Chapter 4

Mysterious Hill

"Show yourself, little one!"

Inside the warehouse, Wei Xin pressed the button in the middle of the red and white ball. A red light, accompanied by a laser-like sound effect, caused a small Pokémon to land on the ground.

It wore a tan cloth cover, had simple patterns painted on its face, and a cloth lightning bolt-shaped tail on its back.

"So it's Mimikyuu."

Mimikyu is a Ghost/Fairy type Pokémon. Its true form is some kind of ghost, but in an attempt to achieve the same level of popularity as Pikachu, it was given a Pikachu-like body suit.

After realizing that no matter how hard she tried, she could not become as popular as Pikachu, she became very hostile towards Pikachu.

There are many legends about Mimi Hill, most of which are related to his true appearance.

For example, the people of Alola believe that once they see the true face of Mimichubri, they will be plagued by a strange disease, so they must never look at its true form.

It is said that a researcher once died on the spot after accidentally witnessing Mimikyu's appearance.

All I can say is that curiosity killed Xin Ye Miao.

Incidentally, the eyes on Mimikyu's suit are just paintings; Mimikyu observes its surroundings through two holes in its body.

Mimikyu landed on the ground, its head, painted with facial features, tilted slightly, opened its two small black eyes, and met Wei Xin's smiling gaze.

"Hello……"

"mound!!!"

Before Wei Xin could greet Mimikyu and exchange greetings, Mimikyu, realizing what had happened, panicked and fled, hiding in the shadows of a corner of the warehouse, bowing its head to the wall, its body trembling uncontrollably.

Shy? It looks more like fear.

Wei Xin crouched down and hopped up behind Mimikyu.

"Sorry, did I scare you?"

"Mimi..." Mimikyu shook its head, the cloth covering its body swaying from side to side.

"Mimikyu, you actually picked such a weak Pokémon. If it were me, I probably would have just given up," a passing student mocked.

Many students have always believed that for Pokémon, bigger is better and stronger is better.

Small Pokémon have a natural disadvantage in battles.

Mimikyu, as a special Pokémon, requires a very high level of professionalism from its trainers. Coupled with its appearance, which is not appreciated by the average person, and many negative rumors circulating about it, most people have a very poor impression of Mimikyu.

Moreover, it's a Mimikyu that didn't perform well in a crucial test.

"Mimi..." Hearing someone say that she was weak, Mimikyu lowered her head, and crystal tears welled up in her eyes.

I'm such a useless person, I'm so sorry...

Mind your own business.

Wei Xin glared fiercely at the student who had spoken rudely earlier.

My buddy only has one page on his household registration book, and he still maintains his manners. You have a happy family, so how dare you bark and howl like that?

You're waiting to get rid of your legal father and then find a biological father, right?

As a trainer (temporarily), Wei Xin felt it was necessary to protect Mimikyu's pride, even though he and Mimikyu were only temporary partners.

"Heh, you'll cry when you fail the exam."

The student made a face, clutched the prop in his hand, and left the warehouse with a grin.

"Mound..." The Mimic Hill in the shadows lowered its head in frustration.

I'm a useless guy, I'm really sorry.

"Don't listen to their nonsense." Wei Xin reached out and gently touched the cloth bag on Mimikyu's body.

Although Mimikyu may seem unremarkable compared to other Pokémon such as Garchomp, Charizard, Greninja, and Gardevoir, as a professional player, Wei Xin is very clear about Mimikyu's strength.

The ability to become immune to any attack with the Disguise ability, combined with Sword Dance which can boost attack power, can be enhanced with the right skills and items.

Even if an alpaca were to pass by, it would have to get a slap from me before it leaves.

"I know you're really upset right now, after all, you lost the match. If it were me, I definitely would be just as frustrated."

Mimikyu was feeling very down and needed an outlet, so Wei Xin didn't comfort him directly but instead expressed his approval of his behavior.

"But battles require the Pokémon and the trainer to work together. Even if you lose the battle, it's not your fault alone. Don't you agree with what I'm saying?"

Wei Xin believes that what Mimikyu needs now is not comfort, but someone to share the pressure of failure with him.

What it needs is the motivation to step onto the field again.

"Mound?" Upon hearing this, Mimikyu raised its head and tilted its head in confusion.

"A qualified trainer will always choose to share the glory and disgrace with their Pokémon, and advance and retreat together, rather than shifting all the blame for failure onto the Pokémon that has given its all," Wei Xin said.

Some people see Pokémon as private property, while others use them as a tool to transcend social classes. Wei Xin understands these people's thoughts, after all, the law grants them rights.

But understanding is not the same as agreeing.

He believes that all sentient beings should be given due respect.

"Besides, losing a match doesn't mean you've gained nothing. As long as you learn from your mistakes and apply them to the next one, you'll be fine. Don't you agree with what I'm saying?"

The water flows to the lower places, and the people go to the higher places.

Everyone wants to improve, and Wei Xin wants to too.

Wei Xin naturally wanted to win the match, smoothly enter the combat profession, and then reach the pinnacle of his life.

But as someone who has experienced the college entrance examination and has also ventured into society, he clearly understands one thing.

Exams are a shortcut; if you succeed, they can easily change your life; if you stumble, your life won't become bleak.

Becoming a battle-oriented student means you'll have an easier time becoming a trainer than others. Even if you fail the exam, it doesn't mean your path is blocked; it just means you'll have to walk a little further and enjoy a little more scenery.

As long as you don't go astray, life is actually quite forgiving of mistakes.

"Chirp!" Mimic chirp nodded, clearly agreeing with Wei Xin's idea.

"Little Mimikyu, do you dare to make a bet with me? I bet we'll win this exam beautifully?" Wei Xin stretched out his hand in front of Mimikyu.

"Chirp!" Mimic leaped and landed in Wei Xin's palm, trotting along his shoulder until it finally stood on Wei Xin's right shoulder, tilting its head and affectionately rubbing its face against his.

He was willing to risk everything for this person, and for himself, to achieve a glorious victory.

"Let's go then."

Wei Xin led Mimikyu to the shelf, where a round purple gem was placed.

"This is the Jade of Life. Carrying it will enhance the power of your skills, but each time you use a skill, it will consume your stamina. If you don't want to, I have other options," Wei Xin said.

Without saying a word, Mimiqiu extended a small black hand from under the cloth bag, grasped the Life Jewel, and took it into its body.

A woman adorns herself for her lover, and a man dies for his confidant. If the trainer in front of him is not worth his utmost effort, then there is no trainer in the world worthy of his devotion.

Even though he still wasn't sure of victory, he was willing to risk his life for a chance to win.

"Alright, with our combined efforts, we will surely defeat that incompetent fool." Wei Xin clenched his fists and said excitedly.

After collecting Mimikyu into the red and white balls, Wei Xin walked to the main entrance, placed the red and white balls in the middle of the skill memory machine, and began selecting skills.

"Sword Dance, Playful Tricks, Shadow Claw, and Spirit Sneak Attack."

Sword Dance increases attack power; the two types of attack skills deal high damage while also effectively preventing attribute disadvantages.

Wei Xin walked out of the warehouse. There was one minute left before the exam started, and everyone was waiting in their assigned areas.

Before Wei Xin even reached court number seven, he heard a familiar voice.

Three parts indifference, three parts biting coldness, and four parts nonchalance.

"Oh my, we really are destined to meet." The one who spoke was the student who had the conflict with Wei Xin in the warehouse earlier.

"Looks like I'll get a perfect score in this competition," the student said arrogantly.

Wei Xin gave a disdainful snort.

"A frog in a well always thinks the world is only the tiny place it sees." Wei Xin blurted out in response to the provocation.

He interlaced his fingers, raised them high above his head, did a simple stretch, took a deep breath, and calmed his tense emotions.

Amidst the pounding of his heart, Wei Xin slowly broke into a smile, holding the red and white balls up to his face. In his eyes, only the burning flames of excitement blazed fiercely.

"Next, let Mimikyu and I tell you what the vastness of the world truly means."