The System Was Plotting Against Me Every Moment

Xu Mu had no idea that he had completely misjudged the situation.

The Charmander he had taken for a weakling was actually a cautious little monster who had "trained in the beginner village for three thousand years."

He patted Greninja on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Relax. Don't scare our new companion."

Greninja looked back. Since Xu Mu had spoken, he stopped staring at Charmander.

"Croak!"

[Let's spar sometime!]

Charmander immediately ducked his head.

What was going on? Were there this many strong fighters out here?

I haven't even left the beginner village, and someone this strong already wants to fight me?

No. I need to be careful. Until I'm overwhelmingly strong, I can't afford to get reckless!

Stay steady, Charmander. You can do this!

Xu Mu had no idea what was going through his two Pokémon's heads. He was too busy celebrating his new lazy Charmander.

That lousy system wants me to become a trainer? Ha. Not a chance!

As if the system could make a weak, lazy little guy like this strong.

The happier he got, the more curious he became. He opened Charmander's slot in the system.

Then his face went green...

"Principal, is it too late to pick another one?"

The principal looked at Xu Mu, who was clutching Charmander's Poké Ball and pleading for a different Pokémon, and refused on the spot.

You've got to be kidding. I finally got this little troublemaker off my hands. You think I'd let him back into my backyard?

For years, Charmander had refused to go out. He had stayed in the yard, battling the Pokémon there every day and crushing opponents weaker than himself.

Well, now he's finally gone.

Xu Mu looked up at the clear blue sky. Why did the sunlight suddenly seem so harsh?

I think I've been had again...

It wasn't the system this time. I did this to myself.

There's nothing weak about this Charmander!

Whatever. Having strong Pokémon doesn't mean I have to be a trainer. I can still turn back. I won't give the system another chance to trap me.

[Pokémon: Charmander]

[Type: Fire]

[Strength: Early Pseudo-Elite Four]

[Ability: Solar Power (Attack increases in intense sunlight)]

[Moves: Overheat, Fire Blast, Flamethrower, Solar Beam, Brick Break, Iron Tail, Ancient Power...]

[Check-in tasks: (1) Bring or use Charmander to win a battle at the Magma Gym — Mega Charizard X Mega Stone]

[(2) Bring or use Charmander to enter the National High School League and win the championship — Dragon-type power awakening]

[(3) Bring Charmander to Charizard Valley and win a battle there — Crimson Lotus Flame]

That was Charmander's status panel.

His strength was already at Early Pseudo-Elite Four. Xu Mu hadn't read it wrong.

Charmander had been born years ago, but he had refused to leave home or evolve. All so he could play it safe!

Survive long enough and he would become a powerhouse. Playing it safe was how he would last!

That was Charmander's philosophy.

So for years, he had stayed in the beginner village—the principal's backyard—picking fights with weaker Pokémon to gain experience.

Step by step, he had reached his current level: a superpowered Charmander at Early Pseudo-Elite Four!

"So if I enter this National High School League, I'll end up completing two tasks whether I want to or not?"

Xu Mu's face fell.

That lousy system never missed a chance to make him stronger!

It was too much!

He followed the principal to the Pokémon Center. Once the old man showed his identification and the relevant documents, Xu Mu was soon granted the status of a novice trainer.

[ Ding! Congratulations to the host on becoming a novice trainer. Becoming the strongest trainer is now within reach. Keep it up, host! ]

Are you kidding me?

Keep what up?

You're pleased I became a trainer, is that it?

Did you really have to pop up just to tell me?

Don't think I won't uninstall you!

Bastard!

Xu Mu screamed inwardly, but it did no good. After popping up to remind him it existed, the system fell silent again.

The old principal saw Xu Mu's flushed face and took it for excitement.

He chuckled.

"When I first became a novice trainer, I was just as excited as you. I couldn't sleep a wink that night."

That only made it worse.

The principal's words felt like countless knives stabbing Xu Mu in the heart!

Who's excited?

You're the one who's excited!

If it weren't for those stupid rules, do you think I'd want this lousy novice trainer status?

Xu Mu was at his breaking point. Was everyone determined to stab him in the back today?

Are you all masters of the sneak attack?

After registering Greninja and Charmander under his name at the Pokémon Center, Xu Mu headed home with a dark look on his face.

Behind him, the old principal called out, "Don't forget, we're going to Flame City tomorrow! The preliminaries start the day after, and I'll sign you up as soon as I get back!"

Xu Mu kept walking without looking back. He didn't want to say a word.

Enter the tournament, and two check-in tasks will be completed...

I can't bear to think about it!

His Pokémon were getting stronger and stronger. Sooner or later, the system's scheme would succeed.

Damn it!

Xu Mu arrived home in anguish. His mother was making him dinner.

"Did you finish the withdrawal paperwork?"

Her gentle question hit Xu Mu like another crushing blow.

Mom, did you know there was no way they'd let me withdraw? Is that why you were so calm about me going to school?

"No."

Xu Mu lowered his head helplessly and sat down at the dining table.

His mother noticed how dejected he seemed and looked puzzled, but she didn't press him.

She only comforted him gently. "It's all right. If the school won't let you withdraw, then so be it. We should understand that the teachers mean well. They're doing it for your sake."

Bang!

Xu Mu felt as if his fragile heart had taken another direct hit.

For my sake?

Is that really why they're doing this?

Aren't they keeping me enrolled just so I'll enter the tournament?

Remembering the vice principal's untrustworthy face and how he had gone back on his word only made Xu Mu angrier.

"If you really don't want to go to school, I can ask for leave for you. As long as you're happy, I'll support you."

Xu Mu had been sulking, but her words made him look up in bewilderment.

His mother still wore a gentle smile. "I'm not capable of much, but I can at least make sure my son gets to live happily."

Tears welled in Xu Mu's eyes. For a moment, he felt as though he had returned to his previous life.

Even when he had accomplished nothing, his mother had stood behind him and believed in him.

His nose stung as he forced a smile.

"Mom, it's okay. You don't need to ask for leave for me."

"The principal wants me to enter a league tournament. I'm leaving for Flame City tomorrow, and if things go well, I won't be back until next month."

"So don't worry about me. I'll bring home a huge trophy and show you that your son is pretty amazing too!"