Chapter 153: Mid-Level Class Students

Lake Cerulean was the largest body of water within the Pokemon Academy grounds, home to numerous Water-type Pokemon, many of them rare species. Several students had successfully captured their Water-types from this very lake.

Building intimacy with Pokemon at the academy began even before capturing them, rather than afterward.

The campus featured various wild areas where most Pokemon were exceptionally rare, specifically designated for student encounters.

Students would regularly feed these wild Pokemon to foster familiarity and gradually establish trust through a step-by-step process. When it came time to capture them, they used Friend Balls instead of standard Poké Balls.

Capturing Pokemon with a Friend Ball significantly enhances the bond between the Pokemon and its Trainer, reflecting the academy's expertise in fostering intimate relationships.

Lake Cerulean boasted crystal-clear waters teeming with rare Pokemon, including popular starter Pokémon like Squirtle, Totodile, and Piplup from the Ellie Region, as well as promising Water-types such as Slowpoke and Psyduck.

As Lian accompanied Kalia to Lake Cerulean, he spotted Axel leading a group of students who were feeding the Water-type Pokemon inhabiting the lake.

To ensure these Pokémon reached their full potential, the academy meticulously selected their diet. Rare berries scarce outside were abundantly cultivated within the campus.

Training perfect Pokémon here was akin to burning money, but it's precisely this commitment that earned its reputation as the best Pokemon Academy. This nurturing approach has produced numerous exceptionally talented Pokémon from a young age.

"Let's go over," Sean suggested. Since Axel was merely having his beginner class feed the Pokémon, not conducting a formal lesson, they wouldn't be interrupting anything.

For beginner-level students, focusing on capturing Pokémon and acquiring knowledge is paramount, with feeding being a crucial aspect of bonding and understanding them.

As Sean and Kalia approached Lake Cerulean's shore, Axel noticed them immediately and nodded slightly upon seeing Kalia.

Axel instructed the students to continue feeding the Pokémon while he walked over. Honestly, he had forgotten about their arrival amidst his busy schedule, as the academy recently welcomed a new batch of trainees.

"Kalia, my sincerest apologies," Axel expressed remorsefully, acknowledging that he had intended to greet her personally but forgot due to his workload.

"It's alright," Kalia smiled, shaking her head. Although feeling overlooked stung, she understood that as just a beginner Trainer, simply receiving Axel's invitation was already significant.

At least she had successfully arrived at the Pokemon Academy; now all that remained was participating in the competition. Her primary goal was to battle against academy students, strengthen her Pokemon, and improve her own skills.

"Sean, do you know Kalia?" Axel noticed Sean's presence, feeling somewhat surprised. As a member of the Advanced Class, Sean was known for his arrogance and often ignored others casually. It seemed unusual for him to bring Kalia here, contrary to his typical behavior.

"We just happened to meet on the ship," Sean replied nonchalantly, then turned towards Kalia. "Now that we've found you, I have nothing else to stay for. I'll be off."

"Goodbye." Kalia waved farewell.

"Let me arrange your accommodation first. You can explore around; the atmosphere at the Pokemon Academy is fantastic, with great surroundings too." Axel clearly hoped Kalia would consider joining the academy, given her promising potential and abilities.

"Alright," Kalia nodded.

"If you decide to join the Pokemon Academy, I'll handle your enrollment process. Attending won't hinder your gym challenges but rather accelerate your progress towards becoming a High-Level Trainer and participating in the League Competition," Axel explained.

"I'll think about it," Kalia responded, though already decided not to join, she didn't want to outright refuse - a gentle approach was better.

***

Axel arranged accommodations for Kalia at the academy. With its vast size, housing was plentiful, and each year, numerous students were expelled primarily due to failing assessments. Once these students left, their residences became available.

The monthly evaluations at the Pokemon Academy were stringent; mere wealth couldn't guarantee one's stay. Even if financially well-off, failure to meet the required skill level would result in compulsory expulsion from the academy.

After settling her accommodation, with ample time remaining, Axel took Kalia to the dining area of the campus. The Pokemon Academy not only emphasized nutritious meals for Pokemon but also placed great importance on the food served to Trainers.

Daily exercise classes aimed at enhancing trainers' physical fitness, making dietary considerations crucial.

"Wait, after lunch, I'll introduce you to the mid-level class participants and some additional external aids," Axel said.

"There are a few things you might not be aware of. Currently, the academy is divided into two factions: one representing the Sebas region and the other from the Ellie Region. Due to regional differences, conflicts often arise between them."

"This competition is between the two regions, and the winning side will be declared victorious, with the academy's resources also tilting towards them to some extent."

"I assigned you as reinforcement not only for experiencing the academy atmosphere but also hoping you'll give your utmost effort. The opponents you'll face aren't like those outside trainers."

"Of course, I will do my best," Kalia nodded. In reality, even without Axel mentioning it, she would have gone all out, aiming to defeat her opponents.

"Before the competition, you might need to demonstrate your capabilities to my students. However, given your strength, that should suffice," Axel said.

A month ago, Kalia had already defeated Sia and reached the fifth floor of the Battle Tower. Her power must have significantly improved since then.

Shortly after,

Kalia followed Axel to the southern training grounds of the academy. Typically, mid-level class students had more free time, focusing on individual training.

However, with the competition approaching, the participating students naturally gathered together for specialized Pokemon training, preparing intensively for the event.

"Teacher Axel!"

"Hello, Teacher!"

As Axel and Kalia entered the training grounds, many students greeted them proactively.

"Let's gather all participating students," Axel announced.

The training area was bustling with learners from various regions, often keeping their distances and rarely interacting.

Axel's group consisted of Trainers from the Sebas region. Upon hearing his call, they promptly stopped their activities and gathered together.

Only a small number of students approached for the competition, clearly indicating that most were either new to the mid-level class or lacked sufficient strength to participate.

Kalia was somewhat surprised; there were over fifty participants. Considering both regions combined had around four to five hundred students in total, this turnout seemed significant.

With so many competitors, having external aid might not make much difference. If the outsider's skills were subpar and they got eliminated immediately, it would be embarrassing.

No wonder Axel insisted on her demonstrating her capabilities. Even if he hadn't asked, some students would likely challenge her spontaneously. Participating without adequate strength would only invite humiliation.

Not only would it embarrass themselves but also invite ridicule from other regions' students, which was unacceptable to these participants.

"Let me introduce our guest participant for this competition, Kalia. Please give her a warm welcome," Axel briefly introduced her.

"Teacher Axel, your previous external recruit was too weak and fled in shame after I defeated them," one of the female students spoke up, dressed in the academy uniform with her hair tied in a ponytail.

Axel's expression visibly darkened, responding with slight anger, "Haley, who gave you permission to speak out like that!"

The external recruits he invited were talented individuals among civilian Trainers, chosen primarily for their potential rather than current strength. With access to the best resources and training at the Pokemon Academy, improving their capabilities was just a matter of time.

"We don't need any outsiders; we can win solely based on our own abilities," Haley countered.

Inviting external help often implied a perceived weakness, making them seem inferior compared to the Ellie Region's students right from the start.

"Let's drop it," Axel decided, not wanting to argue further with Haley. After all, she was among the top five students in the mid-level class and would advance to the Advanced Class next year.

As for the Trainer who left, their departure mattered little; if they couldn't handle even minor setbacks, it indicated a weak character.

"All right, Kalia will train with you these next few days. Feel free to challenge her, except those ranked in the top ten," Axel announced. While he had confidence in Kalia's abilities, the top ten Trainers from the mid-level class were geniuses likely to advance to the Advanced Class next year, making victory unattainable for Kalia.

Finding several promising Trainers this time presented a valuable opportunity to bring them into the academy. Losing them now would render his efforts futile.

"Kalia, remember, strength is paramount at the Pokemon Academy. Earn their recognition so you can stay and participate in the competition," Axel advised earnestly.

"I understand," Kalia replied solemnly.

"Well, I'll be off now. Good luck!"