Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

Klein had been trying to gather information about this organization for a long time, but his efforts had yielded little. However, his visit to Silph Co. unexpectedly provided him with a breakthrough—the Hunter's Association.

As a Kanto Elite, Klein had access to more resources and connections than ever before. Information that was previously impossible to find online was now easily within reach. This was exactly the kind of advantage he had been striving for since that incident.

Meanwhile, on the internet, an academy course schedule had gone viral. Someone had leaked Klein's curriculum plan, sparking an explosion of discussion and mockery.

—Gyarados of Pallet Town: Language class? Isn't that just learning how to read? And math? Since when do trainers need to do arithmetic? This curriculum is insane!

—Snowflake: I'm actually curious about the history class. Growing up in Kanto, I've realized I know almost nothing about our region's history. Unless you go to a specialized library, all the information online is vague at best.

—Little Sandstorm: This just proves that Kanto's education system is outdated. Johto has always followed a rigorous elite education model, which is probably why most of their trainers end up being muscleheads.

As Johto-region users started hijacking the discussion, arguments broke out about which region had the best education system.

Before long, someone discovered that this schedule belonged to a newly established school. Upon looking up its name, they made an even more shocking discovery—its vice principal and disciplinary director was none other than…

The Sandstorm Elite, Klein!

Him again?!

Does he just love staying in the spotlight?

The topic spread even faster than Klein had expected. Many parents, upon seeing the detailed curriculum, the five-year education plan, and the numerous benefits, immediately flooded the Kanto League headquarters with inquiries.

For these parents, the academy represented a different path—one that wasn't solely focused on becoming a Pokémon trainer.

The reality was that many trainers had reckless, borderline delinquent tendencies. They could be destructive, selfish, and completely unconcerned with responsibility. This worried their families. Now, with a structured, disciplined school like this, parents were thrilled.

Meanwhile, many students who had already enrolled were mourning their fate. They had signed up expecting an easy path to becoming top-tier trainers, only to realize they had just entered what seemed like five years of hell.

"Lorelei, you're stirring things up again."

In the Ice-type Elite's office, Klein looked exasperated as he stared at Lorelei, who was orchestrating an online narrative with her network of influencers.

Originally, Klein had come to discuss the construction of the new Pokémon Center on Cinnabar Island. But as soon as he brought it up, Lorelei started using her connections to spread the curriculum leak even further.

Seeing Klein's expression, Lorelei chuckled and walked up to him. "Relax, this will work in your favor. Agatha saw the situation too, but it's better if I handle the public side of things."

Pushing up her glasses, Lorelei smirked. "But don't worry, I'll take care of getting the Pokémon Center approved. I'll deal with Cinnabar's local officials myself."

"They don't actually have any objections."

Cinnabar's leadership was very cooperative regarding the academy. The school would bring greater visibility to the island, boosting tourism and accelerating the development of the highland area. While other cities were reluctant to approve Pokémon Center expansions due to bureaucratic red tape, Cinnabar had instantly approved the project without hesitation.

In this world, the speed at which Pokémon Centers could be built was remarkable.

Just a day after Lorelei's approval, ten Machamp arrived, effortlessly laying bricks, placing beams, and assembling structures at an astonishing pace.

Klein was now certain—the Pokémon Center would be ready at the same time as the school's grand opening.

"So, you're the academy's disciplinary director?"

On his way back to campus, Klein heard a cold voice. Looking up, he saw a red-haired boy standing in his path, his gaze sharp and hostile.

Judging by his demeanor and appearance, this could only be Giovanni's son—Silver.

"Yes," Klein replied calmly.

It was obvious that Giovanni had forced his son to enroll in this academy.

"This school is a joke. I don't want to be here."

Klein showed no reaction to Silver's provocation and simply waited for him to continue.

At that moment, his Swinub popped out of its Poké Ball, jumping onto Klein's shoulder and rubbing against him affectionately.

Seeing the little Pokémon, Klein reached up to play with it. Swinub eagerly flopped onto its back, exposing its belly and letting out a small, hungry growl.

Didn't I just feed you…?

Silver frowned. He had always played the "cool and distant" role, but now, faced with someone even more indifferent than him, his irritation only grew.

"I'm not staying here for five years!"

"And?"

"I'll defeat you and prove that this school is worthless."

Of course, this old-school 'challenge the authority' tactic.

"If you want to prove your strength, why not take this practice test instead? Get a perfect score, and I won't make you stay."

Klein handed Silver a mock exam. The boy barely glanced at it before tossing it aside with a scoff. "This is pointless. What matters is battle! So, old man, do you dare to fight me?"

"Old man?"

Klein arched an eyebrow before casually tossing his Swinub forward. "One match. I'll let Swinub handle it."

The small Pokémon blinked up at him, then turned toward Silver, its round little body trembling slightly in excitement.

"Tch. Fine—Feraligatr, go!"

Silver sent out his Water-type powerhouse, and in an instant, a violent surge of water surrounded its massive frame. Its ferocious gaze made Swinub shrink back slightly.

This Swinub… was literally just born.

Klein stared at his Pokémon in a daze, mentally running through its known moves.

Hail, Ice Shard, Take Down, and Freeze-Dry.

Well, Take Down won't be necessary for this fight.

"Hail."

As soon as the battle began, Silver had a bad feeling. Swinub leapt into the air, summoning a flurry of snowflakes that quickly transformed the battlefield into a winter wonderland.

"Weather-based tactics? That's nothing special. Feraligatr, Crunch!"

The blue beast lunged forward, jaws snapping—only for Swinub to vanish in a blur, easily dodging the attack.

"What?!"

Swinub landed gracefully behind Feraligatr, its small figure blending seamlessly into the snow-covered terrain.

Taking slow steps forward, Klein looked at Silver.

"A Pokémon's abilities and moves may be common, but it's how a trainer uses them that makes the difference. Now, let's see how many Freeze-Dry attacks your Feraligatr can endure."

A shimmering, icy light shot forth, hidden within the snowfall. Feraligatr had no way of predicting its origin.

"Water-types aren't weak to Ice attacks! Block it!"

Silver chose to tank the hit—only to witness his Feraligatr visibly recoil in pain. Its entire body tensed as if its bloodstream was turning to ice.

Klein calmly picked up the discarded exam paper and pointed to one of the questions. "You got this one wrong. Freeze-Dry is super effective against Water-types."

Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Also, I'm fifteen. Not an 'old man.'"

(End of Chapter)