The situation unfolding in East Africa had left people around the world deeply worried. Such a vast expanse of black mist covering the entire region was obviously far from normal.
Some people had even begun spreading doomsday theories, while countries such as Celestria once again saw a resurgence of "zero-dollar shopping."
The internet in Drakoria was likewise flooded with pessimistic discussions.
---
> "This black mist is making me really anxious."
> "What's actually happening with the black mist over there? Why hasn't the government explained it yet?"
> "I heard it has something to do with a Pokémon called the Demon God."
> "Don't worry too much. We have Champion Walker. Everything will be fine."
> "Yeah. What's there to worry about? When the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up first. No matter what happens, it won't be our turn to carry the burden—we're not qualified for that."
---
At this moment, Julian was attending the 200th anniversary celebration of Lake No. 1 High School.
As a Champion-level trainer who graduated from Lake No. 1 High—and as the world's number one Trainer—the school could not have been prouder of him.
The city had dozens of high schools, but only Lake No.1 High was the undisputed center of envy.
In the past many high schools had been able to pete with it, but after Julian became a Champion, Lake No. 1 High realized that there was no longer a single rival in the city capable of challenging it.
And for a grand celebration like the 200th anniversary, of course the school would invite Julian, they even had his former homeroom teacher personally send the invitation.
Julian naturally accepted—after all, he had nothing much else to do anyway.
Watching the students on stage perform with youthful energy, Julian, despite being only thirty years old, suddenly felt as though he had grown old.
Sitting beside him was his high school classmate, Chase, who was now the Head of the Twelfth Grade at Lake No. 1 High.
It was difficult to imagine that the ever-gentle Chase had bee a grade director—especially one in charge of the senior year.
When people thought of a grade director, the image that usually came to mind was someone stern, rigid, and utterly merciless.
And if the grade director happened to be a woman, students would almost certainly give her nicknames like "the Extinction Nun" or other similarly unflattering titles.
So seeing Chase take a position that was usually occupied by middle-aged men or women, at such a young age left Julian feeling rather amazed.
After the students' performances came to an end, it was finally time for the grand finale.
For the 200th anniversary celebration, the school had naturally invited more than just Julian.
They had also invited many distinguished alumni who had gone on to make names for themselves as Trainers, Breeders, Pokémon scholars, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals in various other fields.
It was just that Julian was the one with the greatest acplishments and fame.
In fact, many of those attending the celebration had only decided to e after learning that Julian would also be present.
Otherwise, they might not have shown up at all.
"The 200th anniversary celebration has now reached its final segment. I'm sure many of our honored guests already know who will be appearing for the grand finale."
The host stepped onto the stage, also a graduate of the school and had since bee one of Drakoria's most famous television hosts.
Holding the microphone, his voice gradually became more impassioned.
"He is the Individual Champion of the 23rd Silver High School League and the MVP of the Team petition!"
"A graduate of the Special Recruitment Class at Imperial University. And the Champion of the 30th Hundred Schools League, where he defeated an Elite trainer while still being a pseudo-Elite!"
"He became an Elite at the age of twenty, and a Champion at twenty-three, breaking the record for the world's youngest Champion!"
"He went on to mand Kyogre to defeat Groudon, and the Twin Dragons to defeat Yveltal!"
"Being the only trainer in the world to possess multiple First-class Legendaries!"
"And currently ranked the number one Trainer in the world!"
"His name is—"
With that, the host extended the microphone toward the audience below.
"Julian!!"
The students enthusiastically shouted Julian's name at the top of their lungs.
Not only them—even many of the teachers wore expressions of excitement and admiration.
Julian was not only the idol of these students but also the idol of countless Trainers throughout Drakoria, especially those of the younger generation.
Furthermore, ever since he had entered the public eye as the heir of the Walker family, there had never been a single scandal involving him.
He was practically the perfect role model. If you didn't idolize someone like him, then who else could you idolize?
"Let us wele Champion Walker to the stage!"
Amid thunderous applause, Julian slowly rose from the front row of the audience, walked onto the stage, and accepted the microphone from the host.
Looking at the countless pairs of eyes below him, all filled with anticipation, Julian smiled, "Listening to the host just now, even I didn't realize I'd bee this impressive."
A wave of laughter rippled through.
Julian continued speaking for a few more minutes, but he didn't deliver any inspirational speeches.
Students nowadays were very clear-headed, and at their age, they already understood what they needed to. Empty motivational speeches had little effect on them.
Of course, Julian's appearance on stage wasn't simply to give a short speech. Without an exhibition match, the event could hardly e to a proper close.
His opponent for the exhibition match was a Pseudo-Champion trainer who had graduated from the school more than sixty years ago. In that sense, he was Julian's senior.
Since his debut, Julian had rarely participated in public battles. And after being a Champion, he had appeared in public even less frequently.
This exhibition battle was effectively his first public match in the past three years.
"Kingambit."
He sent out his own Pseudo-Champion Pokémon. After all, among all his Pokémon, only Kingambit was a Pseudo-Champion.
His opponent, on the other hand, sent out a Gyarados.
Kingambit looked majestic and imposing, while Gyarados appeared ferocious and intimidating.
In terms of appearance, aside from some, these two Pokémon were undoubtedly favorites among most of the boys.
Since it was only an exhibition match, Julian deliberately held back.
The two battled for nearly half an hour, with both sides using whichever moves looked the most spectacular.
They made sure to push the visual effects to the absolute limit.
Half an hour later, Kingambit defeated Gyarados.
Although it had only been an exhibition match, Julian's opponent had still benefited from it to a certain extent. After all, his opponent had been a Champion.
Even though Julian had been holding back the entire time, the gap in strength was undeniable, and his Gyarados had attacked with everything it had from the start.
With the exhibition match concluded, the 200th anniversary celebration naturally came to an end.
Julian returned to his seat below the stage, and Chase, sitting beside him, thoughtfully handed him a bottle of water and said softly, "Thank you for your hard work."
"Then treat me to dinner tonight," Julian said with a smile.
"Mm."
Chase nodded, her pretty face tinged with a blush and a hint of anticipation.
As the celebration ended, Julian was just about to leave when a swarm of students surrounded him, each clutching a notebook and pen in their hands.
"One at a time, one at a time."
Julian took the pens and paper and signed autographs for them. This was something he couldn't avoid, and he had no intention of refusing either.
*****
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