-049- The Supernova Project? (The author is feeling whimsical today and plans to post three chapters!)

“Now, Tong Si, I believe you understand why I’ve come to see you today. As the Best Newcomer of Jiahua City, I believe you have the strength to join the Supernova Program and become one of the key talents cultivated by our Spirit Association.” Lin Mo finished speaking and took another sip of tea.

Tong Si, on the other hand, fell silent after hearing Lin Mo’s words. Indeed, as the Best Newcomer of Jiahua City, he qualified for this so-called Supernova Program. The leadership of the Spirit Association naturally recognized Tong Si’s abilities.

But had they ever considered how “I” felt?

Tong Si frowned and shook his head. “Sorry, I refuse.”

“Hm? Why is that? Joining Jiahua City’s Spirit Association’s Supernova Program is a great opportunity. We offer preferential treatment to every Supernova candidate—top-grade spirit eggs, skill discs, battle items, all prioritized for you. There are even dedicated battle trainers to guide you in practical training. This is a chance most rookie Trainers can only dream of!” Lin Mo spoke passionately, but Tong Si remained unmoved.

“Sorry, I still refuse.” Tong Si’s reply was firm and unhesitating.

“Can you tell me why?” Lin Mo, puzzled, pressed for an explanation.

“Master Lin Mo, everything you mentioned hinges on winning the Top Hundred Championship or at least achieving a good result. If not, wouldn’t all of this be futile? As far as I know, Jiahua City currently ranks eighth among the eleven major cities in Linhai Province. In previous Top Hundred Championships, Jiahua City’s schools have performed rather average. So, why should I waste my time on this competition? Not only do I have no interest in the Supernova Program, I don’t even want to participate in the Top Hundred Championship!”

Drawing on the original host’s memories, Tong Si knew a bit about the rankings of Linhai Province’s cities and the past championships. Upon learning that the Supernova Program was meant to serve the Top Hundred Championship, Tong Si lost all interest in it.

True, joining the Supernova Program would bring plenty of resources, but currently Tong Si was not lacking in that regard. At the Golden Dawn Club, he could also access various resources. What the club didn’t have, he could exchange for through the system—just needed to earn more points.

Speaking of points, winning major tournaments would grant bonus system rewards. But Tong Si knew that, at his current level, he was only king among Jiahua City’s rookie Trainers.

In the top-ranked cities of Linhai Province, outstanding Trainers were as common as blades of grass. Of course, Tong Si never underestimated himself; he was determined to surpass them one day—but not yet. As a rookie Trainer just starting out, setting his sights on the stars and the sea was unrealistic.

Tong Si’s two initial spirits were an Electabuzz of Gym Leader-level aptitude and an Eevee of Quality-level aptitude. But what about the spirits owned by the top Trainers in those leading cities? With so many scions of wealthy families and the vast resources of the Spirit League, Tong Si wouldn’t even be surprised if a rookie Trainer brought out a pseudo-legendary spirit.

If they could produce pseudo-legendary spirits, what about their aptitude? So far, the highest aptitude spirit Tong Si had seen in Jiahua City was only Gym Leader-level. He did not believe that was the ceiling for the rookie Trainers in the big cities. If someone had a Champion-level spirit, how could Tong Si compete?

All things considered, Tong Si decided it wasn’t worth participating in the Top Hundred Championship. It was just a contest of wealth and connections. Lin Mo had no idea what Tong Si was thinking; he only felt displeased hearing Tong Si’s earlier words.

“What do you mean, if you can’t achieve good results, everything is futile? Tong Si! You need to understand: spirit cultivation is a slow process. Even if you don’t win at the Top Hundred Championship, with the Supernova Program your progress will far exceed what it is now. The benefits over these months are real—they can’t be considered wasted!”

“Even if Jiahua City’s current ranking in Linhai Province isn’t high, that’s not set in stone. Sooner or later, our city will break into the province’s top three. That’s why we’re working so hard to cultivate a batch of outstanding rookie Trainers, isn’t it?”

“Of course, I know those big cities’ rookie Trainers have endless resources, and their spirits are stronger than ordinary ones. But since our Spirit Association has launched the Supernova Program, we’re ready to invest in you. As long as you Supernova candidates work hard and train diligently, we promise not to fall behind the big cities’ rookies when it comes to resources. This year, Jiahua City is determined to win the top spots in the Top Hundred Championship!”

Lin Mo spoke with fervor, growing more and more excited, as if he had some ace up his sleeve. But Tong Si, after hearing his speech, only felt more resolute in his refusal to join the Supernova Program.

Admittedly, Lin Mo’s promises were tempting. Resource scarcity was a major reason many Trainers failed to advance, and joining the Supernova Program was a dream for most. Yet Tong Si had his own considerations.

“Still, I’m sorry, Master Lin Mo. I truly have no interest in the Supernova Program. I only want to run my breeding house well.”

Tong Si stood up, ready to see his guest out.

“You! Tong Si! I really didn’t expect you to lack so much ambition!” Lin Mo also stood, glaring at Tong Si in disappointment.

“Tong Si, I hope you reconsider. If you change your mind before classes start at Jiahua University, come find me at the Spirit Association.” With those words, Lin Mo took his leave.

“The Top Hundred Championship will be held in winter… If time permits, perhaps I could participate.” After Lin Mo left, Tong Si murmured to himself in the courtyard.

Just as he’d thought, without sufficient strength, entering the championship would only make him a background competitor. Some wouldn’t even qualify as mere backgrounds—they’d just make up the numbers.

The leading cities in Linhai Province were far beyond Jiahua City’s reach. There, genius was never in short supply.

Tong Si had no desire to be a stepping stone for those geniuses. If he were to enter the Top Hundred Championship, he would aim for the championship itself!

As for the Supernova Program, Tong Si truly did not want to take part. No Spirit Association would ever allocate resources to Trainers for free. Joining the Supernova Program meant binding himself irrevocably to Jiahua City’s Spirit Association.

Tong Si’s stage would never be limited to Jiahua City or Linhai Province alone!

… (To be continued)