Pokémon: Starting with a Volcarona

Chapter 208: Chapter 208



Champion-level!

That's a realm that countless Trainers spend their entire lives chasing but never reach!

And yet Nathan?

He wasn't even twenty years old and already had a Pokémon of that caliber!

Even if Nathan never did anything else for the rest of his life, just relying on that one Volcarona would be enough to make him stand above the rest!

How could Zoe, who had always admired Nathan, not be overwhelmed with excitement?

Even the little girl's eyes were sparkling like stars. Her face full of adoration, she said, "Master, you're so strong! As expected of Bella's master!"

If Zoe wasn't already clinging in Nathan's arms, the little one might have jumped in herself asking for hugs, kisses, or even a lift in the air.

Compared to other kids who enter their rebellious phase early, Bella was sticky to a level that was truly unprecedented.

"O-Okay, Zoe, calm down…"

Feeling the soft warmth of the girl's body, Nathan couldn't help but look a little awkward.

Even though he was completely loyal to Lily, being held so tightly by Zoe still made his body react a bit.

There was no helping it—without using his Dragon Force, physiological responses weren't something anyone could completely avoid.

Zoe seemed to realize her loss of composure but looked more like she had scored a small victory. She naturally let go of Nathan.

"Sorry, I just got too excited…"

She stuck out her tongue playfully and even acted a little cute.

Even though she was older than Nathan, Zoe still gave off the vibe of a girl who had just stepped out of her loli phase.

"Excuse me for interrupting."

Just then, an uninvited middle-aged man stepped in with a smile. "My name is Joseph, President of the Pokémon League's Capital Headquarters."

"Would you mind sparing me a bit of your time, Trainer Nathan?"

The man's sudden appearance shocked even Zoe. Nathan himself was also visibly surprised.

President of the Capital Headquarters of the Pokémon League?!

In terms of status alone, this man probably ranked far above Shane!

What stunned Nathan even more was that Joseph didn't give off any Trainer vibes at all!

Even Shane, after all, was a capable Trainer in his own right!

….

Not that Shane was particularly powerful, or that all important positions in the League had to be filled by Trainers.

But Trainers naturally understood the field of Pokémon better and were more effective at managing other Trainers.

As for Joseph—either he had absolutely no talent in that area and was a complete non-Trainer...

Or, he was such a high-level figure that even Nathan couldn't sense his strength!

Like those legendary sweepers who guard gates!

"Oh? You sensed that? Impressive perception," Joseph said with a soft chuckle, reading Nathan's expression like an open book. "You're right. I haven't accomplished anything as a Trainer. Just managing to raise a single elite-level Pokémon was already my limit."

He didn't seem to care at all about this common source of embarrassment for others.

"Damn. The President of the Pokémon League's Capital HQ isn't even a Trainer? That's hard to believe," Nathan remarked, staring at Joseph's plain uncle-like face. "If I remember right, the League is the organization that manages all Trainers…"

This was like putting a complete amateur in charge of the national football team—who then somehow led them to win glory for the country, knocking Messi and Ronaldo aside like rag dolls! Completely absurd!

"Don't be too shocked. Actually, this kid Joseph is one of the world's top experts in Pokémon and Trainer theory."

"Some of today's new Elite Guardians are practically his half-disciples," came a gentle voice from behind.

A kindly old woman had walked up, smiling warmly.

While her words sounded like she was downplaying Joseph, they were actually even more shocking.

After all, without having experienced training Pokémon firsthand, how could someone possibly offer effective advice to other Trainers?

It would be like an elementary schooler tutoring a mathematics professor—in mathematics!

"Alright, enough about me. Between freaks and monsters, I think Trainer Nathan here is clearly more outrageous," Joseph said with a bitter smile. "Just graduated from high school and already raised a Champion-level Pokémon? Not even web novels would dare write something that wild."

Now it was Nathan's turn to scratch his head.

Though he had meticulously planned every step of his journey and didn't see his current achievements as that impressive compared to his final goal...

In other people's eyes, what he had already accomplished was so over-the-top it might as well break the heavens!

It wouldn't be surprising if he ended up recorded in history!

"Enough with the small talk. President Joseph, why exactly were you looking for me?"

"And this elderly lady beside you—she seems important too?"

Hoping to put an end to all the mutual praise, Nathan turned his gaze toward Joseph and the old woman.

High-ranking figures in the League rarely made their identities public, unless they were renowned Elites or Champions.

Otherwise, even someone like Shane wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully at night, always worrying whether he'd accidentally stepped on the toes of some hidden powerhouse who'd quietly make him disappear.

That said, not being public didn't mean their positions were top secret.

At least when dealing with a Trainer from clans, the League's top brass rarely held back.

"Hahaha, what kind of identity could an old woman like me have? I'm just here to join the fun," the old lady said with a laugh, not revealing anything specific.

Joseph, however, grew more serious. He turned to Nathan and said, "Trainer Nathan, would you mind having a private chat with me? It won't take long."

Since he asked politely, Nathan didn't make a fuss and nodded in agreement.

They walked to the now-evacuated spectator area and sat down in the front row.

"Smoke?" Joseph asked, offering a cigarette.

"No thanks. Not my thing."

Nathan refused without hesitation.

Seeing Nathan decline, Joseph lit one for himself, took a deep drag, and finally spoke.

"I know you're a mystery—even involved somehow with those legendary Pokémon. That Volcarona and Zeraora of yours probably aren't so special for no reason."

"But don't worry. I'm not here to dig up secrets or get intel from you."

"However, as for the university, I hope you can choose the Pokémon-Specialized University in Grace City."

As the name implied, the Pokémon-Specialized University was focused entirely on Pokémon and Trainers, with no unrelated programs.

Other universities, even prestigious ones, usually had multiple departments, since regular people still made up the vast majority of the population.

"But… Grace City? Isn't that one of the experimental cities? I remember it's even newer than Spring City," Nathan said, pulling out his phone with a frown.

It was in Spring City, an experimental city, that he'd first encountered the Dark Organization—and where he got his Treecko.

Grace City had been established even more recently.

Due to its geography, it was only half an experimental city, with a significant number of ordinary citizens still living there.

That also meant that the League's plan to integrate Pokémon into daily urban life was progressing painfully slowly.

"That's right. That Grace City," Joseph confirmed, taking another drag before continuing. "That university is the only private one in the entire country that focuses exclusively on Pokémon. There, a Trainer's strength is the only metric that matters."

"Honestly, there's no place more suited for someone like you."

High schools and non-specialist universities were friendly environments for both regular people and aspiring Trainers.

Especially high schools—Nathan had hidden his Volcarona for years without issue, without the need for some dramatic "endure for three years" trope.

But if the Grace City university was really as extreme as Joseph claimed, it might truly be the perfect fit for Nathan.

"Your reason?" Nathan asked, not immediately agreeing or refusing.

There was no way someone like Joseph would randomly recommend a school without motive.

That would be about as likely as pigs flying.

Especially given how unique Joseph himself was—a non-Trainer who'd mentored multiple future Elites!

"The reason is simple: we hope you can help reform the culture there."

"As a school that has long accepted only genius Trainers, it's become corrupted. If no one steps in, it's going to implode."

"Of course, we're not expecting you to work for free. Any requests you have, we'll do our best to fulfill."

Joseph looked genuinely troubled as he smoked.

Clearly, this wasn't a simple situation.

"I see. Reform the culture, huh?"

Nathan nodded in understanding.

If the only thing that mattered at that university was raw strength, then of course the environment would deteriorate.

Even regular schools had their share of scummy teachers, principals, and students.

"So? If you agree, I'll even owe you a huge personal favor," Joseph added with a tempting tone as he finished his cigarette in a few quick drags.

Nathan couldn't help but feel tempted.

Being able to make demands and having a personal favor from someone like Joseph? That wasn't a low-tier reward.

After a brief pause for thought, Nathan nodded.

"I accept this deal. But just so you know—I'm not the type to go easy on anyone. Be prepared."

"That's exactly why I'm asking you."

With a smile finally forming on his face, Joseph said something truly startling.

"As long as no one dies—anything goes."

 

 

(End of Chapter)

 


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