CHAPTER 7

007 May, Who Is Furious! (7/10)

Qin Yun pedaled his bicycle to the outskirts of Jiang Cheng, the city limits marked by a designated Pokémon Center Outpost. Unlike the grand Pokémon Centers in the city, this one was smaller in scale, primarily catering to trainers venturing into the wild for training. It stocked essential supplies such as Poké Balls, potions, energy bars, and camping gear, but lacked more advanced facilities like Pokémon transfer stations or specialized recovery pods. A modest healing bay operated inside, with a Chansey assisting the on-duty nurse a staple of all Pokémon Centers, even the smallest ones.

Despite the availability of these services, not many trainers frequented this place. The Pokémon in Jiang Cheng's suburban areas were of low to moderate strength, making them less appealing for ambitious trainers aiming to become professionals. The real challenges lay beyond, in the deep wilderness where stronger Pokémon roamed. However, those areas were also far more dangerous, with reports of rogue Pokémon attacks and criminal activities by poachers or malicious trainers.

The Pokémon League strictly regulated travel, forbidding civilians from leaving city limits without a valid Trainer's License. Those without one had to rely on League-approved transport or the escort of a certified trainer. Just a year ago, Qin Yun had no qualifications to step outside the city legally.

Following protocol, he parked his bicycle in the Pokémon Center's designated shed, ensuring it was locked before stepping inside. Though the center was small, it was efficiently arranged. The walls were lined with interactive map panels, providing information on the local Pokémon ecosystem, known trainer camps, and emergency protocols in case of wild encounters.

A cheerful voice broke his observations.

"Oh! A new trainer!"

The receptionist nurse, a young woman with shoulder-length chestnut hair, greeted him with a warm smile. Her Chansey adjusted its tiny nurse cap, looking equally delighted.

"Miss, how could you tell?" Qin Yun feigned surprise, though he already knew the answer.

Jiang Cheng had just hosted its annual Starter Pokémon Distribution Day. Thousands of students had received their first Pokémon, and many eager trainers had immediately set off into the wild. The bicycle racks outside crowded with new, identical models further confirmed this.

Before the nurse could respond, a crisp, melodious voice interrupted them.

"Qin Yun?"

Turning, Qin Yun found himself facing a girl with chestnut-brown hair tied into a ponytail, striking blue eyes filled with fierce determination, and an unmistakable air of confidence. Despite her youthful features, her presence was commanding. At her side stood a Torchic, its bright orange feathers ruffled slightly as it eyed him curiously.

[Pokémon Identified: Torchic]

Type: Fire

Ability: Acceleration (Speed gradually increases during battle.)

Strength: Beginner - Intermediate

Potential: High - Top Tier

Moveset: Scratch, Ember, Quick Attack, Flamethrower

Pokédex Entry: Fiercely loyal to its trainer, Torchic wobbles adorably when walking. It can release scorching fireballs up to 1,000°C.

Qin Yun's eyes flickered with interest. A Torchic with high-tier potential and intermediate strength? Not only was this rare among beginners, but it also meant the girl had access to resources beyond a typical starting trainer.

Realization dawned. "Ah, May."

May wasn't just any trainer. She was a star student from Jiang Cheng No.1 Middle School's Rocket Class an elite program designed for students with top-tier Pokémon knowledge and affluent backgrounds. The "Rocket" name had no connection to Team Rocket, but rather symbolized the astronomical tuition fees required to enroll 500,000 Pokémon Coins annually.

One of the main advantages of the Rocket Class was that students received their Starter Pokémon a full week earlier than the standard trainers. This extra time allowed them to train, build strategies, and gain an initial advantage over regular trainers.

Qin Yun and May had met before, during a theoretical Pokémon strategy debate held at their school. Qin Yun had dominated the competition, countering every argument with razor-sharp logic and encyclopedic knowledge of Pokémon mechanics. May had placed second, and though she had been frustrated, she had also become deeply curious about him.

At first, she had researched Qin Yun's background, expecting to find him among the wealthy elite. Instead, she discovered he came from a modest, working-class family, completely unlike the world she knew.

Despite acknowledging his brilliance, she had assumed that without financial backing or noble sponsorship, Qin Yun's chances of becoming a professional trainer were slim.

But now, seeing him here, standing confidently with his Ralts, she felt a mix of curiosity and something else she couldn't quite name.

"So, you've come to train as well?" she asked, her voice filled with competitive energy. "After losing to you in theory, I trained harder than ever. Next time, I won't lose to you—not in Pokémon battles!"

Her determination was genuine, and with a Torchic of such high potential, she had every reason to be confident.

But Qin Yun simply smiled lightly. "We'll see."

For him, May was not a rival. His ambitions lay beyond—his goal was to reach the pinnacle of the Pokémon world, not just compete with fellow students.

May hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Qin Yun, I have something to discuss with you."

Qin Yun raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

May's expression grew serious. "Let me invest in you."

Qin Yun blinked. "Invest in me?"

She nodded, speaking quickly. "I've thought about this for a while. Your knowledge of Pokémon is beyond anything I've seen. I don't want to see that talent go to waste just because of circumstances."

She continued passionately. "With my support, you wouldn't have to worry about resources. I can't give you a Pokémon with high-tier potential outright, but I can secure a medium-potential Pokémon for you. Plus, you'd get a monthly training allowance of 50,000 Pokémon Coins."

"Do you understand what this means?" May leaned forward, her blue eyes locked onto his. "You might be smart, but intelligence alone won't get you far as a trainer. Without strong Pokémon and the right backing, you'll be stuck at a dead end."

Her frustration was clear not at Qin Yun, but at the unfair reality of the Pokémon world. Many gifted trainers had failed simply because they lacked resources, while others with wealth but mediocre talent climbed higher than they deserved.

She didn't want Qin Yun to fade into obscurity.

Qin Yun exhaled, glancing at his Ralts, who watched May with curious eyes.

His system granted him exponential advantages. If he didn't have it, perhaps he would have considered her offer. But with his current growth potential, May's offer while generous was unnecessary.

"I appreciate it, May." His voice was calm but firm. "But I'll pass."

May stiffened. "Why?"

"Because I have my own path to walk."

May bit her lip. She had expected resistance, but seeing Qin Yun's unwavering confidence unsettled her.

"Fine," she sighed. "But remember, the Pokémon world is cruel. The earlier you accept reality, the better."

Qin Yun only smiled.

May's words weren't wrong but soon, she would see who truly shaped their own reality.