Ch. 1After Crossing, You Have a Pretty Brother, Isn't Something Wrong?
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- The chapter opens by introducing a world where Pokémon exist alongside ordinary modern society. Students can choose between claiming a system and crossing over, being reborn, or continuing their lives, though the protagonist’s own transmigration apparently came without a system.
- In Songjiang City’s No. 1 High School, students excitedly discuss the upcoming distribution of Pokémon Eggs. They envy rare Starter Pokémon such as Charmander and Cyndaquil, which are normally expensive and difficult for ordinary families to obtain.
- Mu Yun, the protagonist, reflects on his seventeen years since transmigrating. Unlike the powerful protagonists in novels, he has gained no system or extraordinary ability. He is merely intelligent, physically fit, and somewhat handsome, though he does possess a house and savings because his parents died early.
- Mu Yun plans to apply for the Pokémon Breeder major rather than the more dangerous and prestigious Trainer major. He considers Pokémon battles too hazardous in this world, where powerful Pokémon can cause enormous destruction.
- Mu Yun speaks with his close friend Liu Jianhao, an exceptionally attractive and delicate-looking boy whom Mu Yun jokingly views as his “pretty brother.” Their conversation establishes their familiarity and Liu Jianhao’s understanding of Mu Yun’s future plans.
- Their homeroom teacher, Song Fu, enters the classroom accompanied by his partner Pokémon, Grumpig. The students affectionately call Grumpig “Pig Mom” because of her gentle, caring personality.
- Grumpig distributes mint candies to the students using Confusion, while Song Fu and the class exchange playful jokes.
- Song Fu explains the upcoming academic specialization process. Students interested in Pokémon-related fields must choose the Pokémon class, while those pursuing ordinary academic majors choose the cultural class. Mu Yun fills out his form for the Breeder track.
- The class then goes to the stadium to collect Pokémon Eggs. Song Fu explains that the top thirty students in the academic rankings receive an Egg and incubator for free, while other students receive discounts based on their rankings.
- Before the distribution begins, Song Fu and Grumpig emphasize that Pokémon must be treated as living partners rather than tools. Abandonment and mistreatment are strictly forbidden.
- The chapter ends as Class Three prepares to enter the gymnasium and collect their Eggs. Mu Yun has not yet received or identified his Pokémon.
Character Developments
- Mu Yun: Revealed as a transmigrated orphan who expected a more extraordinary life but has remained largely ordinary. He is practical, cautious, academically excellent, and uninterested in pursuing glory at the expense of safety. His choice of the Breeder major reflects his rational personality. Song Fu’s speech about Pokémon as family also touches Mu Yun’s loneliness and unfamiliarity with the concept of family.
- Liu Jianhao: Established as Mu Yun’s close friend. He has a feminine appearance and gentle temperament, contrasting with Mu Yun’s more detached personality. He supports and understands Mu Yun’s decision to become a Breeder.
- Song Fu: Presented as a warm but somewhat comical homeroom teacher. Although students tease him for making Grumpig carry his belongings, he is responsible and genuinely concerned about his students’ futures and their treatment of Pokémon.
- Grumpig (“Pig Mom”): Shown as kind, dependable, and deeply involved with the students. She distributes candies and school documents with Confusion and reinforces Song Fu’s message about respecting Pokémon.
- The Students: Their excitement, envy, and joking reveal the social importance of Pokémon ownership and the economic gap between ordinary Pokémon and rare Starter Pokémon.
Significant Themes
- Practicality versus ambition: Mu Yun rejects the dangerous Trainer path and chooses the safer Breeder profession, demonstrating a realistic attitude toward his future.
- Economic inequality: Rare Starter Pokémon are accessible mainly to wealthy families or privileged individuals, while ordinary students must settle for discounted or common Pokémon.
- Pokémon as partners and family: The chapter stresses that Pokémon possess emotions and deserve care, rejecting the idea that they are merely battle tools.
- Loneliness and belonging: Mu Yun’s reaction to the word “family” reveals the emotional consequences of losing his parents and living without close family ties.
- Subverting transmigration clichés: Although Mu Yun is a transmigrated protagonist, he has no system, overwhelming talent, or glamorous entourage. His life is deliberately ordinary and grounded.
- Education and social structure: Pokémon-related careers are incorporated into the formal education system, with specialized classes, entrance requirements, assessments, and economic support based on academic performance.
Important Character Interactions
- Mu Yun and Liu Jianhao: Their friendly exchange highlights their close relationship and Mu Yun’s amused discomfort with Liu Jianhao’s feminine beauty.
- Song Fu and the students: The students tease Song Fu about relying on Grumpig, but the interaction is affectionate rather than disrespectful. Song Fu responds by restoring order and explaining the academic arrangements.
- Students and Grumpig: The class openly treats Grumpig as a beloved maternal figure. She responds warmly by giving everyone candies and helping distribute forms.
- Song Fu and Grumpig: They work as a cooperative teaching team. Song Fu handles announcements while Grumpig assists through Confusion and reinforces his moral message.
- Mu Yun and the idea of family: Though not a direct conversation, Mu Yun’s internal response to Song Fu’s speech creates an important emotional contrast between the teacher’s ideal of Pokémon as family and Mu Yun’s own experience of isolation.
Worldbuilding Note
The chapter concludes with the established Pokémon power scale, ranging from Egg and Novice levels through Normal, Veteran, Professional, Elite, Totem, Gym Leader, Elite Four, Champion, Master, and Divine levels.