Noting Roy's expression of wanting to return the Pokémon, Principal Finn quickly explained:
"Don't worry—let me be completely honest with you. This young one is by no means inferior. If it had any serious flaws, how could I give it to you? That would be deceptive... I still maintain some reputation around here."
Seeing that Roy still looked suspicious, Principal Finn continued, lamenting his challenged credibility:
"This Squirtle's talent and appearance are exceptional. Even among starter Pokémon, it's a top specimen. Beyond its naturally awakened moves, it's also learned Icy Wind and Ice Punch..."
Hearing this, Roy's interest was piqued, and he opened his system panel.
In the Pokémon section, alongside Riolu, appeared another Pokémon.
[Pokémon: Squirtle]
[Gender: Male]
[Type: Water]
[Ability: Torrent]
[Moves: Water Gun, Tail Whip, Withdraw, Bite, Rapid Spin, Icy Wind, Ice Punch]
[Comprehensive Evaluation: D]
[Popularity: 237]
The system confirmed Principal Finn's honesty—he hadn't lied.
From E-rating to C-rating... in other words, comprehensive evaluations below C-level fell into the novice-level Pokémon category.
Pokémon rated between C and A- were considered to be in their 'growth period' or 'evolution stage.'
Pokémon at this stage entered a period of rapid development, with their potential quickly emerging before evolution.
A Trainer who could raise three Pokémon rated at C-level qualified as a senior trainer. This was the most populous class of trainers.
Riolu's current comprehensive evaluation was C-level, marking it as a growing Pokémon.
With only one Pokémon, Roy technically remained a novice trainer, but he could raise Riolu to C-rank within a week. Becoming a senior trainer was merely a matter of time.
Back to the present situation.
Squirtle's D-level comprehensive evaluation wasn't weaker than Riolu's before training. It represented top-tier potential among untrained novice Pokémon.
Moreover, this Squirtle showed strong talent with Ice-type moves—it actually knew more ice-type moves than water-type ones.
But if it were all positive traits, Principal Finn wouldn't have displayed such ecstatic behavior earlier... Roy thought briefly and guessed:
"Does Squirtle have behavioral issues? Is it disobedient to its Trainer?"
Was this like the rebellious Squirtle that Ash encountered early in his journey?
"No, Squirtle is very well-behaved and obedient."
Principal Finn shook his head as his expression suddenly turned peculiar.
"It's just that its thought process is... unique. It always develops its own interpretation of your instructions and teachings."
"Like what?" Roy's heart sank.
"Recently, a student made a mistake and had his student ID card frozen by a professor. He came to me to have it reactivated. Squirtle happened to be nearby, so I asked it to take the card to be unfrozen. For such a simple task, it just needed to deliver the card to the dean's office..."
Principal Finn turned away, presenting Roy with his dejected back.
"But Squirtle felt that merely delivering the card to the Administrative Office wouldn't adequately demonstrate its capabilities."
"It... actually put the student ID card in the microwave oven and heated it!"
"..."
Roy was shocked.
One word perfectly described this unique thought process.
Literalism.
After leaving the principal's office, Roy ultimately decided not to return the Pokémon.
Regardless of the circumstances, when you choose to accept something, you must take responsibility. Since his previous life, Roy had deeply appreciated creatures like Pokémon. If not for his limited resources and energy, he would gladly raise numerous Pokémon he admired.
Besides...
"It may be a bit simple-minded, but it's very obedient and talented. With proper guidance, it can certainly improve."
That was Roy's reasoning.
Back in the classroom, he attended another course on Pokémon battle tactics. After learning the principles behind several popular competitive strategies, lunchtime arrived.
As the chief recommended student, Roy had access to an exclusive cafeteria for his Pokémon.
The food represented the highest quality—various premium brands with daily menu changes to prevent Pokémon from growing bored while meeting their substantial energy requirements. Compared to scholarships, the cost of these exclusive dining privileges was considerably higher.
Just one Pokémon could accrue food expenses reaching tens of thousands of Pokédollars daily.
Over a semester, this would represent an astronomical figure.
Clearly, the university wasn't providing this as a profit-making venture but was funded by government grants allocated to nurture talented Trainers.
Considering the status of Trainers in this world, such expenditure could be considered "defense spending."
Unfortunately, after taking just two bites of the so-called premium products, Riolu immediately longed for the taste of energy cubes.
"You don't like these?"
Roy asked, surprised.
Riolu nodded, then shook his head.
Through their aura connection, Roy clearly understood Riolu's meaning.
The food was indeed delicious, but its taste impact fell far short of energy cubes, and in terms of energy content...
Compared to energy cubes, Riolu felt something was missing from these foods.
Seeing Riolu's dissatisfaction with these premium products—items that would thrill most trainers—Roy truly realized how extraordinary energy cubes were.
They represented a revolutionary product.
If properly managed, the profit potential was enough to create the world's wealthiest individual, drive countless people to desperate action, and potentially alter national power structures...
Simply by selling energy cubes to Trainers within the region alone would increase the average capability level of national Trainers.
Roy thoughtfully opened the system mall and located the energy cube maker, priced at one million points—not cheap, but reasonable.
One million points, considering what it represented, seemed almost inexpensive.
Roy could potentially acquire the Power Cube Maker now.
However, he understood the principle that "wealth makes one a target." If he revealed this technology now, he would instantly be pursued by various factions and corporate predators who would leave nothing for him.
At minimum, he needed to wait until becoming a professional trainer, or even an elite trainer, before announcing his revolutionary energy cube invention while protecting his interests and safety.
Roy exchanged for more energy cubes. As Riolu's strength increased, its energy demands grew correspondingly. Previously, two energy cubes satisfied a meal, but now it required four—double the previous amount.
After Riolu had eaten and drunk its fill, Roy retrieved another Poké Ball.
"Come out, Squirtle!"