Back to School

After his recent training in the wild, his Pokémon had gotten covered in dust and grime. Zhang Cheng couldn't stand seeing them so filthy.

After their baths, Zhang Cheng took out some Pokéblocks to coax Pidgey, who was unhappy about being washed.

Once he had settled his Pokémon, Zhang Cheng went to rest as well. Tomorrow, they would continue training to raise their levels.

Over the following days, Zhang Cheng stopped taking missions and spent every morning by the Waterfall, focusing on guiding his Pokémon through their training.

In the afternoons, he took Mareep to the outskirts of the forest to find wild Pokémon to battle.

Day after day passed like this, and his Pokémon steadily grew stronger.

After finishing a day of training and having dinner, Zhang Cheng returned to his lodgings with his Pokémon. He washed up briefly and got ready for bed.

Ding~ Ding-ding~

His phone chimed with a message. Zhang Cheng opened it to find a message from his mentor, Bai Yuling:

"How have things been lately? Have you run into any danger?"

"Everything's been fine. I've stayed on the outskirts of the forest. It's very safe here."

"That's good. The school is holding the Midterm Exam next week, so you'll need to come back for it."

"The Midterm Exam only tests theoretical knowledge, doesn't it? Can't I just skip coming back?"

"Things have changed this time. Several high school principals in Jiangcheng City have organized an interschool tournament. Since it's right around the Midterm Exam, the tournament will count as part of the exam."

"Really?"

"Since it's a tournament between all the high schools in Jiangcheng City, there should be prizes for placing well, right?"

"I knew you'd ask that. This tournament has official approval from the Pokémon League. Anyone who finishes in the top