Chapter 10: Life’s Three Great Illusions

Chapter 10: Life's Three Great Illusions

"Wow, Hikaru-bro, look! A stunningly beautiful girl just walked in!" Shen Yue practically bounced in his seat, unable to contain his excitement.

The girl at the podium was breathtaking.

Her delicate, fair features, perfectly proportioned figure, and youthful charm exuded an air of elegance and nobility, making her seem almost untouchable.

It was easy to imagine her topping the school's beauty rankings if such a poll existed.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Sakura Hayashi, from Kyoto. My Pokémon is a Dratini. I hope we can all get along for the next three years," she introduced herself, her voice soft and melodic, like a clear stream gently flowing into the hearts of her listeners.

This immediately caused an uproar among the boys.

"Dratini?! Oh my gosh, she's gorgeous and rich! This world is too kind to me—sharing a class with someone like her!"

"No way! If it weren't a Dratini, I'd have the courage to talk to her…"

The girls, on the other hand, whispered enviously:

"She's pretty, rich, and has such a sweet voice… How can one person have everything?"

All eyes in the classroom were glued to her, including Miss Qin's.

Miss Qin couldn't help but wonder, Why would such an outstanding girl come to Shuimu City for high school?

After a brief pause, she gestured toward an empty seat. "That seat over there is open. You can sit there."

Sakura scanned the classroom, her gaze landing on a familiar face with delight.

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"Hikaru-bro, she's looking at me! She's looking at me!" Shen Yue practically shook Hikaru's arm in excitement.

Hikaru resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Life's Three Great Illusions, he thought wryly. She's obviously looking at me.

"Hey, can you move to that other seat?"

Hikaru watched as Shen Yue's elation froze. The boy nodded stiffly, like a robot, and shuffled toward the empty seat.

Hikaru glanced toward the shadow under the desk and let out a sigh of relief. Good, no Gengar.

---

"I thought you went back to Kyoto," Hikaru remarked casually as Sakura approached.

After not seeing her for over ten days, he had assumed she'd returned home.

"Why? Can't I stay here? I'm originally from this city," Sakura replied, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.

She was used to his straightforward manner, though it often amused her.

Despite being the same age, Hikaru had always exuded a mature aura, as if he were far older than fifteen.

"No, it's just… Look at how they're staring at me now. It's like they want to eat me alive," Hikaru muttered, feeling the weight of the envious gazes directed his way.

Having a Charmander was already enough to make him stand out. Now, with Sakura sitting beside him, the attention was even more intense.

Sakura glanced around, her mischievous eyes glinting with a spark of mischief.

The next moment, she leaned in and wrapped her arm around Hikaru's, her voice turning sweet and playful.

"Big bro~ What's the problem?"

Hikaru's entire body stiffened, a shiver running down his spine.

"Let go," he hissed.

"Why? You didn't mind when we were younger," she pouted, her expression feigning innocence.

"That was when we were kids. It's different now. Class is starting—stop messing around."

"Fine…"

Sakura reluctantly released him, though a faint smirk played on her lips.

Hikaru couldn't help but feel relieved.

Close call. That could've been dangerous.

His focus needed to remain on his goal: training Charmander to become a champion and making that raincoat man regret his choices.

---

Up front, Miss Qin clapped her hands to regain the students' attention.

"Alright, settle down! I have an important announcement about this year's outdoor training event," she began.

"It will take place on September 3rd. This year, it's not just open to first-year students. Some second- and even third-year students will also participate."

"What?!"

The room erupted in protest.

First-year students had only recently received their Pokémon, most of which were still at the beginner stage. Second- and third-year students, on the other hand, had been training their Pokémon for over a year.

The gap in experience and strength was glaringly unfair.

"Quiet down!" Miss Qin's voice turned stern, silencing the room.

"Let me explain. The second- and third-year participants are limited to those who've obtained their second Pokémon within the last two months.

"Furthermore, the rewards will be tiered by grade level. First-years, second-years, and third-years will each have separate reward pools."

Her explanation eased some of the tension in the room.

Miss Qin continued, "The rewards are very generous. For instance, tenth place will receive three Dragonfire Berries and a C-grade treasure of any attribute…"

As she listed the prizes, the room buzzed with excitement.

---

Hikaru's heart raced.

Dragonfire Berries were rare fruits found in Mystery Dungeons, capable of slightly boosting a Pokémon's special attack. Each berry was worth at least 5,000 credits.

A single C-grade treasure, regardless of its type, could easily fetch a five-figure sum.

And the first-place reward? Ten Dragonfire Berries and an A-grade treasure, powerful enough to benefit even Gym Leader-level Pokémon.

So generous… Is the school always this extravagant?

---

"Alright, that's all for now. I'll distribute the detailed rules shortly. For now, everyone can self-study," Miss Qin concluded.

---

"Big bro, you seem really interested," Sakura teased, her melodic voice breaking his concentration.

Hikaru turned to find her smirking at him, clearly unfazed by the enticing rewards.

Must be nice to be rich, Hikaru thought bitterly.

To him, these rewards were incredible opportunities. But to someone like Sakura, whose Dratini was practically a walking treasure, they probably seemed trivial.

"I need resources to train Charmander," Hikaru replied honestly, pulling up the Entry Shop in his mind to check for new items.

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[Rosemary Incense]: Emits an irresistible aroma that lures Pokémon without triggering any detection measures. Costs 10 Entry Coins.

[Premium Pokémon Food]: …

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Hikaru's eyes lit up. The incense was perfect for the training event.

The rules revolved around the number of Pokémon defeated. This item would significantly increase their chances of encountering more opponents.

I have to buy it.

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"If you're short on resources, why not ask me?" Sakura's voice chimed in sweetly.

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