Pokémon: Starting with a Volcarona

Because Zeraora had exposed its back, it was attacking into thin air.

"But the world doesn't deal in 'what ifs.' Everything about you is laid bare before my eyes."

With a bright crimson glow in his right eye, Nathan spoke in an incomparably calm tone.

Confronting a stern, cold military instructor, Nathan met his gaze head-on without flinching.

As their eyes locked, it felt as if sparks and lightning crackled in the air.

"No wonder he's the national tournament champion… A true dragon."

A senior student in his final year said with a bitter smile, his expression slightly dazed.

"Hmph, maybe the title of 'Child of God' isn't just for show, but even a mighty dragon doesn't dominate the local snake!"

Another senior scoffed, his sharp gaze fixed on Nathan.

Meanwhile, many senior girls were blushing, clearly smitten with Nathan.

"I wonder what kind of girl Nathan likes? Does he have a girlfriend?"

"Even if he does, I'd still steal him away! A handsome, strong, and young junior like him is one in a million!"

Yes... it had to be said: the senior girls might actually be more dangerous than the senior boys.

However, Nathan's full attention was on the battlefield.

"Flamethrower!"

"Fire Spin!"

"Quick Attack!"

The instructor never gave direct orders—only called out the names of moves.

Yet Arcanine acted in perfect sync with him, every move lethal!

"Ten o'clock direction, dodge it."

"Now! Create distance—Indra's Arrow!"

"Chidori!"

In the face of the instructor's overwhelming offense, Nathan didn't hold back either.

Though his style wasn't as exaggerated, Zeraora showed no signs of being outmatched.

In fact, under Nathan's command, Zeraora gradually began to gain the upper hand.

In less than five minutes, Arcanine was panting heavily, with multiple wounds across its body.

Zeraora, though slightly winded, remained virtually unscathed.

At that moment, many freshmen who had doubted Nathan finally understood the meaning of "Son of God."

They were the same age, yet most of them couldn't even beat a Pidgeotto—while Nathan was pushing an instructor giving his all to the brink of defeat!

At least 99% of those watching believed Arcanine had no chance of turning the battle around.

And that 99% didn't just include students—it also included teachers drawn to the scene by the intense battle!

…

"Still want to continue?"

Standing tall before the instructor, the crimson glow in Nathan's right eye exerted immense pressure.

Anyone else would've surrendered under that kind of pressure long ago.

But the instructor's expression didn't change. Instead, in a cold, firm voice, he said:

"On the battlefield, showing all your cards means death is near. Nathan, let me show you... the military's Elite Domain!"

As he finished speaking, the previously faltering Arcanine let out a howl resembling a wolf's cry!

In the next instant, its fur lengthened, its body grew more muscular, and its claws and fangs became longer and sharper!

"This is... overclocking? Forcing out most of the body's power in a short burst—like triggering an adrenaline surge!"

Nathan's crimson eye widened slightly as he observed the change.

"You saw through it in one glance... As expected of the Divine Child of Pokémon."

The instructor showed a hint of surprise before quickly regaining composure.

He was only here because he owed the school a favor and wanted to give Nathan a little challenge.

But having a Elite-level Pokémon in the military was like being a King-class soldier in a martial arts novel.

Even for a private university, hiring someone like that to train freshmen was unheard of.

"Well, if I don't go all out, I might get crushed by Arcanine without mercy."

"Zeraora, no need to hold back any longer."

With a cold smile gleaming in his crimson eyes, Nathan nodded at Zeraora.

Keeping its distance from Arcanine, Zeraora—once cloaked in cerulean lightning—suddenly struck a pose like a Super Saiyan transforming.

In less than a second, the blue lightning shifted to a brilliant and dangerous gold!

Under this golden lightning, Zeraora's fur shone even more vibrantly.

After a month of training and using the Electric Orb, Zeraora could now fully control this Golden Lightning Mode in its normal state.

And in this form, Zeraora's speed had increased to an astonishing level!

"Chidori!"

"Thunderbolt!"

Nathan continued giving unpredictable commands, making it hard for others to understand his strategy.

However, unlike before, he didn't go head-to-head with the instructor anymore.

He simply stood quietly, watching the battle unfold.

No matter how many fierce attacks Arcanine unleashed, Zeraora dodged them effortlessly—

Like it was casually strolling through a park.

At short distances, Zeraora's speed was now faster than teleportation!

Even Arcanine, with its exceptional sense of smell, couldn't keep up anymore.

"He hasn't even used Super Evolution, yet he already has this kind of power?"

Watching the increasingly exhausted Arcanine, the instructor couldn't help but think.

He had hoped to catch Nathan off guard—but the national champion was still every bit the champion.

No wonder he was called the "Son of God."

Even though the instructor was performing quite well, Nathan had exceeded expectations.

"How are we supposed to teach a student like this?"

Many teachers watching were now sweating, staring at Nathan's slender frame like he was some kind of monster.

If they couldn't even guide a student like this, would their credibility as teachers be destroyed?

But the students didn't care what the teachers thought.

Most of them were already in awe of Nathan and Zeraora.

Especially the freshmen—regardless of gender—they were completely captivated!

"He's so cool… Is this what a true genius Pokémon trainer looks like?"

"I wonder if Nathan has a girlfriend? If he does... would he mind one more?"

"If I became friends with him, would I get stronger too?"

Everyone had different thoughts—but none of it could affect the battle.

"Instructor, do you still want to continue? Arcanine can't stay in that form much longer, can it?"

Hands in his pockets, Nathan asked calmly, confident in his victory.

Under the golden lightning, Zeraora wasn't just fast anymore.

It was almost as if it was accelerating time itself to increase speed!

This was—Divine Speed.

A domain untouchable, unmatchable, and unstoppable—only achievable by gods!

"Ah... then I concede."

The instructor wasn't one to drag things out.

Seeing Zeraora completely unphased, he admitted defeat decisively.

There was no point wasting time when a loss was inevitable.

"You're strong, Nathan. I hope you find success here in university."

With those words, the instructor recalled his Pokémon and left in long strides.

What no one noticed was that his palm was soaked with sweat—as if he'd just washed his hands.

Posturing—that was a required skill for battle-hardened veterans.

Or more accurately, for trainers in the military.

Nathan noticed the puddle where the instructor had been standing, but he had no interest in exposing him.

The practical exam was over.

When the results were announced, Nathan returned to the dorm surrounded by emotions like envy, frustration, and admiration.

"You... you're back. Are you hungry? I made sushi... and some pork strips... and…"

Just as he stepped into his dorm, a purple-haired, violet-eyed woman stammered nervously.

Although she was older than Nathan, she seemed the more timid and youthful of the two.

There was no mistaking it—the purple-haired beauty was none other than Mira, who had recently moved in with him.

Ahem… In the beginning, Mira had her own place.

But after nearly starving to death because she was too afraid to go out, she tearfully came to live with Nathan.

At least he could cook, which meant she wouldn't die of hunger.

"Thanks. Actually, I am kind of hungry."

Nathan nodded and casually took a seat, digging into the meal made by the beautiful Mira.

(End of Chapter)