Chapter 113 – Let Pokémon Take the First Step in Changing the World!

According to the plan made by Su Bai and Zhu Jianyuan, the very day the Pokémon Corps was formed would mark the beginning of their counteroffensive beyond Haicheng, into the territory ruled by death beasts.

"It's about time," Su Bai said.

"Besides, we've already planted Berry Trees in nearly every corner of the city that can support them."

"If we want to grow more, we'll have to expand outward."

Zhu Jianyuan rubbed his hands together in excitement.

"Well then, before you strike, sharpen your blade first."

"Let's give the soldiers three days to learn how to properly use their Pokémon."

"Su Bai, since you're the guest professor of Haicheng First High, you don't mind stepping in as their instructor, do you?"

Su Bai smiled at the suggestion.

"I don't mind at all. But I think there are better candidates for this."

He gestured toward the group standing behind him—Wang Tao and the others.

"These people are the very first batch of Trainers in the true sense of the word. They've come a long way by working and growing with their Pokémon."

"Compared to me, it's these Trainers who started from nothing—just like the guards—who are best suited to guide them."

"Human creativity is limitless. Take Ding Yue, for example. She used her Fletchinder's flight advantage to dominate the Pokémon Battle Center for days. Even I didn't expect that."

"Then there's Wang Tao—who probably understands more than anyone how an ordinary person can train their Pokémon step by step."

"There's Murong Nan, whose Prinplup commands water with grace. And Xiao Zhang, with his Machop, who's already a master in hand-to-hand combat."

"Between the three of them, they cover all the attributes the Corps is using."

"I believe they'll do a great job."

Su Bai chuckled.

"Of course… they should be properly compensated too."

It wasn't that Su Bai was unwilling to teach—he was more than happy to help train the Corps. But long term? It wasn't realistic for the manager of the Pokémon Center to be the permanent instructor.

And for Wang Tao and the others, this would be an invaluable experience.

Especially for someone like Wang Tao—still technically from a humble background—extra funds to prepare his team were always a welcome boon.

Zhu Jianyuan had just saved two hundred million thanks to Su Bai's price cut, so there was no reason to be stingy.

"Uh… you want us to be instructors? Are we even qualified?!"

Liu Yunlan was stunned.

Though Zhu Jianyuan had joked before about letting them teach, she thought it was just small talk. They'd only tagged along out of pure enthusiasm for Pokémon.

Zhu Jianyuan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

He could see Su Bai's point clearly.

These early Trainers had immense potential.

Giving them experience now might prepare them for even bigger responsibilities later.

And indeed—Su Bai was right. Each of them had their own strengths and unique perspectives on training.

Even if their approach differed from Su Bai's, the results spoke for themselves.

Zhu Jianyuan quickly nodded.

"Then it's settled!"

He turned to the students of Haicheng First High, still bearing traces of youthful innocence.

"You may still be students within the school walls, but as Trainers—you've taken the first step."

"As the saying goes in the Eastern Divine Federation: 'Let the capable teach.'"

"Have confidence. In many ways… you represent the future of humanity."

Even if Zhu no longer acted like a lofty city lord in front of Su Bai, his presence still carried weight with the students.

The group—including Wang Tao—instinctively straightened up, a small sense of pride glowing in their expressions.

They really were the first Trainers.

Su Bai chuckled as he watched Zhu Jianyuan masterfully motivate the younger generation.

"Alright then. I'll leave things to you all. See you in three days."

"I'll head back to the shop."

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Though the pet shop was always busy, little Zhou Xiaofei had proven himself shockingly capable despite his young age.

Su Bai hardly had to lift a finger.

And so, even while mildly guilty about child labor, he spent three rare days of leisure lounging in a recliner.

It was the first true break he'd had since the Pokémon System had awakened.

Three days later.

Zhu Jianyuan, along with Wang Tao and the others, returned to Su Bai's store.

"Yo, you're all back!"

Su Bai waved lazily—until his eyes narrowed.

"Wait a minute… what happened to you guys?"

The group before him looked… different.

Even Wang Tao—who normally slacked off at every chance—now carried a subtle firmness in his expression.

And their skin—was that… tan?

Even Liu Yunlan now had a healthy wheat complexion, which was strange considering how little sunlight made it through the deathbeast fog blanketing the sky.

"Hah! You'd be surprised what a little motivation can do."

Zhu Jianyuan laughed heartily.

"Besides their Pokémon training, they insisted on joining our guard regiment's physical drills, skill exercises, and awakening practice."

"They didn't have to do all that, but they wanted to. And this… is the result."

"Bit of self-inflicted hardship, really."

Despite his teasing words, Zhu Jianyuan's eyes were full of admiration.

This kind of resolve was a blessing to all of humanity.

Raw combat power meant little if it could only be unleashed on a clean battlefield.

Some death beast habitats were so hostile that even with powerful Pokémon, unfit Trainers would be helpless.

Humanity no longer raised pampered children in greenhouses—but the kind of drills these students underwent were no joke.

Even Zhu had been surprised by how well they handled it.

Especially pampered rich kids like Ding Yue and Zhang Qun—

They'd never suffered a day in their lives.

Yet somehow… they powered through.

It brought the soldiers and students closer, too—bridging the gap between civilians and military.

The results… exceeded all expectations.

"Well, well, I didn't think you all had it in you."

Su Bai chuckled as he looked at his familiar customers.

Despite the joking tone, he raised a genuine thumbs-up.

"Not bad. Those first-gen Pokémon didn't go to waste."

None of them acted embarrassed—in fact, they looked proud.

It had been their first taste of military life, after all.

"Of course not!" Liu Yunlan said, head held high.

"We completed our mission perfectly!"

"The Pokémon Corps is strong now. I almost wish we could go out on campaign with them!"

Zhu Jianyuan grinned as he spread out a map on the table.

"Love the spirit. But unfortunately, your goals don't align with the Corps."

"I've compiled years of intelligence around Haicheng into this map."

"To reclaim enough territory to grow Berry Trees quickly, both the Pokémon Corps and the Trainers of the Pokémon Center will need to split up."

"We have to maximize every ounce of strength."

He placed a hand on the map, voice resolute.

"It's time…"

"Let Pokémon take the first step—in changing the world!"