Gary watched the screen in front of him with resentment.

His eyes burned with anger. The sight of Ian, a mere peasant boy with his shabby clothes, getting the first position in the race fueled jealousy and rivalry that threatened to boil over.

As the recording played on his phone, Gary clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

The video showcased Ian effortlessly swinging through the dense forest, using Kakuna's string shot to propel himself forward.

Gary's face twisted into a scowl, the memory of that moment etched deeply into his mind. He could practically feel the weight of his defeat as he remembered being caught up in a heated battle with that bitch, Green.

The image of Ian, crossing the finish line seared into Gary's consciousness like a brand. The sting of humiliation intensified, gnawing at Gary's pride, as he knew that he had been so close, yet ultimately fell short of claiming victory.

A wave of bitter envy surged through Gary's veins, mingling with his resentment and igniting a fiery determination. He refused to accept defeat, to let Ian revel in his triumph while he wallowed in second place. The burning desire to prove himself, to outshine Ian and show the world that he was the true champion, consumed him.

Gary's fingers tightened around his phone, his grip turning almost crushing as he replayed the video over and over again, his mind fixated on every detail of Ian's victory. Each viewing fueled the fire burning within him, solidifying his determination to surpass his rival.

The screen in front of him no longer held the power to taunt him. It had become a catalyst, a reminder of the burning desire that now consumed his being.

As he switched off his phone, Gary rubbed his temples.

“For fuck’s sake…” he grumbled. He calmed down quickly.

He needed to be calm in this situation more than anything.

And plan his next course of action.

He grabbed his notebook and began scribbling down notes on this new application of String Shot. However he may be feeling, he still had to improve himself.

*****

[POV – Ian Wright]

The next morning, putting behind the room I’d gotten in the dorm, I moved out into my new reality—one that I had come to finally accept.

‘Let’s see how it goes.’

I had Cyndaquil perched on my belt, inside a PokéBall.

“Huuu.”

I took a deep breath once outside and promptly made my way to the classroom.

And now, I stared at the door of my classroom.

[Class 1-A]

1 referred to the year, while A referred to the "tier" of the class.

I knew who would be in this class. Ash, Green, Gary, they were a certainty. But who else? Who else was definite?

I had not seen any character aside from them.

Gary and Ash were rivals. Which would result in scuffles here and there. Gary and his 'friends' would be the ones to start it usually, or so I assumed.

Aside from the bullshit those two would be going through, I wanted to know what kind of people I was surrounded by.

But at the same time, I did not want to know them.

It was weird.

"Fuuh"

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the classroom, which was far more filled than I had expected it to be.

There were a couple of familiar faces.

Ash Ketchum.

Gary Oak.

Green.

And unexpectedly, Reto.

There were others that were unknown to me.

This was it. This was the year.

This was the beginning of my academic life.

The moment I entered, eyes fell on me.

But, in the next instant, all of the students began talking to each other.

"Is that him?"

"Yeah."

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"Oh, it really is."

"I see."

"Yeah, that clip's going viral. I've been seeing it all over the place."

"I thought that was an older video."

"No way. Are you an idiot?"

"The teacher-"

"Ye-"

I couldn't really follow all of their conversations.

I did not understand what they were talking about.

What clip?

I stood there in confusion. It was then that I noticed Gary staring at me, a look of annoyance on his face.

He mouthed something, something that I was unable to catch.

I looked at Ash, who stared back at me. He seemed... curious and determined.

Green, well, she winked at me but otherwise ignored my presence.

A hand slapped against my back, causing me to look back.

Turning around, I saw Reto there.

"Come on. Sit down in the empty seat over there," he said, pointing to a seat right next to him.

I did so, taking my seat.

And now, we wait for the professor.

The professor arrived before I knew it.

The classroom's sloping floor and tiered seating elevated those at the back, granting them an unobstructed view of the professor. He stood confidently behind a podium, his attention fixed on the whiteboard. With each tap of the pointer against the surface, his words took shape.

Frayne.

The word had appeared on the whiteboard.

Frayne was the name of the professor.

"Introductions. Let's start with you."

Turning my attention to the front of the class, I saw that Frayne pointed at Ash.

"My name is Ash Ketchum. Nice to meet you all."

Frayne continued on to others.

I soon accepted that Ash, Green, and Gary were the only ones I knew of.

I thought that I would be the next to be called. But, I was wrong.

It was Reto who was called. Then came me.

"Ian Wright."

I did not say anything further. It was because I wasn't aware of my own background; I was afraid to say some random thing that might be wrong. I only said my name, hoping that I would not have to say anything else.

Frayne nodded. "That's it, Ian. You may take your seat."

I took my seat as he had told me to do, and then the introductions continued on till it came to an end.

"Now, since everyone has introduced themselves, I think it is time for me to go on to today's topic. First off, actually, everyone has a Pokémon I believe? If no, please inform us, the academy is willing to provide a Pokémon for those who don't have one already. Like we have for a lot of students already."

As Frayne had said, just a few of the students raised their hands. Oh wait, they hadn't gotten a Pokémon already? This confused me since I was given a Pokémon and not these guys.

I made a mental note to investigate about this as my attention returned back to the professor since he continued speaking.

As this is the first day, there would not be any studies involved, but we've decided that today would be introduction battles. To familiarize you with each other, as well as your Pokémon.

The announcement of introduction battles sent a wave of excitement and anticipation through the classroom.

"I can't believe we get to battle each other on the first day! This is going to be so much fun!"

"Yeah, I've been waiting for this moment. Can't wait to show off our skills!"

“Duh, we barely get to touch any Pokémon prior to the academy… it was all, read this, read that. Oh, come to this Defense Arts class and go there, so you don’t get your ass kicked by some wild Pokémon…”

"Oh shush, shut. I hope I get paired with someone strong. It'll push me to improve."

The students began whispering to each other, exchanging glances.

I, on the other hand, raised my eyebrows at the new information I just received.

‘That’s… interesting.’

Defense Arts meant one thing; wild Pokémon were dangerous. Like they should be.

Frayne continued, and I focused my intention on him. "For the introduction battles, you will pair up with another student and engage in a friendly Pokémon battle. The purpose is to showcase your skills and get to know your Pokémon better. And, well, to get the taste of battle—this, technically, should be your first battle."

The class erupted into whispers again.

Some seemed eager to test their skills against familiar rivals, while others sought out new faces.

I was curious about the students who looked away when Frayne talked about this being everyone’s first battle. I almost chuckled.

Of course, the rich would be the ones getting ahead in the introduction battles. Their privileged upbringing allowed them access to the best trainers, the rarest Pokémon, potions, information, Defense Arts, and top-of-the-line equipment.

Meanwhile, the normal bunch, who came from more modest backgrounds, had to make do with what they had.

Heck, this was not a gap meant to be filled at all, given how far ahead the rich were already.

“If you fail to comply to the rules, you will lose the match, period. Now, for rules, they’re kind of similar to the usual…”

Frayne continued to explain the rules.

I noticed the confident smirks on the faces of some of the wealthier students. They already had an edge, their Pokémon trained extensively and pampered with luxury. It was evident that their parents' wealth had paved the way for their success.

"Let's move to the fields."

I did not participate in the whispered exchanges taking place, I waited for the class to move instead. I moved behind others as if to blend in. I was a hot commodity for now. Being a bit hidden and not getting more attention to me than I already had seemed to be the best move. Though It was futile and I knew it well.

And even as we moved outside, the students' excited murmurs continued.

'Let's see how this goes.'

The fields were just like I'd observed them so far. Large and wide, each boasting a different environment than the last. The extreme environments such as ice and the like required a dome to be built around them. Second-years and higher walked about with their Pokémon, probably training or taking walks. A few students and professors lingered on the sidelines. A man chased behind a Rhyhorn, his feet splashing in the puddles of muddy water that covered the field to my right. While a woman led her Dusclops to a dark corner of a field, no doubt to teach it more about ghost typing.

A few students milled about the middle field, some getting ready to take on a practice battle. A boy was instructing his Jigglypuff to practice its Pound, while his other Pokémon, a Gengar, peeked out from within his shadow. A student was testing accuracy by making his Electabuzz launch saucers into the air and hit them with Thunderbolt. Another, a Roselia, practiced its Magical Leaf.

"Let's start shall we?" Professor Frayne clapped his hands together.

The murmurs quieted as students shifted their attention to the professor.

"The pairings are already determined."

The students nodded, some more eagerly than others.

"So, let's begin."