The next day, August 14, dawned bright and clear.
"Did you forget anything?" Mary asked Aron, her eyes scanning him as he stood there with just a backpack.
"Mom, this is the tenth time you've asked me." Aron smiled helplessly.
Mary gave him a stern look and said, "Son, it's normal for a mother to worry,and this is your first time traveling so far alone."
Aron patted his chest confidently. "Don't worry, I have everything I need. I'll take care of myself."
Aron, like many other smart freshmen, had already sent his luggage to school instead of carrying it along. Traveling light was clearly the smarter choice, and Aron prided himself on his practicality.
As Lukas drove, he chuckled and said, "When you get there, stick close to your cousin. After all,she stayed an extra year,ask her help if you need it."
"I know," Aron nodded.
Lukas continued, "And remember, be low-key and act high-class. Don't embarrass our Smith family."
Speaking of this, Lukas's eyebrows fluttered and he said loudly: "When I was in college, I was a legend. Everyone knew me,everyone respected me."
"Get to the point," Mary interjected with an annoyed glare.
"Hey, this is the important stuff!" Lukas grinned sheepishly and carried on, "Don't get into fights with your classmates. But if you do, handle it properly. Remember, conflicts can be settled on the battlefield."
"If something unjust happens, just call us," he added. "Even though you're in the imperial capital, remember that the Smith family isn't to be trifled with,and your grandfather's name carries a lot of weight."
"Anyway,if you're ever in real trouble, just mention your grandfather's name. It'll solve everything!" Lukas finished with a flourish.
Hearing this, Aron became even more curious about Hugh Smith 's specific responsibilities.
He saw a lot of strange things about the Peace River Forest incident some time ago, and just a phone call caused such a big battle.
Helicopters are nothing unusual. He can also let a helicopter pick him up and drop him off to school if he wanted to.
The most important thing was the five people who followed closely behind Hugh Smith . They were obviously well-trained, and each of them was a well-known big shot.
"It must have something to do with the magistrate..." Aron thought to himself.
Limited to his current level, and Lukas and mother did not take the initiative to tell him, Aron failed to know Hugh Smith 's specific responsibilities.
But judging from the attitude of Lukas and Mary, and the unconcealable fear on the Pokémon hunter's face at that time, the old man must be a ruthless person.
Although he was very curious, Aron chose not to ask his parents for details. If they hadn't mentioned it, there was likely a reason.
Throughout the ages, countless traversers have gotten into a lot of trouble because of their inexplicable curiosity.
After a while, the car stopped in front of the train station in South Riverland City.
"We won't go in with you," Lukas said, turning to Aron. "You're on your own now."
"No problem," Aron assured them with a nod.
Mary looked at him for a moment, countless thoughts in her mind finally turned into a simple yet heartfelt warning: "Be careful."
Aron nodded heavily, then waved to the two and got out of the car.
When the car gradually disappeared from sight, Aron looked up at the tall train station, and was fascinated by the three large characters on it—South Riverland Station.
"Imperial Capital, here I come."
Aron spoke in a low voice, his eyes full of expectation, he walked towards the inside of the station.
---
Meanwhile, in North Riverland City,
Anliang Village...
"Claire, you have to be obedient when you get there," the old lady advised, leaning on her cane. "Don't fight with your classmates. If you feel wronged, call Grandma."
Claire, her hair tied in a high ponytail, looked determined, though her slightly reddened eyes betrayed her emotions. She pursed her lips tightly.
"Make sure you have everything," the old lady continued. "There'll be lots of people on the road, so don't lose your belongings. And call Grandma once you've reached college."
"Okay," Claire nodded firmly.
"Eevee~" Little Eevee lay on Claire 's shoulder, stretched out its little paw and waved at the old lady twice.
"Take good care of her, Eevee," the old lady said with a warm smile.
"Eevee!" The little Pokémon nodded enthusiastically.
The old lady's eyes softened as she added, "Don't be homesick, Claire. Study hard. Grandma's counting on you to bring us to the big city someday."
"I'll work hard," Claire replied, her voice filled with resolve.
"Okay, accept all the money your neighbors give you. The Imperial Capital is a big city, and there are many places that need money."
Speaking of this, the old lady had a bright smile on her face and said: "You are the only one in our village who has been admitted to university this year, and according to the village chief, Kunlun University is a particularly good one."
The old lady's smile deepened. "Alright, alright, enough talking. Go start your new life, girl."
Claire's gaze swept over her kind grandmother, the wagging tail of the Poochyena by the door, and the old house where she had spent her childhood.
She took a deep breath and said softly, "I'm leaving."
"Go on," the old lady said, waving her hand.
Dragging her luggage, Claire didn't look back. She walked away, resolute and determined, stepping forward towards a brighter future.
---
South Riverland City is located in the southwest region, thousands of kilometers away from Imperial University in the northeast. Although the speed of the train is not what it used to be, it still takes more than half a day.
Of course, flying would have been faster and cheaper, but he prefers to enjoy the scenery of various places through the car window and get in touch with the world up close.
The train was quiet, filled mostly with students heading off to university.
Aron noticed the excited chatter in the class group chat as classmates shared photos of their departure: Paul at the gate of East Sea University, Sara Yale outside Easton Magistrate Academy, and others.
Aron couldn't help but think of Claire from Anliang Village, wondering which university she was admitted to.
As he leaned back, his phone buzzed with a message from his cousin, Bella.
Bella: "Where are you? How much longer?"
Aron: "Almost there. About three hours away."
Bella: "Alright, I'll pick you up with my boyfriend.
Aron: "Boyfriend?"
Bella: "Yes, I'll introduce you later."
Aron put his phone down and relaxed in his seat, watching the scenery fly past.
The imperial capital was just ahead.