Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Under this harmonious coexistence, dusk gradually covered the sun on the horizon, signaling to the hardworking people that it was time to return home.

Similarly, it was time for them to leave.

"Bang!"

No longer chewing the biscuits, the dark blue scorpion stretched and let out a loud burp.

From the slightly strained flapping of its wings, one could tell how much food the child had just swallowed.

"I told you not to eat so much, or you won't get any for dinner later."

Nan Yin poked Scorpio King's smooth forehead, and even though her words contained a hint of reproach, she simply lowered her fingertips and gently rubbed his head.

"Woo, o(╥﹏╥)o."

The preface was obviously meant to be a joke, but the scorpion beast couldn't distinguish between truth and falsehood. So, it immediately wrapped its arms around the girl's arm and refused to let go no matter how much it was comforted, with glistening tears welling up in its eyes.

No matter how delicious the food in these stores is, it can never compare to the skill of Nanyin music, nor to the comfort and warmth of a home.

It wouldn't be willing to be abandoned if the girl cooked it herself, not even for a day.

Touched by this adorable, almost tearful clumsiness, Nan Yin gently raised her lips.

"Pfft, of course I was just kidding. At least take better care of my wallet from now on, and take good care of your own health too."

Ignoring the stares of those around them, no matter how silly or clumsy they may seem, they are still their own Pokémon, their own children.

The previous conference had taken away their time together, whiling away the days and nights they spent together. From now on, she would repay that debt with all her heart, with whispers and with her sleeping face.

"Buyi."

She was about to get up and pack her things when a light, gentle force from her sleeve brought her back to her senses.

She saw Eevee drop the ribbon and wrap it tightly around her elbow, and she saw its clear eyes shimmering with water. Imitating the Gliscor, the pinkish-white creature opened its eyes wide and uttered a soft, gentle cry.

In the past, it was always aloof and only cared about young girls. But seeing the Scorpio King receiving so much attention, it's not surprising that it deliberately acted cute in order to catch the former's eye.

Unable to bear such gazes and unwilling to neglect one thing for another, Nan Yin could only hug Yi Bu, hold him to her neck and shoulders, and breathe into his ear.

"You are the oldest child, and you need to take care of the younger generation. Similarly, you are also my one and only."

With a smile and no words, Diancie, who had witnessed everything, simply raised her handkerchief to wipe the crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

Because it knows that there will always be a place for itself in a girl's heart.

"That's wonderful, your relationship is so sweet."

Nemo, who prides herself on having an intimate relationship with Pokémon, felt somewhat inferior when she saw the two of them who understood each other perfectly.

There are many ways for trainers and Pokémon to get along, but in battle, only mutual trust can bring out their full fighting power.

The unspoken understanding that can be conveyed with just a glance is enough to prove the level of Nanyin's combat skills.

An unknown spirit, unwavering trust—it's unimaginable what a wonderful experience it would be to battle against the girl before me!

Sensing something was amiss, but not paying much attention, Nan Yin then picked up her handbag, put it back on the table and chair, and took care of all the unfinished matters.

"Thank you for your praise. Later, could you please show us around the academy?"

"of course."

Without hesitation, the brown-skinned girl agreed to the request and stood up first, leading the two of them toward the distant building.

Passing over the clear fountain and through the grand bridge, as your toes step over the threshold, the narrow view suddenly opens up.

Thousands of books are neatly arranged on both sides, and the floor-to-ceiling windows gather sunlight, making the hall as bright as the sky.

It is remarkable that, unlike the romantic atmosphere of Carlos, Nanyin felt a strong academic flavor and a passionate pursuit of knowledge from the moment she set foot on the land of Padia.

"This is the main hall of Orange Academy. Not only are there numerous books on display, but the school's history spanning hundreds of years is also presented here. Further inside are our classrooms, and to the right is the training ground for combat."

She recounted the various branches within the academy, occasionally adding her own judgments. Just as Nemo was about to take the opportunity to challenge her again, the girl opened her throat and asked a question.

"Can you tell me about the dorms at Orange Academy?"

It's no wonder Nan Yin interrupted. Nemo's hospitality was still there, and if she hadn't asked, it would probably have taken a long time before she could get to the points she cared about.

After all, you don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household.

Even though being a breeder brought her many conveniences, feeding Snorlax and Zapdos and the other children was actually a bit of a burden. If the accommodation could meet her needs, the girl could save on rent.

"Although living on campus is not mandatory, in reality, both teachers and students are assigned rooms with the same facilities, including a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom in a single room."

"That's really quite a good treatment."

The conversation lingered, but the footsteps gradually faded into the distance. Suddenly, Nan Yin abruptly stopped and looked to the side.

Closer to the eye, behind Eevee, a slender girl was crouching.

Wearing a gray-black hoodie and round-framed glasses, her red bangs partially covered her forehead, yet couldn't conceal her delicate features.

However, more than anything else, it was the focused attention on the little beast and the fluffy Eevee backpack that attracted the attention of onlookers.

Hugging her knees, bending low, letting her skirt sway, letting the gaze sweep over her, the girl seemed to be observing Sylveon the whole time.

"...So cute."

It was a soft murmur.

I wanted to touch it, but I was hesitant. I just stretched out my fingertips, but then I pulled away as if I remembered something. This was not a sign of shyness, but more like a negative remnant of some memory.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

She parted her lips slightly and spoke softly. Her keen senses allowed Nan Yin to hear the former's words to Eevee, so she naturally did not hold back her words.

"..."

He remained silent, and even subconsciously took a few steps back as the girl approached.

Only after seeing Nan Yin's features clearly did the girl muster her courage and timidly speak.

"Hug, sorry."

"My name... is Peony."

Chapter 153 Bullying and First Encounter with Xinli

Is there anything wrong with this child?

Similarly, bending down to meet the short-haired girl's gaze, Nan Yin asked for the reason, then smoothed Eevee's neck hair with her fingertips.

"...Very cute, and raised with great care."

Stumbling through her words, and seeing the growing number of gazes around her, Peony quickly got up and ran off into the distance.

Introverted personality?

That was what she thought, but soon, Nan Yin denied it, the emotion in her eyes clearly showing fear.

Moreover, this act of escaping seems to be an unconscious action by the former.

"That girl?"

She glanced sideways at the brown-skinned girl, then opened her lips to ask a question, waiting for the former's explanation.

Gone is the enthusiasm of before; Nemo's face shows a hint of helplessness, and even more so, a hidden anger.

"Hey, Orange Academy has a history of eight hundred years and has always promoted a school spirit of integrity, upright conduct, broad learning and refined spirit. But in reality, no matter how meticulous we are, the emergence of small groups is still unavoidable."

Looking around, in the shadow of those tall buildings, a number of students hurried by, carrying books as if rushing to the next class, while many others strolled around leisurely, only carrying their Pokémon.

"The principal's admonitions, the teachers' teachings, and the committee members' management can certainly clarify school rules and restrain bad behavior. However, not every student's character is excellent."

She lowered her head silently, but the girl's five fingers were already clenched into a fist.

"The depth of family background, academic performance, social relationships... subjective and objective factors will eventually lead to certain events. Mutual comparison, contempt from the superior, and the disadvantaged students will always be deliberately bullied and ridiculed by others for various reasons, leaving scars that are hard to forget."

With resentment in her eyes, Korni pursed her lips, gritted her teeth, and whispered angrily.

"Isn't this bullying?"

"Um,"

Nemo did not deny it, and her response revealed her guilt.

Even though she only recently took over as student council president and has no opportunity to correct this situation in the short term, the girl will not shirk the responsibilities she bears.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on that girl, Peony, and I warned her classmates about it during last week’s morning assembly. But bullying isn’t a one-time thing. When it becomes public, it means that vulnerable students have been suffering from long-term oppression. As a member of the student council, I naturally have a responsibility to stop this kind of evil, but—”

With a pause in her tone, a departure from her earlier nonchalance, Nemo's attitude became unusually serious and heavy.

"Superficial bullying can be avoided, but collective exclusion and indifference cannot be properly addressed in a short period of time."

As the former said, bullying is not just outwardly apparent. Those who bully their peers and consider themselves powerful will always have a unified story. If they are unwilling to help, the next person to be defined as weak will become the former.

"Thank you for your hard work, Nemo."

Having just arrived, Nan Yin had little understanding of the academy's internal and external affairs, so naturally she couldn't do much, but she disapproved of the above measures.

Bullying others and taking advantage of one's strength will not only harm the victims' physical and mental health, but also damage the educational atmosphere of the college.

"This is what I should do."

Putting that topic aside for the moment, they then spoke up again about the classes they teach and the course planning, discussing it in detail.

"If it's for nurturing, it's probably as an interest class. These kinds of classes don't have specific class assignments; they should be taught in a large classroom. As for the teaching group, it's mostly the entire grade level."

"So, that means you're also my student, Nemo?"

"Eh?"

The brown-skinned girl froze, her gaze momentarily fixed on the spot.

"Pfft, thanks for letting me know. I hope you'll take care of me in class next time we meet, Nemo~"

She didn't dislike the former's enthusiasm. Although they had lived two lives, in this life they were the same age, and Nan Yin still had a bit of a teasing attitude.

"Wait, wait a minute, what does this mean? Does it mean, Nan Yin, you—"

Nemo swiftly and decisively voiced her doubts, and before she could raise her voice again, she was interrupted by the girl's assertive words.

"Remember to greet your teacher when you are on campus."

"Yes, teacher. No, that's not right, this just doesn't seem right."

She subconsciously called out the title, but looking at Nan Yin's face, Nemo still couldn't bring herself to match the role of teacher.

After all, Principal Claver had only told her that the other person was a guest at Orange Academy. Who could have imagined that such a young and beautiful girl of the same age would become her future teacher?

"It's not surprising. There's no order of precedence in learning; those who are accomplished are teachers."

"No, no, no, I think it's completely different!"

The afternoon tea and pleasant conversation, these moments of meeting and spending time together gave Nemo a sense of comfort and ease, and also made her regard Nemo as a friend and a formidable rival.

Even though she has the status of a champion-level trainer, she still considers herself a student and has not officially started working yet. Now that she has this additional status, how can they treat each other as equals?

The culture of the Parthian region is indeed unique; it is quite common for people over twenty or even thirty years old to remain in academies to study.

In comparison, Nan Yin is not only young, but she looks almost the same age as me. If she were to wear a school uniform, she would blend in with the student group without any sense of incongruity. However, this does not mean that Nemo can wash away the impression left by the first impression.

"So, what do you think? Do you perhaps believe I'm already old?"

She suppressed her smile and slightly furrowed her brows. Although Nan Yin had lived two lives and was indeed not considered a junior, and even seemed to be deliberately trying to appear young, the title of "young" was still a very flattering compliment.

"of course not."

Stunned by the two-faced, menacing smile, and recalling the girl's earlier words, Nemo suddenly realized the only way to break the deadlock.

"Well, if we go by Nan Yin's logic, I recently defeated that senior Ye Ci and became a champion-level trainer, so in battles, you should also call me teacher."

A champion trainer?

Nan Yin didn't pay much attention to the verbal address; she took it as a joke. However, as soon as the former spoke, the girl gained a direct understanding of Nemo's strength.

Champion-level trainers are a rating unique to the Padilla region, where the league's assessments differ from those in other regions.

Generally speaking, only the top-ranked trainer from the Padilla region is considered equivalent to the champions from other regions.

Below the top champion, champion-level trainers like Nemo are those whose strength is close to that of the Elite Four, and are classified as the most elite group of powerhouses in the league.

Unexpectedly, this cheerful and seemingly young president possesses such strength.

In terms of age, Nemo is even a few years younger than herself.