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Chapter 54

  Chapter 54The next morning, after completing his daily warm-up, Tetsuya left Cerulean City with his three Pokémon. There were still things he had to do.

  While walking through the forest, he spotted a pink Pokémon near a small river ahead, zily dangling its tail into the water as if it were fishing.

  "Hey, isn't that a Slowpoke?"

  Tetsuya's face lit up with joy. Looked like he’d be enjoying a good meal at noon today. What luck.

  Slowpoke tails and Farfetch'd were considered two of the most delicious ingredients in the world.

  However, unlike Farfetch'd, a Slowpoke's tail was actually edible.

  Farfetch'd, also known as the Wild Duck Pokémon, had become incredibly rare. Its meat paired perfectly with the pnt stalk it always carried, creating a fvor so exquisite that humans once hunted them mercilessly. Before the Pokémon League established protection ws, countless Farfetch’d were killed for their meat. Now, it was a protected species. Anyone caught consuming one would face severe punishment, and the League would trace the source of the capture and sale.

  Slowpoke's tail, on the other hand, was a different story. Its tail naturally detached on its own and, surprisingly, only that naturally-shed portion was truly delicious.

  Cutting off a Slowpoke’s tail forcibly? Pointless. The fvor simply wasn’t the same. Research suggested it had something to do with the Slowpoke’s unique physiology.

  Slowpokes often didn’t even notice when their tails came off. Their sluggish nature and high regenerative ability meant they’d quickly grow a new one without realizing the previous was gone.

  If you followed a Slowpoke in the wild, you could usually trace it back to its tribe—and where there was a tribe, there were tails lying around.

  Of course, this wasn’t always the case. Slowpokes didn’t shed their tails that frequently. If someone else had already found the tribe before you, you’d be out of luck.

  Farm-raised Slowpoke tails? Technically the same, but the taste wasn’t. Their quality was poorer and fvor less pronounced. The price was also lower—affordable if you were really craving it, but nothing like the wild kind.

  Tetsuya approached the Slowpoke, which was still staring bnkly at the river, waiting for its tail to attract something edible.

  Ignoring the lone Slowpoke, Tetsuya examined the area, following faint tracks until he reached the outskirts of its tribe.

  Pushing aside a small bush, he quietly observed.

  Charging in would’ve been reckless. Slowpokes might be slow, but they didn’t tolerate intruders in their territory.

  He was lucky today. A small group of four Slowpokes zed in the grass. Among them, he spotted three intact tails that had clearly fallen off naturally. They glistened faintly in the morning light, lying a short distance from their previous owners.

  They looked nothing like the damaged ones nearby, which had clearly been yanked off and now resembled little more than broken husks.

  Tetsuya backed up and released Pidgeot from its Poké Ball. He gently patted its head. Pidgeot lowered its body in acknowledgment, ready for orders.

  With a small nod, the majestic bird soared into the sky. Less than a minute ter, it returned, carrying the three Slowpoke tails in its talons.

  "Well done!" Tetsuya praised with a grin. "Three tails—perfect for me, you, and Bziken."

  And what about Coalossal? Well, Coalossal didn’t eat food the normal way. The two glowing holes on its body weren’t a mouth—they were energy cores. It absorbed minerals instead.

  Checking the time, Tetsuya noticed it was already 11 a.m. Without realizing it, he’d spent the entire morning wandering the forest.

  Thankfully, he wasn’t in any rush. The forest surrounding the Pokémon School had already been cleared of powerful wild Pokémon by the League for student safety, so traveling here was retively peaceful.

  Finding a quiet, open space, Tetsuya set up his portable cooking gear. Cooking Slowpoke tail was simple—you didn’t do much. Boiling was best. Any more eborate preparation ruined its delicate, natural taste.

  After preparing the main meals for his three Pokémon, he brewed himself a cup of coffee using his trusty portable machine. Now, all that remained was to wait.

  Tetsuya never skimped on food—not for himself and not for his Pokémon. If he had the resources, they’d always eat the best.

  That’s why he didn’t sell the Slowpoke tails. This was his first time getting his hands on something so prized—he had to share it with his partners.

  Thinking of being fair, he pulled out a palm-sized chunk of silver ore.

  This was for Coalossal. While it wasn’t a nutrient-rich mineral, silver had a fvor Coalossal enjoyed. Like a snack.

  Coalossal absorbed the silver contentedly. It knew not to overdo it—it was just a treat, nothing more.

  After emitting a satisfied hum, Coalossal curled up near the perimeter to resume guard duty.

  Tetsuya smiled, watching the calm, responsible Coalossal. Among his Pokémon, Coalossal was the one he worried about the least. Steady, mature, and always alert. A stark contrast to the impulsive Bziken and the free-spirited Pidgeot.

  Time passed, and the scent of boiled Slowpoke tail slowly filled the air. Mouthwatering.

  A man, a fire chicken, and a giant bird all twitched their noses in anticipation.

  When the meat was finally ready, Tetsuya quickly dished out three portions.

  Bziken and Pidgeot rushed over eagerly, huddling close around the makeshift table.

  Tetsuya took a bite.

  Tender. Chewy. An explosion of fresh fvor and rich aroma. The aftertaste lingered like a melody. The rumors were true—it really was one of the best things he’d ever eaten.

  His Pokémon agreed. They happily chirped and clucked, devouring the meal with gleeful sounds, beaks and faces buried deep in their bowls.

  When the st bite was gone, Tetsuya leaned back with a sigh of pure satisfaction.

  Other foods just didn’t compare anymore.

  He licked his lips and silently vowed that the next time he came across a Slowpoke tail, he wouldn’t sell it. No way. He’d keep it for himself.

  No wonder they were so rare on the market—not because they were hard to find, but because no one wanted to part with them once they tasted one.

  He understood now.

  After cleaning up the camp, Tetsuya called for Coalossal, and the group set off toward the Pokémon School.

  He’d already arranged to meet the principal by 3 p.m., and though there was still some ground to cover, they had time.

  Two figures—man and Bziken—moved swiftly between the trees. After a long trek, they finally stood before a tall gate, nearly seven or eight meters high.

  Tetsuya gazed up at it, a wave of emotion washing over him again.

  This was the next step.

  "It really is worthy of being a prestigious aristocratic school. It's so luxurious," Tetsuya excimed.

  Based on the information provided by Professor Yamanashi and his own understanding, the vast stretch of nd around him—thousands of acres—was the domain of the Pokémon Research School.

  There were countless areas simuting the wild habitats of Pokémon, alongside cutting-edge research facilities and battle training grounds. Even the dormitories were single-family vils—something Tetsuya could only dream of living in under normal circumstances.

  As expected, the Pokémon Research School was nestled between Cerulean City and Vermilion City in the Kanto region. Graduates of this institution had the right to directly enter the Pokémon League competition without collecting badges from regional gyms.

  Students were cssified by strength: junior students typically had the power equivalent to two badges, intermediates four, and advanced students eight. Upon reaching the advanced level, they could choose to graduate.

  It was, without exaggeration, an elite school for the wealthy and powerful. The tuition alone was astronomical, barring most ordinary families from entry. But thanks to League funding and private donations, the school was absurdly well-funded, its facilities state-of-the-art.

  Contrary to the light-hearted portrayal in animations, this school was formidable. Many powerful trainers—including Lance, the Dragon Master—were alumni.

  Over the years, its graduates had consistently ranked in the top 32, top 16, and even top 4 of the Pokémon League tournaments. Several had gone on to become top-tier trainers.

  Tetsuya pressed the doorbell beside the iron gate. After a few moments, a pleasant female voice answered.

  "Hello, this is the Kanto Pokémon Research School. Do you have an appointment? If not, please understand that outsiders are not permitted beyond this point."

  "I'm Tetsuya Tamaki, a temporary teacher sent by Professor Oak to instruct the Breeder Division," he replied politely. "I've already spoken with the principal yesterday."

  "Understood. Please hold for a moment while I verify your credentials."

  Silence followed.

  Tetsuya waited patiently. He wasn’t in a hurry. Given the school's high status, it made sense to have strict protocols. Despite being a school, it was still located in the wild. Most of the students here were children—many from noble or elite families—without much battle experience.

  Though internal security was strong—comprised of senior students, teachers, and even Pokémon assigned to protect the younger ones—the combined combat strength was rumored to be on par with seven or eight Elite-level trainers. Still, the school needed to be cautious. If a Dark Organization dared to attack, and the League failed to respond, it would spell doom for the entire system.

  As he pondered, the woman's voice returned.

  "Your identity has been confirmed. A staff member will meet you shortly. Please wait inside the gate. We hope you enjoy your teaching experience, and thank you for your contribution."

  "Thank you very much," Tetsuya said gratefully.

  "You're welcome," she replied before hanging up.

  The iron gate creaked open, revealing a wide path, more than spacious enough for him and his Bziken to walk through.

  Once inside, the scene took his breath away. The environment was stunning. A rge fountain stood at the entrance, surrounded by immacutely manicured gardens. Paths extended in both directions from the fountain, and in the distance, rooftops of various architectural styles could be seen.

  A tour bus rolled toward him, and behind the wheel was a young, well-built man.

  "Hey! You must be Tetsuya Tamaki, the Breeder instructor!" he shouted from afar. The man's booming voice made Tetsuya's ears ring.

  "Ah—yes! Thank you for coming to get me!" Tetsuya instinctively raised his voice in reply.

  With a screech of brakes, the bus halted precisely in front of him.

  "Hop in!" the man called.

  Tetsuya offered his thanks and boarded with Bziken.

  During the ride, the man introduced himself as Chen—a single-name guy. Like Tetsuya, he was also a temporary teacher, but was on his way out. Curious about the new recruit, he decided to personally welcome him.

  "Your Bziken's pretty solid," Chen noted. "At least quasi-Champion level. Hah! Look at those leg muscles—about 60 to 70% stronger than average. Energy flow looks stable, too. I’m guessing he’s on a high-protein diet? Impressive.

  And look at that reaction time! You’ve trained him well in close-combat."

  Chen was steering with one hand while casually analyzing Bziken as if he had X-ray vision.

  Tetsuya sat stiffly, stunned. What kind of monster could discern all of that by eye alone? Were the standards for temp teachers this high now? Even with access to Zero, his advanced instrument, it still took him time to analyze that kind of data.

  If Chen hadn't radiated zero hostility, Tetsuya might've bolted.

  Bziken sensed his trainer’s unease but stayed calm, seated quietly.

  "We're here," Chen said eventually. "Go up to the third floor and report to the principal's office. I’m out. See you around, young man!"

  With that, the bus dropped them off and drove away.

  Tetsuya and Bziken exchanged a gnce.

  "Let’s go," Bziken said softly.

  Tetsuya blinked in surprise. "You think that guy was strong? Stronger than you? But he’s human, not a Pokémon."

  Bziken nodded seriously. "Yes. Ridiculously strong."

  Tetsuya massaged his temple. People that powerful were rare even in the League. What were they doing guiding kids?

  Still a bit dazed, he climbed the stairs to the principal's office. As he knocked on the door, one thought still lingered in his mind—what exactly had he just walked into?

  "Come in," came a gentle, elderly voice.

  Tetsuya opened the door and stepped inside.

  "Hello, I'm Tetsuya Tamaki, sent by Professor Oak."

  He bowed respectfully to the old man in front of him.

  "Ah, Tetsuya, no need to be so formal. It’s not like we’re strangers."

  The old man stood with a warm smile.

  "Respect is always due, sir. You’ve helped me so much before, and I’m grateful."

  Tetsuya looked at the kindly principal, his eyes filled with genuine warmth and gratitude.

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