"There are two options. Firstly, I can help you register as a trainer so that you can receive a beginner Pokémon with excellent qualifications issued by the Pokémon Alliance. The trainer qualification costs 100,000 yuan, and an additional 100,000 yuan is required for the beginner elf.
However, for Qing Guwu, 200,000 yuan is a significant expense, and thus, Grandma Alan cannot support a child to become a trainer. Terrance had accumulated more than 2,000 yuan over the past four years, but it was still insufficient.
Therefore, the first option given by Master Shengzong would be of great help to Terrance. It would not only solve the problem of where he lives but also give him the identity of a trainer. This would enable him to enjoy preferential meals at the Pokémon Center and other benefits in many places.
"What about the second choice?" Terrance asked.
"The second option is that I will give you a chance to enter Tianguan Academy," Master Shengzong said without any haste.
"Tianguan Academy? What is that?" Terrance was intrigued.
Master Shengzong patiently explained, "Tianguan Academy is a comprehensive institution in the Sinnoh area. Along with the Champion Academy in the Kanto area and the Baiyin Academy in the Chengdu area, they are known as the three cradles of geniuses. The achievements of every graduate from Tianguan Academy will not be inferior to a player who can win the top three in the local conference. However, the graduation requirements of Tianguan Academy are very demanding, and it is not something that ordinary people can achieve. Similarly, admission to Tianguan Academy is even more stringent. If you don't have exceptional talent or background, you need a million yuan to buy an admission qualification."
Tianguan, Baiyin, Champion, the three major academies!
Terrance was surprised to learn about these three special places in the world. He had never even heard of them in his books.
"But it's not as powerful as you imagined. The three major colleges are all products of the old era. Take Mikri as an example. Even if he entered Tianguan College, he is still the top genius among them, and few people can match him." Master Shengzong explained it in detail to Terrance.
Terrance was presented with two options: the first was to become a qualified trainer, which would require hard work but provide the opportunity to achieve his dreams. However, the process of self-exploration could lead to unpredictable outcomes. The second option was to pass a rigorous assessment and gain admission to Tianguan Academy. Master Shengzong had recommended the academy, which offered exemptions from tuition fees, free accommodation and meals, and the opportunity to study battle tactics, regardless of whether one was a nurturer, coordinator, or trainer. However, admission to the academy was not easy, and one had to pass a severe assessment to gain entry. Failure to do so would result in the loss of two opportunities simultaneously.
Without hesitation, Terrance knew that as a qualified time traveler, he should choose the more challenging path. The easy option was not worth his time. Master Shengzong's hints were clear, and Terrance believed that he would make greater progress through tempering.
"I am willing to accept the assessment," Terrance said decisively, meeting Master Shengzong's expectations.
"Are you really sure? If you fail, you may lose all opportunities," Master Shengzong cautioned.
Despite the risk, Terrance was determined to try his best. "Yes, I want to try," he said.
Master Shengzong smiled approvingly. "Since you have chosen this path, let me tell you about Tianguan Academy, which can inspire your fighting spirit. As for the assessment, it is not the time yet."
Tianguan Academy was established a hundred years ago by a master-level trainer to promote the profession of trainers. Although it had not grown into a behemoth like the alliance, it was still recognized by the Pokémon Alliance as an independent force. The academy was very strong, with a comprehensive strength on par with the Four Heavenly Kings. Its faculty comprised mostly graduates who were elites in their respective fields, including coordinators, cultivators, trainers, scholars, and gym trainers. Even heavenly kings studied there.
Since the establishment of regional conferences and gymnasiums, the number of trainers had increased significantly, and the academy's status had dropped. However, Tianguan Academy remained a prestigious institution, attracting talented trainers from all over the region. While traditional aristocratic schools and kindergarten schools still existed in some places, they were not as influential as Tianguan Academy.
Tianguan College, Silver College, and Champion College are the only three remaining orthodox schools, boasting a century-old foundation and a public presence unmatched by emerging aristocratic educational institutions and organizations.
Master Shengzong, who graduated from Tianguan College and now serves as its vice president, is confident enough to recommend Terrance for admission.
"Graduating from Tianguan Academy enables you to even apply for a gym ownership with the Pokémon Alliance and enjoy their subsidies," he tells Terrance.
The college follows a four-year system, comprising elementary, intermediate, advanced, and graduation classes. In theory, students who enroll at the age of ten can graduate at the age of fourteen, but only a few individuals with exceptional qualifications can pass the graduation examination.
Some students remain at the college until their 20s, unable to graduate and eventually persuaded to leave. However, there are also geniuses who apply for grade skipping and finish all courses in just two or three years, displaying strengths comparable to their instructors.
Tianguan Academy, once abandoned by the times, is a cradle of geniuses, preserving a sliver of smoldering flames through recommendation and back-nurturing.