younger than his daughter, it didn't matter in this day and age. Love could even transcend species, let alone a mere ten-year age gap.
If Sterling ever found out that the two had only exchanged three words in three months, he might just faint on the spot.
After that, Sterling brought up the matter of the Insight Secret Zone.
There were only 15 spots available.
The top five on the Hidden Dragon rankings each received a spot, and the top ten in the exam also secured one.
Now that the rankings had been finalized, all participants had been confirmed.
The date for entering the Insight Secret Zone has also been set.
The day after tomorrow.
The nation's 15 most talented youths would be personally escorted by official experts. It was said that Drake, a Champion-level trainer from Hualis, would personally lead this mission.
This alone showed how much importance the authorities placed on these 15 geniuses.
Sterling told Aaron to go home and prepare well. He only needed to wait at home the day after tomorrow, as someone from Hualis would come personally to pick him up.
Aaron nodded.
After exchanging a few more words, he left.
...
When Aaron returned home, he found that his step-sister Lily had actually called out to him.
Over the past few months, Aaron's image in Lily's eyes had undergone a complete transformation.
From a useless delinquent who used to bully her, he had suddenly become the top scorer of the Hualis exam.
Moreover, he had treated her well during this time, buying her Pokémon and giving her plenty of pocket money.
The resentment in Lily's heart had long since faded, but she still felt too embarrassed to speak to him normally.
However, today her class had organized a "Family Pokémon Battle" event.
Since they were about to enter their final year, they would soon be eligible to obtain their first Pokémon. The teacher wanted them to observe real battles up close in advance, so they could better understand the basics and nuances of Pokémon combat.
That way, when they officially became Trainers, they wouldn't just be relying on theory.
Each student was asked to bring a family member who was also a Pokémon Trainer, and that person would guide them in a battle.
The final winner would receive a reward from the school: a chance to enter the Elite Training Zone next year.
This reward was extremely attractive.
Everyone had rushed home excitedly to find parents or older siblings.
So Lily stood awkwardly in the living room and called out to Aaron, who had just returned.
"You... are you free tomorrow!?"
Aaron paused slightly.
"Tomorrow?"
"I'm free. I'm heading to the Insight Secret Zone the day after tomorrow."
"What's up?"
Lily explained the situation honestly.
After hearing her out, Aaron thought the idea was quite good. It would definitely help these future Trainers grow.
He nodded.
"OK. Aaron will definitely help you secure that spot in the Elite Training Zone."