The days seemed to slip by before anyone noticed.
In what felt like no time at all, more than ten days had passed.
The bold chalk words once scrawled across the classroom blackboard had been replaced with:
"Only 10 Days Left Until the Exam!!"
At Sealine Academy, inside Aaron's classroom, every student looked tense.
Some even brought their books to the restroom, as if sheer willpower alone could force the knowledge into their heads.
Of course, there were exceptions.
For example—Aaron and Yuri.
The two were very "seriously" studying Gardevoir's photo book.
"Aaron… look, look! Gardevoir looks amazing in stockings!!"
"And this one—Gardevoir in a maid outfit? I love it, I love it!!"
"Please. Look at mine—Queen Gardevoir. So dominant. How is anyone supposed to handle that?!"
"Damn… you're right. I can't take it. I'm about to get a nosebleed…"
…
The two whispered excitedly to each other, a complete contrast to the rest of the class buried in textbooks.
As far as Aaron was concerned, the Pokémon knowledge in this world was so basic he could ace the exam with his eyes closed. There was no reason for him to study.
As for Yuri, he had already surrendered.
In his words, studying was worse than torture.
Aaron shot him an exasperated look.
No problem. One day, when he was running things at the top, he'd give Yuri a nice cushy position managing restroom logistics.
Salary?
A million a month sounded about right.
"Aaron…"
Just as Aaron was indulging in his daydream, a familiar voice interrupted him.
His reflexes kicked in immediately. He snapped the "textbook" shut, slid it into his desk, and calmly looked up.
"Oh, it's you two."
"What do you want?"
"Don't you know the exam's almost here? You're interrupting my studying. If I don't get into university, I'm blaming you."
Aaron spoke with a look of annoyance.
Seriously.
He'd just been enjoying himself when they ruined the vibe.
The ones who had arrived were none other than the Wrights—Simon and Victor.
The two exchanged a look.
"Studying?"
"Do you think we're blind? We literally saw you flipping through Gardevoir's photo book just now."
Victor let out a laugh.
"Right, right, Aaron's absolutely correct. I've got plenty of Gardevoir 'study materials' at home. I've already mastered them myself. I'll bring some over this afternoon so you can continue your studies, Aaron."
At that, Aaron broke into a bright grin.
"How considerate… Vic!"
"You have to bring them. Lately, I feel off if I go even one day without studying."
"So, what did you actually come here for?"
"It's not just about delivering study materials, right?"
Aaron asked casually, clearly in high spirits.
"Aaron… it's like this."
"There's something we were hoping you could help with—or rather, something the Wright Group needs help with."
Simon spoke a little awkwardly as he began explaining the situation.
In Sealine City, the Wright Group ranked among the top ten enterprises.
However, as a family-controlled corporation, real authority within the company rested in the hands of the different Wright family branches.
At the moment, Simon's father, Richard Wright, served as chairman of the Wright Group.
But under the family's internal charter, leadership rotated every three years.
Any branch could formally challenge the current head.
If the challenger won, they would take over leadership.
If they lost, they would permanently forfeit the right to challenge again.
If no challenge succeeded, the incumbent would remain in position.
The challenge itself followed a specific rule:
Each side would appoint representatives from their younger generation to compete in a two-on-two Pokémon battle.
The trainers had to be under eighteen years old.
They didn't have to be direct descendants.
Outside allies were permitted—after all, being able to recruit a talented young partner was itself proof of influence.
Not every branch happened to have a suitable heir under eighteen at all times.
This time, however, another branch of the Wright family had managed to recruit an outside ally ranked on the Hidden Dragon List.
The moment the news spread, Simon's side grew uneasy.
…