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The study of Pokémon mythology.
The Pokémon healing industry.
The Elite Four of China.
A Gym Trainer from the Ice Dragon Province.
There is also a Pokémon Inspector.
Just from their professions, one can roughly guess that the students of Teacher Vladimir must be elites in various industries.
After all, they are students of the famous Teacher Vladimir.
No matter how bad it gets, they wouldn't be ordinary by any means.
"I'm sorry, Junior. You came so suddenly this time that we didn't even prepare a gift. Wait until after Chinese New Year; when I return to the lab, I'll send you a proper meeting gift via courier to your school," Senior Lian said, taking the initiative.
Chris just wanted to decline, but Senior Elliot, Alexis, and Stephen also proposed to give him gifts.
Elliot: "Junior, I've cultivated an exceptional Revival Herb. Someone will bring it to you soon. Whether you use it to brew tea or restore your Pokémon, it's a top-tier product."
Alexis: "I've already decided to prepare a dragon-type secret treasure for you. After the New Year, I'll personally ensure you get it."
Stephen: "How do you feel about Arcanine? I could give you a Growlithe pup as a gift. It's from the police force's special breeding program, and I'll offer you my spot. It's guaranteed to be smart and won't chew on your sofa at home."
This series of offers left Chris conflicted. He neither wanted to accept nor felt it was polite to refuse. For origınal chapters go to 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚑𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⚑𝕟𝕖𝕥
In the end, Senior Roy spoke up. "You've already accepted my gift, so you should also accept theirs. It's our tradition as Seniors. If Teacher takes in new students in the future, remember to prepare gifts for them as well."
"Okay, then I'll trouble you all for now," Chris finally agreed. From this, it became clear that Senior Lian, being the First student of Teacher Vladimir, should also present gifts to all the Teacher's students present.
After the gift-giving ceremony, the conversation resumed its lively course.
The group ate and chatted, with Vladimir asking the students how their year had been—what they'd learned, what they thought they should improve, and their future plans.
The Seniors would explain their progress in detail, then listen to Vladimir's advice to refine their plans for the outside world.
While talking and eating, the room buzzed with activity.
After the meal, everyone gathered to watch dramas, play cards, and laugh in the hall.
If not for the lively Pokémon around—such as Aipom and Gengar playing hide-and-seek, or Bonsly blending in with the potted plants behind the curtains—Chris would have thought he was back in the festive atmosphere of Earth's New Year celebrations.
Finding a quiet corner in the room, Chris sat down. While watching TV, his hands weren't idle—he took the chance to use his phone to research their backgrounds.
First, he searched for "Senior Lian."
Lian: The world's leading expert in Pokémon mythology archaeology and the first researcher to discover and document the legendary ruins of Arceus.
Chris was stunned. He finally realized where he'd seen this name—it was in the Pokémon history textbooks at university. This was a monumental discovery recorded in history!
To think that such a prominent figure was now sitting right in front of him as his Senior!
Still reeling, Chris looked up Senior Elliot.
Elliot: The top Pokémon Breeder and healer in China. She healed 100 Pokémon during the 13th International Pokémon Healing Competition, earning her the title "Purple-Clothed Master."
Another master, a top figure in the Pokémon healing field.
Following Lian's example, Chris had braced himself for Senior Elliot's accomplishments. He wasn't as shocked this time, knowing anything less would have been surprising.
Then came Senior Alexis:
The Gym Leader of Ice Dragon Province Gym, renowned for his expertise in ice and dragon-type Pokémon. He is widely regarded as the Gym Leader most likely to ascend to the Elite Four. Currently, he ranks as the strongest Gym Leader in China.
Chris was at a loss for words. Even as a Gym Leader, Alexis was extraordinary.
The strongest Gym Leader in China? What kind of achievement is this?
For a Gym Trainer to be promoted to the Elite Four, they must secure first place in the competition among the 34 Gyms. Only then do they earn the right to challenge a current member of the Elite Four.
If the challenger defeats the Elite, they naturally replace them, taking their position. Senior Roy gained his Elite status by defeating the previous Elite, Throne Mask, thus becoming the new representative of Ghost-type Pokémon.
As for Senior Alexis, the Elite position seems almost within his grasp.
Given the current ages of the Elite Four members and Senior Alexis's age, it's only a matter of time before he ascends to Elite status.
Therefore, Alexis is widely considered a quasi-Elite.
Finally, regarding Senior Stephen, Chris couldn't find any information about him.
Upon reflection, it made sense. A Pokémon Investigator's identity is kept confidential.
Even though Stephen disclosed his profession to Chris, it's impossible to uncover any official records about him.
If Chris were to attempt an investigation using his connections, the effort would likely backfire. Chris would risk being counter-investigated by official organizations.
And Chris wasn't interested in taking that risk.
Still, it seemed Vladimir thought Chris might be idling a bit too much. Seeing him engrossed in his phone and not joining the Seniors' games, Vladimir suddenly turned to Alexis.
"Alexis, didn't you mention wanting a battle with Chris? Why not have a match tonight? It'll help with digestion after dinner."
"Fine by me! How about you, Chris?" Alexis replied casually, a poker card in one hand and Skittles in the other.
"I... sure, I'm in," Chris agreed. There was no harm in saying yes. No matter how strong Alexis was, he was still just a Gym Trainer.
No matter how badly Chris lost, it couldn't be as crushing as when he battled Teacher Vladimir.
He just hadn't expected that even on New Year's Eve, when Trainers gathered, battles were inevitable.