Chapter 23

(Biology Class)

Another day dawns for Professor Jacq's Biology Class. He greets his students, saying, "Hello, hello. I hope everyone's ready to learn some new things today! I seem to remember teaching you all about the importance of Eggs in our last class together."

In our previous session, we had been hatching eggs, which proved quite enjoyable, given the absence of any day care facilities in the Paldea Region, our first stop. Professor Jacq continues, "Ah, on that note, is everyone using their Pokédex? It registers Pokémon born from Eggs as well as those encountered via other methods, so don't you worry about that! And, uh, hehe...just so you know, I'm the one who developed the Pokédex app! It was waaay before I started teaching here at the academy, though."

He then delves into his backstory, saying, "Back then, I was a researcher. In fact, Director Clavell wasn't working in education at the time, either! He was researching alongside me at the same facility. We got to research Pokémon together day in, day out... Those sure were fun times. I got yelled at all the time, though. Heh."

Pausing momentarily, he asks, "Wait a second, how did I get onto this? Pretty sure I was talking about the Pokédex... Uh... Anyway! Today, I'd like to teach you about catching Pokémon."

Looks like it is something that I already know. He continues, "As you all know, a great way to catch a Pokémon more easily is to first lower its HP. But there's another way to up your chances of a successful catch. Can you guess what it is?"

"We can just inflict the Pokemon with a status condition," I suggest, and Professor Jacq smiles, "Wow! That's right, Florian! Great job! The correct technique for making Pokémon easier to catch is to inflict them with a status condition.

Sleep is an especially effective status condition. It makes Pokémon drastically easier to catch! If you have a Pokémon that can use moves that put opponents to sleep, like Sleep Powder or Hypnosis, filling up your Pokédex will be a cinch! There are other ways to improve your catch rate as well, like using Poké Balls specifically designed to be effective against certain Pokémon. Eating food that gives you Catching Power works, too—or sneaking up on Pokémon from behind to catch them by surprise when you start a battle!"

Having Catching Power by eating food is something that I am not really sure of since it is unique to this region. "If you're having trouble, you may want to make the rounds to the Gyms to get Gym Badges. Earning Gym Badges will make it easier to catch Pokémon of higher and higher levels! Please do come show me your Pokédexes once they start to fill up!"

As the bell rings, he sighs, "Another day, another enjoyable class. Oh yeah, don't forget—our next class will be the mid-term exam!"

Half a semester has already flown by; time truly does pass quickly.

(Math Class)

Professor Tyme kicks off the math class with enthusiasm, saying, "Hello, everyone. Let's have a fun class today. Tell me, do you all enjoy fortune telling, horoscopes, and the like? I think it feels great to read your horoscope and see that it says good luck is coming your way. So today, I'd like to teach you all math while focusing on the topic of luck! Perhaps you have seen the following phrase crop up during Pokémon battles before... 'A critical hit!'"

The concept of critical hits playing a role in battles surprises me, considering it's a math class. Tyme explains, "When a Pokémon's attack lands as a critical hit, the damage it deals is increased by half. In other words, it does one-and-a-half times as much damage as it normally would! It is truly luck that determines whether your Pokémon lands a critical hit—or has one landed on it. This can cause a great upset in battle. Does anyone know what percent chance a Pokémon has of landing a critical hit?"

Serena confidently raises her hand and answers, "About four percent?"

"That is correct! Well done, Juliana!" Tyme beams, "The chance of landing a critical hit is said to be 1 in 24...which figures to roughly 4.17 percent. The odds are more favorable for certain moves, though—why, moves such as Stone Edge and Shadow Claw have about a 12 percent chance! You can also use a move called Focus Energy or an item known as a Dire Hit. Both raise the critical-hit ratio by two stages—that's a 50 percent chance to land a critical hit!"

I'm not particularly keen on using X items, but the information about critical hits is valuable. Tyme continues, "It feels great to land a critical hit, but perhaps not so great to be struck by one! There is a surprising amount of mathematical probability hidden in Pokémon battles, you know. If you're able to do the calculations that'll swing luck in your favor, it may open the door for more strategic choices for you during battle."

As the bell signals the end of the class, Tyme remarks, "Oh, my. Is that the bell? I suppose that's all for now. What a shame... Next class will be our fun midterm! I hope you'll all be looking forward to it."

(History Class)

History Class has always been one of my favorites, and today, Professor Raifort kicks off the session with a warm greeting, saying, "Greetings, my little students. Whatever you did yesterday, it is now a part of history. Today, we will continue to unravel the marvels that history has presented to us."

She begins, "As you should remember from our last class, Area Zero's Great Era of Exploration began about two thousand years ago. This era lasted for approximately one thousand years, but not a single soul was able to venture all the way to the deepest reaches of Area Zero. Having poured much of its human and financial resources into the exploration of Area Zero for so long, the Paldean Empire fell into decline."

It's always intriguing to delve into the rise and fall of empires. She goes on, "Two hundred years later—or eight hundred years ago—the empire and its surrounding nations united into one entity. This was the formation of Paldea as we know it today. Ah yes, this very academy where you're now filling your young minds with knowledge was also apparently established at that time. In fact, this school building—though certainly having undergone repairs through the years—is just as it was when it was built so long ago."

This school indeed holds a special place in history, especially when compared to places like Hammerlocke and Alola. I can't help but smile as she adds, "This very structure is a piece of history! Ahh! Things of old are truly splendid! I would certainly prefer it not to have the Poké Ball portion, though—a relatively new addition."

Then she notices my presence and says, "Aha. Perfect timing to make eye contact, young Florian. Let's see if you've been listening to my lecture. Tell me—approximately how many years ago was this academy of ours established?"

"About 800 years ago." I confidently reply, as I've been keeping up with the lesson. She smiles and nods, "Correct! I see the look of concentration on your face was indeed just that. I hate nothing more than when a student only pretends to listen. This academy was constructed exactly 805 years ago, to be precise. In other words, your academy here is 805 years old! At the time, it offered state-of-the-art facilities and a uniquely innovative curriculum. As such, people used to say..."

She pauses, taking a breath before continuing, ""Those seeking knowledge need look no further than the oranges and grapes of Paldea." That's right—they were referring to Narauva Academy! It is said that this proverbial phrase was even used outside of the Paldea region."

As the bell rings once more, she remarks, "Oho, is that the time already? I must've gotten swept up in filling your minds with knowledge. This ends today's lesson. Our next class will be our midterm exam. Bring the wonders of history to the forefront of your minds in preparation."

(Language Class)

Professor Salvatore's language class always begins on a cheerful note. He exclaims, "My dear friends! How ARE you all today? You certainly look fantastic! It's time for another one of Salvatore's Language Lessons! Êtes-vous prêts—are you ready?!"

Since there is no immediate response, Professor Salvatore repeats, "Ahem. Êtes-vous prêts—are you ready?!"

We all respond in unison, "Yes!/Oui!" and he smiles, saying, "Très bien! Very good! My lessons are not a one-way street! Non non! I am très triste when no one speaks up! Very sad, that is!"

He then proceeds with the lesson, saying, "In our last class, I believe I taught you all how to say "delicious" in other languages, right? In le cours d'aujourd'hui—today's class—we will learn about a very special phrase that you can put to use when the time is juuust right!"

With words displayed on the board, he continues, "Ai shiteiru! Je t'aime! Te amo! Ich liebe dich! Does anyone know what these phrases mean?"

Serena raises her hand and answers, "The words mean 'I love you'!"

"Fantastique, Juliana! Correct! You deserve a médaille d'or—a gold medal! Je t'aime! Te amo! Ich liebe dich! These three phrases you may know, I think! Why? Because they're all quite famous ways to say "I love you!"

Observing some students blushing, he playfully remarks, "Oh, my! Have I embarrasses you all, my friends? What timides little garçons et filles—shy boys and girls, that is! It's so very important to express your feelings about things to others, you know! This is ESPECIALLY true for positive emotions! If you get married someday and argue with you spouse over some silly little thing... All you have to do is apologize and say "I love you" et tout ira bien—and all will be well, that is! I should know! Why, just last week, I had a big argument with ma femme—my dear wife, that is! But I was quick to say I'm sorry, and all was well!"

As the bell rings, he concludes, "And now, apropos of nothing, let me give you all one of my wise words of advice! It's best to be quick to apologize when you have an argument with someone! That goes for your families, friends, AND your crushes! I know you can do it! I believe in you! Our prochain cours—our next class—will be the midterm exam! Be sure to review what we learned in all our lessons so far! Adios! Mata ne!"

(Battle Studies)

As we gather at the court for Battle Studies Class, Dendra rushes in with a smile, exclaiming, "Another day, another round of battle study! Osu! Let's get right to it! Last time, we learned about Tera Raid Battles! Did any of you have a chance to try them out? Tera Pokémon are super strong! And the more difficult ones will use an even tougher tactic that you'll need to deal with."

As some students appear confused, she clarifies, "I'm talking about their Tera Shield! What happens while a Pokémon has its Tera Shield up, you ask? Well, it'll take WAAAY less damage, for one! It has a big effect on morale, too! When Trainers see that shield go up, they feel doomed—like there's no way to win the battle! So, here's a question for you! If the Pokémon you're battling puts up its Tera Shield, what should you do?"

I raise my hand and respond, "We can Terastallize and attack the shield. It works sometimes."

She looks at me with a smile and remarks, "That's right! You're a regular Tera Raid Battle master, aren't you, new kid? Regular attacks don't work so well against Pokémon that have their Tera Shield up. But having your Pokémon Terastallize is an effective method to overcome that issue! A Terastallized Pokémon will do more damage to shielded Pokémon—especially if it uses moves that match its Tera Type! Dealing enough damage to a Pokémon with its Tera Shield up can destroy the shield and break the Pokémon's stance! This means that it's important to properly time your Terastallizing in Tera Raid Battles."

Then she concludes, "In conclusion! As they say, fight fire with fire and Tera Pokémon with Tera Pokémon! Be sure to work together with your teammates to smash through your opponent's Tera Shield!"

As the bell rings, she sighs, "Aw, man! I was just about to suggest we do some hands-on practice to really drive the point home, but I guess we're out of time once again... Next class will be our midterm exam! Aim for a perfect score! Osu! Osu!"

(Art Class)

As we gather in the Art Classroom, Professor Hassel introduces Professor Gible to the class once more, saying, "Hello, class! It is I, Hassel, yet again. I've been told that my previous lecture about the Terastal phenomenon was very well received. Thank you all for your kind words! In fact, Ms. Dendra specifically requested that I impart even more battle knowledge to my students... So, I have decided that today we will take another look at how a Pokémon can Terastallize!"

He turns to Professor Gible and requests, "And of course, here is Professor Gible to help us. Now then, Professor Gible. If you would be so kind as to Terastallize for us..."

To our surprise, this time, after Terastallization, Gible has a giant snowflake on top of its head, indicating that it is now an Ice Type. Professor Hassel asks, "Now, what do we have here? Last class we saw Grass-type Terastallizing, but this time we have something of a different shape. Observe, a Tera Jewel resembling a snowflake! Its dendritic shape is stunning to behold. It's a little chilly standing so close to it... So, class... What Tera Type do you imagine this jewel might represent?"

Is this the question that he's asking? Serena sighs and answers, "Ice Type."

"Excellent, Juliana! Full marks for you!" He nods, "The reason there's a snowflake shining above Professor Gible's head is simple—it is now an Ice type! And because Professor Gible is currently the Ice type... Ice-type moves would not be very effective against it. Keep in mind, usually they would deal quadruple damage to Gible!"

The idea of changing a Pokémon's Tera Type intrigues me, and I wonder if it's something I can utilize for Pikachu in the future. Professor Hassel continues, "Now, here's some trivia about snowflakes: while snowflakes come in many different shapes and sizes, most are classified as hexagons! Just think of it... Snowflakes fall from the sky, taking similar shapes without anyone saying they must. Do you not feel the great mystery of nature? The beautiful enigma we live in?!"

His sudden passion catches us off guard, but he quickly returns to his usual self, "*cough* Ah, this is a bit of a tangent, but Mr. Jacq's glasses are also hexagonal, aren't they. I almost forgot to mention that you can change a Pokémon's Tera Type at the Treasure Eatery located in Medali. Though I must say the cook there is a little... prickly—you'll need to get on her good side if you want her help."

Knowing that we can change Tera Types in Medali is valuable information. As the bell rings, Professor Hassel concludes, "Now, come prepared for next class, because it is time for your midterm examination! Thank you for today, Professor Gible."

(Home EC Class)

As we gather for Home Economics Class, Professor Saguaro enters and instructs, "Put away your phones. It is time to begin class."

He begins, "In my last class, I taught about HP restoration. However, after class, I was asked by several of you about Power Points, commonly known as PP. When a Pokémon loses all of its HP, it faints and can no longer battle! What, then, happens to a Pokémon when it loses all of its PP?"

I know this very well, I confidently respond, "It can't use moves."

Saguaro acknowledges my answer, saying, "Perfectly correct, Master Florian! Perhaps you know this from firsthand experience? When a Pokémon runs out of PP, it can no longer use its moves. However, each move has its own store of PP, so you can mitigate PP loss by using a variety of moves rather than just one move repeatedly. If a Pokémon loses all PP for all of its moves, it will only be able to use Struggle—an action that also damages the Pokémon that uses it. In order to avoid this predicament, PP can be restored at Pokémon Centers along with HP."

He continues, "Items such as Ethers and Max Ethers can also be used to restore PP. Be careful not to confuse Potions with Ethers in the heat of battle! However, Ethers are not sold at shops, so you should use them judiciously if you find them. The stronger the move, the lower its maximum PP. Do not waste uses of these moves unless you wish to quickly run out of PP. It is important to find balance in a Pokémon's set of moves. As you can see, HP isn't the only thing you must keep an eye on while adventuring with Pokémon."

As the bell rings, he concludes, "I hope that you will all take care to ensure that your partner Pokémon can perform at their best as you engage in the Treasure Hunt. Our time together has come to an end for today. Our next meeting will be an examination day. Be sure to review well in preparation."

As the final exam approaches, Nemona takes it upon herself to gather the students for some extra tutoring sessions to ensure that everyone passes. Serena and I don't mind these sessions much, as we are confident in our ability to pass the exam with ease. However, it becomes apparent that Drandon and Luke are struggling with Nemona's tutoring, and they find the material challenging.

Because of their difficulties, tomorrow's Titan hunting expedition will consist of only the two of us, Serena and me, along with Golly. The rest of the group has decided to stay behind and focus on preparing for the upcoming midterm exam, which is an important step in their academic journey.

We understand the importance of balancing our training and studies, and we hope that the additional time spent with Nemona will benefit Drandon and Luke as they work towards improving their knowledge and skills.

Here is a new chapter, and we're done with the third classes for each subject. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the Lurking Steel Titan.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Dolliv, Squawkabilly x4, Naclstack, Charcadet x2, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Maschiff, Shroodle, Toedscool, Klawf, Scovillain, Flittle, Tinkatuff, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Finizen, Cyclizar, Flamigo, Clodsire