The two-day weekend break had co to an end, and Natsu had to return to school for classes. However, after the worldline shifted, Tokyo tropolitan University had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Walking through the campus, it was common to see boys and girls carrying Poké Balls, with so even having their Pokémon follow them around. Most of these Pokémon were small in size, like Pidgey, Growlithe, and Skitty. So students even zood past on Linoone.
"Racing Pokémon is prohibited on campus!"
"Calm down, supervisor! Those are from the Battle Departnt. They're training today!"
Natsu checked the school's website and noticed that a new "Trainer Academy" had been established in the southern campus. Among its programs, "Pokémon Battle" and "Pokémon Care" were listed as top-tier majors. However, these had little to do with Natsu, who was majoring in finance.
Although a few Pokémon-related elective courses had been added to his schedule, the core content of his major-specific courses hadn't changed much.
"Good thing I still have ti to review, or my scholarship for this sester would be in jeopardy," Natsu muttered to himself.
Indeed, Natsu was not only a ga strear but also a top student. He consistently ranked within the top three in his departnt, and he had a chance to compete for a national scholarship in the second half of the year. Despite being a freshman, his good looks and excellent grades made him popular across all grades.
The first elective class of the morning was "Sinnoh Pokémon History." When Natsu arrived at the lecture hall, it was already packed.
"Natsu, over here!"
Kazuya, Natsu's roommate who was double-majoring in law and computer science, waved at him. Despite his buzz cut, Kazuya's receding hairline in the shape of an "M" betrayed his age, making people think, "This guy is a powerhouse!"
Natsu quietly sat down in the seat Kazuya had saved for him and whispered, "Why are there so many people today? The professor doesn't even take attendance."
Kazuya chuckled, "Didn't you check the group chat? Today's class is being taught by a guest lecturer, a Pokémon Professor!"
Natsu was slightly surprised, "A Pokémon Professor? From where?"
"The Sinnoh Region—Professor Rowan!"
The lecture hall erupted in applause, and a few reporters with caras even squeezed in from the back. A stern-looking elderly man with a mustache walked in slowly, carrying a briefcase. His gray hair was slicked back with gel, and he wore a gray overcoat with a blue velvet vest and a tie. After clearing his throat, he greeted the class in English:
"I am Rowan from the Sinnoh Region. Today, I will be your guest lecturer."
The classroom buzzed with excitent.
Kazuya, trying to contain his excitent, whispered, "Professor Rowan is an expert in Pokémon Evolution and is considered the top scholar in the Sinnoh Region!"
Natsu's expression was complicated. "I know him."
"You know him?"
Of course, Natsu knew him. Wasn't this the sa Pokémon Professor from the Sinnoh Region who gave out the starter Pokémon trio to new trainers?
Despite the initial excitent, the students quickly settled down and began to listen attentively. Although the lecture was entirely in English, Professor Rowan's explanations were clear and engaging, drawing everyone in.
"The history of Sinnoh Pokémon dates back to the mythical era and can be seen as a microcosm of the world's Pokémon history."
"In the legends, the singularity ford after the Big Bang gave birth to the oldest creation deity, Arceus."
"Subsequently, Arceus created deities governing ti, space, and antimatter... On the third day, Arceus bestowed emotions, will, and knowledge upon living beings..."
Just as everyone was engrossed in the lecture, Professor Rowan suddenly tapped the blackboard and said sternly:
"Perhaps many of you will never encounter this Pokémon history again in your lives."
"But history is a rare treasure for humanity, and it is equally valuable for you."
Tokyo tropolitan University's key disciplines were in the humanities, which was likely why the school had invited Professor Rowan to lecture.
As Natsu was deep in thought, Kazuya nervously elbowed him.
Professor Rowan continued, "Does anyone here know the nas of the Pokémon from these mythical epics?"
The atmosphere in the classroom grew tense. After all, few people would bother morizing such obscure nas. In a parallel world, it would be like trying to recall the nas of heroes from the "Horic Epics"—even FGO players might not get them all right.
Seeing that no one responded, Professor Rowan stroked his mustache and said, "It's alright if you can't recall them. You can also share your thoughts on the perspective of Pokémon history."
He scanned the room and nodded, "The handso young man in the front row, why don't you give it a try?"
At the ntion of "handso," all eyes in the classroom turned to Natsu.
Kazuya, trying hard not to laugh, elbowed Natsu again, his eyes almost tearing up from suppressed laughter. If it weren't for his receding hairline, Kazuya could have been a handso man too.
"Professor, may I answer the previous question instead?"
"Of course."
Professor Rowan nodded in surprise. "The three deities who bestowed emotions, will, and knowledge upon living beings are..."
"sprit, Azelf, and Uxie," Natsu answered calmly.
"According to the legends, they reside in Sinnoh's Lake Verity, Lake Valor, and Lake Acuity, respectively."
The classroom fell silent.
Kazuya glanced back and saw the girls in the back row staring at Natsu in awe.
"...Yes, your answer is quite accurate!" Professor Rowan nodded appreciatively and began to clap.
The classroom erupted in applause, and the sound of cara shutters clicking could be heard from the back. Natsu, however, looked puzzled.
That's it?
Is knowing the nas of legendary Pokémon really such a big deal?
I even know about Ultra Necrozma. If I ntioned that, it would blow your minds!
"As expected of Natsu, one of the top three students in his year!"
"Hey, are you crushing on him?"
"Stop it!"
Kazuya, hearing the teasing from the back row, expressionlessly pulled out a copy of "Java Programming Language" from his bag.
Only through continuous learning can one beco stronger!
After class, the students respectfully filed past Professor Rowan, who nodded solemnly. A group of teachers surrounded him, and Natsu was about to leave when he was suddenly called back.
"Natsu, excuse , do you have any plans for this afternoon?"
Professor Rowan had specifically called out Natsu.
Natsu was slightly taken aback. Under the envious gazes of those around him, Kazuya nudged him forward.
"Hello, Professor. I don't have any other classes this afternoon."
Professor Rowan's expression softened. "I have a few specialized courses this afternoon. I would like you to accompany as an interpreter."
A wave of low murmurs of envy spread through the room.
Those recognized as Pokémon Professors were undoubtedly leaders in their respective academic fields. The opportunity to accompany one was a dream co true for many.
And now, Professor Rowan had personally invited Natsu.
Clearly, this was a sign of Professor Rowan's favor, offering Natsu a chance to gain practical experience!
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