In an air-conditioned office beside the sports field's rostrum, Teacher Zhou was enthusiastically munching peanuts, watching remix videos on Bilibili and occasionally letting out a "geigeigei" laugh.
Just as he was getting engrossed, the office door suddenly swung open, and Cheng Tian walked in with a smile.
"Teacher Zhou! I'm back!"
"Oh, f***!" Teacher Zhou thought the director had come to check on him and was so startled that he blurted out a curse. Turning around, he discovered it was Cheng Tian, whom he had not seen in ages.
Teacher Zhou said, "You got eliminated?!"
Cheng Tian: ...
What? So in your minds, my coming back means I got eliminated?!
"Oh, oh, ahem, sorry." Teacher Zhou coughed awkwardly. "Looks like you've made some clear progress during your time on Training Island!"
"Hehe, you flatter me," Cheng Tian said modestly.
"Perfect. Since we're not doing anything anyway, I'll see just how much progress you've made." Teacher Zhou smiled. "Come on, let's go to the training ground and let me get a good look!"
"Huh? Are we going to battle?"
"Of course. Battling is how you tell how strong someone is!"
As Teacher Zhou led Cheng Tian toward the training hall, he enthusiastically told him about the changes at school over the past six months.
"Since the college entrance exam reforms, the provincial education department has placed a lot of emphasis on practical battles in Pokémon classes. They hold a competition every so often. And the resources go without saying-it's essentially an indirect investment in the students," Teacher Zhou said cheerfully. "Our school even put together a school team for that purpose. Their strength varies quite a bit right now, but once we've done this for a few years and gained some experience, I'm sure our school will be able to