The number of visitors at Magic City University had surged recently. Most of them were rookie trainers, drawn by a specific event. Though there were no material prizes, the allure of the challenge was enough to keep them coming.
"Magic City University Haunted House—Limited Time Opening!!" "Open to applicants with a Student ID or Rookie Trainer Certification!!"
The "Haunted House" at Magic City University wasn't actually an entertainment facility; it was a training site. Here, the "ghosts" weren't people in costumes, but Ghost-type Pokémon. Since Ghost-types are relatively rare, a facility that employed them as "staff" was a sight to behold.
"A haunted house, huh? Looks like our timing is perfect."
Owen sighed as he looked at the promotional flyer he had received from a volunteer at the gate. Imperial Capital University didn't have anything like this—Magic City University certainly knew how to keep things interesting.
Because the event was so popular, the campus was swarming with rookies. Owen estimated that if he joined the regular queue, he wouldn't get a turn until late afternoon or even tomorrow.
Following his successful strategy from the Capital, he headed straight for the External Affairs Building with his letter of recommendation to see if he could find a "shortcut."
"Student Liden, please wait a moment. Once we've finalized the order, we'll arrange everything for you all at once."
Inside the office sat several rookie trainers. A middle-aged man with thinning hair, the department director, explained with a smile:
"I understand everyone wants to experience the Haunted House as soon as possible, but I need to coordinate with the faculty first.
Actually, I have an idea! Since you all hold recommendation letters and are the top talents from your respective regions, why don't you enter the Haunted House together? We can see whose Pokémon performs the best."
The people in the room exchanged glances. Like Owen, they were the "geniuses" deemed promising enough by their local associations to merit a special introduction.
Director Qi, the man with the thinning hair, looked over the five youngsters. They came from all over, from different regions... and even an elite student from the Magic City University Affiliated High School.
Director Qi's plan was strategic. By separating these "talents" from the main crowd, he could save them the wait while simultaneously testing their mettle.
If anyone performed exceptionally well, the university could extend an early olive branch.
Liden sat to one side, waiting patiently. As a student of the university's affiliated high school, he wasn't a stranger to the campus, but even for him, the university's specialized training facilities were usually off-limits.
When he heard about the public opening, he had rushed over immediately.
The Haunted House served multiple purposes: tempering a Pokémon's courage, providing close-range experience with rare Ghost-types, and testing willpower.
The Ghost Pokémon inside would use illusions and scares; those with weak wills or unfamiliarity with mental tricks could genuinely be frightened into a faint.
My Ivysaur rarely fights Ghost-types. This will be great experience for it, Liden thought silently.
Under Director Qi's guidance, the other rookies began to chat. Liden felt the competitive tension rising.
They were all young, talented, and proud—none of them wanted to admit they were second to anyone else. Director Qi watched them with narrowed, smiling eyes. This competitive spark was exactly what he wanted to see.
A moment later, there was a knock at the door. An staff member led a new student into the room.
"Director Qi, another student with a recommendation letter has arrived," the staff member announced.
Instantly, the attention of Director Qi and the five rookies snapped toward the newcomer in the red-and-white tracksuit. It was, of course, Owen.
"Oh...?"
The moment Owen stepped in, his eyes landed on Liden.
Isn't this the unlucky kid who was the first-seeded player I eliminated in the Young HO-Oh Cup?
Liden had been a top-tier competitor in that tournament, but his luck had been abysmal—he had run into the eventual champion, Owen, far too early.
"Long time no see, Liden," Owen said with a grin.
"Long time no see... " You actually remember me," Liden replied, his face darkening slightly. If he had to list the people he least wanted to run into, Owen—the "trash-talking sheep in wolf's clothing"—was definitely at the top.
Director Qi welcomed Owen and learned that he, too, was there for the Haunted House. As he read Owen's name, it sounded familiar. After a moment, it clicked.
"Are you the winner of the Magic City Young Ho-Oh Cup?"
"That's me," Owen answered.
Director Qi let out a sound of realization. No wonder this kid had such an outstanding aura.
The other four rookies looked on with curiosity.
"What's the Young Ho-Oh Cup?" one asked.
"I think I've heard of it. It's a rookie tournament. We have similar ones back in our region," another replied.
"A shame I only got second place in ours," said a rookie named Yunji, unable to resist a bit of humble-bragging.
"Haha," Director Qi chuckled. "Actually, the rookie tournaments in Shijiazhuang and Magic City are both sponsored by the Dawn Group."
As Director Qi explained the nuances between the various regional tournaments, Liden felt a dull ache in his chest. Because he had been knocked out so early by Owen, he had only made it to the Top 32. It wasn't exactly the kind of record he could brag about in this company.
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