After a half-month break, Naranja Academy finally reopened today.
Dressed casually, Lucas walked up the seemingly endless steps of Mesagoza, eyeing the students in Naranja uniforms around him, looking thoughtful.
The crowd feels thinner.
That, too, was within his expectations. Under Geeta's sweeping reforms, many staff and students were dismissed; some staff, even the Director, resigned to take responsibility.
Coupled with a wave of withdrawals from parents worried about safety after the academy scandal, the ancient, storied Naranja Academy suffered a heavy blow.
Working the farm every day had made Lucas sturdier. After climbing the big stairway straight to the academy gates in one go, he was only slightly winded—he even had energy for another round.
"Hm, only 8:55. Just in time to slip in—not like I have to clock in anyway."
He raised his wrist: a stylish silver mechanical watch—a purchase Oranguru had insisted on. "As a teacher, you need at least this level of self-presentation," it had said.
He usually checked the time on his phone, but glancing at a watch now and then wasn't so bad.
With that, Lucas pushed open the academy gates—
Urgent footsteps rang behind him, racing closer, accompanied by a sweet voice wailing in distress.
He paused. Those sharp clacks on stone—high heels?
"I'm gonna be late! I'm gonna be late! I'm gonna be late! I can't leave a bad impression on the chairwoman on my first day!"
The triple late conveyed her panic, and the rest gave away her identity—a newly hired staff member.
As she neared, Lucas slipped through the gate and turned aside, letting a pink-lavender-haired woman in high heels breeze past into campus.
Her retreating figure looked familiar. Lucas frowned slightly.
Probably a named NPC from the game. White lab coat and pink-purple hair—likely the new nurse.
The previous nurse had colluded with the head of discipline to cover up bullying; after being fired, someone had to replace her.
Her name was… Miriam, right?
On the high podium, Geeta's speech reached its final stretch.
Facing the reporters she had exceptionally allowed onto campus, Geeta declared solemnly, "In my capacity as Chairwoman of the Paldea League, its Top Champion, and the academy's Chairwoman, I guarantee that Naranja Academy will strictly punish all behaviors mentioned, and provide a clear, free, harmonious, and joyful campus environment for all faculty and students."
"We ask the people of Paldea—and of all leagues—to grant us one more chance to prove ourselves."
She bowed deeply. The newly appointed leadership standing with her bowed as well.
Students and reporters, moved by her speech, applauded. Parents watching the unprecedented live broadcast around the world wore pensive looks.
Could they trust Naranja Academy one more time?
Moments later, as the media withdrew in an orderly fashion, only staff, students, and League personnel temporarily helping remained on campus.
Geeta exhaled almost imperceptibly, then murmured to the elderly white-haired man beside her, "Clavell, say a few words."
The man she called Clavell nodded, picked up the mic, and stood.
Geeta had already introduced the new staff; the students knew Clavell was the new Director of Naranja Academy. They straightened and listened attentively.
As Clavell delivered a warm, personable speech, Lucas—seated to Geeta's left—wore a complicated expression.
For the record, he had nothing against Clavell. In the game, this Director who cared deeply for his students left a great impression on him.
What nearly made him lose composure was…
Because almost all the former staff had resigned, he—a part-time teacher who'd been shoved onstage only months ago—had suddenly become the most senior instructor.
As he sat down, he'd heard a bunch of familiar faces calling him "senpai."
That included Hassel, now the art teacher, and even the former Montenevera Gym Leader, old Ms. Tyme…
And Geeta had seated him at her left for a simple reason: despite no standout achievements yet, Lucas had been promoted.
Not only was his pay multiplied several times and his workload lightened, but he also got the title Head of Battle Studies.
From now on, he only needed to teach the students whose talent he personally recognized. All other students would be taught by the new Battle Studies teacher, Dendra.
How did I suddenly become Geeta's right-hand man at the academy?
After Clavell's speech and the new teachers' self-introductions, Geeta dismissed everyone.
There would be no classes today—to let students reacquaint themselves with campus and give new teachers time to learn the grounds and meet the students.
As they dispersed, everyone's senpai for Lucas upgraded to Head. Hassel in particular was waggling his brows and calling him "Head," and Lucas almost couldn't resist decking him.
"Head" evokes stereotypical middle-aged bald guys or menopausal aunties—it made Lucas a bit uncomfortable.
But remembering Geeta's quiet talk—and the triple salary raise—he pinched his nose and accepted it.
What could he do? The offer was too good.
Choosing which promising students to take on, though, needed careful thought. According to Geeta, he'd be taking some students to Blueberry Academy for friendly exchange.
Lucas strolled across the academy field, considering whom to train.
First, Nemona—her Trainer talent really shone like the morning star. After half a month, she'd probably improved a lot.
Eri was good too: a Fighting-type specialist who progressed alongside her partners—a great trait. As the trusted mentor of Team Star in the future he'd already butterfly-effected, her character was beyond reproach.
Ortega and Giacomo, by contrast, seemed more talented in other areas than as Trainers. As for Mela and Atticuso, whom he hadn't met yet, maybe put them on hold.
He'd already promised to help Arven grow stronger, and Arven was trying hard. Arven could count too.
That made two from the Scarlet/Violet main cast.
As for Penny—her Trainer talent might be solid; in the original game she rallied Team Star and turned the tables on the bullies, scaring them into dropping out.
But perhaps because she's cute? As the descendant of Galar's former Steel Champion Peony, Penny's favorite Pokémon were the Eeveelutions.
Lucas liked them too. He even wanted to collect them all someday—one of each—making an Eevee Paradise on the farm!
He could try inviting Penny, but he suspected the homebody might refuse, claiming it was too troublesome.
"Sigh… Feels like Geeta maneuvered me. Being a teacher who only handles enrolled students was easier."
He sighed and decided to head to the library. Besides holing up in her dorm to game, Penny liked checking out computer science books there.
Just as he turned toward the library, a lively female voice called from behind.
"Head! Please wait!"
Lucas: "…"
He turned to see not only white-haired Clavell with six Premier Balls at his waist, but also a black-haired woman in athletic wear, with a healed X-shaped scar above her left eye.
Her name was Dendra—the new Battle Studies teacher, technically Lucas's subordinate—and she was the one calling out.
Meeting Lucas's visible confusion, Dendra got straight to the point. Clenching her yellow-white gloved fists, she said firmly, "This might be sudden, but I've heard you're a very powerful Trainer, Head. Please have a Pokémon battle with me!"
"I want to know how far I am from a fabled Champion-level Trainer!"
"Please!"
She bowed so low her forehead nearly touched the ground. She was one step short of a full dogeza.
Seeing Lucas silent—Clavell thought he was hesitating.
Honestly, Clavell also wanted to see the power of the Champion-level Trainer who passed Geeta's test—especially since Geeta wanted to entrust the Blueberry Academy exchange to him.
So Clavell urged, "Head Lucas, Dendra will be half your subordinate going forward. Consider it testing your subordinate's strength?"
"…All right. Also, no need to be so formal—just call me by my name. I don't care about titles."
Under their puzzled looks, Lucas, gritting his teeth, accepted Dendra's challenge.
…
"Did you hear? On the practice field, Head Lucas's battling the new Battle Studies teacher Dendra!"
The rumor spread fast. With nothing else to do, students flocked to watch.
Arven, bonding with Shellder by the pool; Nemona, catching up with friends after half a month; Penny, reading in the library… Lucas's acquaintances all paused, then headed to the field.
In a blink, the field was packed.
In the chairwoman's office, Geeta stood at the window, watching the sea of heads below, smiling with interest.
According to Larry's rush report that night, Lucas's skills hadn't dulled amid farm life—they'd surged. The Swampert that could Mega Evolve, per Larry's evaluation, was already at a level comparable to her ace.
"Interesting… Champion Lucas, I knew I read you right. Your talent shines like the morning star in the night."
Watching the two take their places on the field, Geeta's lips curled.
"More people than I expected."
Lucas stared deadpan at the crowd choking the field. He hadn't expected his spar with Dendra to cause such a stir. In the crowd he spotted Nemona, Arven, Penny, Eri, and others.
A flush rose on Dendra's cheeks, stoked by fighting spirit. She felt totally fired up—getting to battle a legendary Champion-level Trainer!
Too lucky!
She had to go all out!
"Both sides ready. Battle, start!"
At referee Clavell's signal, the two—unfazed by the many eyes—sent out their Pokémon.
"Kommo-o, make a grand entrance!"
"Raging Bolt, come stretch your legs."
With twin flashes of red, two Dragon-type Pokémon appeared.
On Dendra's side, the dark-gold armored dragon shook its tail, scales clanging as it postured at the much larger Raging Bolt!
Kommo-o loves fighting strong foes who don't flinch at the clack of its scales. Even if the other's size and aura surpass it, it won't back down.
As an Alolan pseudo-legend, Kommo-o is well known even in Paldea, with many fans.
But right now, Kommo-o's presence was utterly eclipsed by Raging Bolt.
Dendra's eyes widened. She whispered, "…First time seeing this Pokémon."
Students gasped at the sight of Raging Bolt.
"What is that Pokémon?"
"Never seen it—so big! Looks insanely strong!"
Students from Johto were especially confused.
Why did this "Raging Bolt" share features with their region's legendary beast Raikou?
Clavell's expression changed; sweat beaded as he gripped a Premier Ball. His body trembled as memories surfaced.
That size, that primeval, savage aura—he couldn't mistake it.
Raging Bolt was a Paradox Pokémon!
Goodness—Lucas had captured a Paradox Pokémon and brought it out of Area Zero? Was he mad?
These beings lack sapience; guided only by instinct, they're bloodthirsty beasts. If it rampaged, the lives of this densely packed crowd would be at risk!
Naranja Academy's reputation would be finished!
Only one thought remained in Clavell's mind—he had to stop Raging Bolt!
Just as he was about to release a Pokémon, his special ringtone sounded—Geeta was calling.
Eyes locked on the still-calm Raging Bolt, Clavell answered. Geeta's voice came through.
"It's fine, Clavell. I authorized him to bring the Paradox Pokémon Raging Bolt out of the crater. That Raging Bolt is… a bit different."
"Let's see it: the Paradox Pokémon thought untamable—what brilliance will it show under the command of a top-tier, Champion-level Trainer?"
At the window, Geeta's face was lit with anticipation and a smile.