The first day of school

Hu Bin and Vulpix were doing fine, but after seeing how Yi Nanzi and Cyndaquil had performed that day, Hu Bin felt reassured about them too. Yi Nanzi was truly determined this time.

But now they faced a huge problem: school started tomorrow, leaving them far less time to train. With Hu Bin and Vulpix also heading to the training center in the evenings, their schedule would be even tighter.

After some discussion, Hu Bin and Yi Nanzi agreed to start training at five every morning and finish at seven. Before eight, they would wash up, give the Pokémon massages, and eat breakfast to recover their energy and stamina. After classes ended in the evening, they would finish their homework and head to the training center for more training.

That packed training schedule forced Hu Bin and Yi Nanzi to become a new generation of time-management masters!

And so, at five the next morning, on the first day of school, the sun had yet to rise and the streets were utterly silent, but Hu Bin, Yi Nanzi, Vulpix, and Cyndaquil were already ready to go. Yi Nanzi and Cyndaquil were in much better shape than on the first day, though they still struggled.

They finally managed to complete their target at six.

Once they returned home, Hu Bin got busy. First, he put the curry on to simmer, then immediately started massaging Vulpix and Cyndaquil. He barely had a moment to breathe. After a quick shower, Yi Nanzi began learning his massage techniques.

Finally, at eight, Hu Bin and Yi Nanzi changed into their school uniforms and hurried out with their Pokémon. They said goodbye and rushed off to their respective schools.

After a summer of silence, the school finally came alive on the first day of term, with students laughing and chatting everywhere.

When Hu Bin reached the classroom, he found his seat, sat down, and let out a long breath. "Made it. Training first thing in the morning really wears you out!"

Just then, two people appeared in the classroom doorway: Hu Bin's two good friends, Wu Jin and Liu Yi.

As soon as they spotted Hu Bin, they set their bags on their chairs, walked over, and clung to his legs, showering him with thanks.

"Brother Bin, thanks for your homework! If you hadn't been so generous and loyal, we'd have been doomed."

Hu Bin smiled. "No need to thank me. We're buddies. It's nothing! Just remember what you promised to do for me!"

Wu Jin quickly pulled out a bottle of ice-cold cola and handed it to Hu Bin with an ingratiating smile. "Brother Bin, I had this ready for you ages ago."

Liu Yi added, "Bro, we're taking you out for pizza at lunchtime. We'll make sure you're well taken care of."

Hu Bin looked pleased. "Now that's more like it!"

Their classmates gradually arrived. Hu Bin, Wu Jin, and Liu Yi were usually quite popular, and plenty of classmates greeted them and stopped for a quick chat.

But today, everyone was talking about showing off their Pokémon, checking out everyone else's Pokémon, and arranging times to battle.

Soon, many classmates released their Pokémon from their Poké Balls to show them off, and the classroom filled with Pokémon.

There were Geodude, Rattata, Oddish, Pidgey, Ralts, and more—Pokémon of all sorts of types.

Wu Jin and Liu Yi also released their Machop and Munchlax.

Time to show off!

Not to be outdone, Hu Bin released Vulpix too. The little foxlike Pokémon, snow-white from head to toe, immediately drew plenty of attention.

Vulpix tilted its head in confusion. "Vul?"

That one gesture sent all the girls in the class wild.

"Wow, so cute!"

"Too cute! I want to take it home!"

Of course, quite a few boys also discovered their hidden soft sides. Looking at the adorable Vulpix, they felt their hearts melting.

Hu Bin's Vulpix successfully became the class favorite, and plenty of girls rushed over to Hu Bin, wheedling and pleading for a chance to pet it.

Hu Bin was used to this by now and readily agreed.

"Vul." Vulpix could only resign itself to enjoying all the girls' petting.

The boys nearby watched Vulpix being petted with envy written all over their faces. Being a cute Pokémon must be nice!

Soon, the bell rang. All the students returned to their seats, recalled their Pokémon into their Poké Balls, and waited for the teacher.

Then Li Qing, a slightly plump, middle-aged teacher wearing black-framed glasses, stepped up to the front of the classroom. Looking at the students she had not seen all summer, she smiled and said, "It looks like you all had a wonderful summer. You've all been showing off your Pokémon on your social media feeds. But you'll be taking the college entrance exams after this semester, so you need to settle down and focus. Study hard and review properly!"

All the students answered in unison, "Yes!"

Li Qing continued, "Now that you all have Pokémon, you'll each have your own ideas about which major you'd like to choose when you go to university. In two weeks, the school will hold a Pokémon battle tournament. Those who perform well will not only receive prizes, but will also be selected to compete in the Spring City Rookie Tournament. Outstanding performers there can earn admission to prestigious universities! Give it your best, everyone!"

Li Qing's announcement hit like an atomic bomb. The class immediately erupted into chatter, with excitement lighting up many faces.

Hu Bin was thrilled too. Oh my god! An opportunity like that actually existed!

Soon, the system's voice rang out: "Missions announced. Mission one: win the school battle tournament. Rewards: 5,000 points, one skill upgrade voucher, and a Substitute manual. Mission two: win the Spring City Rookie Tournament. Rewards: 10,000 points, one million yuan in cash, an Iron Tail skill manual, and one Ice Stone. Host, please give it your best and work hard."

After checking the system's rewards, Hu Bin sorted through all his missions and realized he might truly be run off his feet for a while: the marathon, the school battle tournament, and the Spring City Rookie Tournament. So busy, so exhausting! But the system was offering far too much to resist. Not taking first place would be a waste of those rewards!

Fighting spirit blazed in Hu Bin's eyes. Anyone who threatened my first-place finish would be taken down, no matter how far I had to chase them!