Aaron's mouth twitched slightly. He was a bit confused, sensing an inexplicable hostility from this woman, and couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Lilith... do you two know each other!?"
"This is..."
Lilith froze for a moment, then asked:
"You don't know each other!?"
"Her name is Sylka... She's the daughter of Principal Sterling, the principal of Sealine First Academy!"
Aaron was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
Principal Sterling's daughter!
Add TrainerChat...
Baa baa baa…
A series of thoughts flashed through Aaron's mind, and he finally realized that the woman who had been forcibly added on TrainerChat by Principal Sterling earlier, and who had only sent three words, was the very same Sylka standing right in front of him.
Aaron's face turned slightly awkward. No wonder she was annoyed with him. So that was the reason.
"Ahem..."
"So it was you... hello, hello!"
"Actually, it wasn't me who replied to you last time. It was my Pokémon using my phone..."
"My Pokémon can actually type. Do you believe me?"
Aaron said to Sylka with a touch of embarrassment.
Sylka shot him a cold glance and replied:
"Do you really think I'd believe that!?"
A Pokémon can type!?
You expect me to buy that!?
Sylka cursed silently to herself.
"Heh... I believe it!"
Lilith chimed in with a laugh.
"Aaron!"
At that moment, Drake strode over and called out to him.
"Hmm!?"
"Champion Drake... hello!"
Aaron turned and saw Drake. He paused briefly, then spoke respectfully.
A gentle smile appeared on Drake's face.
"Just call me Drake."
"No need to be so formal. You'll surpass me sooner or later."
Drake's praise shocked Sylka, who was standing nearby.
He'll surpass Drake someday!?
Isn't he just a top scorer!?
But Drake was hailed as the greatest prodigy in a century, already reaching Champion level in his twenties.
How could Aaron possibly compare to him!?
What Sylka didn't know was that the high schooler standing before her could summon Darkrai, had received a medal merit, and was ranked number one on the Hidden Dragon.
Otherwise, she wouldn't be thinking like this.
"Alright... Drake!"
Aaron shamelessly took the opportunity, smiling as he replied.
Drake nodded and turned to the group.
"Alright... it's time."
"Get ready to enter the secret zone."
Hearing this, the group nodded. Fifteen youths lined up in a single file, with Aaron at the very front.
This immediately caught the attention of those who didn't know him. Their expressions changed slightly as they began taking him more seriously.
The top-ranked Hidden Dragon prodigy was standing behind Aaron.
Didn't that mean Aaron's potential surpassed even that number one genius?
The most shocked of all was Sylka. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.
Aaron's identity was starting to feel more and more mysterious.
...
Standing in second position was a blue-haired youth with a faint smile.
His name was Braveon, ranked first on the Hidden Dragon.
He was also a prodigy who had awakened psychic abilities.
It was said his main Pokémon had already reached Gym level, with the same potential as Drake, and was destined to become at least a Champion-level Trainer.
With the right opportunity, he might even go further.
Braveon looked at Aaron's back, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Aaron... is it?"
"I hope you'll give me a fight where I can go all out."
He muttered to himself.
At that moment, a rainbow-colored light appeared in the sky, forming a swirling entrance.
Drake spoke again:
"You may enter now."
"Even though this secret zone has been explored, there are still risks."
"Don't go too deep. Stay near the Insight Stone and focus on training your Pokémon."
"You have three days."
"The exit will reopen after that. Make sure you come out in time. Understood?"
"Understood!!"
"Good... go!"
Aaron stepped in first, followed by Braveon, then the others.
...
As Aaron entered the secret zone, a sense of weightlessness hit him and his vision went dark.
Soon, he felt solid ground beneath his feet again and slowly opened his eyes.
He found himself in a strange area, surrounded by towering peaks like massive stone pillars.
Not far ahead was a wide platform, with a massive stone emitting a faint white glow.
The Insight Stone.
A legendary object that could temporarily and greatly enhance a Pokémon's comprehension.
"Tap. Tap. Tap."
Footsteps sounded behind him as the others arrived.
Braveon's blue hair stood out immediately.
He walked up to Aaron, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
"Hey... you're Aaron, right? The top scorer?"
"My name's Braveon."
He extended his hand.
Aaron paused briefly, then shook it.
"Yeah. Aaron."
"If there's a chance, we should battle."
A glint of excitement flashed in Braveon's eyes.
"Anytime."
Aaron smiled.
"Nice."
Braveon grinned.
"Hahaha... you really are a battle maniac."
At that moment, a dark-skinned teen in a red flame hoodie walked over, grinning.
"Blaze... you looking for a fight too?"
Braveon rolled his eyes.
Then he turned back to Aaron.
"Aaron... this is Blaze. Ranked second on the Hidden Dragon."