Chapter 683: Opening Ceremony, Three New Students Added

A new day, February 1st.

Today marked the opening day of Naranja Academy, the most renowned ancient academy in the Paldea region, following the conclusion of a month-long spring break.

The entire academy had fully shifted back from the purple theme of the Grape Academy used during autumn and winter, changing to a warm orange hue that represented the color of oranges.

The "Hero's Staircase," which seemed to extend all the way to the heavens, was filled with students returning to school; next, they would gather together at the academy's playground to attend the once-per-semester opening ceremony.

As new transfer students, Kieran and Carmine were also required to participate in this collective activity.

Grandpa Xuezhong and Grandma Ju Zi had driven the small sedan equipped by the Paldea League for special talents early in the morning, departing from Ziqin Town to deliver Kieran and Carmine, who had only just rested at home the previous night, to Naranja Academy.

"Study hard, and do not disappoint the high regard held for you by Teacher Luo Mu and Director Geeta!"

Leaving behind these words, the two elders happily drove off, making a swift exit.

They had arranged to meet new friends they had made in Ziqin Town today, planning to travel together on a road trip to see the famous Ten Views of Paldea!

Grandchildren could be seen anytime, and since Naranja Academy offered boarding and the food was said to be quite good, they had even less to worry about.

Only after settling in Paldea did the two elders realize what a bitter life they had truly been living back in Kitakami.

Now, with special talent subsidies and travel funds, their food, clothing, shelter, and transportation were all arranged perfectly; the only thing required of them was to occasionally pick up their old trade and help craft some exquisite little trinkets.

Wasn't this far better than suffering grievances in Kitakami!

Kieran and Carmine watched the carefree departing figures of their grandfather and grandmother, who seemed to be embarking on a golden wedding anniversary trip, their eyes overflowing with bewilderment.

A few days ago, when they had first arrived in the Paldea region, it was their grandparents who had fussily asked after their warmth and comfort; why had their grandparents' attitudes changed so completely today?

After a long silence, it was ultimately the older sister, Carmine, who broke the ice; she patted her frail younger brother's shoulder and whispered, "Let's go, let's attend the opening ceremony first."

"Ah-Li, you've been looking forward to this day for a long time, haven't you?"

The shy youth, who hadn't had the chance to transform into a pompadour delinquent state, nodded gently while letting out a soft "Mm."

His eyes, hidden beneath slightly long hair, gazed at the staircase before him with longing.

Finally, he could take another step closer to the person he admired, and perhaps even receive personal guidance from them.

How could Kieran not be excited by this?

Under Carmine's helpless gaze, Kieran, ignoring everyone around him, quietly cheered himself on; after fully preparing himself mentally, he stepped onto the first stair.

This also signaled that he had thoroughly embarked on his new life at the new campus.

The atmosphere at Naranja Academy was slightly different from that of Blueberry Academy.

Although they had personally visited once before during a friendly exchange match, back when the decor still reflected the Grape Academy theme.

But now, due to the change in their status, Kieran and Carmine viewed things from a completely different perspective.

Having become accustomed to the elite education at Blueberry Academy, they initially felt the atmosphere here was somewhat too lax.

But now, they felt this should be a wonderful place to study in a relaxed and happy manner.

Before transferring, the two siblings had done much homework and clearly understood that Naranja Academy and Blueberry Academy had completely different focal points.

If Blueberry Academy focused entirely on the elite education of trainers, advocating competition among students and believing that battles were what cultivated outstanding talent.

Then Naranja Academy was a school that focused on students' own interests and talents, encouraging them to express themselves freely and guiding their talents as correctly as possible.

Both educational methods had their merits, with neither being superior or inferior.

Before arriving, Carmine had already decided that since she had previously joined the League Club at Blueberry Academy alongside her good friend, she wasn't actually that obsessed with Pokémon battles herself.

She planned to find an interest other than battling within Naranja Academy, while ensuring her strength wouldn't fall behind that of her own "stinky little brother."

As for Kieran... this child's mind was completely filled with the person he admired and looked up to; it was this way at Blueberry Academy, and it would remain so after transferring to Naranja Academy.

He was the typical example of someone who treated Pokémon battles as a hobby.

The two siblings climbed the towering staircase, passed through the magnificent main gate of Naranja Academy, and finally, following the transfer student registration guide sent to their home by the academy, made their way to the academic affairs office in the main building.

Because Geeta had given instructions in advance, their enrollment procedures were essentially green-lit all the way, and the change of student records was completed in no time.

The teacher responsible for handling these matters kindly handed the new student handbooks to the two of them and said with a smile, "The opening ceremony is about to start; remember to gather over at the playground."

"By then, figures like the principal and teachers from various departments will be present, and I heard Director Geeta will also be there!"

"What about Teacher Luo Mu?"

Not particularly interested in the series of figures mentioned by this exuberant teacher, Kieran accurately grasped the key point of the conversation and raised his hand to ask.

He was more interested in knowing whether Luo Mu would attend today's opening ceremony.

"Uh, I'm not too sure about that."

The teacher rubbed his chin in distress, thinking as hard as he could.

"I heard he went traveling in the Hoenn region a while ago and caused quite a stir there; I don't know if he has returned yet."

"Oh, then thank you, Teacher."

Kieran lowered his head somewhat dejectedly, politely expressed his thanks, and then left the academic affairs office with his sister.

The next thing to do was to attend the opening ceremony.

Seeing her younger brother's dejected appearance, Carmine shouted in a fierce tone, "Alright, even if we don't see him today, we'll see him later."

"We agreed that a new environment requires new changes; what kind of sight is this, hanging your head in despair? Lift your head up, and stop slouching your shoulders!"

While speaking, Carmine, taking advantage of her taller stature due to developing earlier than Kieran, heavily patted her weakling younger brother's shoulder several times.

The just-right amount of pain made Kieran forget his silent sorrow; he hastily straightened his back.

The two siblings thus made their way to the playground, where many people had already gathered, and found their assigned area according to their designated class.

Considering that the two siblings were attending school in the Paldea region for the first time, the school administration made an exception and did not assign classes based on age, instead placing them in the same class.

Class 1-D.

Before long, as more and more students arrived, the spring semester opening ceremony of Naranja Academy officially began.

Inherited from the ancient Paldean Empire era to the present day, Naranja Academy's opening ceremony possessed a remarkably strong historical atmosphere.

However, under the sweeping reforms of the current principal, Clavell, this atmosphere not only failed to make the students feel bored or burdened by trivialities, but instead made them feel quite novel.

—At least, this was the case for Kieran and Carmine, who were participating in an opening ceremony for the first time.

Just as the two siblings were immersed in the atmosphere of this completely different cultural vibe.

Suddenly, a female voice sounded from behind them.

"Hello."

Since it was a polite phrasing, neither of the two was startled.

When they turned to look behind them, they saw a young girl with short red-and-blue hair, wearing thick round glasses and carrying a cute Eevee backpack, withdrawing her hand.

For a moment, the two failed to react, only feeling inexplicably that the girl before them looked very familiar.

"Could you be the classmate who battled Carmine that day..."

Danyu pondered for a few seconds, then asked with a hesitant expression.

"It is me; my name is Peony, and I am also your classmate."

Peony bowed her head slightly, nodding with a somewhat cold demeanor.

In truth, despite her calm exterior, her inner otaku side was already screaming frantically, and her entire body was stiff as a board.

—After all, what otaku girl would voluntarily greet near-strangers she had only met once?

Wasn't it just because Teacher Luo Mu had told her to build good relations with the new classmates?

Why didn't he assign this to Pipa's class? Clearly, she would have been quite willing to do such a thing.

"That detestable Teacher Luo Mu."

Peony cursed viciously in her heart, while on the surface she maintained that same indifferent appearance.

"So, Classmate Peony, is there something you need from us?"

Danyu clapped her hands together; she recalled that Peony should be one of Luo Mu's students, right?

Or rather, everyone who fought in that exchange match was one of Luo Mu's students.

"Mm."

Peony responded lightly, glancing at Kieran, who kept his head down playing with his fingers, before her gaze collided with Danyu's, and she said in a low voice:

"Teacher Luo Mu sent me to tell you that after the opening ceremony ends, do not go to report to your classes yet; instead, come directly with me to the Battle Stadium, as he intends to use actual combat to test whether you have been slacking off during this month's holiday."

Peony's words were clearly an open declaration of one fact to the sibling pair.

—Luo Mu had returned to Grandma Ju Zi Academy.

And indeed, after Principal Clavell and the group of teachers had left the stage, Geeta and Luo Mu walked up again.

As for Geeta, there was no need to say more; nowadays, Luo Mu's reputation within Grandma Ju Zi Academy was also widespread, with countless students wishing to receive his guidance.

After all, the impact of Hearing Hearing Nimo challenging the Champion Assessment not long ago still lingered.

Or rather, precisely because that incident occurred during the spring break, its influence would further ferment once school resumed.

—To teach a student who had just received their starter Pokémon to pass the Champion Assessment in merely one year was simply legendary!

Even though Luo Mu had explained that this also had to do with Hearing Hearing Nimo's own extraordinary talent, his teaching ability had nonetheless gained universal recognition.

Therefore, the instant he and Geeta stepped onto the stage, the students below, as if by prior agreement, erupted in unified, loud applause.

Clap clap clap clap~

Unintimidated by such an environment, Luo Mu stood expressionless behind Geeta, who seemed to be in a good mood; after she finished delivering an impromptu speech to inspire the students of Grandma Ju Zi Academy, he himself delivered a speech using a draft that Oranguru had long prepared for him.

Say what you will, this speech truly managed to fully mobilize the students' already excited emotions.

One had to say, was it not exactly because they were a species with the exclusive move "Command" that Oranguru was terrifyingly skilled at "inciting"?

Luo Mu suspected that if it were truly given its own little tavern to run, it could really raise an arm and call out, leading wild Pokémon to "get high" together.

Although in the past, Luo Mu had felt quite impatient with this nesting-doll-like activity where one teacher spoke after another.

But when it was his turn, it actually held a unique charm.

Perhaps this was what they called the dragon-slaying youth eventually becoming the dragon.

After the two finished their speeches, it was Principal Clavell's turn to take the stage again and deliver the final closing remarks.

Listening to Principal Clavell deliver a speech eerily similar to the one at the start of the Pokémon Scarlet/Violet games, a touch of sighing emotion surfaced in Emperor Yan Di's eyes.

At this moment, Geeta's voice, deliberately lowered in pitch, came from beside him.

"The Hoenn League has taken the initiative to contact us, saying they request that we must establish a friendly cooperative relationship with them."

"Is this matter due to your activities over there?"

Since they were still on stage, Luo Mu's expression did not fluctuate much; he merely glanced at Geeta out of the corner of his eye and similarly said in a soft voice, "If possible, I also do not wish to get entangled in those troublesome matters."

"With you happening to be on the scene, and one of your students also getting dragged into it, it is impossible for you to remain aloof."

Geeta said meaningfully.

At the same time, shock and surprise from the news she had received a few days ago still lingered in her heart.

Generally speaking, when a Trainer does not focus on raising their Pokémon and honing themselves, it is already a great fortune if their overall strength does not decline.

Although Paldea does not have them, just like the full-time Gym Leaders in some regions, those who focus on Pokémon training and breeding often achieve remarkable accomplishments.

A specific example is the nearby Galar region, where most Gym Leaders strive to improve themselves due to the trend of competitions.

Geeta had originally thought that when Luo Mu focused on building his farm, he would bury his own talent, causing his strength to remain stagnant for a long time, just like herself, who was busy with various affairs of the Paldea League.

Yet over the past year and more, Luo Mu had caused her to overturn her own conclusions time and time again.

Even this time, his so-called trip to the Hoenn region had "incidentally" involved him beating up all of the legendary super-ancient Pokémon there.

He really... I'm afraid was already approaching that realm, wasn't he?

Geeta suddenly felt a bit envious of Luo Mu.

Unrestrained, not entangled by tedious affairs, able to pursue the life he wanted, yet never neglecting his old profession.

Pity that she was the Chairwoman of the Paldea League, destined to be unable to be like Luo Mu.

—After all, besides her dream of continuing to develop in the field of being a Trainer, she also had the idea, no, the determination, to develop the Paldea region into something better and better.

A little while later, Clavell announced the end of the opening ceremony.

As the teachers and students filed out in an orderly fashion, Luo Mu told Eri that he had matters to attend to shortly, then dashed away from the scene.

When he arrived beneath a tree in a corner of the campus and saw the Kubfu still waiting obediently there, Luo Mu broke into a smile.

"Let's go; starting today, you'll be attending classes alongside them."

Kubfu nervously clenched its small hands and gave a slight nod.

"Bei-ah!"

It would work hard!

Although Kubfu's "request" to Luo Mu was to train it to become stronger, Luo Mu had not captured it in a Poké Ball.

After all, Kubfu was clearly hiding something; Luo Mu was not so petty as to refuse teaching it any real skills unless he first captured it.

It would be time enough to learn its story later, once Kubfu itself was willing to speak up.

(End of Chapter)