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Except for one foreign reporter who didn't grasp the full context, the press conference ended satisfactorily. Both Roy and the journalists were pleased with the outcome, reaching a friendly consensus.
After the reporters departed, Professor Christian, who had been waiting patiently, approached Roy with a complicated expression.
"Uhh..." Professor Christian hesitated, uncertain what to say to his student.
During the match, the professor had been in the auditorium with his young granddaughter who was visiting during the holiday. Everything had been normal until Roy took the stage—then the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Reason gave way to frenzied cheering.
When Lucario merged with aura power and transformed into what looked like a Super Saiyan, even the normally composed professor had instinctively muttered, "Damn!" The shocked look from his granddaughter, followed by her childish exclamation of "Wow, awesome!" after Roy's victory, left Professor Christian mortified.
Moreover, after people learned he was Roy's teacher, many approached asking how he'd trained such a remarkable student.
Professor Christian was bewildered. 'I didn't teach him anything... I'm just as surprised by his abilities as everyone else.'
"Never mind," he finally said. "Come with me. I'll take you to register for the official university team roster. This list will be sent to the National College League administrators tomorrow to confirm each school's official participants."
This was precisely Roy's goal, so he followed without objection.
After walking for about ten minutes with Professor Christian, Roy arrived at the Pokémon Battle Club's activity room. Capital University obviously allocated the most funding to this club—the rest area alone gave Roy the impression of being in a five-star hotel lobby.
The Pokémon Battle Club included not only regular members participating in national competitions but also reserve members. Even those who couldn't immediately compete in tournaments enjoyed many benefits from joining.
The battle atmosphere was intense, with friendly matches happening regularly and experienced team members available to teach newcomers. Of course, the admission threshold wasn't low—only those who demonstrated exceptional performance in trials could join.
Roy noticed several classmates, including Carter and Callan. Their presence here proved their skill and merit.
Roy pretended not to notice their envious, amazed expressions as he walked straight-faced into the main players' lounge.
"You finally made it," Elon said with a laugh. "Roy, welcome to our team—the first freshman elective member in Capital University history."
The other elected members smiled and applauded. Brian, sitting in the corner, joined the applause despite his visibly dejected expression.
The rules of the Trainer world were simple: the winner takes all. Regardless of circumstances, Brian had lost fair and square. Though inwardly frustrated, he would simply seek another opportunity to win next time. Fortunately, as a junior, he'd have another chance next year.
"Brian!" Elon ordered. "Give that to Roy."
With a sigh, Brian approached and handed Roy a badge—a gold-plated emblem bearing the Capital University insignia.
"This is the official symbol of school team membership," Elon explained. "You'll need to wear it on your chest during competitions. Otherwise, it's just ceremonial. Keep it safe though, as reissuing one is troublesome... Just complete this form."
Roy accepted the form—a registration document for the National Intercollegiate Exhibition.
Beyond identity information, it also detailed the rules for participating in the National College League.
The National College League was divided into four regions: Eastern China, Southern China, Western China, and Northern China.
The Northern China Region, home to two prestigious schools—Central University and League University—was undisputedly the most competitive division.
The Eastern and Southern China divisions competed closely year-round, alternating as second-tier competitors.
The Western China Division had always been the weakest.
The National College League consisted of two stages, both held during school holidays.
The winter break at the end of the first semester hosted the first stage—regional qualifying battles. Each division would select four teams from hundreds of universities.
The summer break of the second semester would see the second stage—the National Competition in the capital, featuring all 16 qualified teams.
Each school team required five regular members.
Brian had originally been the third player in individual competition, but Roy had now taken his place.
'Winter break...' Roy counted the days mentally. "That's still two months away."
Hearing this, Elon considered Roy's thoughts and smiled. "To be honest, although you defeated Brian, your Pokémon foundation isn't particularly solid. Your Squirtle and Alolan Vulpix could be vulnerable if specifically targeted by opponents. Even if Brian faced you again, you might not win a second time."
Roy nodded, acknowledging this assessment.
Squirtle was managing well and nearing evolution, which would bring significant improvement. But Vulpix was still barely two months old with limited training time. If Roy could win matches with Vulpix, 90% would depend on the unprecedented "charm" tactics that nobody had seen before. Once used, the information advantage would disappear.
"Before you arrived, we discussed your situation," Elon said seriously. "We all agree that becoming so strong in just two months is truly extraordinary. Give you another two months, and you might even surpass me."
'These days, people compliment you by saying you're not normal...' Roy thought wryly.
Aloud, he said humbly, "Suggesting I could reach Captain Elon's level in two months is too flattering."
The Capital University team had an 80% probability of reaching the national competition stage each year. Last year, they had even placed in the top eight nationally—they were unquestionably a powerful team.
As captain, Elon's strength was formidable. Though only a senior, he was already an Peak Trainer qualified for professional assessment.
An Peak Trainer possessed six Pokémon, each with comprehensive A-grade evaluations or higher. This meant Elon's weakest Pokémon was stronger than Brian's trump card, Steelix.
Reaching Elon's level in two months was unrealistic—Roy didn't even have six Pokémon yet.
'By next semester's summer break, perhaps...' Roy thought to himself.
But he kept this ambitious idea private. When there was no popularity to gain, he maintained his persona as a humble, polite student.