Chapter 220: The Rebuilt Shuimu No. 3 High School

Chapter 220: The Rebuilt Shuimu No. 3 High School

Shuimu City.

A familiar place.

It always gave Hikaru a sense of peace.

Upon arriving at Shuimu No. 3 High School, Hikaru was surprised.

The school had expanded significantly.

New teaching buildings had risen, scenic trees had been planted, and two massive facilities—a battle hall and a training hall—now stood prominently on either side of the school.

Even most high schools in major cities didn't boast such impressive infrastructure.

Hikaru strolled in leisurely.

It was dismissal time.

Groups of students, some excited and others crestfallen, passed by him, backpacks slung over their shoulders.

Blending into the crowd, Hikaru didn't stand out.

After all, his youthful face was still that of a sixteen-year-old.

Moreover, it seemed he had returned just in time for the school's freshman wilderness training.

The chatter among the students was nonstop.

"This year's wilderness training… the school really pulled out all the stops! They actually invited so many trainers and their Pokémon for testing!"

"Right? The school's been showing real ambition these past two years. I heard last year they brought in a Metagross and a Zoroark for the freshmen training!"

"I thought that was the peak of our school's glory, but this year isn't any worse!"

"Well, it's all thanks to the High School League. Who would've thought the national champion would come from Shuimu No. 3 High School?"

"Seriously! It's such a bragging point. Just imagine telling people that your school produced the national champion!"

"So impressive… Look at the school bulletin board—Hikaru's battle record is right there. From the wilderness training to the National High School League championship, he ranked first every single time!"

Hearing them discuss him so enthusiastically, Hikaru glanced at the School Honor Wall nearby.

Indeed, there was a photo of him commanding Charmeleon, along with a detailed record of his achievements.

Hikaru coughed awkwardly.

This is… embarrassing.

Seeing his own face framed on the school wall while passersby praised him?

It was a strange feeling, to say the least.

Beside him, Latias, disguised in her human girl form, curiously examined her surroundings.

Hikaru had mentioned that this place was his former school and hometown.

But as Latias observed the trainers around her, she couldn't help but think:

"Why are their Pokémon so… weak?"

Students had already released their Pokémon after school, letting them stretch and breathe.

But Latias, scanning them at a glance, couldn't find a single Pokémon above Gym-level.

Even Elite-level Pokémon were rare here.

"Let's go. We should find the teacher quickly."

Hearing more praises from nearby students, Hikaru felt increasingly uncomfortable.

He grabbed Latias's hand and hurried toward the teaching building, heading for the office he remembered.

Soon, they reached Mr. Qin's office.

After knocking and hearing a "Come in" from inside, Hikaru released Latias's hand and stepped in.

Only then did he realize that Mr. Qin wasn't there.

Instead, a middle-aged female teacher sat at the desk.

Hikaru recognized her.

She was a senior-year homeroom teacher, Ms. Xiao—better known among students as "Madam Extinction."

…Cough.

Better keep that nickname to myself.

Standing before her desk was a male student, head bowed, looking despondent.

Ms. Xiao, flipping through some forms, didn't even glance at Hikaru.

"Wait a moment," she said curtly.

Hikaru quietly stood aside, observing.

This is definitely Mr. Qin's office… He must just be out right now.

Clearly, the boy standing there had just arrived, too.

Head hung low, his face was full of bewilderment, like someone bracing for harsh criticism.

Ms. Xiao picked up a white form, adjusted her glasses, found the boy's name, and sighed.

"Luo Chen, I think there's a problem with your chosen major…"

By senior year, every class conducted career assessments.

These assessments guided students in choosing appropriate university majors, ensuring clarity about their future paths.

For example—

Battle (Trainer) Program:

Focused on Pokémon battles, outdoor survival, and handling wild encounters.

Breeding Program:

Split into Breeders and Daycare Workers, specializing in raising baby Pokémon and nurturing Pokémon eggs.

Coordinator Program:

Emphasized the aesthetic appeal of moves rather than raw power.

The emergence of secret realms and Pokémon had given rise to countless new professions—researchers, rangers, farmers, gym staff, and more.

By senior year, most students had a clear idea of their strengths and interests, allowing them to pick suitable majors and target appropriate universities.

Hikaru himself had always known his path:

The Battle Program.

He had already discussed it with Zhongqing University, and they had gladly accepted his application.

But Ms. Xiao's words piqued Hikaru's curiosity.

What major did this kid choose?

"Uh… Um… Uh…"

The next moment stunned Hikaru.

The boy, Luo Chen, stammered for a long time without forming a coherent sentence.

Is he… stuttering?

No—he's mute…

Seeing the student's flustered state, Ms. Xiao waved her hand.

"Forget it. Don't strain yourself."

She turned to her computer and opened a video.

Frame by frame, battle footage appeared on the screen.

While the video played, Ms. Xiao's gentle scolding continued:

"I watched your wilderness training, Luo Chen. Two Pokémon—a Butterfree and a Gloom. Look for yourself—there was zero teamwork between you and them."

Extending his Aura, Hikaru quickly saw the video feed.

The scene was set in Green Maple Secret Realm.

On-screen, Luo Chen was frantically gesturing at his Butterfree, facing a Level 15 Ariados.

Butterfree itself was Level 18.

Judging by Luo Chen's mouth movements, he was trying to order Sleep Powder.

But…

He couldn't speak.

Butterfree, lacking clear commands, stood there confused.

In desperation, it used String Shot to immobilize Ariados's legs.

But Ariados, with far more battle experience, easily evaded the webbing and retaliated with Pin Missile.

Butterfree, hit squarely, collapsed instantly, losing its ability to fight.

Yikes…

After watching the entire battle, Hikaru couldn't deny it:

Luo Chen, as a trainer, had contributed nothing to the fight.

"See?" Ms. Xiao sighed. "You're not cut out for battling, Luo Chen. Why not consider the Breeding Program?"

"Achieving telepathic bonds with Pokémon" was little more than a fairy tale from the anime.

In reality, such synchronization was nearly impossible.

Ms. Xiao spoke earnestly, clearly hoping Luo Chen would rethink his future.

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