Chapter 513: Freshman Orientation

After catching up, Aaron and Braveon headed to freshman orientation together. The event was being held on the sports field, and every first-year student was required to attend. By the time they arrived, the place was packed. With night already fallen, neither of them drew much attention as they made their way through the crowd.

Rows of chairs covered the field, divided into sections by class. Aaron and Braveon belonged to Pokémon Battle Studies, Class 1, so they found their section and took a pair of open seats.

Class 1 had the best location on the field, directly in front of the podium. It had long been considered Crown University's strongest class, and everyone admitted into it was one of the university's top young Trainers. Students from the surrounding classes looked over with obvious envy, while more than a few Class 1 students sat a little straighter and enjoyed every second of it.

As the remaining seats filled, university officials began taking their places on the stage. Sitting at the center was none other than Champion Edmund, president of Pokémon League University.

"Ahem."

A university official stepped up to the microphone with a broad smile.

"Good evening, everyone. First, allow me to introduce myself. I'm the Vice President of Pokémon League University. You can call me Vice President Julian."

He continued, "On behalf of the university, welcome. While you're here, we'll do everything we can to help you grow into capable Trainers and people who can contribute to the League and society. You're the next generation that will shape Hualis, and I believe you'll be glad you chose this university."

Thunderous applause followed. Julian's speech had enough energy behind it to get the freshmen fired up, and a few students clapped until their palms hurt.

Then came the rest of the administrators.

One speech became two. Two became three. By the time the next official started talking, Aaron was fighting for his life not to fall asleep.

Finally, Champion Edmund stood up.

The half-asleep freshmen snapped awake almost in unison and turned toward the broad-shouldered figure onstage.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Edmund!"

He laughed. "You probably know that already."

The crowd laughed with him.

"First, welcome to Pokémon League University. The fact that you chose this school means you placed your trust in us, and I'm honored by that." Edmund had no notes in front of him. "So, sincerely—thank you."

He bowed to the students.

The field erupted in applause.

"Champion Edmund! You're my idol!"

"You're the Trainer I respect most!"

"I came to Crown University because of you! I finally get to see you in person!"

"Champion Edmund! Do you remember the village you saved? I was one of the kids there. I finally made it here!"

...

Some students were shouting themselves hoarse. Others had tears in their eyes. Edmund's popularity clearly went far beyond his strength as a Trainer; to many of these freshmen, he was the reason they had chosen this path at all.

Aaron found himself looking at the man with newfound respect.

"Didn't expect him to be this popular, did you?" Braveon asked with a grin.

Aaron shook his head. "Not this popular."

"Edmund might not be the strongest Champion in Hualis, but he's probably responded personally to more disasters than any other Champion in the country. He specializes in Flying-type Pokémon, so when something happens, he can reach the scene faster than almost anyone." Braveon looked toward the stage. "He's saved more people than there are freshmen sitting here."

"That explains it."

Aaron's respect rose another notch.

Braveon added, "His favorite saying is, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' A lot of young Trainers grew up hearing that from him."

There was no mistaking the admiration in Braveon's voice.

...

Champion Edmund cleared his throat. As he moved on to his next topic, his gaze happened to fall on Aaron and Braveon whispering to each other.

Braveon: I didn't do anything. Why am I catching strays? I'm just sitting here like a confused Psyduck.

"This year," Edmund said, "Crown University was lucky enough to welcome the top two Trainers on the Hidden Dragon Rankings."

The field immediately grew louder.

"Would you like to meet them?"

"YES!"

Aaron and Braveon looked at each other.

That smile on Edmund's face was bad news.

"Then let's welcome Aaron, number one on the Hidden Dragon Rankings, and Braveon, number two!" Edmund announced. "Give them a round of applause!"

The sports field exploded with cheering.

Aaron and Braveon sat there for half a second, both silently cursing Edmund.

...