What should I do if my pet loves watching anime?

A week later, on the eve of the start of the preparatory class.

After training in the evening, Gu Beiri gave Meili Sheep a thorough check-up.

[Elf: Mare the Sheep]

[Level: lv11]

[Attribute: Electric]

【Characteristics: Electrical Manufacturer】

[Qualification: A+]

[Skills: Tackle, Shout, Electric Shock, Electromagnetic Wave, Electric Terrain, Draft, Power Gem]

[Custom Skill: Counterattack Shield]

Once the drafting proficiency reaches the "Mastery" level, it can be used reliably in actual combat, with a significant speed improvement effect, but the attack aspect is still weak.

Power Gem Proficiency [Beginner]: Condensation time reduced from three seconds to approximately two seconds; power reaches 70% of the standard value.

The duration of Counterattack Shield has been extended to 75 seconds, and its stability has been improved.

Significant progress has also been made in the speed and scope control of electrical site deployment.

"Although the level hasn't changed much, the overall strength has more than doubled compared to a month ago." Gu Beiri closed his notebook, feeling slightly relieved.

At least now, Mareep is capable of putting up a fight against opponents of the same level but with a different type, and can even challenge some Pokémon whose type is weak against it.

But not enough.

The Zapdos soaring through the clouds on that rainy night reminded me of the black Zekrom in the summer holographic projection.

That level of power is beyond their current comprehension; they don't even have the right to look up to it.

"Take it one step at a time," he told himself.

…………

On the first day of school, the entrance to Elf University in Linhai City was packed with people.

As one of the most prestigious research universities in the eastern region of the Huaxia Alliance, Elf University attracts much attention every year during its admissions season.

The Researcher Preparatory Program, as an elite training program for the elite, has attracted countless eyes.

Gu Beiri, carrying simple luggage, stood outside the school gate, looking up at the magnificent main teaching building.

The marble exterior gleamed warmly in the morning light, and a giant Poké Ball sculpture stood atop the building, with the League and school flags fluttering on either side.

"Students, please come this way for new student registration," a senior student wearing a volunteer vest enthusiastically directed.

After thanking him, Gu Beiri followed the flow of people to the registration area.

The registration point for the preparatory class was located in the lobby on the first floor of the administration building, which was much quieter than the crowds outside.

The person in charge of registration was a female teacher who wore glasses. When she saw Gu Beiri's name, she looked up and carefully examined him for a few moments.

"Gu Beiri? The one who got first place in the written exam?"

"Yes, teacher."

"Welcome." The female teacher smiled and handed him a file folder. "Inside are your student ID, class schedule, dormitory key, and campus card."

The preparatory course is somewhat unique. The first week mainly focuses on acclimatization training and mentor assignment; see the course schedule for details.

"Thank you, teacher."

Gu Beiri took the file bag and was about to leave when a familiar voice came from behind him.

"Hey, isn't this our top scorer in the written exam?"

Zhou Mingxuan.

Today he was wearing a custom-made trainer outfit, with his Eevee by his side, and still wearing that ornate collar inlaid with tourmaline around his neck.

After a few months apart, Eevee had clearly grown a bit, its fur was even shinier, and its eyes held the same arrogance as its owner.

"Zhou, classmate." Gu Beiri nodded lightly, not wanting to say anything more.

But Zhou Mingxuan clearly didn't want to let him go.

"I heard you went to Thunder Mountain for training during the summer vacation? How was it? Did you get struck by lightning?" he sneered. "Only a poor kid like you would go to a place like that. Real trainers have their own training grounds."

Several freshmen around him chuckled softly.

Gu Beiri glanced at him and suddenly smiled.

"Indeed, true trainers don't go to Mt. Thunder. They only go to those expensive, well-equipped training grounds where even the opponents are arranged."

He paused, then said calmly, "Then in actual combat, he was utterly defeated by a poor kid who came back from Leiji Mountain."

Zhou Mingxuan's face flushed red instantly.

The match before summer vacation was his greatest humiliation, and now that it was being brought up in public, the whispers around him seemed to be mocking him.

Happy start of the school year!

After saying that, Gu Beiri turned and left, leaving Zhou Mingxuan standing there, his face alternating between pale and flushed.

The surrounding freshmen exchanged glances, their eyes filled with more inquiry and apprehension as they looked at Gu Beiri.

This farm boy who ranked first in the written test doesn't seem as easy to bully as he appears.

…………

The dormitory for the preparatory class was a two-person room, and the conditions were much better than Gu Beiri had imagined.

Each room features a separate bedroom, a shared living room and bathroom, and a small elf lounge area.

His roommate hadn't arrived yet, so Gu Beiri chose a bed by the window, tidied up quickly, and then took out his class schedule to study.

The first week mainly consisted of:

[Monday] Opening Ceremony and Faculty Meeting

[Tuesday-Thursday] Adaptive training (physical fitness, reaction time, basic tactics)

[Friday] Mentor Assignment Ceremony

[Weekend] Free time

"Mentor assignment..." Gu Beiri pondered.

The preparatory program employs a mentorship system, where each student is assigned a senior researcher or professor to study and conduct research under their mentor for the next three years.

The choice of mentor largely determines the future direction of one's career.

"I hope to be assigned to Director Wang's or Professor Li's program," he thought to himself.

Both of them took good care of him, and their research interests were also compatible.

Just then, the dormitory door was pushed open.

A tall, thin boy walked in carrying luggage and paused for a moment when he saw Gu Beiri.

"You are... Gu Beiri?"

Gu Beiri nodded: "Hello."

"Holy crap! It really is you!" The boy excitedly put down his luggage. "My name is Chen Hao. I ranked twenty-eighth in the written test. I never expected to be sharing a dorm with the first-place student!"

He leaned closer, his eyes shining: "I heard you shut Zhou Mingxuan up? That was awesome! That guy's been acting like a bully in summer school because his family's rich. Someone should have taught him a lesson a long time ago!"

Gu Beiri smiled and said, "I was just telling the truth."

"The truth is the most hurtful," Chen Hao said with a grin. "By the way, have you chosen your advisor yet? I heard that some popular advisors are in high demand this year, like Researcher Wang Zhenhua, Professor Li Zhengqing, and even the vice president of Elf University..."

"It's not decided yet, we'll see how it goes depending on the allocation."

"That's true, those of us with this ranking can only wait for assignments." Chen Hao scratched his head, then suddenly lowered his voice, "But I heard from a rumor that there might be special mentors joining this year."

"A special mentor?"

"Hmm, it seems they were sent by the Alliance headquarters. They're supposedly a big shot in a certain field, but due to a confidentiality agreement, the specific details haven't been released yet."

"So mysterious, it must be incredibly powerful."

Gu Beiri shrugged.

Actually, he didn't care.

It would be best if I could be assigned to work under Director Wang or Professor Li, but even if I'm not, I'll still do my experiments well.

If I gain it, I am fortunate; if I lose it, it is my fate. A loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.