Pokémon: The Master who emerged from the slums

"Machop, how do you like these energy cubes?" James asked, observing Machop quickly devour both types of energy cubes. He held two cubes in his hands: one shimmering with a blue hue, the other with a translucent brown glow.

Without hesitation, Machop pointed to the shimmering brown energy cube. James's expression faltered slightly, and he sighed inwardly. He knew that these high-quality energy cubes were more expensive to make. He had planned to purchase some for Machop, but due to budget constraints, he could only provide the standard energy cubes for now.

"These energy cubes are made from regular berries," James explained. "They're nutritious, but they might not be your favorite." He tried to smile, though a hint of melancholy lingered. "Once we have more resources, we'll be able to provide you with better food."

Upon hearing this, Machop's eyes gleamed with determination as he softly responded, "Machop~" James felt a warmth in his heart. He realized that Machop wasn't concerned about the quality of the food but was more focused on their shared future.

"Alright, let's not dwell on this," James said, patting Machop's head to change the subject. "You've worked hard today. Let's take a bath together and relax." From his knowledge, he knew that proper bathing and massage could aid in a Pokémon's recovery and growth.

Excited, Machop exclaimed, "Machop, Machop!" He eagerly anticipated this bonding time with James.

The next morning, James was awakened by the alarm clock. It was Monday, and school was in session. With Machop's Poké Ball in hand, he headed to school. The school had a designated area for Pokémon activities, equipped with basic training equipment for daily exercises.

In the activity area, James released Machop, who began his training. "Machop, I have classes today. Train well here, and I'll pick you up at noon," James instructed. Machop nodded in understanding. Observing the other Pokémon around—some lounging lazily, others playing—Machop paid them no mind. He walked toward the training room, determined to improve himself to better assist James.

In class, James's thoughts wandered. Thanks to the system's knowledge infusion, he was already familiar with the course material. Suddenly, Ms. Laura entered the classroom and announced exciting news: "Everyone has received their starter Pokémon. The school will host a Pokémon tournament, with the top winners receiving generous rewards and the opportunity to be recommended to the five major universities of the Violet League."

Hearing this, James's heart raced. This wasn't just a substantial reward; it was a chance to enter a top-tier university. He knew this was crucial for his and Machop's future.

Ms. Laura continued, "The campus competition will be held next month, giving you a month to prepare. Train your Pokémon diligently and build a strong bond. Additionally, our class will hold an internal competition to better hone our skills!"

At this point, a student raised their hand and asked, "Ms. Laura, when will our class competition take place?"

Ms. Laura replied, "It starts tomorrow afternoon. You have six months until graduation; seize every opportunity to improve yourselves."

Another student inquired, "Ms. Laura, are there rewards for the class competition?"

Smiling, Ms. Laura responded, "Lucy is correct. While the class competition isn't official, I hope you all take it seriously. The upcoming school-wide competition is also a chance to showcase our class's strength. To motivate you, I'll contribute 5,000 Alliance Coins from my salary as a reward for the class champion!"

The students began to discuss among themselves, the atmosphere lively. James calculated in his mind that this 5,000 Alliance Coins would be enough to purchase a substantial amount of berries, providing ample energy for Machop's training. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and he felt a surge of confidence. This was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to enhance his strength.