Chapter 522: Sawk: My Life Is Over

"Who's next? Who dares to come up on their own...?"

Quincy swept a mocking gaze over the students below, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

The students immediately lowered their heads, avoiding his gaze.

"What a bunch of useless trash..."

"Is this really all Crown University's top classes have to offer?"

"It's bad enough that you have no strength... but you don't even have courage?"

"People would laugh you out of the room if they heard about this. Hahaha... and you think you deserve to be called elite prodigies?"

"I'd say even Poochyena are stronger than you lot..."

Quincy pointed at the crowd as he berated them, but his finger remained aimed in Aaron's direction the entire time.

Anyone with eyes could tell that although he seemed to be scolding everyone, every word was really meant for Aaron.

Poochyena was already typing away at a computer, drafting a lawyer's letter.

Aaron met Quincy's gaze without flinching.

Quincy really was like a rabid dog.

The guy was getting on Aaron's last nerve. Being pointed at and insulted to his face was enough to test anyone's patience.

Aaron had not wanted to cause trouble. He just wanted to keep his head down and take it easy.

But apparently Quincy had other plans.

"Are you talking to me, Instructor Quincy?"

Aaron raised his head and spoke coldly.

The students around them immediately stared at him in disbelief.

Judging from his tone and expression, Aaron did not seem intimidated by the instructor in the slightest.

But considering who he was, they could understand why.

This was the number one Trainer on the Hidden Dragon Rankings.

If Quincy actually tried to suspend or expel Aaron, Champion Edmund would probably be the first person to come knocking.

Aaron was one of Crown University's most prized freshmen.

That was not just empty talk.

"Aaron... what kind of attitude is that?"

"I don't care what your status is. During trainer camp, you follow my rules. I'm your instructor!"

"You follow my orders..."

"Even Champion Edmund can't help you here!"

Quincy's expression darkened.

Champion Quentin had already told him exactly who Aaron was, including his title as an Honorary League Guardian.

He didn't dare target Aaron too openly.

But as long as he stayed within the rules, Aaron couldn't simply throw his status around to shut him down.

After all, this was trainer camp. While they were here, the rules gave the instructor broad authority.

The students were expected to follow orders.

Quincy fixed Aaron with a hard stare.

"Aaron... you seem to be doing pretty well."

"You come up."

The students around them—or rather, the male students—immediately began exchanging gleeful looks and whispering among themselves.

"Hahaha... the number one on the Hidden Dragon Rankings is about to go up there and get beaten. Too bad we don't have our phones. If this got posted on the campus network, it'd blow up."

"How many seconds do you think Aaron lasts?"

"Three seconds... Hahaha!"

"Pfft, no way. He should last at least five."

"Fair point, hahaha..."

"Time to enjoy the show... I just hope he doesn't get hit in the face. The girls might stop being his fans."

...

A lot of the boys in Class 2 already couldn't stand Aaron.

It was one thing for him to attract the girls from Class 1, but he had even drawn the attention of the few girls in Class 2.

Wasn't that practically asking to be hated?

Quite a few boys in Class 1 disliked him too.

Now they were all watching with barely concealed excitement, eager to see Aaron embarrass himself.

So what if his Pokémon were strong?

They refused to believe the Trainer himself could be just as ridiculous.

At least, that was what they desperately wanted to believe.

...

Aaron walked toward Quincy and the waiting Pokémon without a trace of concern.

He gave the instructor a casual glance, then turned toward his opponent.

"Let's start... My mom's still waiting for me to come home for dinner."

Quincy's face immediately twisted with anger.

This brat really was arrogant.

Fine.

Then he would teach him a lesson.

"Sawk... teach our prodigy Aaron how to behave."

"Sawk..."

The Fighting-type nodded and looked Aaron over dismissively.

It stretched out one hand and beckoned him forward, striking a pose straight out of an old martial arts movie.

The corner of Aaron's mouth lifted into a faint smile.

Then he slowly walked forward.

"Sawk..."

Seeing Aaron approach with his guard completely open, the Pokémon shook its head in disappointment.

An opponent like this was no fun at all.

It threw a punch straight at Aaron's face.

Smack!

A sharp impact echoed across the field.

Its pupils contracted.

Aaron had caught the punch cleanly in his right hand.

And he was smiling.

The confidence vanished from Sawk's face.

Suddenly, the human in front of it felt completely different.

It was like standing before a wild Pokémon far beyond its level.

The pressure rolling off Aaron made it difficult to breathe.

For the first time, genuine fear entered Sawk's eyes.

"Hm?"

"What are you doing?"

"What, did you skip breakfast?"

"Finish him already."

Seeing Aaron catch the punch, Quincy assumed his Pokémon was simply playing around.

He frowned impatiently.

Sawk: "..."

The Pokémon silently cursed its Trainer a hundred thousand times over.

What the hell kind of human did you put me up against?

I can't even pull my fist back!

I'm shaking all over!

Are you blind? Can't you see that?!

Quincy, of course, noticed none of this.

"What's wrong?" Aaron asked, still holding its fist.

"Is that all you've got?"

"Sa... Sawk..."

Sweat poured down the Pokémon's body, its voice trembling.

"Then I guess it's my turn..."

"You'd better be careful."

Aaron flashed it a cheerful smile.

I'm done for...

A single thought surfaced in Sawk's mind.

...