The two young men walked along the path, and the atmosphere between them was extremely tense.
A few female students in the nearby campus caught sight of the two cool and handsome boys walking side by side. They subconsciously adjusted their posture as if unintentionally fixing their appearance, and some even giggled foolishly.
People wearing the same color uniform as Yezo greeted him as they passed. Even many younger-looking students in different-colored uniforms greeted Yezo politely. It was clear that he was quite well-known within the school.
Well, that made sense. The guy was indeed quite strong, and his status likely wasn't low either. Otherwise, the principal wouldn't have asked for him specifically.
"Why does your school have four different uniform colors? I thought there were only three student levels," Silas was the first to break the awkward silence. After all, he was the victor, and it was natural for the defeated to feel awkward.
He was genuinely curious. Along the way, he had noticed students wearing four different colors and figured he'd ask.
"Those are probationary students," Yezo said after composing himself and began doing his job as a guide. But if he had known what Silas was actually thinking, he probably would've exploded again.
"Our school isn't like regular Pokémon academies that start with basic education at age 6, intermediate knowledge at 11, and graduation at 16.
Here, students enroll at age 12 and have to pass an entrance exam. If you pass, you're an entry-level student and wear that red-and-white uniform.
If you don't pass, you're temporarily classified as a probationary student and wear the gray uniform.
Once you advance, intermediate students wear blue-green uniforms, and advanced students like me wear black.
But there aren't actually many probationary students because most kids have already studied before enrolling. The pass rate is pretty high. Those who don't pass are usually either underprivileged kids who barely made it in or spoiled brats from wealthy families who don't bother to study."
Silas nodded in understanding and continued asking, "So if the classification is entry-level with two badges, intermediate with four, and advanced with eight, does that mean your students have the strength of two badges at just 12 years old?"
That was something he had always found hard to believe it just didn't seem realistic.
The League clearly stated that you couldn't officially register your first Pokémon until age 16. Sure, some people started training earlier, but it seemed ridiculous for a 12-year-old to already have that kind of strength.
"Of course not,"Yezo shook his head and explained, "That classification is something the outside world uses to label our school. In reality, until someone becomes an advanced student, their so-called strength doesn't really count.
It's more like their knowledge and a bit of their battle technique might meet that standard, but when it comes to real battles, it doesn't mean much. After all, many entry-level students don't even have their own Pokémon. They usually use the school's training Pokémon.
How could you win a badge like that? You'd just be cannon fodder.
Typically, a student enrolls at 12, becomes an intermediate student by 15, then at 16 starts officially raising their first Pokémon. By 18, they become advanced students—like me and then can choose to graduate.
Most people stay another year or two to keep studying. They usually graduate around 20 years old.
By then, their strength is actually pretty decent.
You'll be teaching the entry-level students, so be prepared. Even though the classification isn't fully accurate, some of those kids think they're the real deal. They'll probably give you some trouble.
They're mostly rich kids who don't respect anyone. Every temporary teacher who comes here gets tested."
Yezo finished with a slight warning.
Silas raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You seem to know a lot—sounds like you've done that before?"
Yezo clenched his fist. This guy was really asking for it. He wanted to punch him so badly.
"That older-looking guy over there is still wearing a blue-green uniform. Is he still an intermediate student?" Silas lowered his voice and asked.
Yezo glanced at the person and replied with disdain, "That kind? He either doesn't have any talent or hasn't put in the effort. He's just been studying longer than others."
What I mentioned earlier only applies to people like me, with actual talent. Plenty of others are even slower.
And honestly, the entire system of student rankings is skewed because of people like them. They stay stuck at one level, then get forced to graduate when they turn twenty-two, go outside, earn a couple of badges, and then start showing off like they're some kind of elite.
That's why people out there think beginner and intermediate students from our academy are only that strong. But the truth is, they're just pitiful holdovers who never made the cut.
They didn't even earn a graduation certificate."
"Sounds like the exams for intermediate and advanced students are pretty tough then," Silas remarked.
"Not really. It's just practical and theoretical. As long as you've got hands, you can pass. You could do it too," Yezo replied sarcastically.
Silas gave Yezo a weird look. How'd someone so young already turn out like this? What a shame. But he wasn't wrong Silas really could do it. So what was so hard about that?
The two of them kept walking.
Silas kept roasting Yezo's explanations. "Your commentary sucks. Why do I have to ask one thing at a time for you to answer? Can't you just make some connections and explain it all at once? This is exhausting."
Yezo didn't reply. He just led the way toward the training grounds next to the academy's main building, planning to give a quick rundown and leave.
He'd figured it out. This kid who looked even younger than him was just a sharp-tongued chatterbox. Extremely punchable.
"This here's the main academy building. The three colors of uniforms correspond to different levels. Probationary students don't have a dedicated building. Their classes are usually held outdoors, or they can choose to study at home and just come back to take the exams. Tuition still applies either way.
Over there is the training field. It includes a wind pressure chamber, gravity chamber, and more. If you want to check out the simulation rooms, just go through the main gate to the deepest part of the training area. Once you're out, someone will be there to guide you.
That area is the activity room and nursery for baby Pokémon."
After the non-stop explanation,Yezo led Silas to the dormitory area for teachers.
"Alright, this is your dorm. The principal gave you the key earlier. I've got things to do, so I'm heading out!"
Without waiting for a reply,Yezo bolted and disappeared without a trace.
Silas scratched his head. Did he scare him off with his enthusiasm? Looks like he needed to be more mindful when dealing with people.
He opened the door and stepped inside. As usual, he gasped at the luxurious setup like someone who'd never seen the world. Then he let out his three Pokémon to rest.
Outside, a long-haired blonde girl was munching on ice cream, watching the door of the room next door where someone had just entered.
"Hmm, so Charly's gone? Looks like a new temp teacher just arrived."