Ethan stared at Mewtwo's panel, still a little stunned.
Divine Tier 9 potential.
That alone was already terrifying.
But what confused him more was—
Its level.
"Totem Peak…?"
That didn't make sense.
Before, Mewtwo had already been Level 89.
After a seven-colored opportunity boost, it should've broken into Divine Tier.
At least first stage.
Maybe even second.
But instead—
Its potential skyrocketed, while its level barely moved.
Ethan narrowed his eyes.
"…So the boost focused on potential, not level?"
That was the only explanation.
And honestly—
That might be even more terrifying.
A Storm Across the World
Meanwhile—
The truth had spread.
The captured researcher, reunited with his family, confessed everything.
And once exposed—
The illusion shattered.
What the World Learned
Most alliances:
Study how to train Pokémon betterImprove growth efficiencyUnderstand individual differences
But Divine Eagle?
Forced captureDissectionBlood extractionGenetic manipulation
Cruel.
Inhumane.
Unforgivable.
And worst of all—
They were trying to create controllable Pokémon weapons.
Global Outrage
Within days—
The entire world reacted.
Public condemnationInternational criticismMedia outrage
Even inside the Divine Eagle Alliance—
Protests erupted.
People took to the streets.
Demanding the resignation of
Terang
Only one small allied faction still supported them.
Everyone else?
Turning away.
Collapse from Within
Terang sat in his office—
Documents piled like a mountain.
"…Damn you, Ethan…"
He had calculated everything.
Except this.
Now—
Industries were failing.
Public trust collapsing.
The alliance itself—
Shaking.
Meanwhile… A Very Different Mood
Back in Donghuang—
Ethan was strolling casually through campus.
Relaxed.
Carefree.
Like none of that chaos had anything to do with him.
Beside him—
Aurora
Now officially an exchange student.
How That Happened
Originally—
Aurora planned to return home after visiting.
But—
Ethan's mother intervened.
Hard.
Through Victor Stone's connections—
Donghuang Academy suddenly had:
An exchange student program.
And Aurora?
Just happened to be selected.
Coincidence?
Not even slightly.
Back at School
"Wait—"
"You're saying this is your girlfriend?!"
Geng Zhi nearly shouted.
Two octaves higher than normal.
He looked at Aurora.
Then at Ethan.
Then back again.
Emotion:
Pure jealousy.
The Comparison
Ethan:
Better talentBetter looksTallerStronger background
Geng Zhi:
Rich
"…That's it."
Pain.
Deep pain.
A Private Conversation
He dragged Ethan aside.
"Tell me honestly."
"How did you do it?"
"Why would she pick you?!"
Ethan patted his shoulder.
Sighed.
"…The times have changed."
"You need to open your eyes to the world."
Then walked off.
Geng Zhi froze.
Then—
Eyes lit up.
"…I get it!"
Misinterpretation Level: Max
"Other alliances…"
"Foreign girls…"
"Got it!"
Dinner Time
That evening—
Geng Zhi invited them out.
Lavish restaurant.
Private room.
Aurora was surprised.
"This is… a bit much, isn't it?"
Ethan smirked.
"I bet he's about to ask about your friends."
Right on cue—
A few bites in—
Geng Zhi leaned forward.
Trying to sound casual.
"So…"
"You didn't come alone as an exchange student, right?"
"Other people came with you too?"
There it was.
Ethan leaned back.
Smiling.
Exactly as predicted.
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