Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

She pursed her lips, her eyes thoughtful, and upon learning this information, Ye Ci couldn't help but think of the worst-case scenario.

"Could it be that the gate to Zone Zero was breached from the inside? But as far as I know, none of the paradoxical species have this ability."

Setting aside my thoughts for a moment, that slight lapse in concentration vanished in an instant, replaced by unwavering composure.

"Nanyin, could you tell me what they look like?"

"Of course. If I'm not mistaken, they should be majestic teeth and iron tracks."

how come?

Knowing the characteristics of these two paradoxical species and having fought against them before, Ye Ci did not believe that they could leave the giant pit and come to the outside world.

Despite some doubts, Nan Yin's tone was sincere and didn't seem like she was lying. Therefore, the escape of Xiongwei Ya and Tie Zheji couldn't be faked.

Instead of getting entangled in this intractable dilemma, the brown-skinned beauty was more interested in understanding the girl's true thoughts.

"If it was just a chance encounter, there shouldn't be anything to support your exploration of the depths of Zone Zero."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Nan Yin stopped hiding it and confessed the truth.

This isn't a compromise, nor is there anything shameful about it; it's simply a trainer trying to find a companion from the past.

“I once formed a bond with one of the paradoxical species in the Mirror Cave of Carlos, so I intend to meet it again.”

Mirror Cave, as its name suggests, is a winding, shimmering cave with walls that stand straight and reflect the images of people and Pokémon like a mirror, and even offer a glimpse into the wonders of different worlds.

“I have indeed heard of Carlos’s Mirror Cave. Since we have a connection, it is only natural for me to seek it out.”

Without considering the possibility of lying, just as the white-haired girl spoke frankly, Ye Ci also believed in the other party's sincerity.

After all, she herself had once ventured deep into Zone Zero for the sake of a partner, putting herself in danger.

“I understand. However, going to Sector Zero is no small matter, and it’s not something I can decide alone.”

Although as the president of the league and the chief champion, she has enough authority to make decisions, the Padia Pit involves too many secrets, and so far only Orin and Fortu have gone deep inside to study it.

Since Nan Yin is keen to go inside, I might as well do her a favor and take this opportunity to explore the current Zero District.

He glanced sideways at the old man listening nearby, and with just a glance, Clavel understood his friend's meaning.

The old principal got up and walked to the monitor in the corner. He turned the knob down as if he were dialing a signal.

Before long, a chestnut-haired woman wearing a long gown appeared on the screen. However, what made Nan Yin's eyes linger was the wild, naked primitive clothing she wore underneath.

"This is Dr. Orin, one of the scholars who have conducted in-depth research on Zone Zero."

When introducing the woman in the picture to Nan Yin, Ye Ci's expression was not as respectful as her tone.

“I am aware of the specifics. It is regrettable that I was unable to control the majestic teeth and iron tracks, allowing them to leave Zone Zero.”

She remained composed, her expression unchanged, with only a polite smile playing on her lips. Even as she offered an apology, the female PhD student's words were remarkably flat and devoid of any emotion.

Listening to these words and looking closely at the images on the screen, Nan Yin wouldn't feel anything unusual if it were just a real-time holographic projection.

But the closer she looked, the more clues she noticed.

Logically, since Zone Zero is of great importance to Padia, research on it should be taken seriously. However, although the other party's words and actions are extremely frank and the environment he is in is quite tidy, under the perception of telekinesis, after tracing back the pixels, Nan Yin noticed that the arrangement behind Dr. Orin was somewhat outdated.

Moreover, even if one remains utterly indifferent, just as in the past, human expressions still undergo vivid changes, but the presence in one's eyes, whether smiling or speaking, maintains an extraordinary level of rationality.

It's reasonable, yet illogical, like a fabricated illusion.

Perhaps noticing Nan Yin's prolonged gaze, Clavel coughed lightly and took the initiative to fill in the girl's identity.

"Dr. Orin and Dr. Futu are both graduates of our school, and the Crystal Pearl is their masterpiece."

"Thank you very much for your statement. If the topic today is about the two escaped Pokémon, I'm afraid I can't offer any more assistance. The research has reached a critical point, and I can't spare too much energy for it."

Still smiling, the female PhD student was about to explain further when Ye Ci took the initiative to speak up and pointed out the key point.

"Professor, I didn't want to ask too much, but after learning about the escape of the Paranormal species today, I have no choice but to trouble you two. Since the invention of the time machine, you have captured Pokémon from different timelines and brought them to the present. However, before that, these beings all showed ancestral ferocity and difficult-to-negotiate characteristics."

"You once said you would delve into Zone Zero to find a solution, but over the years, there has been very little progress or feedback. I need to know if you have been concealing the true situation. Not only the alliance, but also the investors in the research institute need an accurate answer."

The champion's demeanor remained unchanged, but the sharpness in his words was becoming increasingly compelling, like a battle-hardened elite soldier.

While questioning her, she also inadvertently revealed several important pieces of information, seemingly explaining the background of the situation to Nan Yin.

Just like in their conversation, Orin and Dr. Futu used the terrestrial energy at the bottom of Zone Zero to create an unprecedented and amazing device. This device can forcibly capture Pokémon from different timelines by teleporting Poké Balls and summon these beings to the present.

Currently, there are already many Ancient Pokémon active in Sector Zero. If Paradox Pokémon can be introduced to the outside world, it will end the mystery of Sector Zero and shock the world. It can be said to be a huge discovery that can make all the people of Padia proud.

However, whether they come from the distant past or are born in the future, they all possess primal and fundamental power. They are either too fierce or too rational, with vigorous vitality and fearlessness.

Several years ago, the two PhDs explained their conclusions in an internal presentation: modern ecosystems could not withstand ancient species, so they needed to find solutions in Zone Zero.

However, this search has been slow to yield effective results. Investors have limited patience, and as for Ye Ci, the president of the Padia Alliance, she cannot sit idly by and watch a talent like Dr. Orin waste her time in Zone Zero. Therefore, Ye Ci is also eagerly hoping for a positive answer to the question she just asked.

However, the figure spoke in the same calm and indifferent manner as always.

"...I have no further explanation for your question at the moment."

His eyebrows and eyes remained unchanged, and his words were apologetic, but his demeanor lacked any trace of human warmth.

Chapter 172 The Truth Remains Unclear and the Difficulties

Having said all that, the atmosphere in the room had reached a freezing point.

With a pursed lip and a stern brow, the champion of the Padia League exuded displeasure and a powerful aura, but Dr. Orin remained mechanically unmoved.

The collision between the two seemed to expel all the air, leaving everyone present feeling suffocated.

"Since I have not been able to get any results from your inquiries, then, if I may be so bold, I will soon open the gates and go to Zone Zero in person."

She stopped speaking and no longer harbored any expectations. She walked straight to the corner and turned off the screen that was reflecting the image of the person.

"I'm sorry you had to see this, Nan Yin."

Once the projection had completely faded, the tanned beauty relaxed her brows and revealed her signature gentle smile.

"No, I'm just surprised by the way you communicate with Dr. Orin."

Having heard the entire exchange between the two, Nan Yin naturally wouldn't dwell on their initial statement. It seemed that the video they had just seen was intended to be shown to her, revealing the true situation of Zone Zero.

"This is not a recent development. Ms. Orin and Mr. Fortu have been so distant for years. Their words and actions are the same as always, but their attitude towards others has become increasingly rigid and inflexible."

She let out a soft sigh, and it was clear that Ye Ci's face also held a hint of helplessness.

In the past, she and the couple were friends who spoke frankly with each other, but now, that relationship is probably in question.

Even though the tone and manner of speaking were similar, she still felt that she was drifting further and further away from them, as if she had become a complete stranger.

As her thoughts began to sink, the girl's gentle voice took the initiative to change the subject, stopping her earlier sighs.

"Did my request put you in a difficult position, Yeci?"

Through a series of observations, Nan Yin has learned some of the secrets of Padiya.

The content about time machines particularly surprised her – she never expected that GF would come up with such a bizarre setting in just one generation.

If I'm not mistaken, my Millerton is definitely connected to Sector Zero, and its influence is probably quite significant.

"No, for several years, Orin and Dr. Fortu have made no progress and have not sent any useful information. The Alliance has always been looking into this matter, and now that you have brought it up, it is a perfect opportunity."

With her hands behind her back, she walked to the edge of the windowsill. Her posture remained upright, but her face showed a hint of fatigue.

"Olin, Futu, what... exactly did you do in Sector Zero?"

With his fingers gripping the window sill tightly, Yaji, as the president of the Padia League and the chairman of Orange Academy, shoulders heavy responsibilities. He not only has to worry about the operation of the league and the dojo, but also about the teaching situation within the academy.

In addition, since the development work in Zone Zero is entirely managed by the Alliance, the companies that have previously invested a lot of money will frequently ask her about the progress.

As pressure piled up, and as time went on, gossip from all directions became increasingly clear, but the information coming out of Zone Zero became less and less.

Even if one is willing to think positively, one still needs to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

—Perhaps, the interior of Zone Zero has already spiraled out of control.

Just as Nan Yin mentioned, a large number of paradoxical species are active in the giant pit. Two of them are already circulating outside Padiya, and there may be some more hiding in the dark side.

Their nature is pure, wild, or rational. Without a thorough understanding, they can easily harm the local inhabitants. Considering this, after the girl took the initiative to make the request, Ye Ci had his own plan.

Even though the other party claimed that he was not worthy of the honor of being a superstar, she had watched most of his battle with Nemo a while ago through the video recordings she had seen on the spot, so she naturally knew that it was just a humble statement.

Since both sides have requests, why not do a favor and reasonably explore Zone Zero?

"Nanyin, I grant your request."

Her eyes once again revealed a gentle light, and she softened her tone.

"However, we cannot rush into venturing into Zone Zero. I will inform you as soon as the time is right and we are fully prepared. Until then, I hope you can relax and enjoy the local customs and culture of Parthia."

Raising her elbow and placing it flat beside the door, the brown-skinned beauty made a gesture of invitation.

"I imagine you must be a little tired after our conversation. I've heard there are related training courses coming up, so I'll personally take you there."

Seeing the friendliness conveyed by the other party's demeanor, Nan Yin wanted to refuse this courtesy, but glancing at the old principal's habitual expression, she realized that this champion seemed to do similar things often.

Considering the respectful and polite atmosphere in Padiya, and to avoid excessive embarrassment, she could only nod slightly to accept the kindness.

After all, once you've accepted a favor, you're bound to make some unavoidable compromises.

"Then trouble you."

Upon seeing this, both the old principal and Ye Ci showed pleased smiles, and the previously oppressive atmosphere immediately dissipated.

As they walked through the spacious corridor and past the green shade under the morning sun, the teachers and students passing by all noticed the unusual trio. Some discussed it passionately and expressed their curiosity, while others lowered their heads and whispered, but none dared to get any closer.

This unusual calm only dissipated as they began to talk intimately, once the outline of the open classroom came into view.

"Nanyin, would you mind if I sat in on one of your classes? I'm also quite interested in knowledge about cultivation."

Looking at Ye Ci, who was all smiles and meticulous, Nan Yin felt a rare sense of helplessness.

To be honest, she could tell from their short time together that the other person was meticulous and conscientious, and that their focus and responsibility towards matters and work were reflected in their words and deeds.

While having a responsible boss and a professional client is great, from the perspective of an employee, if your superiors are constantly monitoring your work progress and testing your so-called teaching standards, it's a kind of unbearable torture.

The girl embarked on the journey out of pursuit and interest, and only wanted to live for herself and her children.

My trip to Padiya was mainly to unravel the mysteries surrounding the little evil spirit and to reunite with Zhenyifa from the past. As for being busy and stressed, those were things I wanted to avoid in my life.

Unfortunately, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

"I don't mind. If there are any inappropriate points, please feel free to point them out, Ms. Ye Ci."

She gently pats her cheeks to change her mood; even with a sense of helplessness, she still tries to provide positive guidance to her students.

Just before the girl was about to step into the classroom, a wave of joyful shouts swept over the boy and brought him close by.

"Teacher Nanyin, after taking the secret seasoning, the Mastiff Godfather has recovered a lot. Really, really, thank you so much!"

"Pippa?"

Not only Nan Yin's murmurs, but also Ye Ci and Clavel showed unusual expressions.

Chapter 173 The Celestial Star Team and Ending Bullying

Clearly, both the old headmaster and Yeci were somewhat surprised to see Pipa here.

Because of their status as the child of PhDs, both parents paid considerable attention to them.

Since Orin and Fortu entered Sector Zero and news of them has become scarce, the doctor's child has rarely been able to sit quietly in church and listen attentively to lessons. Not to mention, recently he even risked entering Sector Zero and nearly got hurt.

That is why, when Pipa and the new teacher had a harmonious conversation and showed signs of trust and reliance, both sides were genuinely surprised.

"Uh, Teacher Nanyin, is there a problem?" Seeing that the girl hadn't responded for a long time, Papa looked around and felt the stiff atmosphere, as well as being frightened by the two familiar figures.

"Clavel, Principal! And also, President Yeci!"

The previous joy vanished in an instant, and the boy immediately grabbed the shoulder strap of his bag and turned to leave.

“Papa, you said yesterday that you wanted to listen to my lecture carefully. In addition, I am quite curious about the effects of the secret seasoning on different individuals. If we can find out the reason, the Mastiff Godfather’s injuries may heal faster.”

There was no attempt to persuade her to stay; Nanyin simply clarified the facts and made the matter public.

Because she knew that to the children of Pipana, the Mastiff Godfather was no different from his family, and the old headmaster and Yeci were also secretly concerned about this troubled boy.

The secrets held by Orin and Dr. Fortu, the fog shrouding Sector Zero, the truth of the crystallization... To truly uncover the truth, inside and out, and understand everything in detail, it is necessary to integrate all resources, whether it be interpersonal relationships or concrete actions.