Chapter 40

“N-no... it’s nothing, you’re too kind.”

Pina scratched his head; though he didn’t recognize the Pokémon beside the new teacher, its size clearly indicated it had just hatched, so he had no reason to question it.

Taking a deep breath, Pina’s face lit up with excitement as he slowly delivered the self-introduction he had practiced countless times at home: “My name is Pina, a current student of Class 5-G of the academy. Starting this semester, I’ve been appointed as the student council president, and Chairman Yici has assigned me to guide you.”

“Pi... na?”

Luo Mu blinked, struggling to connect the boy before him—clearly the picture of a model student—with the memory of that cocky, DJ-aspiring leader of Team Star’s Second Squad.

This change is too extreme!

And what about the energetic Pape he’d met before, and Nimoh, who didn’t want to be a Trainer? Had growth really changed them this much?

Under Pina’s curious gaze, Luo Mu summoned his adult composure, cleared his throat, and asked, “Has the chairman told you where to take me?”

“Ah! Yes.” Pina nodded quickly. “The chairman was worried you might get lost on campus, so she assigned me to guide you. She’s waiting for you in the principal’s office with Principal Mu Fei and Director De Shu.”

“Then I’ll rely on you to lead the way.”

“Alright!”

Opening the door and stepping inside the academy, the first thing he saw was the grand main hall of Orange Academy.

Connected to the school’s vast, book-rich library, the moment one entered, the rich scent of books and the weight of history washed over them.

Pina proudly introduced: “This is Orange Academy’s pride—the library. Its collection ranks among the world’s finest, and its comprehensive range of knowledge across all fields is the very foundation for producing outstanding graduates in every discipline.”

Luo Mu glanced around, thinking he should come here sometime to catch up on farming knowledge—his current knowledge base was still far too shallow.

Pina then led Luo Mu to a spiral staircase on the other side, where several access terminals stood, blocking entry to anyone not affiliated with Orange Academy.

Pina explained: “Beyond this is the teaching zone and student dormitories—entry requires facial recognition.”

“But since you’re visiting Orange Academy for the first time, I’ll guide you in.”

Saying this, Pina scanned his face at each terminal; the doors clicked open with a soft whir, and he gestured for Luo Mu to enter.

Luo Mu nodded slightly and stepped through the terminal with Kadi Dog at his side.

Pina followed closely behind, continuing to lead the way ahead.

Suddenly seeming to have a question, Pina asked curiously: “Teacher, may I ask you something?”

Luo Mu agreed: “Go ahead.”

Pina asked: “What subject do you teach? You look so young—do you handle home economics or art?”

Luo Mu’s expression turned slightly odd. “No, I’m your battle studies teacher. Didn’t the chairman tell you?”

“Ah?” Pina glanced at Luo Mu with a sidelong look, surprised. “The chairman didn’t mention it—she only said to meet a young new teacher at the main gate who arrived on Dragonite.”

“But since you’ve already trained a powerful Pokémon like Dragonite, your skills as a Trainer must be exceptional, right?”

Luo Mu blinked—he wasn’t surprised Pina asked this.

After all, over the past year, he’d spent his time challenging Gyms and training in the wild, avoiding major events, so few ordinary people knew of him.

In most Leagues, Elite Four and Champion challenges have strict confidentiality measures; even Qishu’s livestream required special permission from a Gym Leader.

At that time, Qishu had almost no fans, and since livestreaming was already pushing the limits, recording was impossible—making that battle nearly unknown.

Outside of those with special channels, most residents of the Paldea region didn’t even know a new Champion-level Trainer had emerged.

It was perfectly understandable that Pina didn’t know.

Thinking this, Luo Mu smiled. “Don’t worry—I’m quite strong, when it comes to actual power.”

Outside the principal’s office.

After delivering Luo Mu here, Pina bowed and left. Standing before the principal’s door, Luo Mu knocked.

“Come in.”

Luo Mu pushed open the door. A bright, spacious principal’s office came into view. Three people seated together on a sofa turned their gazes toward him.

One gaze was assessing, one was scrutinizing, one was friendly.

The assessing gaze belonged to a middle-aged man wearing black-rimmed glasses. Luo Mu had checked the records—he remembered this man was the current principal of Orange Academy, Mu Fei.

The scrutinizing gaze came from a middle-aged man with a slicked-back hairstyle held firm by gel, his expression stern—this was Director De Shu, as Pina had mentioned.

The third, friendly gaze naturally belonged to Yici.

She offered a perfectly measured smile, waved at Luo Mu, and said: “Luo Mu, come over here.”

“Chairman, long time no see.” Luo Mu nodded, walking steadily forward under the gaze of the three.

Kadi Dog also performed well, walking proudly and steadily beside Luo Mu.

“You must be Luo Mu, the battle studies teacher Chairman Yici recommended. I’ve heard so much about you!”

Mu Fei stood up, smiling warmly as he extended his hand to shake Luo Mu’s.

“Principal Mu Fei, nice to meet you.” Luo Mu returned the warm smile, exchanged pleasantries with Mu Fei, then turned to De Shu, who sat silently on the sofa, blinked, and extended his hand: “You must be the director. Hello?”

De Shu remained silent for a moment, then looked at Yici, his tone puzzled: “Chairman... are you certain this young man is suitable to serve as battle studies teacher? That position demands extensive practical experience.”

Yici crossed her hands and smiled. “Of course—he’s a Trainer I’ve been watching closely.”

De Shu stood up, locked eyes with Luo Mu, then glanced at the tiny Kadi Dog at his feet, his face betraying deep, hidden disdain: “Forgive me for saying so, but a battle studies teacher must possess outstanding personal strength—not just anyone can fill this role.”

Luo Mu understood: this director was clearly the type who judged by appearance.

As a transmigrator now possessing the freedom to act as he pleased, Luo Mu had no intention of enduring disrespect—he immediately planned to summon Dragonite and Blaziken to prove his strength to this director.

At that moment, Mu Fei, who had been silent until now, spoke: “De Shu, Teacher Luo Mu is a Champion-level Trainer. Don’t judge his strength by his age.”