CHAPTER 13

013 A Gift from Norman!

Norman approached step by step, his every movement exuding the confidence of a seasoned Pokémon trainer.

Qin Yun looked in Norman's direction, feeling as if the imposing Gym Leader was coming straight toward him. Could it be that Norman's target was actually him?

The thought made May's image flash in his mind. Had May mentioned him to her father?

Qin Yun quickly dismissed the idea. Even if May had talked about him, Norman wouldn't have come to Jiang Cheng No. 3 Middle School just for that. He wasn't important enough for that level of attention.

"Young man, your performance was very impressive."

Just as Qin Yun suspected, Norman was indeed here for him.

The sheer presence of Norman made Qin Yun feel immense pressure. He could guarantee that if Norman so much as flexed his aura, he wouldn't stand a chance against him.

In this world, humans weren't as fragile as in ordinary reality. Trainers who built strong bonds with their Pokémon received a portion of their strength in return, enhancing their own physical capabilities. Elite trainers could even engage in combat with Pokémon using their bare hands.

"Thank you, Senior Norman."

Qin Yun took a deep breath. Standing before one of the strongest Gym Leaders in Petalburg Province was nerve-wracking.

Norman observed Qin Yun's reaction with a satisfied look in his eyes.

This young man had the right temperament. If he was willing to join Petalburg Gym, Norman was confident he could nurture him into a powerhouse.

"Are you interested in joining the Petalburg Gym?"

Norman made his offer directly.

In Norman's mind, this was an invitation few would refuse.

Gasps erupted among the surrounding students and teachers.

Petalburg Gym?!

That was one of the most prestigious Gyms in the entire region, and countless trainers dreamed of joining it.

Even Luo Qing was stunned. His family had spent a fortune to get him training at Jiang Cheng Gym, yet Qin Yun had received an unsolicited invitation from Norman himself. The contrast was staggering.

Becoming a core member of Petalburg Gym was not just about training it meant gaining the official backing of one of the most influential trainers in Hoenn.

In Petalburg Province, Norman's name carried weight.

In their eyes, rejecting such an offer was unthinkable.

"Senior Norman, I'm sorry. I have no plans to join the Petalburg Gym at the moment."

Qin Yun's calm refusal sent shockwaves through the crowd.

Joining a Gym provided immense resources, but it also came with obligations. He would be bound to the Gym's structure and expectations.

With his system, Qin Yun didn't lack resources what he needed was time to grow independently.

While Norman was undoubtedly powerful, perhaps even the most formidable Gym Leader in Petalburg Province with his Elite-level Pokémon, Qin Yun had ambitions beyond that.

He didn't want to owe anyone favors.

"What?"

Norman blinked in surprise.

He had originally come just to observe, but after seeing Qin Yun's skill, he had extended an invitation on the spot.

But Qin Yun had rejected it?

Not just Norman, but the entire school fell into stunned silence.

Had they misheard? Who in their right mind would turn down Norman?

"Senior Norman, I apologize again."

Qin Yun bowed slightly, showing proper respect.

"It's alright. If you ever change your mind, you're always welcome at the Petalburg Gym."

Norman was unfazed, quickly recovering his composure.

"Understood."

Qin Yun nodded naturally, maintaining his composure.

"And this—consider it a small gift from me. I hope to see you at the Petalburg High School Tournament. If you perform well, you might receive a big surprise."

Norman still saw promise in Qin Yun.

The Petalburg High School Tournament was scheduled for three months later, and strong performances could even lead to university sponsorships through special admissions programs.

These special admissions were often more beneficial than the traditional Pokémon Academy entrance exams, making them highly sought after.

"This is…?"

Qin Yun hesitated to take the small box Norman handed him.

"Carbos. I noticed your Ralts has great speed. With this, you can capitalize on its strengths."

Carbos one of the rarest supplements that enhanced a Pokémon's Speed stat permanently.

"Senior Norman, I can't accept this."

Qin Yun immediately refused.

Enhancement items like Carbos were non-sale items, controlled strictly by the Pokémon League.

They were almost impossible to obtain legally, and even on the black market, a single bottle sold for over 200,000 Pokémon Coins.

Qin Yun badly wanted it, but accepting such a gift would feel like indebting himself to Norman.

"I don't take back gifts."

Norman's tone was absolute.

Seeing Norman's resolute attitude, Qin Yun hesitated no further. Ralts could greatly benefit from Carbos, and he couldn't let his pride hinder its growth.

"Then, thank you, Senior Norman."

The old principal, watching from the side, smiled in approval.

While it was a pity that Qin Yun wouldn't be joining the Gym, everyone had their own path. Perhaps Qin Yun's journey would lead to even greater opportunities.

With that, Norman and the principal departed.

The crowd, however, remained, their eyes locked on Qin Yun with envy.

To receive such a rare item from Norman was a dream for many trainers.

"Qin Yun, come with me."

Su Leyan hurriedly pulled Qin Yun away. He followed without protest, holding Ralts gently in his arms.

Back in the office, Su Leyan's gaze on Qin Yun had shifted dramatically.

"I can't believe you rejected Lord Norman. Do you know how big of a deal this is?"

Su Leyan's tone was filled with disbelief.

Norman's status was far above her own. If she had received an invitation, she might have resigned on the spot to join him.

Yet Qin Yun had turned it down so effortlessly.

"I guess I'm just different."

Qin Yun scratched his cheek awkwardly. He knew she wouldn't understand his reasoning, so he didn't try to explain.

"Alright, didn't you want to request leave?"

Su Leyan pulled out a form and signed it.

"You're free to go, but make sure you return for the Six-School League on Friday. If you make it to the top sixteen, you'll get a surprise."

"Really?"

Qin Yun's eyes lit up.

"Yes. Just be careful when you're out in the wild. Sometimes, the real danger isn't Pokémon it's people."

Su Leyan's tone turned serious.

"Understood, Teacher Su!"

Qin Yun grinned, his excitement unshaken.

…