Chapter 103: Magikarp’s Passionate Roar
“Your Magikarp had a battle and won.”
Doctor Liu said to Li Wei.
“Huh?”
“Your Magikarp gained confidence through victory, and its strength rapidly improved.”
“Doctor, wake up. What’s the inevitable cause-and-effect relationship here?”
Li Wei asked Doctor Liu, slamming his hand on the table.
“There is one, and it’s closely related to a subject I’ve been researching.”
“What subject?”
Li Wei asked Doctor Liu.
“The influence of emotion and a Pokémon’s own mental state on their strength.”
Doctor Liu replied.
“What kind of research is this, the mental victory method?”
Li Wei mercilessly quipped in response.
······
Li Wei’s remark left Doctor Liu somewhat speechless.
Indeed, many people had made similar quips.
“Although a Pokémon’s strength ceiling is mostly related to species and genetics, if this is the Pokémon’s limit, then what is the trainer’s purpose? Are they just providing the food needed for training?
A trainer’s role should be to unlock the Pokémon’s potential.
You agree with this, right?”
“Yes, no objections.”
Li Wei nodded in agreement.
“Then, based on this, let’s discuss nurturing.
Pokémon with the exact same species, potential, and birth time will achieve completely different results depending on their trainer’s nurturing methods and the Pokémon’s personality shaping.”
“The invested resources?”
“Of course, if we’re controlling variables, the experimenter’s invested resources must be the same.”
“But are you sure this won’t be classified as the trainer’s individual ability? After all, some trainers are good at training Pokémon, and some trainers can recognize reality.
After all, no matter how powerful the mental encouragement method is, it won’t teach a Pokémon that can’t fly how to fly.”
“…… You’re being argumentative here.”
“Alright, perhaps a little.”
Li Wei spread his hands and said no more.
“Speaking of which, this theory originated from an idea I had when the archaeology team discovered a miracle.”
Doctor Liu continued to say to Li Wei.
“According to records, there is a god in the Pokémon world who governs emotions. Referring to the moves ‘Repayment’ and ‘Venting’, I believe that for Pokémon, emotion should also be a form of strength.
And the manifestations of this strength are numerous, but the only two we can discover that can be used as attack moves are these emotions.
For example, Pokémon that are in a happy state for a long time are more likely to absorb Berries’ energy. For example, Pokémon in a sad state are more likely to comprehend the energy of certain Attributes.”
“Is… that reasonable?”
“I think it’s quite reasonable. For example, some trainers can fight a Gyarados on even terms in a fit of rage with a Sliding Kick.”
·······
“But this is just theory at best.”
“Yes, it lacks evidence, so I need eyes.”
Speaking of which, Doctor Liu’s eyes lit up, and he looked past Li Wei at Magikarp’s expression as if he were looking at a peerless beauty.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to collect data from your Magikarp during this period as part of my experiment, but don’t worry, I won’t do anything strange to your Magikarp. At most, I’ll try to communicate with him. Yes, just communicate.”
······
Seeing Doctor Liu’s suddenly somewhat frenzied expression, Li Wei was extremely uneasy. He felt as if agreeing would be like throwing his dim-witted Magikarp into a fire pit.
“I’ll cover all of Magikarp’s food expenses during this period, and there will be no fees for any of his physical examinations. During my data collection and research process, this Dragonite can be lent to you, whether for sparring or other purposes, no problem. How about it?”
······
“Deal!”
What attracted Li Wei the most was not the free services or food expenses, but this Dragonite.
After Mime Jr. and Dragonair at home went on a business trip, Li Wei couldn’t find a suitable Pokémon to be his sparring partner.
Now that a docile and friendly Big Dragon has arrived… Shouldn’t he seize this opportunity to beat it to death!
After all, it’s like his Pokémon are just tickling this Dragonite no matter how hard they hit, right?
This is also a good opportunity to curb the arrogance of these few little ones and make them train harder.
“Then let’s sign a formal agreement certificate.”
As he was leaving with Magikarp, Li Wei said to Doctor Liu.
“OK, no problem. You go ahead and continue with your business. I’ll draft a document up there for you to review later.”
“Alright.”
Saying that, Li Wei took his Pokémon and left the house, heading towards the courtyard outside.
Riolu and Eevee were still training on their own, while Magikarp was left in the water by Li Wei, staring at each other.
“I say…”
“Karoo!”
【 Am I stronger again with my diligence! 】
······
“Yes, you’ve become stronger.”
“Karoo!!”
【 I will work even harder!! 】
“Good…”
“Karoo!!”
【 Although I don’t understand much, I seem to have a lot of potential!! 】
“Uh, yes.”
“Karoo!!!!!!”
【 That’s great!!!! Wahaha ha!!!! I’m finally standing up!!!! 】
······
Li Wei covered his face, feeling that he couldn’t quite look at this Magikarp.
“Calm down a bit, I have something to say to you.”
Since he had agreed to cooperate with Doctor Liu’s research, he, as the trainer, should also show some initiative.
“Karoo?”
“Listen to me.”
“Karoo!”
“You are a very powerful Magikarp.”
Magikarp: ( °Д°)
“You can become even stronger, even surpassing Eevee and Riolu now.”
Magikarp: Σ(°△°|||)
“You will evolve soon, becoming an unprecedented, most powerful Gyarados.”
Magikarp: Σ┗(＠ロ＠;)┛
“As long as you diligently complete the training tasks I give you, in the near future, you will stand at the pinnacle of the world, and your name will be engraved on the milestones of the Pokémon League.”
Magikarp: (◎△◎)〃
“You will become incredibly strong; one day, even legendary Pokémon that only exist in stories will not be your match.”
Magikarp: (ΩДΩ)!!!
Seeing Magikarp’s appearance had almost turned into a black and white comic with thick borders, Li Wei felt that his brainwashing had been very successful.
“Everything I’ve said is true. From now on, whatever you do, have confidence, believe you are the strongest, and strive hard. Do you understand?”
“Karoo!!!!!!!!!”
This was a passionate roar from Magikarp that he had never heard before.
Splash!
Water splashed. The not-too-large pond seemed like a parking lot hit by a tornado. Magikarp swam rapidly in the pond, even creating a ‘water tornado’.
‘This… is the effect too good?’
Li Wei, drenched, stood by the pond, watching Magikarp swim rapidly while constantly roaring ‘Karoo’, with a wry smile.
￥￥￥￥￥￥
The duration of Magikarp’s frenzied effect was far longer than Li Wei had imagined. Moreover, he didn’t know what kind of ideology Doctor Liu instilled in his foolish son Magikarp every day after his physical examinations. Magikarp’s demands on himself became increasingly stringent, and his training methods became more varied. Just last night, he even challenged Riolu.
Although he was still thoroughly beaten in the end, Li Wei realized from Magikarp’s constant muttering of “This time I lasted five moves!!” that something was indeed wrong with this Magikarp.
In addition, Magikarp visibly became stronger.
Although there was no external change, Li Wei could personally feel the significant increase in the weight and impact pain of Magikarp’s daily hugs.
It seemed his training direction was correct.
Today was already August 31st, the day to report to school.
The group did not live in the dorms, so they only needed to bring their identification to get their student IDs, go to the classroom to claim… no, to be claimed by their instructor, and receive their respective class schedules, textbooks, and other items.
Magic City University had two campuses: one was the Pokémon Campus, and the other was a smaller, regular academic campus.
The Pokémon Campus was where they were heading. It encompassed five academies.
The Battle Academy, the Logistics Academy, the Nurturing Academy, the Research Academy, and the Political and Legal Academy.
Among these, the Battle Academy included basic Battle Trainer instruction, Contest Trainer instruction, and general League Trainer instruction.
The Logistics Academy primarily focused on teaching courses related to logistics for Secret Realm exploration, Gym logistics, and Pokémon treatment centers.
The Nurturing Academy was divided into Pokémon Nurturing and related cultivation, including but not limited to Pokémon Eggs, Pokémon breeding, mental health, Berries, plants, and so on.
The Research Academy was mainly for students who wished to pursue a career in research. Its main courses were similar to those of the Nurturing Academy, and in addition, students needed to study the relevant laws of the League.
The Political and Legal Academy was primarily for trainers who wished to work in the Pokémon League in the future and possessed certain Pokémon nurturing abilities. Everyone had their own aspirations, but as key members of the Pokémon League, they should at least understand how to build a bond with Pokémon, otherwise, there might be many strange laws leading to national instability and unrest.
Simply put, except for the Battle Academy, the courses in other academies were very specialized. In the Battle Academy, students could choose from a wider range of courses; as long as they met the graduation credit requirements and passed the battle-related assessments, they could graduate.
This seemed to be ‘easier,’ but it put more pressure on the trainers to plan for their own futures and have foresight.
After all, matching majors to specific professions meant that the knowledge learned had a higher probability of being applied in future job positions.
For trainers aiming to become Battle Trainers and Contest Trainers, they faced a narrow path.
The strong would pass through, while the weak would only have the choice of desperately catching up or falling off the cliff and finding another way.
After all, the Pokémon World was not a utopia; it was unrealistic to blindly pursue battling and becoming stronger without considering life.
Battle Trainers could often choose to work within the League or join the military. The career paths for Contest Trainers were similar, and they could even consider working in performance troupes or theaters.
Overall, it was not bad. It wasn’t great, but it certainly wasn’t bad.
Li Wei and the others arrived at school to report relatively late, at ten o’clock in the morning.
Tian Bai led the way with her phone for navigation, while Tu Xiaomi and Mo Jiu followed behind to assist her. The other three males followed behind as accessories.
It must be said that this group of six attracted considerable attention from everyone as soon as they entered the school gate.
Trainers in this world did not have the habit of putting their Pokémon away in Poké Balls. Most trainers preferred to have their Pokémon out with them for companionship and to foster their bond.
Except in some regions where Pokémon were prohibited from accompanying their trainers, in most areas, the most common sight was a large group of one person with multiple Pokémon.
Among the new students enrolling, a group of wealthy individuals, consisting of handsome men and beautiful women, mixed with a large number of ordinary Pokémon and a small number of starter Pokémon, naturally drew the attention of everyone present.
“Wow!! A Riolu!!”
“So cute!!”
“Even a little handsome!!”
“Hey!! Is that an Eevee!”
“Eevee!!!”
“Wow, that somewhat aloof gaze, that sense of mystery, my goodness, I’m so envious of this Eevee with Ice Attribute talent.”
“Wait, is that a Morpeko on that girl’s shoulder??”
“Hiss!!!”
“That terrifying little mouse that never gets full no matter how much it eats??”
At once, people whispered to each other, frequently casting curious glances at their group.
“Wait, Riolu and Eevee, this combination… Isn’t that this year’s Rookie King, Li Wei!!”
“Is that him!!”
“Amazing, amazing, quickly take a picture and upload it.”
In an instant, they undoubtedly became the focus of everyone’s conversation, and Li Wei smoothly took center stage.
Li Wei, who had long been ‘accustomed’ to the influence of such excellence, shook his head and spread his hands with a showy gesture to his companions.
“Alas, it can’t be helped, I’m just that excellent.”
This extremely irritating statement successfully earned him a collective eye-roll from his companions.
Of course, there was also Riolu covering its face and Eevee hitting its forehead.
Just as the group finished taking photos at the registration desk, submitting documents, and receiving their student cards, preparing to disperse to their respective classes to find their instructors, they were surrounded by a group of people they had never seen before.
“Hello, junior students.”
The one at the front stepped forward and said to them in a ‘kind’ manner.
“I am Wang Mingda from the school team.
I heard there’s a junior named Li Wei who claims to be the Rookie King. As the captain of the third team of the school team, I’m feeling a bit eager to spar and learn from junior. I wonder if this junior named Li Wei can give senior some face?”
After a string of nonsense, the gist of it was: ‘Li Wei, I don’t like you, come out and battle.’
But the way the other party spoke made Li Wei very displeased, so he replied without thinking.
“I won’t give you that face.”
Then he turned around and prepared to leave.
But since the other party had come, they clearly didn’t intend to let Li Wei leave so easily. The group of people behind them quickly ran in front of Li Wei and blocked his path. Then, only the person named Wang Mingda could be heard continuing to yell in a sarcastic tone,
“Oh? Does junior student Li Wei look down on our School Team members? Or do you consider your Strength to be too low and dare not accept the challenge?”
