Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Final Sprint Before the Exam

With only two months left until the Junior Pokémon Breeder assessment, Cheng Cheng had no choice but to launch a sprint to the finish. There were two main areas he needed to focus on: first, the theoretical knowledge portion. Though there was a great deal to learn, Cheng Cheng adopted the strategy he used for the college entrance exams in his previous life: light learning, thorough organizing, relentless practice, and pattern recognition. Since he managed to handle the college entrance exams before, he refused to believe he couldn't pass this relatively minor assessment.

The other part was the growth and application of his psychic abilities. Although Cheng Cheng could already communicate with Pokémon, it was far from enough. To ensure success, he had to further strengthen his psychic powers and practice their application. Having immense psychic power but poor control could easily lead to trouble.

After clarifying his priorities, Cheng Cheng meticulously crafted a checklist and daily schedule. He would preview, learn, and review material every day, incorporating all three practices into one routine.

But, as always, the plan collapsed within two days. He hadn't even completed the checklist fully in the first two days; indeed, plans always fail to keep pace with reality. With a swift motion, Cheng Cheng tossed the checklist aside.

"I was about to bet you on how long you could stick to your plan, but you gave up so fast. If I’d known, I’d have made the bet first."

"Don’t criticize me—you're not much better yourself."

"At least last time, I scored higher than someone and ranked ahead."

"That was just an ordinary test; I wasn’t even trying."

"Neither was I. Anyway, this time, I’ll definitely outperform you in the Junior Pokémon Breeder assessment. Don’t let me pass while you fail."

"Don’t worry. Even if you don’t make it, I will."

Cheng Cheng stopped responding to Mu Zi and picked up his books to continue reviewing.

"Take your time then. I was going to tell you an easy way to improve your grades."

"What method?" Cheng Cheng fixed his gaze on Mu Zi.

"I don’t feel like telling you now."

"Fine, don’t tell me. It doesn’t matter—I’ve got my own methods."

Mu Zi, seeing Cheng Cheng refuse to take the bait, seemed a little annoyed.

"Go ahead and keep studying—hmph!"

Mu Zi stormed out of the classroom. And so, their relationship remained deadlocked until the monthly test.

This test was prepared specifically for the five people participating in the assessment. The questions were taken from the previous Junior Breeder assessment, but only the theoretical section.

This time, both Cheng Cheng and Mu Zi were extremely serious, each hoping to surpass the other.

However, Cheng Cheng’s theoretical score was a total of 324 points, which, after conversion, amounted to 129.6 points. The total required score was 500, meaning his practical assessment needed to net 370 points—over ninety for each subject. This was very difficult; he needed at least ninety in all four practical subjects, which seemed impossible.

Cheng Cheng had no solution—the theoretical questions were just too difficult. Even using the system to cheat, he didn’t score much. Pokémon language was especially incomprehensible; even the system couldn’t help. He scored only ten out of one hundred, all guesses, earning points only on multiple choice and true-or-false questions. It was even harder than an English exam.

Mu Zi didn’t fare much better but still outperformed Cheng Cheng, thanks to her stronger theoretical foundation. Both Cheng Cheng and Mu Zi were called in for a discussion with the teacher.

"You’re both aware of your scores, I assume. Continuing with the assessment won’t be much use; you should focus more on your current studies. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on what you’re supposed to learn."

"Teacher, I still want to prepare for the assessment. There’s only a month left—it’s fine."

"Me too, teacher. I’ll keep working hard and won’t neglect my regular coursework."

"Very well, it’s your decision."

Cheng Cheng and Mu Zi exchanged a glance and returned to their seats.

After school, Mu Zi found Cheng Cheng.

"You must realize, given our current scores, we’re unlikely to pass. Let’s join forces and work together. Your study methods are innovative and could help me a lot, and my experience can help you in turn."

Cheng Cheng, eager to become a Junior Breeder as soon as possible, agreed to collaborate with Mu Zi. He’d wanted to work with her all along, but for some reason, they’d started a cold war a month ago.

Over the next stretch, Cheng Cheng shared his study methods and Mu Zi her experience. Both saw their scores improve. Yet theory wasn’t the most important part—they excelled more in practice. To earn high marks, they needed to focus on practical skills.

From then on, the two often worked together, exchanging their insights and greatly improving their practical abilities.

They also engaged in Pokémon battles. Both had rather unique Pokémon, making the matches valuable for honing their skills.

"Go, Goomy!"

Pokémon: Goomy
Type: Dragon
Level: 28
Rank: Deep Green
Rarity: Rare
Ability: Sap Sipper
Hidden Ability: Gooey
...
Held Item: None
Moves: Tackle, Bubble, Absorb, Protect, Endure, Dragon Breath, Rain Dance, Confusion.

"Come out, Slowpoke!"

Pokémon: Slowpoke
Type: Water, Psychic
Level: 26
Rank: Blue
Rarity: Rare
Ability: Oblivious
Hidden Ability: Regenerator
...
Held Item: None
Moves: Curse, Growl, Water Gun, Psychic, Bind, Headbutt

"Goomy, use Dragon Breath!"

"Slowpoke, endure it, then use Psychic!"

The battle commenced once more, in their usual three-on-three format, to further build their experience.

"Slowpoke, use Psychic!"

Slowpoke’s psychic power immobilized Goomy.

"Now, throw it up and follow with Water Gun!"

Water Gun hit Goomy squarely, and Goomy crashed to the ground.

"Goomy, hang in there! Use Tackle!"

Goomy charged straight at Slowpoke.

"Slowpoke, we can’t lose! Use Headbutt!"

Slowpoke and Goomy collided head-on, with Slowpoke appearing to have the upper hand.

"Slowpoke, Water Gun again!"

"Goomy, use Endure!"

The opponent used Endure again—this move was truly worrisome.

"Slowpoke, use Curse!"

With Endure finished, it was time to boost attack and defense.

"Goomy, Dragon Breath!"

"Slowpoke, Water Gun!"

The two forces clashed, with Goomy clearly superior.

"Slowpoke, one more time, Psychic!"

Psychic immobilized Goomy again.

"Toss Goomy away!"

Goomy was slammed hard into the ground.

"Goomy, pull yourself together! Use Dragon Breath again!"

"Slowpoke, Headbutt!"

Slowpoke used Headbutt, crashing into the aura of Dragon Breath. Slowpoke held firm and charged forward, finally colliding with Goomy. Both lost their fighting ability.

"Next, it’s your turn. Go, Dragonair!"

Pokémon: Dragonair
Type: Dragon
Level: 40
Rank: Cyan
Rarity: Rare
Ability: Shed Skin
Hidden Ability: Marvel Scale
HP: 40/61
Attack: 48/84
Defense: 35/65
Special Attack: 37/70
Special Defense: 38/70
Speed: 50/70
Total: 288/420
Held Item: Dragon Scale
Moves: Wrap, Leer, Thunder Wave, Twister, Dragon Tail, Slam, Agility, Aqua Tail.

"Go, Chimecho!"

Pokémon: Chimecho
Type: Psychic
Level: 40
Rank: Light Green
Rarity: Rare
Ability: Levitate
...
Held Item: None
Moves: Wrap, Growl, Astonish, Psychic, Tackle, Uproar, Yawn, Psywave, Double-Edge, Heal Bell.

Indeed, Chimecho’s rank had reached Light Green. Over the past month, Cheng Cheng had purchased another rank-boosting potion, giving it to Chimecho, which not only increased its rank but also its level.

Another showdown between Dragonair and Chimecho began, tension mounting.

"Chimecho, use Yawn!"

"Dragonair, use Agility!"

Dragonair moved swiftly, evading Yawn.

"Dragonair, use Wrap!"

Chimecho was trapped by Dragonair. Cheng Cheng could have used this move himself, but the size difference between the two made it impossible.

"Chimecho, use Uproar!"

"Chimecho—Chimecho, Chimecho—"

Chimecho’s loud noise irritated Dragonair so much that it released Chimecho, who finally escaped its hold.

"Chimecho, use Psywave!"

Psywave struck Dragonair.

"Dragonair, use Aqua Tail!"

"Chimecho, use Double-Edge!"

Cheng Cheng chose direct attack over evasion. Both sides took significant damage.

"Dragonair, don’t lose! Use Dragon Tail!"

"Chimecho, use Astonish!"

Chimecho’s Astonish disrupted Dragon Tail.

"Now, Chimecho, use Heal Bell!"

Chimecho tried to heal itself, but Dragonair acted.

"Dragonair, use Agility, then Dragon Tail!"

Dragon Tail struck Chimecho, who lost its fighting ability.

"Next, come out, Lunatone!"

Pokémon: Lunatone
Type: Psychic, Rock
Level: 40
Rank: Green
Rarity: Epic
Ability: Levitate
...
Moves: Tackle, Harden, Psychic, Rock Slide, Hypnosis, Psywave, Moonlight, Psychic Boost, Wake-Up Slap.

Cheng Cheng sent out his final Pokémon, opting not for Mr. Mime but his strongest—he was determined to win.

"I didn’t expect you to use Lunatone. Let’s see. Dragonair, use Dragon Tail!"

"Lunatone, use Harden!"

Dragon Tail struck Lunatone.

"Again, Aqua Tail!"

"Lunatone, dodge!"

Cheng Cheng dared to take Dragon Tail, but not Aqua Tail.

"Lunatone, use Hypnosis!"

Lunatone quickly put Dragonair to sleep.

"Lunatone, Tackle!"

Lunatone collided with Dragonair, and Dragonair lost its fighting ability.

"Alright, next up—Altaria!"

And so, the two began their final month of special training.

The Junior Pokémon Breeder assessment was about to begin.