Chapter 19: 19. Vileplume
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Dragon University is one of the top universities in China, with a history spanning more than 100 years. It is widely recognized as the "cradle" of dragon breeders. From here, countless Pokémon Breeders and researchers have emerged, each making significant contributions to the industry. As a result, gaining admission to the Breeding Department of Dragon University is extremely competitive.
Chris had set his sights on Dragon University as his first choice. After enjoying the hotel's buffet breakfast, Chris took a taxi to Dragon University. All the nearby hotels were fully booked, likely because many others had also come to take the exam.
The taxi quickly left the city and followed the coastal road. In the distance, Chris could see a small island dotted with buildings, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant flowers. That was the "Flight Campus" of Dragon University, a prestigious campus located on its own island.
After passing the coastal road, the taxi crossed a two-kilometer-long bridge spanning the sea. It was said that when the Flight campus was first established, there was no bridge, and students had to either fly on Flying-type Pokémon or travel by Water-type Pokémon over the sea. Even now, Chris could see someone flying toward the campus on a Pidgeot.
In addition to regular crosswalks, the bridge had special lanes for Pokémon. Chris saw Trainers riding Arcanine, Rapidash, and even Rhyhorn across the bridge at full speed.
"Should I catch a Pokémon to use as a mount first?" Chris thought excitedly. In the game, he hadn't encountered a suitable Pokémon for riding yet.
Mightyena? Too small. Onix? Too big and slow for the road. What Pokémon would make a good mount?
As Chris pondered this, the taxi arrived at the entrance of Dragon University.
"Here we are, student!" the driver said.
"Thanks" Chris replied, paying the fare and stepping out.
The school gate was packed with people. Despite Dragon University staggering the exam times, students from both the first and second rounds were present, along with parents dropping off their children for the exam.
Chris hadn't told his parents that he was taking the Dragon University entrance exam. He planned to inform them once he had decided on a university, to avoid causing them unnecessary worry.
After showing his admission ticket, Chris was allowed into the campus. The sight that greeted him was a lush, green expanse, as if he had entered a vast forest. Despite the presence of human-made buildings, everything blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Amidst the greenery, patches of white stood out, catching his eye.
In addition to being renowned for its Breeders, Dragon University was also known for its beautiful female students. According to a survey, boys tended to prefer battling with aggressive Pokémon like Fire and Electric types, while girls leaned toward breeding and coordination, often favoring Water and Grass types. As a result, Dragon University had a large number of skilled female trainers, especially those specializing in Water Pokémon.
Naturally, with more female students on campus, the university became known for its beauty. Chris swore that this was not why he had come to Dragon University.
Absolutely not!
That said, the sight of the students in their stylish outfits, including JK uniforms, and black and white stockings, was captivating. It was only natural to appreciate beauty, and Chris found himself glancing a few more times than he had intended.
"You act all innocent, but it seems like this is your style after all," a familiar, teasing voice suddenly came from Chris's right.
Turning, Chris saw a girl standing nearby. She wore a brown halter dress paired with a short skirt, black boots, and light makeup on her delicate face. Two heart-shaped earrings dangled from her ears, and her long burgundy hair cascaded down her back.
"What a powerful presence that girl has" thought Chris.
Chris looked at her, finding her familiar but unable to recall her name immediately.
"And you are...?"
"It's only been a month since we graduated, and you've already forgotten your classmates?" the girl snorted softly.
"Classmates..." Chris racked his brain, trying to match the face before him to someone from his past. Finally, he locked on.
"Amy?" Chris asked in disbelief.
Amy and the person standing in front of him shared similar features, but Chris couldn't reconcile the girl in the school uniform he remembered with this confident, mature beauty. Could someone really change so much in just a month?
"It seems my charm is undeniable," Amy said, clearly pleased with Chris's reaction.
"Hehe, Vileplume. Are you also applying to the Breeding Department of Dragon University?" Chris asked, surprised. In a previous life, Amy had studied at Dragon University and even entered the financial world after graduation. But since Chris didn't attend alumni reunions often, he knew little about her "future."
Chris was more familiar with her high school nickname, "Vileplume." She had earned it for being strong, loyal, tall, and beautiful—a natural leader, much like a Vileplume. The rumor was that she even owned a Vileplume.
Amy glared at him for using her high school nickname, clearly annoyed.
"No, I don't like the Breeding Department. I applied for the Battle Department, and I've already passed the exam."
As she spoke, the Poké Ball on her waist clicked open, and a Croconaw appeared in front of them.
"Crocooo!" Croconaw roared fiercely.
Feraligatr and Vileplume? Chris thought it was a fitting pair. But he still believed she was more suited to a Machamp, considering her commanding presence.
Dragon University's Battle and Breeding Department exams were held on different days, and the Battle Department exam had ended five days earlier.
"Anyway, I've got something to take care of. Let's have a meal together sometime," Amy said, glancing at her watch before striding away confidently.
Chris checked his own watch. It was almost time for his exam as well. He turned and followed the signs to the exam venue. A friendly senior student, wearing a volunteer uniform, was helping guide candidates.
Chris quickly found the classroom for his written test. Inside, about twenty students were scattered across the room, each deep in thought.
"Why does this feel like the college entrance exam?" Chris whispered to himself.
In many ways, it was just like that. But the content was all Pokémon-related. The exam focused on Pokémon Breeder knowledge, interspersed with information from the Pokédex and battle strategy lore.
For example, the third question on the test asked:
"Torchic occasionally devours small stones on the ground. What else does this do besides aid digestion?"
Torchic was a popular Pokémon, and the answer was well-documented in the books. Chris, as a diligent student, easily recalled the information. He filled in the answer: "promotes digestion and raises the temperature of the flames it produces."
One of the bonus questions required students to complete a Pokémon type effectiveness chart. As long as someone had studied their books, they could handle most of the test without much trouble.
The real challenge lay in the open-ended questions at the end. One question in particular stood out to Chris:
"If you have a regular Nosepass, please write down your detailed Breeder plan for it." (30 points)
Chris was stunned when he saw this topic.
What a coincidence! This question felt like it was meant just for him. Roxanne's Nosepass was one of his favorite Pokémon to study. Smiling, he dove into his answer, ready to give it his best.