"Competition Instead of the Exam?"
Gu Qiu repeated the phrase thoughtfully.
This was a special assessment route designed for elite students.
Primarily—
For those who had owned Pokémon since childhood.
Students who only received their first Pokémon in senior year?
They were rarely the main focus.
Fairness?
It had never truly existed.
Especially not for children of major families.
Some of them had powerful Pokémon since they were six years old.
After years of professional training—
Their foundations were far beyond ordinary students.
"Yes," the homeroom teacher nodded.
"If you participate and perform decently, entering a good Pokémon university won't be a problem."
"Of course, the difficulty is much higher than the standard College Entrance Exam."
"If you're unsure, take the normal route."
There were only two paths into university:
Standard Academic Battle ExamCompetition Instead of Exam
The latter was more dangerous.
But far more rewarding.
"I'm optimistic about you," the teacher continued.
"If you can even make it into the city qualifiers and represent Viridian City, the Top Three Academies would be within reach."
"And the school and city would provide bonuses."
"That's important for your future development."
Gu Qiu nodded.
He already understood the structure.
The Competition Instead of Exam had two main stages:
City QualifiersRegional Finals
He belonged to the Kanto Region.
Over a hundred cities competed.
Each city's qualification quota depended on its previous year's results.
Last year—
Viridian City performed poorly.
Not a single student entered the Top 32 in regionals.
Which meant—
This year only the Top 4 from Viridian could advance.
The competition would be brutal.
"Teacher," Gu Qiu asked calmly,
"If I win the championship, what reward would the school offer?"
"Championship?" The teacher blinked.
Then laughed.
"If you reach the Top 16, the school will already reward you."
He patted Gu Qiu's shoulder.
"Choose your Pokémon."
Gu Qiu stepped forward.
He closed his eyes briefly.
He had always trusted his luck.
"Alright," he murmured.
"It's you."
He picked up a Poké Ball.
Released it.
A flash of white light—
A small Pokémon appeared.
Light blue skin.
White foam-like hands.
Dark blue markings running from its oval head down to its nose.
Frog-like posture.
Froakie.
Gu Qiu blinked.
Of all things—
A ninja Pokémon.
Froakie's final evolution was Greninja.
Combined with Pika-Itachi—
Was the system pushing him toward a ninja team?
"Gu Qiu!" The teacher's voice rose in surprise.
"Your luck is incredible."
"This Froakie is one of only three High Grade Pokémon in the entire batch!"
The classroom exploded.
"What?!"
"One of the three High Grades?!"
"His luck is ridiculous!"
"I'm officially depressed."
Even Serena's eyes shone with pride.
Of course.
The boy she liked—
Was different.
But in one corner—
A pair of eyes burned with hostility.
Class Monitor.
Yu Hao.
He had always disliked Gu Qiu.
Because he liked Serena.
And Serena barely looked at him.
She only followed Gu Qiu.
Yu Hao had planned to showcase the High Grade Torchic his father spent a fortune acquiring.
He wanted attention.
He wanted Serena to see.
Instead—
All the spotlight shifted to Gu Qiu.
Again.
Torchic had cost his family dearly.
Gu Qiu?
He got a High Grade Froakie by luck.
The more Yu Hao thought about it—
The more his rationality eroded.
Especially seeing Serena's proud expression.
He stepped forward.
Forcing a casual smile.
"Nice luck, Gu Qiu."
"Coincidentally, I also obtained a High Grade Pokémon."
He released it.
A fiery chick appeared.
Torchic.
"Well then," Yu Hao continued lightly,
"How about we have a little match?"
"Let's see whose Pokémon is stronger."
The classroom instantly grew silent.
Everyone smelled drama.
Gu Qiu frowned slightly.
He was about to decline—
When a notification echoed in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Detected: Host has been challenged.]
[Mission issued: Defeat Yu Hao.]
[Reward: 1,000 Chakra + 100,000 Poké-dollars.]
Gu Qiu's eyes narrowed.
Chakra.
Money.
And a High Grade Torchic opponent.
He looked at Froakie.
Then at Yu Hao.
The corners of his lips lifted faintly.
"Alright."
"Let's battle."