Magic University.
In this parallel Earth, this university held a status far higher than the top-tier institutions of the previous world.
As the premier school of the South, it was constantly compared to the Imperial University of the North. On a global scale, both schools ranked among the world's elite.
The reason was simple: in this world, the field of Pokémon and the status of Trainers took precedence over all other academic disciplines. For a country to produce powerful trainers, it required vast territory, a large population, and abundant resources.
China fit those criteria perfectly.
In a first-tier city like Shanghai, Pokémon resources were highly concentrated. In the previous world, the gap between top universities might not have been so glaring, but in this world, the school that controlled the most Pokémon resources attracted the best students.
Magic University was undeniably the one with the deepest heritage.
A prime example: undergraduate students from Magic University or Imperial University occasionally became professional trainers before graduation. In other universities, such a feat was a once-in-a-decade occurrence.
Upon arriving in Shanghai, Owen posted an update to his social media feed. To his surprise, that single post saved him a great deal of trouble.
A message popped up from Cynthia.
Cynthia: "You're in Shanghai?"
Owen: "Just arrived."
Cynthia: "Do you have a place to stay yet?"
Owen: "Haven't had time to look for one..."
Cynthia: "Come to the university then. I happen to be here. I can help you handle the housing procedures early and introduce you to someone while I'm at it."
Owen replied instantly. Moving into the dorms early was a great perk. He wondered if he could start using the university's top-tier training facilities a full half-month before the semester started.
Feeling satisfied, Owen headed straight for Magic University and met Cynthia at the designated spot.
"Which floor do you want to live on?" Cynthia stood before Owen with a smile. Looking like the friendly "big sister" next door, it was hard to imagine she was an Elite Four member and a professional trainer.
"Somewhere low. The first floor is best," Owen said after a moment's thought.
At Magic University, any department related to Pokémon offered individual living arrangements.
There were no roommates, only neighbors, providing ample space. This was designed to give trainers more room to interact with their Pokémon.
As long as the Pokémon met the dorm safety regulations, they could be released inside. Creatures like Eevee and Magneton easily met those standards.
This was exactly why Owen preferred Magic University over others. He knew that at places like Nanjiang University, even for battle or research majors, undergraduates were packed four to a room.
Doing certain things in a quad room was... inconvenient. Not that he had anything to hide, but manufacturing Pokéblocks with Magneton wasn't something he wanted to broadcast to the world.
"Follow me," Cynthia nodded, leading the way.
Owen followed closely, thinking to himself how lucky he was. For a student to reach Cynthia's level—practically on par with school leadership—was incredible. No matter how you looked at it, the title of "Elite Four" carried more weight than being a Vice Principal.
Handling the early check-in was a breeze..., but that wasn't the main reason Cynthia had called him over.
"You're already preparing for the independent researcher exam, aren't you?" Cynthia asked with a smile as they walked. "Becoming an intern researcher is simple, but becoming an official one is difficult.
I spoke with Director Mu of the Research Department about you; he's very interested. If you want to pursue this path, you can seek his help in the future. I'll take you to meet him now."
A student who discovered a new trait and published a paper while still in high school was bound to catch the eye of the big shots at Magic University.
Since Owen had entered through a special recruitment track, the Director of the Research Department definitely had a deep impression of him. Potential students like Owen were always prioritized for cultivation.
Director Mu was an elderly gentleman who looked quite refined—very different from the "balding professor with thick glasses" archetype Owen had imagined. He was clearly a titan in the academic world.
"Elite Four Cynthia is here..." Director Mu said with a chuckle upon their arrival.
Cynthia looked dissatisfied. "Don't you think that title sounds a bit too formal? Just call me by my name."
"Haha, I'm just feeling sentimental. The little girl who used to run around asking questions has become the world-renowned Fairy-type Elite Four. It truly is remarkable."
"It was the role of a Researcher that made me who I am," Cynthia replied.
Owen could see that Cynthia had deep feelings for the Research Department. She claimed being a researcher defined her... as someone who studied the Fairy-type, she clearly had profound and unique insights.
It explained how she could achieve such massive success in both the academic and competitive fields at such a young age.
Sometimes Owen wondered if he, a transmigrator, could actually keep up with a "child of destiny" like her. The pressure was real.
"And this is..." Director Mu looked at Owen.
Cynthia introduced him, and Director Mu's eyes lit up. "Ah, the Rookie King of Jiangsu Province!"
"That's just a title the media made up. Please, Director Mu, just call me Owen. I'm just an ordinary freshman," Owen smiled, trying to keep a low profile.
"Achieving such results in the Jiangsu Rookie competition makes you one of the top freshmen even here at Magic University.
No need to be modest," Director Mu laughed. "I know you've also dipped your toes into the research field. I'm very glad you chose our department; I believe you won't regret it."
"Cynthia is a perfect example. Perhaps you can be the next..." Director Mu trailed off, his own voice sounding skeptical. He gave an awkward laugh.
Since the founding of the university, a freak of nature like Cynthia had been a one-of-a-kind anomaly.
Most research students couldn't even beat the battle majors, let alone become professional trainers. Their combat ability was usually light-years behind the Battle Department.
Suddenly, Director Mu's eyes brightened. "Cynthia, did you tell Owen about that activity yet?"
"...Club recruitment?" Cynthia asked.
Director Mu nodded, looking at Owen with newfound approval. This kid didn't just have research talent; his battle talent wasn't lacking either. Perhaps this year, the Research Department could actually win some glory?
Cynthia recalled the event. The freshman activity during club recruitment was indeed interesting and quite suitable for Owen.
"Owen," Cynthia turned to him. "Do you have any intention of obtaining your third Pokémon right now?"
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