The appearance of Riolu caught Professor Christian by surprise. He studied Roy with curiosity, finding nothing particularly exceptional about the young man except that he was somewhat more handsome than others his age.
However, the wave of criticism from the class quickly transformed Professor Christian's expression into a frown. He slammed his hand on the desk and shouted, "Quiet! Everyone, quiet down!"
"What is going on here? These students have performed admirably, yet your first reaction is to doubt and criticize? Why not analyze the situation or examine it critically?"
"Excellent trainers always maintain the heart of an apprentice!"
"This is our school motto!"
"Arrogant trainers never advance far on their journey!"
Professor Christian was fuming with anger, nearly blurting out that they were "the worst class I have ever taught."
The students fell silent, embarrassed by the reprimand. Even those who disagreed didn't dare challenge the professor's authority openly, instead bowing their heads in reluctant acknowledgment of their mistake.
In this uncomfortable atmosphere, Roy suddenly smiled and said, "Please don't be angry, Professor. I understand everyone's reactions. When confronted with something unfamiliar, people's first instinct is to deny and criticize. If I were in their position, I might react the same way."
Professor Christian showed signs of admiration, mentally noting how this student possessed high emotional intelligence.
However, just as words of praise formed on his lips, Roy abruptly changed direction.
"But there is one thing I need to correct everyone about!" he declared confidently.
"While the offspring of Elite-level Pokémon certainly have potential, very few ever match their parents' achievements."
"My Riolu, however, is different!"
"Its talent cannot be described merely as being the 'child of an Elite.' Why did Riolu choose me? Because no one else recognized its talent, its potential, its uniqueness!"
"The first time I saw it, I sensed its loneliness—the kind of loneliness that only true prodigies experience!"
"As for its talent, I can honestly say..."
Roy gripped the podium with both hands and proclaimed with complete conviction:
"My partner, Riolu, has the potential to become Champion-level!"
Silence fell across the room.
Professor Christian and the students stared at the handsome young man who'd just made such an outrageous claim.
Even Serena appeared dumbfounded.
Was Roy always this boastful?
Champion!
Those words were not to be spoken lightly.
Even Elite Trainers rarely praised their Pokémon so boldly in public, claiming with certainty they would reach Champion level.
Champion—the highest honor in any region.
And "region" here referred to a major Pokémon League territory!
Many smaller countries had to combine just to be recognized as a "Region" by the Pokémon League, with only the strongest trainers among them earning the Champion title.
If a small nation produced even a single Elite Trainer, it became a source of national pride.
Yet this freshman dared claim his Pokémon had Champion potential... Though Roy hadn't explicitly stated Riolu would definitely become Champion, such behavior was still considered outrageous!
"That's insane!"
"Damn, how dare he make such claims!"
"Wow, the new guy's got some nerve."
"Can you girls stop drooling over his looks and focus on what he's saying? Is this really something to admire?"
"Even youthful overconfidence has its limits. Claiming Champion potential? I can't even..."
"Heh, don't worry. There are plenty of people eager to put him in his place, especially the recommended students."
"I wonder where this Roy came from. Probably has no connections—just a pure rookie. I'll eat my hat if he makes it to the quarterfinals in the freshman tournament next week."
"Quarterfinals? You're giving him too much credit. He'll be lucky to get past the qualifiers!"
"Hey, you're missing the point—they might let him reach the quarterfinals just out of pity for Riolu!"
This time, Professor Christian didn't silence the students, as he too found Roy's claims somewhat delusional.
Being able to form a bond with Riolu meant this student must possess something special. A little pride was understandable, but not to this extent!
The only one reacting differently was Riolu itself.
The usually aloof Fighting-type now gazed at Roy with eyes full of shining admiration.
...So Master believes in me this much!
...He thinks I can become Champion—that I can surpass Father!
...I will never disappoint my Trainer's expectations!
The spark of "loyalty to one who understands you" completely ignited Riolu's fighting spirit.
...
Once the classroom quieted down, Roy recalled Riolu into its Poké Ball and returned to his seat.
Occasionally, teasing glances and joking comments came from nearby students.
Serena poked Roy's elbow with a pen cap, passing him a note with her slender hand.
"Did you take the wrong medicine or something?"
"No," Roy replied with a smile.
"Has Mr. Frances's defeat... affected you that deeply?"
Roy was slightly taken aback, finding it amusing that Serena thought his recent behavior change was due to Frances's loss.
"I have my own strategy, don't worry."
After reassuring Serena, Roy considered that perhaps he needed to fan the flames even more.
He took out his phone, opened an online marketplace, and typed two words in the search bar.
"Comment Services."
He clicked on the highest-rated store and entered the customer service chat.
"Hello."
"Hello, what service can I provide for you today!"
"What are your rates for online promotion?"
"It depends on your specific needs. We offer different packages based on your requirements. Our service is professional, entirely manual, and completely confidential—your personal information will never be compromised!"
Now that's professionalism!
Roy typed with satisfaction: "I need you to spread the word on Capital University's forums that my Riolu has Champion-level potential and will definitely become a legendary Pokémon in the future. Make it sound convincing!"
"Have some commenters compare it to the Fighting Elite's Lucario when it was young, creating debate threads, while others criticize me and Riolu. Also, include a few trolls who can stir up drama, with some genuine-sounding bystanders too!"
"For post titles, I suggest using attention-grabbers like 'One thing to say about...' or 'How to evaluate Champion potential...' These tend to attract more views!"
"..."
The customer service rep typed a series of dots, falling into an awkward silence.
Roy: "?"
Customer service: "Understood, sir. I'll arrange everything immediately. Please wait a moment."