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After retrieving his Poké Balls from the infirmary, Roy headed home. After two months away, he found himself missing the comforts of home.
The moment Roy entered his apartment, he heard several popping sounds and felt colorful streamers showering his face.
"What's happening..." Roy was caught completely off guard.
In the living room stood not only his parents, but also Mrs. Naomi, Serena, and Reece, all holding small party poppers they had just fired.
"Our Trainer has returned!" his mother laughed.
"It's a celebration dinner for you," Serena explained softly, stepping forward to help remove the streamers from Roy's face. "Everyone heard about your match today. To celebrate you making the university team, we prepared a surprise."
"Some surprise," Roy said, wiping his face. "Getting shot in the face with strange objects..."
"What?!" Serena's face flushed slightly as she made a small choking sound.
Nearby, Mrs. Naomi smiled as she observed Roy standing close to her daughter. "You know, young man, if you were so confident about winning, you could have told us in advance. We thought it was just a regular practice match and didn't attend in person..."
"Auntie, it all happened so suddenly I was almost late myself!"
The two families settled around the dinner table as Roy explained the day's events.
"What kind of poaching gang requires so many important officials to mobilize together?" Mrs. Naomi's reaction mirrored Roy's own—both surprised and curious.
Reece suddenly chimed in: "Isn't it that infamous group, Team Illuminati?"
"Team Illuminati? What's that?"
Reece explained enthusiastically: "A well-known criminal organization that claims to advocate for a 'brighter future' for humanity. They've publicly stated that the current world is flawed and distorted. They believe humans shouldn't coexist harmoniously with Pokémon, claiming that people fear the power of these creatures..."
"They think humans should reclaim their position as Earth's dominant species by completely subjugating Pokémon. They want to put a collar on each Pokémon's neck and control their very existence..."
Roy's father frowned as he held his rice bowl. "What an extreme ideology."
Roy's mother nodded in agreement. "I think we have a wonderful relationship with Pokémon—they're all such good companions... By the way, Roy, hurry up and bring out today's heroes! I bought an expensive box of Pokémon treats especially for Riolu!"
"Riolu evolved—he's Lucario now," Roy explained as he took out his Poké Balls and released all three Pokémon. Though evolved, Lucario remained instantly recognizable.
Squirtle said nothing, maintaining his characteristically naive expression.
But it was Vulpix who immediately captured everyone's attention.
"This... this little one is adorable!" Roy's father forgot about his meal.
"Yes, she reminds me of Roy as a child," Mrs. Naomi remarked.
"Don't be ridiculous," Roy's mother shook her head honestly. "Roy couldn't compare to her, and even Riolu wasn't this cute."
"Seriously?!" Roy's face fell, speechless at his mother's apparent shift in affection.
Lucario, suddenly ignored, also appeared taken aback.
Recognizing them as Roy's family and friends, Vulpix behaved impeccably, allowing them to pet her and occasionally making sweet sounds. Roy's parents couldn't get enough of the little creature, repeatedly cooing "good baby" with more enthusiasm than they'd ever shown their own son in childhood.
"Such is life," Roy thought, experiencing for the first time the feeling of being completely overshadowed by someone else's appearance.
Serena released her Vulpix as well. Though her Vulpix was also beautiful, it lacked the unique "charming" temperament of Roy's.
This was the first time Roy's Vulpix had met another of her kind. Despite their different fur colors and types, they shared a natural affinity.
The two Vulpix—one red, one white—sniffed each other before quickly bonding, rolling around and playing together.
Seeing this, Roy suddenly became alert: "Serena, is your Vulpix male or female?"
"Female."
"That's good." Roy sighed with relief, before turning his attention to dinner.
Meanwhile, across the country, major network media, television stations, and print publications broadcast Roy's battle footage and interview in various formats.
The previous entrance exam coverage had been limited to the Eastern China region, but now, reports about Roy spread nationwide.
"History in the Making! Capital University Freshman Selected, Displaying Incredible Talent!" "Country's First Aura-Wielding Psychic! The Legend of the Aura Hero!" "New Pokémon Variant! Alolan Form Vulpix!" "Snow Fairy: Battle for Most Beautiful Pokémon, Milotic's Status Threatened!" "Vulpix's Tragic Past: When Will Poaching Gangs Be Completely Eradicated?" "Roy: Hard Work Changes Lives!"
The overwhelming coverage brought Roy to the attention of the entire nation.
People in the Eastern China region already had some impression of Roy. Though surprised by his latest achievement, they could accept it.
But people in other regions were completely dumbfounded.
Aura hero? Lucario? Enrolled for only two months before becoming an official team member at a prestigious university? Saved a dead Pokémon egg and now owned the only legitimate Alolan Pokémon? What kind of prodigy was this?
After searching online, they discovered Roy had already been famous in Capital City, but his reputation hadn't spread beyond.
Now he'd accomplished something truly newsworthy.
In this era of advanced information, uniqueness was the key to popularity...
However, cases where media outlets across the country rushed to report and promote someone were rare. Without official support, such coverage was difficult to achieve.
'The authorities must see potential in this young man, wanting to elevate his profile...'
This signal made many people reconsider and dispelled any negative thoughts.
—At the Capital National Pokémon Reserve Breeding House—
Professor Hayden had been invited to the Director's office for tea.
"Director, I truly had no idea he could save that Pokémon egg," Professor Hayden quickly explained. "Our team had determined the egg was beyond saving, which is why we placed it in the breeding house. Really, you must believe me, I'm not working for any foreign operatives!"
The Director could neither laugh nor cry at this. "When did I suggest you were a foreign operative?"
"Huh?" Professor Hayden was stunned. "The surprise visit, 'please have some tea'—isn't that the usual procedure?"
"You've been watching too many spy dramas," the Director said irritably.
"I called you here to arrange your cooperation for an exclusive interview."