Master Ball?
This thing is actually only classified as a purple-tier item.
That feels a little underwhelming.
The Master Ball is said to be able to catch any Pokémon—even Legendary Pokémon.
Of course, that's the setting in the games.
But in the real world, the Master Ball produced by Chen Ran's system still retained that "bug-level" ability—it could capture any wild Pokémon without fail.
Whether it was a Legendary Pokémon or something as mythical as Arceus, everything could supposedly be caught in a single throw.
"Guess I'll save up slowly."
After buying the Master Ball Fragments, Chen Ran realized that while the item was incredible, the cost was steep.
It required ten fragments to assemble one complete Master Ball.
Compared to other items that only needed five fragments, the Master Ball was clearly in a league of its own.
For now, Chen Ran hadn't encountered any Pokémon powerful enough to justify using a Master Ball, so he decided to treat it as a long-term collection goal.
---
Back at the dorms, Chen Ran discovered that his roommates still hadn't returned.
"Classes start tomorrow and they're still not back?"
He rolled his eyes.
Were they planning to use up every second of the holiday?
With none of his roommates around, Chen Ran was the only one enjoying the thrill of buying a new car.
After tidying up, he took a taxi to the Auto City. On the way, he received a call from an unfamiliar number—but the voice on the other end wasn't unfamiliar at all.
"Chen Ran, I'm in Hangzhou. Come pick me up."
It was Xiao Ju'er.
The electric-type specialist with the stunning figure and popular modeling career.
She had mentioned transferring to Jiangnan Pokémon University yesterday—but he hadn't expected her to arrive this quickly.
Efficient, as always.
"Driver, please turn around. We're heading to the train station."
Having a beautiful girl accompany him was certainly better than shopping alone.
---
Soon, Chen Ran picked up Xiao Ju'er.
With her striking looks and model-level presence, she immediately drew attention from passersby. A few fans even came over asking for autographs.
After a short delay, Chen Ran finally brought her to the Auto City.
"Why did you suddenly decide to transfer to Jiangnan Pokémon University?" Chen Ran asked curiously.
At Kyoto University, Xiao Ju'er had been thriving. She was already a third-year student, balancing her modeling career with her identity as a well-known Trainer.
Transferring to Jiangnan—one of the top five Pokémon universities in the Eldwyrm Kingdom City—was definitely unexpected.
"Hmph. Don't ask."
Xiao Ju'er turned her head away, ignoring his "fatal question."
In her mind, even a fool should've known the reason.
Unfortunately, Chen Ran asked anyway—completely missing the point.
"Alright, alright. Let's go buy the car first."
Chen Ran had gotten his driver's license over the summer. Initially, he planned to buy something modest—just enough to get around.
But now, with tens of millions in his account, his confidence had skyrocketed.
He headed straight for the luxury 4S dealerships.
Coincidentally, Hangzhou was hosting a major auto show. Luxury brands and new energy manufacturers had gathered in full force.
Still, Chen Ran wasn't interested in browsing.
He wanted a car he could drive off immediately.
---
Not long after, he made his decision.
A Ferrari 458.
Sure, Ferrari might be considered a bit cliché—but when it came to entry-level supercars, it was undeniably a classic.
And Chen Ran didn't choose the iconic red.
He chose silver.
The dealership manager personally brought ice cream for Chen Ran and Xiao Ju'er, offering impeccable service.
Compared to the "prancing horse" brand next door, Ferrari's service attitude was far superior.
"Mr. Chen, here are your keys. Please keep them safe."
They worked efficiently.
A brand-new Ferrari 458 was driven out from the garage.
Compared to the more commonly purchased Porsche 718, the 458 was on a completely different level.
The 458 cost over four million.
The 718 wasn't even close.
Vroom—
Chen Ran stepped on the accelerator and drove Xiao Ju'er back to campus.
Once they arrived, he drove slowly and responsibly. There was no need to rev the engine loudly and disturb the school.
He even applied for an underground parking space.
Counselor Chen Ning already knew that Chen Ran had recently received a large payout, so the request was quickly approved.
Then came unexpected news.
"Chen Ran, the school team wants you to join and represent us in next year's National College Student Pokémon Competition."
That caught him off guard.
A freshman being invited to the varsity team?
That was rare at any university.
The National College Student Pokémon Competition functioned much like a basketball league. Regional champions would be selected, and those winners would then compete for the national title.
There were both team battles and individual battles.
Winning either category was proof of true strength.
"Me?" Chen Ran hesitated.
His strength was solid, but the varsity team was usually composed of Gym-level and Elite-level Trainers.
He hadn't even taken the professional Trainer certification yet.
"Haha, the school has high expectations for you. Especially since you've got a pseudo-legendary. Train it well. I'm looking forward to seeing your Larvitar on stage next year!"
Chen Ning hung up before Chen Ran could respond.
Larvitar?
By next year, it might already be Tyranitar.
Chen Ran chuckled.
To be honest, school-level competitions no longer excited him much.
If it was just a rookie division event—
"Maybe I'll send Riolu."
Then he paused.
Next year, Riolu would probably have evolved into Lucario.
"Should I send Magikarp instead?"
Magikarp: So I'm just here to use Splash, huh?
"School team?" Xiao Ju'er had overheard part of the call and laughed softly. "You're not seriously thinking about joining, are you? Most of them are just snobs."
It sounded like she had some history there.
"I'm going to buy some wine. Let's talk."
She glanced at him.
"What? You're a rich guy now. Won't you treat me to something good?"
"Something good?"
"How about the cafeteria?"
"…Not funny."
She was so annoyed she nearly stomped on him.
Chen Ran burst out laughing.
"Alright, alright. I was joking. I'll take you to eat West Lake Vinegar Fish."
Hangzhou's most famous dish.
Now that sounded more like it.