Chapter 41: The Paldea Four Bosses, Three Present

"Huh?" Desh let out a low exclamation and looked at Geeta, who nodded with a smile to confirm. Embarrassed, he stammered for a while and finally muttered "My apologies" to Lucas before lowering his head and sitting down, silent.

Now Desh only felt he'd slipped up today, embarrassing himself in front of the Chairwoman.

He didn't dare vent his frustration on Lucas either. If Lucas was a Champion-level Trainer, it would be like picking a fight in a latrine—pointless and foolish.

Not every Trainer was as easygoing as Chairwoman Geeta.

"Sorry, Teacher Lucas. I'd planned to announce your identity at the upcoming faculty meeting, but the Dean just couldn't keep calm," Harrington said, apologetic but not overly cautious. After all, the Academy's Chairwoman was the strongest Champion-level Trainer, and Naranja Academy was the oldest school in the world.

As a director, he didn't need to act meek around Lucas.

Lucas shook his head, "It's fine, I didn't take it to heart."

Harrington's opinion of Lucas improved. "He's strong but not arrogant. Chairwoman Geeta does have a good eye," he thought. "Now, let's discuss your salary and teaching responsibilities."

The discussion didn't take long. Harrington spoke, Lucas listened, and Geeta occasionally chimed in.

Dean Desh remained silent unless addressed directly.

In the end, all terms of salary and duties were finalized.

Traditionally, Naranja Academy teachers had a three-month probation. This time, Harrington cut it to one month, with Lucas's salary at 50,000 League coins. After becoming permanent, it would rise to 80,000.

As the Academy's battle studies teacher, Lucas's main job was to teach students' interest in Pokémon battles and guide them.

Another point worth mentioning: apart from required basic courses, most courses at Naranja Academy were elective, based on student interest.

So, only two classes per week—no extra teaching duties.

Plus, the Academy had four long holidays per year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each at least a month, with full pay during breaks.

Such conditions could be called the ultimate fantasy of any worker.

The contract was filled out, and stamped, and everything went smoothly.

With things settled, Geeta stood up, satisfied, and smiled: "Since that's done, I'll head off. I still have Academy and League matters to handle."

She waved, mouthed "Good luck" to Lucas, and left gracefully.

After Geeta, Harrington sighed, "The Chairwoman has to manage the League and sometimes assess Gym Leaders. She barely has time to return to the Academy each year."

"Even my usual reports to her are mostly over the phone."

Lucas nodded, "That's why the Paldea League is thriving, holding its own against other Leagues."

Harrington got up, "It's about time. Let's go to the faculty meeting and introduce you properly, so we don't have another incident like with the Dean."

Desh, still dwelling on his earlier embarrassment, heard Harrington's words and couldn't help but groan, "Director…"

After the staff meeting, it was already noon. Most students had returned to campus, and the sports field was packed.

Then, a classic game scene unfolded: the opening ceremony on the field.

Director Harrington, in the Academy's signature attire, stood on the podium with teachers from every subject at his sides. In the center of the field, a crowd of students gathered, ranging from young children to people in their fifties and sixties, all in Academy uniforms, waiting for the director's speech.

This was a feature of Naranja Academy: accepting students of all ages, believing everyone deserved to learn.

Lucas stood at the edge of the teacher's queue under the podium. He could feel not only curious glances from colleagues but also many students focusing on him from below.

To them, he must be a total stranger.

Director Harrington delivered a passionate speech. Lucas, whose main goal was to earn an easy living, scanned the students, hoping to spot familiar faces.

In the last row… that tall, pretty girl must be future Star Team's Eri, right?

And the dark-skinned girl near her should be Carmen.

After meeting Giacomo, Lucas no longer relied on his game impressions but made educated guesses based on features. While their appearances would change with age, some traces were still visible.

Giacomo, Mela, Atticus, and Ortega were also scattered through various classes.

Star Team was born from bullying on campus, but Lucas still wasn't sure how serious the bullying was.

Thinking like a teacher now, Lucas decided to keep an eye on these issues moving forward.

Then there was the main character group, all about the same age.

Following several intense stares, Lucas soon spotted Nemona.

She stood in the front row, wearing the standard Academy uniform, her hair tied up in a high ponytail. Except for her fair skin, she looked like a mini version of the Nemona from the game.

And then there was Arven. Lucas hadn't seen him for over a week, unsure if things with his parents had improved. He planned to check in afterward.

As he continued scanning, Lucas spotted a tomboyish girl on the far right, wearing thick round glasses and carrying a cute Eevee backpack—Penny.

Aside from any unknown main characters, three of the Paldea Four Bosses were all assembled at Naranja Academy.