At that moment, Aven's gaze also shifted toward Phyllis. As for what kind of consequences this system he proposed might bring, of course, he understood better than anyone else. But did he care?
For someone who had once lived in modern times, the very idea of a serf-and-noble hierarchy was something he deeply despised. If possible, he wouldn't hesitate to completely abolish both systems, and instead lead the world toward a modern civilization.
He gave Phyllis a slight nod and said with firm conviction, "Then it's decided."
"First of all, the spread of education will start with the apprentice trainers. You should all know very well how much of an impact knowledge can have in battle, right?"
Hearing Aven's words, Sutter, Peter, Mado, Jorah, and the others exchanged glances before nodding silently. Each of them now carried a copy of the Pokédex and an Attribute Type Chart in their hands.
The attribute chart, in particular, was eye-opening. As long as one could make targeted battle plans based on the opponent's type, it became astonishingly easy to secure victory.
The most memorable case for them was the battle between the Empoleon and the Drapion swarm — who would have thought that Steel-type Pokémon were completely immune to Poison-type attacks? That advantage was downright terrifying!
There was also the battle between Electric- and Ground-type Pokémon. They had even tested it themselves — a Luxray nearly as strong as an advanced-level Pokémon, with its fierce currents of lightning, was completely unable to harm a primary-level Rhyhorn!
Even in situations where the attribute advantage wasn't that extreme, when Pokémon of the same level fought, the side with the favorable typing almost always gained overwhelming control of the battle!
"Promoting education among apprentice trainers shouldn't be too difficult," Sutter and Peter both spoke up in agreement.
Anyone who aspired to become a powerful trainer would never turn down such an opportunity. Compared to simply training their Pokémon, this was clearly the most efficient way to improve their strength!
"Good," Aven nodded. "In addition, I'll announce the method for advancing to the rank of official trainer."
"Besides the required strength, there will be one more condition — passing the official trainer examination!"
Sutter and the others were momentarily stunned. In the current trainer system, there were only two ranks: apprentice trainers and official trainers.
To become an apprentice trainer, one only needed to gain the recognition of a Pokémon. But how to advance to an official trainer? That part had never been clearly defined.
They had guessed it must have something to do with one's personal strength, but they never expected there would be an exam as well!
"It looks like most apprentice trainers are going to have a hard time," Peter sighed softly, feeling a bit of pity for his fellow comrades.
After he became the patrol squad captain, he had deliberately taken up some extra studies to perform his duties better — but most others hadn't put in the same effort.
Now that the conditions for becoming an official trainer were finally made public, there was no doubt that a wave of frenzied studying would soon sweep across the territory!
Trainers had already become the most popular profession within the domain — nearly everyone wanted to become one. It covered almost all layers of the common folk.
And in many ways, this perfectly complemented the earlier civil selection plan — after all, some people aspired to join government service, while others simply wanted to grow stronger themselves.
Aven smiled knowingly. "Of course, being an official trainer is far more than just a title. It comes with a host of privileges."
"For example, the most basic one — priority access to training resources. All official trainers will be treated as key cultivation targets of the domain!"
At once, Sutter, Peter, and the others felt their breathing quicken. That single statement alone was enough to excite every trainer to the core.
After all, the resources required to raise a strong Pokémon were immense. If the domain could provide such support, it would significantly accelerate their Pokémon's growth.
Moreover, they knew that the eastern district of Fairhaven Town was still under construction — and many of its planned facilities, like the Pokémon Battle Club and Pokémon Gym, were all related to training and clearly connected to this support system.
"Also," Aven continued, "only official trainers will be eligible to serve in the Pokémon Knight Order, the Trainer Administration Department, the Pokémon Management Department, and the Ranger Department."
This new policy immediately became another irresistible attraction for most trainers.
"And lastly," Aven added, "I'll be organizing a series of Pokémon battle tournaments in the future — and only official trainers will be qualified to participate!"
The moment the words "battle tournament" came out of his mouth, Sutter and Peter both drew sharp breaths. Their faces visibly lit up with excitement. Clearly, they were both avid fans of Pokémon battles — these tournaments were practically the most popular events in the entire territory!
Especially since each tournament came with lavish rewards. Even they often found themselves envious of the prizes and secretly competed with each other for them!
"Mm, that about sums it up," Aven concluded.
"Now then, let's return to our discussion about the Education Ministry."
Aven looked around the room with a smile. "Does anyone have any further opinions?"
The officials exchanged glances with one another and then smiled — it was clear that they all fully agreed with Aven's plans.
"Lord Aven," Fessen spoke up, "how should the positions within the Ministry of Education be arranged?"
"Hm… in the early stages, the Education Ministry will be under my direct supervision."
Aven thought for a moment before speaking. The Ministry of Education would play a crucial role in the future development of the domain, and he hadn't yet decided whom to entrust with such responsibility.
For now, the department's most important task was to oversee the teachers and students of the schools. Since there was no suitable candidate yet, he could only temporarily manage it himself until he found someone more fitting.
"Oh, right — Mismagius will also assist me in managing the schools."
As soon as he said this, the air in the room seemed to ripple faintly, and the shadowy figure of Mismagius slowly floated out into view.
At this moment, Mismagius was holding a copy of the Pokédex Aven had written. Combined with its aura of wisdom, it truly looked quite like a scholar.
"Maa~ maaa~"
After appearing, Mismagius bowed politely to everyone present.
"Uh… Mismagius will help manage the Education Ministry?"
Hearing Aven's words, everyone in the room froze, utterly dumbfounded.
None of them could quite imagine how a Pokémon could possibly be involved in human education.
"Maa~ maaa!"
Noticing the doubtful looks of the officials below, Mismagius' eyes narrowed slightly. The next moment, waves of psychic energy rippled from its body.
Then, everyone in the room felt their vision blur. The surrounding environment shifted — and suddenly, they found themselves standing inside a spacious study!
"Alright, class is now in session."
A calm voice echoed in everyone's minds.
Ripples spread through the air as Mismagius materialized before them, and in front of each official, a floating book appeared out of thin air.
They quickly realized it was a literacy textbook — one of the most common primers in this world. Every word was vividly clear and easy to read.
"Don't be alarmed," Aven's voice sounded beside Mismagius. "This is simply Mismagius' illusions."
"However, the content of the books it manifests is completely real. You can even try flipping through the pages yourselves."
As he spoke, a book also appeared in front of Aven. He flipped through it quickly — each character appearing crisp and distinct on the pages, exactly like a real textbook.
These books were, in fact, ones Mismagius had previously read and stored perfectly in its memory. Now, using its illusionary power, it could project them into physical-like form, completely identical to the originals.
"Maaa~ maaa!"
Mismagius gave a proud little hum.
Ever since Aven had told it that, to make its illusions more realistic, it needed to learn more about human knowledge, it had turned into a complete study maniac.
Under Aven's tutelage, it had learned to read and understand human writing and speech.
After this period of relentless study, its illusionary abilities had grown tremendously. Deeply convinced of Aven's teachings, it had thrown itself into learning with even greater fervor.
Now, Mismagius could read virtually any human book without difficulty, and thanks to its powerful memory and psychic focus, it could recall every detail with perfect clarity — truly a photographic memory.
It was no exaggeration to say that Mismagius was slowly becoming a "walking library," capable of recreating every book it had ever read within its illusions!
Unfortunately, Mismagius still lacked the ability to transform illusions into reality. Otherwise, it could've reproduced actual physical copies of books, essentially serving as a living printing press.
Clearly, one of the biggest problems in establishing schools was the lack of textbooks. Without a printing machine, everything had to be written by hand — a process far too slow and inefficient.
"If only I had a Smeargle," Aven couldn't help but think to himself. "They're practically known as Pokémon printing presses."
Sadly, there didn't seem to be any Smeargle within his territory or the domains of Aspiration CIty. Perhaps once trade routes opened, he could look for them elsewhere in the Sinnoh region.
And if there were none in Sinnoh, then he'd have to look across the ocean — in Kanto, there should be quite a few Smeargle to be found.
Returning his consciousness to reality, Aven looked at the officials, who were still staring in stunned silence.
"So," he asked with a small smile, "do you all think Mismagius is qualified to help oversee the Ministry of Education now?"
Hearing his words, the officials instinctively turned their gazes toward the floating Mismagius beside Aven. One by one, they nodded silently — secretly wondering whether this Mismagius might actually know more than all of them combined.
(End of Chapter)