Riolu One-Shots the Examiner — And You Call This a Freshman?!**
[Ding—Congratulations to the host for obtaining the purple-tier opportunity: Studious Riolu]
[Opportunity Critical Hit in progress…]
[Ding—Congratulations, 66× Critical Hit]
[Ding—Opportunity upgraded: Red-tier Studious Riolu]
Inside the dormitory, as Ethan reunited with Riolu, the familiar system notifications echoed in his ears.
Moments later, Riolu's detailed information appeared before his eyes.
[Pokémon: Riolu]
[Strength: 1.24 (Outstanding · Mid Stage)]
[Type: Fighting]
[Ability: Inner Focus]
[Moves: Quick Attack, Metal Claw, Bullet Punch, Detect, Dynamic Punch]
[Aptitude: Champion]
"So you're even better than I thought," Ethan murmured with a smile.
"No wonder your learning speed is so terrifying—Inner Focus."
Inner Focus didn't just grant exceptional mental strength. It also gave Pokémon sharper thinking and faster comprehension, making learning new techniques far easier.
Young Entei possessed similar traits, but a Riolu that could grasp things this quickly was still rare.
But rare or not, Riolu was now his partner.
Ethan crouched down and smiled warmly. "Riolu, from today on, this is your new home."
"But since you've chosen to be my partner, you won't be allowed to slack off in training."
The moment it heard daily training, Riolu's eyes lit up.
Because of its rarity and value, the academy's breeding facility had never intended to offer Riolu for adoption. It was raised comfortably, well-fed, and carefully nurtured to become a breeding Pokémon.
But that idle life?
Riolu despised it.
That was why it had sneaked out to the training grounds in the first place.
Now that it could train every day—under Ethan's guidance, no less—it was practically jumping with joy.
"Riolu!"
Ethan laughed. "I know you like training."
"Starting tomorrow, we begin."
"And in half a month, I'll be taking the professional trainer certification."
"How about you take the opening match for me?"
At the mention of battle, Riolu nodded furiously, eyes blazing with excitement, practically swearing to never let Ethan down.
Half a month later.
Mingling City, Jinling Province.
"So this is Mingling City…?"
"It's so modern—and huge!"
Looking out the window of the academy bus, Qin Yingying's eyes sparkled as she stared at the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets.
For someone who'd grown up deep in the northwest mountains, this was her first time seeing a truly major city.
The last "city" she'd seen had been a small county town near her hometown—and she'd thought that place was already impressive.
Compared to Mingling City, it now felt painfully ordinary.
She wasn't the only one.
Most of the students on the bus were from rural backgrounds. As they stared at the cityscape, shock gradually turned into determination.
One day… we'll bring our parents to live somewhere like this.
Rural kids had simple dreams.
Ethan watched quietly.
He knew he was lucky—born to a gifted, hardworking father. Otherwise, he might've been just as awed as the others.
The bus eventually pulled into the parking lot of a five-star hotel.
"Alright, everyone," the leading instructor said with a smile.
"We're here. Let's get off."
This time, over a hundred students from Donghuang Academy were participating in the certification exams.
More than seventy were taking the Professional Trainer exam.
Over thirty were taking the Professional Breeder exam.
Freshmen like Ethan were present—but so were third- and fourth-year students, including his cousin Jiang Wanyi.
Naturally, those upperclassmen weren't aiming for one-star certification. Most were challenging two-star or even three-star levels.
As for four-star?
That was already the threshold for officially appointed provincial Gym Trainers.
It was a wall most students couldn't hope to cross.
Ethan had barely stepped off the bus when a group of upperclassmen swarmed him.
"You're Ethan, right? I'm a third-year breeder—can I get your autograph?"
"Hey, don't cut in line! I asked first!"
"Junior, I've admired you forever—sign mine too!"
Ethan broke into a light sweat.
Technically, he wasn't even a one-star professional trainer yet—but his popularity within Donghuang Academy was enormous.
First, there was the Baxcalibur incident, which revealed his true strength.
Then the entrance exam, where his Hatenna had shattered the testing machine—an event etched into academy history.
And finally, the International Freshman Exchange Tournament, where he'd clearly brought glory to the academy.
Strength attracted admiration.
And Ethan had shown plenty of it.
After finishing photos and autographs, Ethan finally made it into the hotel.
"Little cousin, you're really popular," Jiang Wanyi laughed.
Ethan sighed. "Honestly, I'd rather not be."
"I finally understand why my dad always wears a mask and hat."
She laughed even harder.
Professional Trainer Exam – One-Star Certification
The venue was the Mingling International Stadium, the largest stadium in southern Donghuang Alliance, capable of seating three hundred thousand spectators.
Because of the massive number of candidates, Ethan, Ye Kui, and Qin Yingying were assigned to different examination groups.
Alone in the waiting room, Ethan closed his eyes and rested.
Just then, a friendly voice spoke up.
"Hey, I'm Fang Lai—Fang as in square, Lai as in come."
"Want to get to know each other?"
Ethan opened his eyes to see a smiling boy about his age.
"Ethan."
"Nice name!" Fang Lai grinned.
"We're in the same examination group—fate, right?"
They chatted casually. Fang Lai was a third-year student from Tianyun Academy, ranked fifth among Donghuang's top ten academies.
During their conversation, Fang Lai leaned in conspiratorially.
"By the way—do you know our examiner?"
Ethan shook his head.
Fang Lai smirked. "Examiner Wang Feng. Two-star professional trainer. Specializes in Flying-types."
"If you've got Electric or Rock-types, you're golden."
Before Ethan could reply, the broadcast rang out.
"Professional One-Star Trainer Examination begins."
"First candidate—Ethan."
Fang Lai stared. "You're first?!"
Ethan smiled calmly and stood. "Guess I'll scout the path for you."
"Good luck!" Fang Lai said earnestly.
On the big screen, Examiner Wang Feng appeared, releasing his Pokémon—
Swellow.
Fang Lai nodded. "Flying-type, just like expected…"
But then—
Ethan released Riolu.
"Riolu?!"
Fang Lai nearly jumped out of his seat.
"Flying-types counter Fighting-types—what is he thinking?!"
The common knowledge among trainers was clear.
This was a terrible matchup.
Fang Lai sighed. "Guess he only has Riolu…"
Before he could finish—
Riolu vanished.
In the next instant, Swellow crashed to the ground.
Bang!
One punch.
Knockout.
The entire waiting room froze.
Examiner Wang Feng stared in disbelief.
He hadn't even seen the move.
He looked from the unconscious Swellow… to the calm Ethan… to the lightly landing Riolu.
His mind blanked.
System record: Ethan — Donghuang Academy freshman.
Freshman?
You're telling me someone who can one-shot my Swellow against type disadvantage is a freshman?!
Since when were Donghuang Academy freshmen this terrifying?!
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