Aakash POV
Outside the academy, light rain continued falling steadily from the grey morning sky, covering the grounds in a thin mist while droplets tapped rhythmically against the large office windows beside me.
The weather had transformed the atmosphere of the campus entirely compared to the energetic brightness of the previous day.
Students moved more quietly through the pathways under umbrellas or raincoats while various Pokémon reacted to the weather according to their nature. Several Oddish and Bellsprout near the academy gardens appeared especially lively, swaying happily beneath the rain while absorbing the moisture eagerly, and not far away, a group of Water-type Pokémon played openly in puddles near one of the training sectors despite their trainers' failed attempts to maintain order.
For a brief moment, I allowed myself to simply observe the scene outside before returning my attention toward the reports spread across my desk.
The first weeks of academy operation had gone more smoothly than expected overall, though the reports from professors and supervising staff still revealed the usual range of issues that naturally emerged whenever hundreds of young trainers were gathered together in a competitive environment.
Some students were adapting exceptionally quickly.
Others struggled with discipline.
A few had already started pushing their Pokémon too aggressively during training sessions, forcing professors to intervene repeatedly before long-term damage occurred.
Still—
Nothing serious enough to become an actual problem yet.
I turned another page slowly, reviewing battle assessments from several instructors when suddenly a knock came from the office door.
Glancing briefly toward the clock, I noted the time.
Ten in the morning.
Right on schedule.
"Come in," I said calmly.
The door opened a moment later, and Apoorv More and Rakesh stepped inside together.
Both of them looked slightly tense.
Not fearful exactly—
But uncertain.
Which was understandable considering neither of them knew why they had suddenly been called directly to the headmaster's office on a weekend morning.
"Have a seat," I said while setting the reports aside.
The two exchanged a brief glance before sitting down across from my desk, though their posture remained noticeably stiff as they waited for me to explain the situation.
Honestly, the sight was somewhat amusing.
These were the same two who had charged into dangerous situations during the entrance examination without hesitation, yet now they looked more nervous sitting in an office than facing enraged Pokémon.
I allowed the silence to settle briefly before speaking.
"How are the two of you settling into academy life so far?" I asked casually. "And what do you think about the curriculum?"
The question clearly caught them slightly off guard.
Perhaps they had expected something more serious immediately.
"I'm settling in well," Apoorv answered first.
Rakesh nodded in agreement beside him.
"The curriculum is very well structured," Rakesh added after a moment of thought. "Especially for beginners and newer trainers. I already realized how large the gap in my theoretical knowledge actually was after attending classes here."
I nodded slightly.
That answer aligned closely with the reports I had received about him.
Despite his background, Rakesh adapted to academic learning remarkably quickly once given proper access and structure.
Apoorv leaned back slightly before adding his own thoughts.
"The practical instructors are capable too," he said. "Most of them have strong foundations and real experience, which helps a lot during training sessions. But…" He paused briefly. "I don't really feel challenged by many students here during battles. My theoretical understanding is improving quickly, but my Pokémon's practical growth feels slower compared to before entering the academy."
At that, I gave a small nod.
So he had noticed it too.
Interesting.
"I agree," I replied calmly, causing both of them to look toward me immediately.
The slowing growth issue was not something I intended to reveal openly yet, at least not until I confirmed my theories further, but hearing Apoorv identify the practical stagnation independently only reinforced my concerns.
Still, that was not today's discussion.
"Which is precisely why I called both of you here," I continued while leaning back slightly in my chair.
The atmosphere inside the office shifted subtly as their attention sharpened completely.
"I've decided to establish a specialized elite team within the academy," I said. "At least initially, the group will remain small, beginning with only five members before expanding gradually over time."
Neither interrupted.
Both listened carefully.
"This team will not function like an ordinary academy club or competitive group," I continued steadily. "The members selected will receive direct training from me personally while also assisting with specialized tasks connected to the Pokémon Department."
I paused briefly, allowing the implications to settle.
"These assignments will provide practical field experience far beyond what normal students currently receive, including zone operations, containment support, environmental exploration, and exposure to how the Pokémon Department actually functions outside public broadcasts and controlled academy settings."
The expressions on both of their faces changed immediately.
Interest.
Excitement.
And underneath that—
Understanding.
Because both of them had already experienced enough during the entrance examination to realize how large the gap was between ordinary training and real situations.
I folded my hands together calmly before continuing.
"The academy will teach all students properly," I said. "But there are certain individuals whose growth potential would be wasted if left entirely within standard structure."
The rain outside continued falling softly against the windows as silence settled across the office for several seconds.
Then finally—
I looked directly at them.
"You two are the first selected members of this team."
Both froze slightly.
"You've demonstrated not only talent, but adaptability, judgment under pressure, and the ability to act independently when situations become unstable. Those qualities matter more to me than rankings alone."
Neither spoke immediately.
Honestly, that was expected.
This was not something either of them had anticipated walking into this morning.
Finally, I asked the actual question.
"So," I said calmly, "do the two of you accept?"
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