Most other schools began classes on September 1. For example, the Indigo Academy started on that date.
In the past two days, most students from Viridian City who had been accepted into the Indigo Academy had already departed.
The Indigo Academy was located on the Indigo Plateau, the same place where the Indigo League was held.
Students from Viridian City were lucky, because their city was the closest to the Indigo Plateau in the Kanto region. They did not need to spend much time on the road.
Speaking of Indigo Academy, one could not ignore its long-standing rival, the Silver Academy.
The Kanto and Johto regions were both on the same continent. However, Kanto was located in the east, while Johto was in the west. Therefore, Johto was sometimes called the Kansai region.
Between these two regions lay a vast mountain range, and the Indigo Plateau, where the League's headquarters stood, was built upon it.
To the east of the League lay the Kanto region, while to the west was a stretch of mountains collectively known as Mount Silver. The Pokémon living there were of very high levels.
Every year, both the Indigo League and the Johto League were held on the Indigo Plateau, but the two venues were still quite far apart.
The Silver Academy's school year began on September 10. Why September 10? It was said to be the date the Academy was first founded.
The Silver Academy itself was located deep within the mountains, just like the Indigo Academy, surrounded by wilderness.
After packing everything, Eichi set off. There was no sadness in parting; right now, he was filled only with longing and anticipation for Silver Academy.
With those feelings in mind, Eichi began his journey. The road ahead was long and difficult.
Mr. Yoshino had specially hired an off-road vehicle to take Eichi to the Indigo Plateau.
He didn't let the car take him any farther. He wanted to train Beedrill and Scyther on the way to school to strengthen their battle experience.
From there on, he would travel on his own. To avoid wasting too much time walking, he went to a bicycle shop and bought a mountain bike.
This made his travel much faster. But the trip wasn't peaceful. Without releasing his Bug Force, he was often attacked by wild Pokémon.
He chose to fight only those he could defeat. If he couldn't, he would flee.
The wild Pokémon around the Indigo Plateau were all very strong.
Some were too powerful for him to outrun. At those times, he would release his Bug Force. The attacking Pokémon would then spare him. To show his gratitude, he would give them some Pokémon food.
After several days of real battle training, both of his Pokémon had grown greatly in strength.
In gaming terms, Beedrill was now at level 39, just one level away from 40, which was considered the Elite rank. Scyther was around level 27 or 28.
Ten days passed like this, training as he traveled. By September 8, Eichi arrived in the forest near a small town at the foot of Silver Academy's mountain.
He took out the map of the area that came with every student's admission letter.
Checking the map, he confirmed that if he kept walking a bit farther, he would reach Silver Town.
As expected, after half an hour, he arrived. Though called a town, it looked more like a small city.
According to Teacher Arno, it used to be just a small village. But since Silver Academy was built there, it had developed over the years into what it was today.
Like any modern city, tall buildings stood side by side, shops filled the streets, and every business seemed to be doing well.
The town was lively. Human voices, Pokémon cries, and the sounds of vehicles all mixed together.
From a distance, Eichi could already see many young people gathered in the town. Not only were there new students, but also many returning ones.
Everyone walked about chatting and laughing. Some were accompanied by their parents, clearly from wealthy families. One could tell by the fact they had come in cars.
From their accents, most seemed to be from the Johto region, with only a few from Kanto.
According to the admission letter, new students were to report at the New Student Reception Center upon arriving in Silver Town.
The center was the tallest building in town.
From afar, it was easy to spot, it stood higher than the rest. While most buildings were four stories tall, this one was six.
Following the directions, Eichi arrived at the building. Sure enough, a large electronic sign at the entrance read: "Silver Academy New Student Reception Center."
Many students were already gathering there. Inside the first-floor lobby were several tables arranged neatly.
They were divided into three areas: Research Major, Breeding Major, and Battle Major.
Eichi walked to the Battle Major area, where several older students were seated. They were probably senior students.
In front of them stood several new students like Eichi, lined up neatly. After a while, it was his turn.
Sitting in the middle was a senior girl about five or six years older than him.
She had bright yellow hair, a delicate face, and gentle blue eyes. She was very beautiful.
Even after seeing many pretty girls, Eichi thought this senior was especially beautiful.
Seeing him, she smiled softly and said, "Junior, please show your admission letter and fill out this form."
As she spoke, she handed him a form. Eichi took his admission letter from his backpack and gave it to her, then started filling out the form.
While he wrote, she took the information sheet from his admission letter and read it.
Then she looked up and asked, "You're Yoshino Eichi?"
Still writing, Eichi looked a bit puzzled. "Yeah, that's me. What's wrong?"
She smiled gently. "Nothing."
When he finished filling out the form, he handed it back. She glanced over it, then took a card from the senior beside her and gave it to Eichi. "This is your room key card. Keep it safe and don't lose it."
She then pointed to the others waiting behind him. "Please wait over there. Once there are enough people, someone will lead you all to the academy."
After thanking her and taking the key card, Eichi stepped aside. As he walked away, another senior girl whispered to her, "That's the top student of this year's new class. I heard only three students scored 99 points on the theory exam, and he was one of them."
"This is the first time our Battle Major has had someone score that high."
Eichi casually found an empty seat and sat down.
In front of him, two boys were chatting excitedly about that beautiful senior.
Even if she's pretty, it's none of your business. You're only ten, and already gossiping about girls? What a bunch of little brats.