Same Academy, Same Fate
The training finally wound down as the sun began dipping lower, painting the academy grounds in warm gold.
Alex stretched lazily and glanced at Cornelia and Euphemia.
"So," he said casually, as if asking about lunch,
"which college and major are you two applying for?"
Cornelia puffed her chest proudly.
"Aetherfall Royal Pokémon Academy."
Euphemia nodded at the exact same time.
"Aetherfall Royal Pokémon Academy."
They blinked.
Then looked at each other.
"…Jinx," Cornelia muttered.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Both of you?"
Cornelia nodded.
"I'm taking the Trainer Course."
Euphemia smiled softly.
"And I'm applying for the Breeder Course."
Alex hummed, impressed.
"Good choices."
They both turned toward him at once.
"What about you, Alex?" Euphemia asked.
Alex shrugged.
"Aetherfall Royal Pokémon Academy."
Both girls froze.
"…Of course," Cornelia said flatly.
Alex continued, completely unfazed.
"For majors—Trainer and Researcher."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
"…Two degrees?" Euphemia asked slowly.
Alex nodded.
"Yeah."
Cornelia stared at him like she was reassessing reality itself.
"…You're insane."
Alex smiled.
"I know."
Then, as if sealing a contract, he added:
"Once we join college, let's meet regularly."
Both girls' eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?" Euphemia asked.
"Of course," Alex replied. "No disappearing."
Cornelia turned her head away, hiding a smile.
"…Then you're not allowed to slack off."
Alex laughed.
"There's still eight months before college starts," he said.
"So come to the Runcandel mansion whenever you have time."
He paused, then added with a grin:
"And say hello to Grandpa Charles for me."
Both girls nodded immediately.
"We will," Euphemia said warmly.
Separate Roads, Same Direction
A sleek Runcandel family car rolled up smoothly.
Alex opened the door, then turned back.
"See you soon, Little Eupy."
Euphemia smiled.
"And… Little Pig," he added, glancing at Cornelia.
Cornelia exploded.
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO—!"
The door closed.
The car drove off.
Moments later, another car arrived for the Britannia sisters.
As they settled inside, Euphemia leaned back, staring out the window.
"…Alex really changed, didn't he?"
Cornelia nodded quietly.
"…Yeah."
She clenched her fists, then whispered:
"And this time… I won't lose."
Euphemia smiled.
"Me neither."
Meanwhile, inside the Runcandel car—
Alex leaned back, eyes half-closed.
Same academy… same future paths…
A faint smirk formed.
Leon Ashford…
Your world is getting smaller by the day.