On the spacious training ground, the students stood in neat rows.
Their PE teacher—who also taught Pokémon battle theory—Instructor Liu, was standing at the front, patiently explaining today's lesson.
Although not everyone in this world would become a Trainer, for students who already owned Pokémon, learning battle knowledge was never a bad thing, no matter which path they chose in the future.
It was much like physical education in Oliver's previous life—most people didn't make a living with physical strength, yet PE was still a compulsory subject.
In this world, however, Pokémon were far more important. As a result, PE teachers almost never took sick leave. If anyone was absent, it was more likely the language or foreign-language teachers.
That alone showed how seriously Pokémon battles were taken.
To teach Pokémon battle classes at a high school, one needed at least an Advanced Trainer license. Instructor Liu, however, was also the coach of Rong City No. 1 High School's battle team.
That meant he was a Veteran Trainer.
The difference between beginner, intermediate, advanced Trainers—and a Veteran—was enormous.
For lower ranks, a single qualified Pokémon was enough to register.
But to become a Veteran Trainer, three Pokémon all had to reach Veteran level.
The League didn't set these standards randomly.
Before reaching Veteran rank, Trainers were still considered newcomers.
Only Veterans were the true backbone of human forces—those who explored new Secret Realms and stood on the front lines when Pokémon tides erupted.
It was said that Instructor Liu had once been injured in the knee during a realm exploration. Unable to continue frontline combat, he chose to become a teacher instead, dedicating himself to training the next generation.
Because of his real combat experience and approachable personality, the students respected him deeply and listened attentively in class.
Even Oliver found himself gaining insights from Liu's explanations.
This was someone who had survived countless life-and-death battles in Secret Realms—far beyond what Oliver, who had only entered one small realm, could compare to.
"Over the past few lessons, we've covered theoretical precautions in Pokémon battles," Instructor Liu said.
"Today, we'll start actual combat training. Only real battles leave lasting impressions."
"Who wants to battle me? We'll analyze everything afterward."
Almost every student turned their eyes toward Oliver.
Everyone knew his Pokémon was Milotic. Even though they'd already seen it several times, no one ever got tired of watching it.
Instructor Liu followed their gazes and smiled.
"Oliver, even if you plan to become a Pokémon researcher, battle skills are still important. At least grasp the basics. You'll battle me today."
Oliver didn't hesitate.
Battling a Veteran Trainer was an opportunity he wouldn't waste.
He released Milotic from its Poké Ball.
"Chuu-mi~"
Milotic shot Oliver a slightly resentful look, clearly upset that she hadn't been let out for so long.
The entire class froze.
No matter how many times they saw Milotic, her beauty was overwhelming—so perfect it felt unreal, as though all elegance in the world had gathered into one Pokémon.
Instructor Liu was momentarily stunned as well, before quickly regaining composure and releasing his own Pokémon—
Infernape.
It was one of his three Veteran-level partners.
Ideally, a teaching battle should use Pokémon of similar strength. But resources were limited, and Liu only owned three Pokémon—all Veteran-level—so he chose Infernape, whose Fire typing was at a disadvantage.
"It's Instructor Liu's signature Infernape!"
"Veteran-level… Milotic's in trouble!"
"She's so pretty… I don't even want to watch her get hit."
Instructor Liu spoke calmly.
"Oliver goes first. Infernape will focus on defense. Watch closely—this will help you when you take your Trainer certification exams."
Oliver knew he was facing a Veteran Pokémon. He focused completely, eager to measure the gap between himself and true veterans.
"I'm starting."
The moment Liu nodded, Oliver's aura changed.
The warm, scholarly student vanished—replaced by the calm, sharp presence of someone who had walked through danger.
Instructor Liu's relaxed expression stiffened.
"That presence… he's been in a Secret Realm?
Damn it, this kid hasn't had his Pokémon long—he already went in?"
"Milotic, Aqua Ring, then Attract."
A thin veil of water formed around Milotic, making her already stunning form appear even more ethereal.
Pink energy rippled outward.
Infernape was hit by Attract—its fierce gaze dulled, fighting spirit visibly dropping.
"Her Attract is this effective…?" Instructor Liu muttered.
He had never fought Milotic before, after all.
"Snap out of it, Infernape!"
Oliver didn't hesitate.
"Water Pulse."
A roaring wave surged forward.
Instructor Liu's heart jolted.
"That power—this is a newly obtained Pokémon?!"
"Dodge, Infernape!"
Infernape shook its head violently, breaking free from Attract through sheer will and Veteran-level resolve.
But the Water Pulse was already too close.
It could only brace itself and take the hit head-on.
"That Water Pulse has to be High-tier Advanced level," a student whispered.
"My cousin's Golduck is Advanced, and its Water Pulse is nowhere near this strong!"
"Is Infernape about to get one-shot?!"
When the wave subsided, Infernape's flames burned weaker than before, flickering unsteadily.
Yet its eyes blazed brighter than ever.
Its fighting spirit surged like a mountain, pressing down upon Oliver and Milotic.
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