Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

"Nan Yin, you're clearly just a girl in your early twenties, yet you act so mature—"

“I, Xinli, am still a child and cannot bear such a heavy burden. Mr. Aoki is not only mature but also has many years of experience. He is definitely the best candidate!”

This excuse seemed to carry no burden at all. Under the chairman's name, Aoki, who was content to relax in Jinhui Town, was burdened with an additional responsibility. Even though he was already used to it, he could only sigh.

"We should find another person to pay more overtime."

Thus, the chapter of Sector Zero comes to an end. The lost paradoxical species are now under the joint control of the two reborn doctors and Yaji. The adventure of Botan and Nemo is given another brilliant chapter, and Pipana's rarely smiling face is now filled with a radiant and sunny vitality.

"Phew, it's all over."

"You've really worked hard, Nan Yin."

The greetings were the same as always. On the train they were traveling on, Korni sat next to the girl and watched her friend's gaze gradually drift away, her eyelashes fluttering as the twilight sky turned yellow.

Like a dream, like a painting.

She wasn't able to offer much help in the battles, but she did share the burden to the best of her ability, and that was enough.

As she ran her fingers over the Poké Ball with its iron arms, recalling the fulfilling times they fought side by side, the fighting girl smiled gently.

Saying goodbye to the trivialities in her heart, she is now content with her life. From now on, she will let her heart make the choices.

There's no need to hesitate for too long. I suppose Nan Yin, who is far more composed than I am, thinks the same way.

Korne closed her eyes, exhausted from her journey, and was about to rest when she felt an extra weight on her shoulders.

It could only be her friend, Nan Yin.

Unlike herself, who had trained her physique since childhood, even with the addition of aura and telekinesis, the fairy girl was still a fragile human being. After two consecutive days of busy work, she would get tired and sleepy.

Just like before my eyes, her long eyelashes drooped, and her delicate cheeks were sunken by her neck and shoulders, revealing soft, white flesh.

"Buy~"

Extending a ribbon to support Nan Yin's waist, the usually obedient Eevee simply jumped onto the former's lap and curled up its legs to sleep with her.

As Zhenyi, who was leaving Zone Zero for the first time and was curious about everything, was about to wave his headband to ask the girl a question when he was stopped by Korni, who was watching him intently.

"Shh-"

"Your trainer is still resting, don't disturb them."

It was a smiling threat.

Thoughts drifted away, and in the distance, Nemo and Pipa were still arguing about something, to no avail even with Peony's attempts to comfort them. The noisy boy and girl then traveled back to their old Orange Academy.

Just as they had arrived, the old headmaster Claver was already standing at the school gate, waiting for their return.

"You kids must be tired from all the traveling and working for the Alliance."

Upon seeing everyone return safely, the old man immediately smiled and warmly stepped forward to greet them.

"There is some fatigue, but compared to what we experienced in Zone Zero, this little bit is nothing. Headmaster, we have witnessed the Paradoxical species of Mythical Pokémon!"

Crowded around her, Nemo took out the photo and showed it to Claver.

"Such a huge Dragon-type Pokémon, and its prototype is the three legendary beasts of the Johto region, it's simply incredible!"

"The system set up by the PhDs is so cutting-edge that the difficulty of the strategy is on a completely different level from the previous ones."

Both Pipa and Peony enthusiastically recounted their travel experiences to the trustworthy old headmaster, who nodded in agreement.

"This is the treasure you have harvested amidst the smoke, fulfilling yet full of ups and downs."

After speaking, Clavel glanced at Nan Yin and the other person again, his tone becoming even gentler.

"Thank you, Nan Yin, for leading these children back safely from Zone Zero. Although it was only half a season, your teaching and guidance were no less than those of teachers who have been teaching for many years, and you have won the unanimous recognition of the students."

"Therefore, I'm wondering whether I should award you the title of Outstanding Teacher for this semester,"

"No need, Principal Claver. I can't teach much about cultivating knowledge; it's a process of accumulation over time. My shortcomings are not being able to leave school or prepare lessons regularly. Such titles should belong to diligent teachers like Lyme and Nia. Besides, I've come to say goodbye."

Upon hearing this, the former principal was taken aback for a moment, but quickly put aside his regret and offered his heartfelt blessings.

“Indeed, your appointment with Orange Academy has ended, and there is no reason for you to stay here any longer. I understand that your modesty stems from your unwillingness to compete for the titles of other teachers, but the academy does not limit the number of people who can be awarded titles. Consider this a memento of your teaching career.”

He took out a square gift box from behind his back and handed it to the girl. Judging from his demeanor, Clavel probably had expected this all along.

"On behalf of Orange Academy, this is a blessing to every graduating student and to the teachers who are moving on to even greater heights."

Opening the gift box revealed nothing of value, only an exquisite silver badge engraved with the image of a white-haired girl, along with a group of tiny Pokémon—Eevee, Gliscor, and several of the children she had used in class.

"This is......"

“This was specially made by the academy’s craftsmen.” Pipa smiled shyly. “It has all the Pokémon you used when you were teaching us on it.”

Peony pushed up her glasses and added, "The names of all the students in our class are engraved on the back as well."

"This was a decision we made in advance with all the teachers, students, and Principal Claver!"

This is Nemo's final addition.

She spoke with a choked voice, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"I know that even without asking, no one could keep Teacher Nanyin here. Just like a bird that always yearns for the sky, the journey here is not over yet, so how can it stop? Nanyin is like that, and so am I. So, I will be waiting for you at the Eight Masters!"

Hearing this, and flipping the badge over, Nan Yin indeed saw rows of tiny names neatly arranged behind her. Her fingertips gently traced the engravings, and her eyes involuntarily overflowed with tenderness.

Thank you.

She spoke softly, a smile blooming on her face.

Chapter 233 Becoming the Champion? Returning Home

With the morning light shining brightly, winter has passed and spring has arrived. In the blink of an eye, it is already the second season of the year, the heat of summer.

After their journey in Sector Zero came to an end, they returned to Carlos, back to that familiar land.

"Koboo!"

After leaping out of the cabin and admiring the scenery of Lingyun, the curious Zhenyifa took the lead over Nanyin, and amidst the exclamations of the crowd, it spread its wings and swam through the air.

"Is that Pokémon a Misdreavus?"

"It's so big and cute."

“Nanyin, aren’t you worried that the child will cause a disturbance? After all, it is also a paradoxical species from the past.”

Out of concern, as they walked down the stairs, Korne whispered something in her ear.

"It's alright. Whether it's the child being playful or the malice of others, I'm capable of handling it now."

Holding Eevee in her arms, Nan Yin naturally heard the exclamations that followed.

The ripples of the waveguide spread out from her, and within her field of vision, everything, whether it was malicious oppression or driven by curiosity, was crystal clear.

Therefore, that familiar figure also came into view.

"You came back without even letting me know. If it weren't for Ye Ci sending the message, I probably would still be in the dark."

With her dark blue eyeshadow concealed by sunglasses, the graceful gray-haired beauty smiled and, no longer leaning against the wall, slowly walked towards the two of them.

"Sister Karuni, I don't want to be surrounded by those enthusiastic fans and stuck in a packed airport, unable to get away no matter what."

With amusement, Karuni poked Nan Yin's forehead, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

"They've gotten quite bold, daring to tease me like that. Speaking of fans, the newly crowned king of pop, Nan Yin, seems to be no less impressive. Calm and composed, she gives people a sense of security; just those popular internet adjectives alone make one feel a sense of longing~"

"Oh, could Nan Yin please leave me her autograph?"

"Sister Karuni!"

She staggered a couple of times. Let her go. Nan Yin was naturally fearless in the face of man-made disasters and natural calamities, but the teasing and banter of acquaintances would still make her blush with embarrassment.

"Pfft, alright, I won't tease you anymore, Nan Yin, Ke Er Ni—"

"Welcome back to Carlos."

Karuni opened her arms and gently embraced the two girls. The brilliant sunlight streamed through the airport's glass dome, bathing the three of them in a warm, golden glow.

"Koubu—!" Zhenyifa suddenly swooped down from the sky, its ribbon-like tentacles joyfully wrapping around Nanyin's wrist, as if conveying a carefree thought.

"This is the legendary ancient paradox, the Fluttering Wings? It's even more exquisite than the transmitted photographs."

Miss Champion raised an eyebrow in surprise, and also reached out her fingertips to gently stroke the little beast's iridescent fur.

"One side of the Mirror Cave became the destiny of our reunion. Even though I was in danger, I still found the best treasures in Padia."

“Yes, Zhenyifa especially loves Nanyin music, it’s like he was born with a natural affinity for it.” Ke'erni smiled and poked Zhenyifa’s chubby cheeks, and the little guy immediately made a crisp sound like a wind chime.

Hearing those sincere praises and seeing the little guy playing with the Scorpio King, even the transparent waveguide rippled with gentle emotion.

Eevee rolled over in the girl's arms, its tail tip brushing against its owner's slightly flushed cheek.

It's itchy.

A flight announcement suddenly blared over the airport's public address system, and a clamor of voices surged forth. Karuni snapped her fingers deftly, and several security personnel immediately emerged from the shadows. "Use the VIP lane. My car is parked at—"

"and many more."

With a slight tremor between her brows, her psychic power receded like the tide, bringing a slight warning. Sylveon's ribbons instantly straightened, pointing in unison to the back of the pillars in the waiting hall.

A man wearing a baseball cap was pointing his camera at them, the red light of the camera flickering in the shadows.

"Don't be nervous." Karuni pressed down on the girl's slender shoulders, a sly glint in her eyes behind her sunglasses. "That's the photography team I arranged."

She smiled lightly at their shocked gazes, “I wrote and directed the documentary ‘Night of Champions.’ It’s time for the citizens to see your heroic deeds in Carlos, Padia, and other regions.”

"Building confidence and fostering regional pride are things that both I and you need to symbolize for the people of Carlos."

“But I never wanted to become a symbol. In the first place, you helped me without expecting anything in return, so I want to pass on this kindness and goodwill.”

Shaking her head slightly, Nan Yin said, "We just did what we were supposed to do."

Karni's smile faded slightly as she noticed the bluish-white discoloration on the girl's knuckles and saw the Scorpion King subtly hooking its pincers around the trainer's clothes, as if trying to pull her away from the vortex of the spotlight.

"Koboo!" Never hiding its hostility, sensing the trainer's emotions, it immediately raised its ribbon-like feathers, and ancient energy exploded in mid-air in a pink and purple arc.

As the photographer gasped and stepped back, Nan Yin also snapped out of her reverie.

“Karuni, I understand what you mean, but I’m sorry…” She buried her face in Eevee’s soft fur and took a deep breath. “The energy field of Zone Zero is still affecting my aura. Those overly strong emotions will be like echoes.”

It was clearly an excuse, but a touch followed, landing on his forehead.

Korne's fingertips touched her temples as she spoke. The gym leader's palms, usually covered by fingerless gloves, were not delicate, but they were exceptionally warm, and her concern flowed gently through their skin.

"Who was that person who just said they could handle everything? Try relying on me more often."

The fighting girl whispered in his ear, her close voice as sweet as a mandarin orange.

“It was my oversight, Nan Yin. Your abilities have already been proven. I wanted to ask if you were willing to accept the championship title, and I wanted to let you gradually become familiar with it, but—”

Karuni took off her sunglasses and gestured for the photography team to pause.

"It seems that it's not the right time yet, at least between you and me, there hasn't been a real battle yet."

"Ah."

Nan Yin hadn't considered the championship title. She wouldn't stop until the journey was over. Eevee in her arms sensed her thoughts and tilted its head up to rub the girl's chin with its wet nose.

As security personnel began to disperse the crowd, Zhenyi suddenly used a ribbon to snatch Karuni's sunglasses. The little guy then hovered around with his prize on his head, looking like some kind of comical flying machine.

“This child is much more frank than you.” Karuni suppressed a laugh and poked Nan Yin’s tense cheek. “Let’s not talk about this. Let me do my duty as a host and take you to try the newly opened dessert shop in Miare City.”

Watching Zhenyi's comical appearance as he put the sunglasses on Scorpio King's head, the surging tide within the girl's aura subsided. She suddenly remembered what Yeci had told her before leaving Zone Zero.

“A symbol is not a sculpted statue—” Nan Yin said softly, her fingertips gathering specks of waveguide fluorescence, “but something like this.”

The points of light drifted toward the fluttering wings, transforming into a swirling ring of stars around it. The onlookers gasped in amazement, and a little girl broke free from her mother's hand, stuffing the bouquet of flowers she was holding into the little beast's arms.

The ancient paradoxical species gave everything for survival, indulging in instinctive oppression, while what she wanted to do was to teach the teachings of how to coexist.

As the wind rose and fell, leaves drifted down, and Karuni stared blankly at the girl who was quietly waiting behind her.

At this moment, Nanyin music truly resembles a statue—if a statue could be warmed by touch, or blush at a word of praise.

"Should we take a picture?" the photographer asked in a low voice.

Carlos, the champion, shook her head, etching this scene into the brightest corner of her memory. She simply stepped forward and brushed the fallen leaves from Nan Yin's hair.

“Go home,” she said.

Chapter 234 Facing the Past