-120- Senior, I want to talk to you... (Please subscribe!) (3/3)

Of course, even if the initial placement test at the start of the semester doesn't go well, it doesn't mean one is barred from participating in experiential travel-based learning.

Jiahua University holds three exams each semester: the first-month exam, the midterm, and the final exam. After the first month of classes, the school conducts a unified assessment. Students who pass this assessment can naturally choose to pursue travel-based learning or continue studying on campus. The midterm exam is similar to the first-month exam but takes place two and a half months later. The final exam determines whether a student advances to the next semester. Those who fail or do not complete the final assessment will not progress to the next semester but must repeat the current one.

Therefore, many students, even if they pass the first-month and midterm exams, may hesitate to opt for travel-based learning because the final exam carries immense weight. Students lacking confidence in their abilities tend to avoid travel-based learning. Although it allows them to study outside the school, failing the final theoretical or practical Pokémon assessments will still result in repeating the semester.

Speaking of which, during the initial placement test, Tongzi achieved a perfect score in the theoretical exam and was exempted from the practical one. A perfect theoretical score is impressive, but being exempt from the practical exam signifies something more: it means he was granted recognition by the homeroom teacher without needing to take the test. Even Lin Jintong, a student specializing in battles, had to participate in the practical exam, which underscores how difficult it is to earn such an exemption.

Everyone knew that Tongzi led the training class to victory over the Grass-type class. Even the head of the disciplinary office acknowledged Tongzi's exemption from the practical assessment. At this moment, Mr. Gu shook his head, furrowing his brows deeply. Was it really wise to let Tongzi participate in travel-based learning? For Tongzi, it would be beneficial, but for the school… was it truly in their best interest?

Many outstanding students who go on travel-based learning are often recruited by better schools during their journeys. Mr. Gu was keenly aware of this. If he signed the approval form, he might very well lose Tongzi, a precious talent. In just over two months, there would be the Top 100 Universities Championship. To achieve excellent results in this competition, aside from the student secretly trained by the Pokémon Association, Tongzi’s participation was crucial. Mr. Gu was torn.

“Mr. Gu?” Tongzi waved his hand, urging him to snap out of his thoughts.

“Tongzi, let me think it over, alright?”

After a long silence, Mr. Gu finally spoke.

“Huh?” Tongzi was a little confused. Having scored full marks in theory and being exempt from the practical, there seemed no reason for Mr. Gu to refuse his travel-based learning application.

“Your situation… is somewhat special. Let me think about it. You should return to your class for now,” Mr. Gu said, effectively dismissing Tongzi for the time being.

Tongzi nodded and turned to leave the disciplinary office. Before departing, he glanced back at Mr. Gu, seeing the teacher’s troubled expression.

“Is applying for travel-based learning really that complicated?” Tongzi muttered to himself, unable to comprehend the difficulty.

That morning’s class was Pokémon Theory, held in the large lecture hall. Since the training class was small, they attended class alongside students from the Archaeology class. Tongzi sat next to Weinanis, discussing topics about archaeology and fossils all morning. He also learned that Qi Bingyuan, who had gone with Weinanis to the Green Leaf Forest last time, was oddly not in the Archaeology department but rather in the Nursing department.

It was worth noting that although no male students had applied to the training department in recent years, there was at least one case in the past of a male student enrolling just to impress girls. As for Qi Bingyuan’s Nursing department, it had never admitted a male student since its establishment. He was the first.

“Little Qi… could it be that he’s there to chase girls?” Tongzi asked innocently.

Weinanis shot him a glare, thinking, “Who are you to say that?”

“Ahem… he has the heart of a white-robed angel,” Weinanis coughed, trying to ease the awkwardness.

Tongzi shrugged, clearly unconvinced.

After class, Tongzi, Weinanis, and Jiang Tao went to the cafeteria for lunch. Afterwards, it was time for the school’s ongoing club recruitment. Although the semester had been underway for a while, club sign-ups appeared to continue uninterrupted.

“Tongzi, have you signed up for any club?” Jiang Tao asked, waving the pineapple bun in his hand. Despite having eaten enough for two people at lunch, Jiang Tao bought an extra pineapple bun—an oversized one—fearing he’d get hungry later during class.

“I probably won’t join any. I’m already planning on going for travel-based learning,” Tongzi shared his upcoming plans while eating.

“Yeah, I envy you, Tongzi.”

“Good grades mean you can do whatever you want~” Jiang Tao and Weinanis exchanged glances, their words tinged with envy. Their own grades were average, and Jiang Tao had even gained admission to Jiahua University through family connections, so travel-based learning wasn’t an option for them.

“Hey there, have you joined a club yet?” As the three chatted, Tongzi noticed a familiar girl approaching.

“Are you interested in joining our Flow State Club?” she asked.

The name struck a chord with Tongzi. He still had that poster at home. The Flow State Club suggested endless mysteries and seemed like a club centered around psychic abilities.

“I’ve already joined the Manga Club, so I’ll pass,” Jiang Tao declined decisively, as he was passionate about manga.

“I’ll pass too. Joining a club isn’t as relaxing as taking a nap,” Weinanis said lazily, preferring his rooftop naps over club activities.

“What’s the main focus of the Flow State Club?” Tongzi, despite preparing to travel, was curious.

“Huh?” The girl, who was about to walk away, was surprised by Tongzi’s interest.

“Ah! Let me tell you about our club!” The senior suddenly became enthusiastic. “Flow state refers to the experience of being fully immersed in an activity. In psychology, it describes the mental state when a person is completely focused on a task—like an artist engrossed in their creation. Those in flow typically resist interruption and prefer not to be disturbed. In essence, it’s the feeling of channeling all your mental energy into one endeavor…”

Hearing the senior’s lengthy explanation, Jiang Tao and Weinanis excused themselves, bidding Tongzi farewell as they headed back to class. Tongzi, however, felt a spark of interest.

Her description focused on human experience, but what about Pokémon? Could the flow state concept extend to them, possibly linking to psychic abilities?

“Senior, I’d like to learn more from you.”

…(To be continued)