April 10th, Saturday.

Lu Ye's original plan was to stay in Suimài City for a few more days.

With no important schedules recently, staying in the scenic Suimài City could be considered a vacation.

He also intended to borrow the gym facilities from Gym Leader Byron for training purposes.

Given Byron's straightforward personality, he definitely wouldn't refuse.

For the academic community,

The research results exhibited these past few days were nothing short of an earthquake.

The updated Pokédex data once again shocked trainers' understanding.

They stared blankly at the three shadowy figures marked with question marks on the Sinnoh region Pokédex, expressions full of confusion and disbelief.

"So... these Legendary Pokémon actually exist?"

"Even if I have the Pokédex data, there's no way I could catch them!"

"What do you know? Teacher Lu must have seen or even captured Legendary Pokémon, that's why he dared to reveal this information!"

In the field of ancient languages, all researchers were overjoyed by this new achievement.

The deciphering of Sinnoh's stone tablets represented a major breakthrough in paleography, likely to profoundly impact research on stone tablet texts in other regions.

The author's name, Lu Ye, was firmly imprinted in these researchers' minds.

"Isn't this the same Teacher Lu who just participated in the Mikuri Cup two days ago?" one researcher exclaimed in shock.

"I strongly suspect he's just showing off - he even annotated the pronunciations!" a colleague lamented while pounding his chest.

"As a Champion, if you need to explore ruins and battle Legendary Pokémon to train your team, knowing some ancient language is perfectly normal, right?" This was most fans' opinion.

When the news reached Donghuang, Old Principal Du Yuanshan of Mo University felt somewhat dazed.

Previously hearing about Lu Ye having master-level skills, he hadn't quite believed it. The rumors kept getting more outrageous, culminating in claims of him being a Champion.

He knew Lu Ye was strong... but he was just a finance major about to enter his junior year - surely not this ridiculous, right?

As for news about this Scientific Summit, it was confirmed by the attending research professors.

So this kid was following the "Return of the God of War, must conceal identity" script in Donghuang?

Then switching to Sinnoh League, transforming into a dragon when encountering favorable winds?

Du Yuanshan's eyebrow twitched as he clutched his chest: "My blood pressure's rising again..."

In Kanto, the founding principal of Celadon Academy was filled with regret.

"Teacher Lu... is a doctor of ancient languages?"

I actually had such talent teaching middle school students, and let him slip away!

"I must find an opportunity," the founding principal slapped his thigh angrily, "to see if we can erect a statue at Celadon University and invite Teacher Lu back."

In reality,

Teacher Lu, who had picked up the "Sinnoh Son-in-Law" script, was seeing off Mengmengda at the port.

The sea was calm, with several Wailord's massive blue backs visible near the suspension bridge.

Lu Ye thought to himself: "If not for the upkeep costs, capturing a whale would be pretty cool."

Saphira in their group chat had a Wailord named 'Elulu'. But her father being Professor Birch, keeping a Wailord was no problem.

"Then, I'll accompany grandmother back to Celestic Town first," Cynthia said with a soft smile, standing before the departing ferry.

Lu Ye glanced behind Cynthia at Professor Mustardseed, who pretended to gaze at the sea while actually giving them privacy.

Returning his gaze to Cynthia's fair, delicate face partially hidden by golden hair, Lu Ye said:

"How about a kiss before you go?"

"..." With passengers boarding all around, Cynthia maintained her smile but her eyes turned sharp with warning, faint pink coloring her cheeks.

Undeterred, Lu Ye continued: "I'm not picky - cheek or lips are both fine."

"Hand," Cynthia said with a cold smile.

Lu Ye extended his hand, and slender, soft fingers slipped into his palm. Before he could savor the delicate touch, pain radiated from his thumb web up his arm.

Seeming to realize she'd used too much force, Cynthia paused briefly before instinctively stroking the spot with her thumb.

Then her hand was suddenly captured in turn by a strong, warm, clean hand.

After several seconds of holding hands, a beautiful blush spread across Cynthia's snow-white cheeks. Their hands reluctantly parted as the ferry sounded its horn behind them.

"Goodbye," Cynthia said smiling.

"Goodbye," Lu Ye replied, "I'll miss you."

"Ahem!"

Professor Mustardseed's indistinct cough sounded behind them. Leaning on her cane, she slowly approached: "The ship is leaving, Bamboo Lan."

Cynthia nodded slightly, fingers waving elegantly in the air as she turned with a smile.

Lu Ye called out: "Give my regards to Aaron! Tell him to rest more after work and try to put in more hours!"

Cynthia's reply was lost in the noise.

As the ferry departed the peninsula-shaped Suimài City, Lu Ye saw a message from Cynthia appear on his screen:

"This afternoon there's the 'Most Valuable Award' prize collection from the Scientific Summit - just pick whatever suits you best."

An unexpected prize?

Lu Ye paused, then asked: "What about you and grandmother?"

"We don't need it - grandmother is already very happy. So am I," Cynthia replied smiling.

Looks like I'm the only sad one in this city.

Nodding, embracing his son-in-law (?) role, Lu Ye responded:

"Understood, I'll take whatever catches my eye!"

Cynthia replied with three thumbs-up emojis.

Ending the chat, Lu Ye glanced at today's memo and murmured:

"Wait... today I still need to make Byron and Suimài Gym experience pain..."

The summit prize selection could wait until later. He could contact Professor Oak after the vendors left.

Today's main task was obtaining Haunter's Mega Stone.

Then, while ensuring personal safety, test its effects at Suimài Gym.

Last time with Blastoise's Mega Evolution, Teacher Lu needed two weeks to recover.

This time, to repay old grievances (crossed out)... to test the Mega Stone's quality,

Teacher Lu decided to temporarily prioritize his trainer career.

And bring smiles to Suimài Gym and Mr. Byron!

Lu Ye involuntarily shuddered.

"When I get serious, even I scare myself!"

"Gengarrr~(≧∀≦)♪"

"Stop laughing foolishly - come home with me, I'll show you something great!"

...

At the Suimài City guesthouse,

Teacher Lu sat cross-legged on the large bed, expression serious.

Sylveon and Togepi sat on either side of Lu Ye, with Haunter floating directly opposite. The other little ones surrounded the bed.

"Arf?(O_o)??" Arcanine tilted its large head, looking puzzled at the dark red orb on the bed.

"Blastoise...ヾ(⌐■_■)" Beads of sweat formed on Blastoise's forehead - it sensed extraordinary pressure from this orb.

"Quack!o(ﾟДﾟ)っ" Ignorance breeds courage. Sirfetch'd poked the orb with its leek, drawing everyone's attention with "swish swish" sounds.

The duck maintained a calm "is that all?" expression, earning collective awe from the turtle, ghost, and others.

Truly, the wise and courageous Sir Instructor!

Lu Ye: "..."

Why did you have to poke it for no reason?

Gazing at the beautiful but dangerous dark red orb, Lu Ye saw its description:

[Haunterite: An orb with peculiar energy that can use bonds to enable Haunter's Mega Evolution. (Reality, shatter! Spirit, break! Banish this world!)]

Lu Ye: "..."

Such meaninglessly edgy lines.

But honestly, Mega Evolution without some catchphrase does feel lacking.

"Gengarrr?" Haunter licked Lu Ye, who was hugging his arms in deep thought.

"Hmm... I'm debating whether 'Return to your original form' or 'Rejoice!' would work better," Lu Ye said casually, taking out a Forest Yokan energy bar from his pocket and biting into it.

"Gengarrr!(✪ω✪)" Haunter's eyes sparkled as it pulled its long tongue, making "boing boing" sounds.

Lu Ye: "You... cosplaying as Tahm Kench?"

Mega Evolution, also called Super Evolution.

According to Professor Sycamore's theory, it's an emotional bond between trainer and Pokémon allowing temporary evolutionary breakthroughs to unlock new forms.

This form can't be maintained long and consumes significant trainer stamina.

After all, one essential Mega Evolution item, the Key Stone, requires trainer activation.

"I wonder if there are trainers who've fainted from Mega Evolution," Lu Ye mused.

"Ash collapsed from injuries while synced with Greninja. My Mega Evolution situation seems equally precarious..."

Under the little ones' watchful eyes, Lu Ye took out a business card and called Professor Sycamore.

After introductions, Sycamore exclaimed in an exaggerated tenor:

"You've decided to Mega Evolve Haunter? The intimate bond between trainer and Pokémon - how wonderful!"

Lu Ye: "..."

You Kalos people and your flashy preferences.

"I wanted to consult you," Lu Ye coughed lightly, "about reducing the trainer's stamina consumption after Mega Evolution."

"That is indeed a worthy research topic," Sycamore said seriously. "Actually, like your Eastern concept of vital energies, Mega Evolution utilizes this energy."

"Aura?" Lu Ye ventured.

Sycamore laughed: "Yes, that theory exists too - Mega Evolution occurs when aura briefly exceeds frequency limits."

"I recommend, besides personal training to strengthen body and spirit, using healing methods like Heal Bell or Healing Pulse to regulate condition."

Lu Ye had an epiphany.

Should've said so earlier - just have Blastoise hit me with a "Revival Tea Cannon"!

Lu Ye: "...That sounds even worse."

But since aura works, I can use Aura abilities on myself.

Might as well borrow some Revival Herbs from Blastoise for public use!

"Blastoise..." Sensing Lu Ye's gaze, Blastoise broke out in cold sweat.

Lu Ye smiled gently:

"Blastoise, let's discuss something..."

...

After promising future premium supplements,

Teacher Lu successfully appropriated Revival Herbs from Blastoise's held items, preparing to visit Suimài Gym.

Hearing Teacher Lu wanted to train at Suimài Gym, Byron readily agreed.

"Haha, of course no problem!"

Just training - it's not like he could destroy the gym, right?

Lu Ye said politely: "I apologize for the trouble..."

"Hahaha, no trouble at all. Train freely - I'll take responsibility if anything happens!" Byron laughed heartily.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

Lu Ye smiled slightly, leading his team grandly toward Suimài Gym.

En route, Haunter extended its tongue with the dark red orb, licking tirelessly:

"Gengarrr~(*⊙~⊙)"

Lu Ye looked over.

Haunter kept swallowing and regurgitating the Mega Stone, resembling rumination. Thankfully its stomach was a fourth-dimensional space unaffected by acid.

"Whatever," Lu Ye sighed. "It licks Dusk Stones and Toxic Orbs the same way."

Arriving at Suimài Gym's entrance, a muscular vest-clad apprentice greeted:

"Mr. Lu Ye, Gym Leader Byron is waiting inside. Please follow me."

Suimài Gym resembled a large mine, with rocky battlefields predominant.

"Demolishing this would feel amazing,"

Teacher Lu thought idly.

In the gym leader's arena, Lu Ye unexpectedly saw a familiar face.

"Oh, Teacher Lu!" The unshaven, brawny Byron stood to welcome him, introducing casually: "This is my good-for-nothing son Roark."

The safety-helmeted, scholarly Roark retorted: "Though lacking ambition, still better than Suimài City's gym leader."

"Ho! You brat dare talk back!" Byron glared.

"Fossil collecting is my hobby," Roark adjusted his glasses. "Please don't disparage my interests or dismiss my wishes."

"Your fossil collection would make me laugh my teeth out!" Byron laughed with hands on hips.

Lu Ye: "..."

This father-son pair shared fossil hobbies, often battling with fossil Pokémon in genuine father-son matches.

Such familial harmony.

"My apologies for this," Roark turned and bowed to Lu Ye. "I've heard your purpose. You may train here directly."

"Hey brat, this is my gym!" Byron shouted behind him.

Lu Ye smiled wryly, nodding to Roark: "Understood."

With a wave, six flashes of light appeared as the little ones lined up obediently to observe.

As leader, Haunter swaggered onto the rocky battlefield with Mega Stone on tongue, hands on hips.

"Gengarrr!"

Feeling awesome.jpg

Byron and Roark stopped bickering, curiously observing Teacher Lu's Pokémon.

Seeing the snow-white adorable Sylveon, Roark felt rising dread from past domination.

"So strong..."

The sharp-eyed Byron murmured hoarsely: "Comparable to new Elite Four members' aces..."

Roark swallowed hard, asking quietly:

"Teacher Lu, what's today's training about?"

Lu Ye smiled kindly and answered:

"Mega Evolution."