Sinnoh Region, Suimài City, Library.

The Scientific Summit was being held at the nearby exhibition hall.

The spacious hall had already gathered numerous teams. Scholars in white lab coats were exchanging ideas with each other.

Due to the long journey, Professor Mustardseed had only arrived in Suimài City this morning.

At that moment.

The three of them sat on individual sofas in the reception room, with a coffee table in the middle forming a triangular arrangement.

Professor Mustardseed leaned both hands on her cane handle, staring meaningfully at Lu Ye.

Lu Ye: "..."

A long silence ensued.

"Gengarrr~(*⊙~⊙)"

Taking advantage of others' inattention, Haunter peeked out from the shadows on the floor, extended its long tongue, swept away all the small cakes on the coffee table, and retreated back into the shadows.

Just as Teacher Lu was about to speak.

Professor Mustardseed waved her hand: "No need for pleasantries. Tell me, when are you coming to Celestic Town again?"

Cynthia: "Grandma!"

Professor Mustardseed glanced at Cynthia, then turned back to Lu Ye:

"Last time you activated the two orbs, I was worried there might be side effects."

"Come to the Celestic Town Research Institute, and I'll examine you."

Lu Ye nodded, then asked Cynthia: "What did you think Grandma wanted me to go to Celestic Town for?"

Cynthia blinked slightly, placing a slender hand on her chin as she fell into thought.

"Ouch—" Lu Ye got poked in the thigh by Professor Mustardseed's cane.

"It's too early to call me that yet," Professor Mustardseed snorted. "You saw how much Bamboo Lan sacrificed this time."

"Just because the two orbs acknowledged you doesn't mean I do!"

"Understood." Lu Ye nodded with a smile. "Next time I visit Celestic Town, I'll cook for you."

"Hmm... acceptable." Professor Mustardseed nodded faintly.

Regarding side effects, Lu Ye had already checked himself using 'Aura', confirming there were no hidden issues.

Coming to Suimài City, Sylveon had already gained Cresselia's 'Lunar Power', which was a significant harvest.

There was no need to add a scientific gold medal and a Mega Stone... lest he exhaust himself completely.

"I should remind you not to be overconfident about this year's awards."

Professor Mustardseed said to Lu Ye: "The competition at the Scientific Summit is exceptionally fierce. Every year, scholars present outstanding achievements."

"My team has never won gold at the Scientific Summit... ahem, anyway, just do your best!"

Lu Ye was slightly taken aback.

Professor Mustardseed's team had never won gold?

Suppressing a smile, Lu Ye sat up straight and nodded: "I understand. The spirit of science isn't about honor and fame. It's about the instinct to explore the unknown."

Professor Mustardseed and Cynthia both looked at Lu Ye with surprise.

Perhaps this was why someone so young could delve so deeply into ancient languages.

Professor Mustardseed smiled slightly and nodded: "Do your best. Professor Oak is serving as a judge this year, which removes one strong competitor."

Teacher Lu was thunderstruck, his eyes widening:

"Professor Oak isn't participating in the judging!?"

"Don't get too excited."

Professor Mustardseed glanced at Lu Ye. "Even without him, the competition is still extremely intense."

At this moment.

Teacher Lu's emotions were like a rollercoaster, rising and falling.

Just moments ago, he'd heard Professor Mustardseed had never won gold. Now the "number one researcher" had withdrawn.

Didn't that mean the chances of winning gold had just increased?

"Calm down."

Lu Ye analyzed rationally.

"Legendary Pokémon data isn't that rare. At least in Kanto, data on the Legendary Birds and Beasts has been collected before."

"Plus, this time's data isn't comprehensive. Not aiming for gold, silver would be fine... the odds are still good!"

Lu Ye: "Understood. Results first, awards second."

Professor Mustardseed looked at Lu Ye and nodded slightly.

It was good that the young man wasn't arrogant or impatient.

In this research project, Lu Ye had contributed through translating documents, field investigations... his efforts were evident to all.

Professor Mustardseed had to admit she'd been impressed when seeing the final results.

Her eyes gleamed.

Perhaps this time, there really was a chance... to aim for higher honors!

...

The discussion concluded.

Cynthia needed to go to the exhibition hall to prepare her presentation. Professor Mustardseed went to catch up with old friends.

Teacher Lu had intended to accompany Cynthia in her preparations, but she refused.

"Just wait quietly in the audience."

Cynthia smiled slightly, her gray eyes shining with determination.

"I will definitely win gold."

Because for this thesis, both of them had put in so much effort.

From the Unown at the Ruins of Void, to the howling blizzards at Snowpoint City, and finally the space-time tremors at White Poplar Town.

Every page of text carried the genuine belief of trainers exploring the unknown.

The key wasn't "wanting to win" but "deserving to win."

That was all.

"I understand."

Lu Ye nodded gently, smiling as he said:

"Professor Mustardseed, Togepi and I will be cheering for you!"

Cynthia smiled slightly, waved and turned. Dressed in a white lab coat, her golden hair fell to her slender waist, with black-gold hair ornaments on either side.

Lu Ye gazed at her graceful back, murmuring:

"Little Rotom, can you calculate the probability of winning?"

"Calculating... probability of winning is 'beep—' Rotom!"

"I told you to set it to silent mode, not mute mode!"

...

Noon, 12 o'clock.

One hour until the presentation.

Lu Ye strolled through the hall filled with scholars, feeling somewhat emotional.

Time flew.

Last year's Scientific Summit seemed like just yesterday.

Back then, he'd recruited Olivia to be the Pokémon Company's secretary... at the time she'd still been a researcher obsessed with 'Gigantamax'.

Times had changed, and Olivia had become a reliable secretary... though her hairline might be cause for concern.

"Ahem... I should bring back some 'Gigantamax' souvenirs."

Lu Ye coughed lightly. "I'm not some heartless capitalist—I'm quite considerate of my employees!"

"Mr. Lu Ye!"

A young long-haired man in a blue shirt with a white lab coat over it, wearing dress pants and leather shoes, was waving at him.

Lu Ye turned toward the voice, finding the face somewhat familiar, and instinctively said: "Professor Sycamore?"

"You actually know me."

Sycamore, in his early thirties, tall and handsome, extended his hand with a smile:

"But let me introduce myself properly. I'm Sycamore from the Kalos region, specializing in Mega Evolution research. Pleasure to meet you."

Lu Ye shook his hand politely: "What brings you to me?"

"Just wanted to make your acquaintance."

Sycamore smiled. "A friend of mine is very interested in Ptcg. I also frequently play games developed by your company."

"If you're ever interested in visiting Kalos, we could exchange ideas then."

Lu Ye had already planned to travel to Kalos eventually, though that was still far off.

"There'll be opportunities." Lu Ye nodded, then asked curiously, "Aren't you preparing a presentation?"

"My assistant, Alain, will be presenting. The main content is about Charmander stage training and its effects on X and Y Mega forms." Sycamore said frankly.

Lu Ye: "Alain?!"

"You know him?" Sycamore looked surprised.

The legendary trainer of "Water Absorb Charizard", though scripted elements were involved, Alain was still the powerhouse who could defeat Fire-type Elite Four member Malva ten times in a row...

But currently, Alain should still be in his researcher phase, not yet fully developed—

Huh?!

Teacher Lu's instincts tingled.

If I train Ash properly, wouldn't that mean we could crush Water Absorb Charizard?

"Don't know him." Lu Ye shook his head, getting straight to the point: "Confident about winning gold?"

"Well..." Sycamore looked somewhat embarrassed, coughing into his fist. "To be honest, I've never... won gold before."

Lu Ye: "..."

Wow, another professor who'd been "dominated" by Professor Oak!

"But give me two more years of research!" Sycamore spread his arms, eyes shining. "I'll definitely make a major breakthrough in Mega Evolution!"

Wait two years and the meta will have moved on to Dynamax...

Who knows if Mega Evolution will even be banned in Galar tournaments...

Lu Ye coughed lightly and nodded: "Let's keep in touch, Professor Sycamore!"

"Of course."

Sycamore composed himself, handing over a business card with a smile. "Feel free to ask me anything about Mega Evolution."

"After all," Sycamore smiled, "I've seen your Haunter in videos."

"I'm sure when it Mega Evolves, it'll be quite a spectacular sight!"

Lu Ye's eyelid twitched: "You flatter me..."

"Trust my judgment!" Sycamore said proudly. "After all, in the field of Mega Evolution..."

Teacher Lu turned and left:

"I'm in a hurry, Professor Sycamore!"

"Hey—"

Sycamore reached out, then shrugged: "Oh well."

He rubbed the stubble on his chin, smiling:

"With the bond between Lu Ye and his Pokémon, I don't need to promote Mega's appeal. I'm sure I'll still get to see that Haunter Mega Evolve someday!"

...

Shaking the business card in his hand, Teacher Lu wore a complicated expression.

Tucking it into his coat pocket, he headed toward the presentation hall.

It was nearly 1 PM;

the exhibition was about to begin.

The exhibition would last three days. Professor Mustardseed's team presentation was scheduled for the first day, alongside Professor Elm, Professor Rowan, and others.

In the quiet, scholarly atmosphere of the presentation hall, Lu Ye spotted Professor Kukui wearing goggles.

Apparently finding the seats somewhat narrow, he apologized to Professor Birch while sitting down, and Professor Birch scratched his head with an embarrassed laugh.

"Gathering so many professors together is really something." Lu Ye marveled.

At the seat beside him, Lu Ye's eyes widened as he sat down, accidentally elbowing his neighbor.

"What a coincidence?"

The curly-haired Bill looked equally surprised: "Yeah, long time no see!"

"This is Teacher Lu." Bill introduced him to those behind. "Research, breeding, battles... a triple-threat superstar!"

For once, Teacher Lu felt somewhat shy, reminding: "And contests."

Bill: "..."

Beside Bill were managers of various regional PC systems, all quite young. They looked at Lu Ye with respect.

"Teacher Lu." They said in unison.

Lu Ye smiled and nodded, whispering to Bill: "Why aren't you presenting?"

"Naomi is handling it." Bill smiled shyly, scratching his head. "I'm... not great at speaking. Naomi's better suited."

Naomi was Green's elder sister, originally Professor Oak's assistant, later studying under Bill.

Research teams naturally had specialists in various fields.

Lu Ye nodded: "I'm not great with words either. Better suited for fieldwork."

"Gengarrr~o(*≧▽≦)ツ"

A burst of muffled laughter came from the shadows beneath them.

Lu Ye lightly stomped on the shadow, cutting off the laughter.

Looking up, he saw Bill pale and sweating:

"T-Teacher Lu, have you... recently offended something supernatural?"

"It's Haunter!" Lu Ye said irritably. "Lately it refuses to stay in its Poké Ball, preferring to hide in shadows."

"Oh..." The timid Bill sighed in relief.

It seemed Bill, like Sycamore, had chosen to have team members handle the presentation.

Lu Ye pondered: "When it comes to technical terms, having Mengmengda present is indeed more suitable..."

Suddenly, spontaneous applause broke out in the hall.

Lu Ye looked toward the entrance, where Professor Oak entered in a white lab coat, followed by Kris in overalls.

Clap clap clap—

Including Teacher Lu, everyone applauded.

This was the highest respect for a scholar who had given so much.

"Lu..." Kris spotted Lu Ye, her mouth opening in surprise before realizing it wasn't the time.

After sitting down, she secretly took out her phone and typed in the group chat.

"Teacher Lu, I see you!"

"Crystal, I was meaning to ask." Lu Ye said curiously. "Why is A-Jin's name on the participant list?"

A-Jin wiped his nose, saying boldly: "Hey, I'm a professional too. Helping Professor Elm hatch some eggs, might even win an award!"

Green said coolly: "Impossible."

"What? Why so sure?"

"Because Professor Oak is judging." Green smirked coldly. "All standards are strictest—no room for 'casual' work."

Lu Ye chuckled: "Strict? Strict is good, precision is what we want!"

"Teacher Lu is at the Scientific Summit too?" Plantina blinked.

"Yes, but Cynthia's presenting." Lu Ye smiled. "You do your best too!"

"Oh—" The girl sent a voice message, drawing out the syllable.

"Oh—" Lorelei also sent a voice message, her mature voice contrasting.

A-Jin sent one too, only to be instantly muted by Teacher Lu.

[Group member 'A-Jin' has been muted by group owner 'Teacher Lu' for 10 minutes!]

Silver: ???

Celadon Anemone: ???

Teacher Lu: "Got you, kid!"

Kris: "Teacher Lu, the presentation's starting soon, remember to mute~"

Teacher Lu: "Got it."

The group chat quieted down again.

Spotlights illuminated the stage every researcher dreamed of.

Lu Ye glanced at Bill beside him, seeing he was equally excited.

Professor Mustardseed sat beside Teacher Lu, whispering: "Several teams are before us. It'll be a while before Bamboo Lan's turn."

Lu Ye nodded slightly.

Didn't matter if he didn't understand—just follow along with the applause!

Clap clap clap—

Applause sounded.

The first presenter was Professor Elm from Johto.

Professor Elm specialized in egg research—the Togepi egg had been a gift from him to Teacher Lu.

This presentation focused on Pokémon's "Egg Group 2."

For example, Gardevoir belonged to both Amorphous and Human-Like egg groups.

Teacher Lu listened thoughtfully, nodding occasionally: "So basically..."

"I'm Human-Like group, so I can breed with Gardevoir too?"

The presentation ended with applause.

Next was Professor Sycamore's team. A young Alain released a Charmander from its Poké Ball, beginning a practical demonstration...

Then came Professor Rowan's team presentation. His assistant, the "Knowledgeable" Plantina, spoke eloquently.

"Taking Magnezone and Ambipom as examples, they perfectly represent two evolutionary forms based on magnetic field differences and move differences respectively..."

The presentation concluded to thunderous applause.

Clap clap clap—

Professor Rowan's main research focus was "Evolution."

Now, sitting in the audience, his gaze was intense.

What he most anticipated was the results from Cynthia and Lu Ye's team.

Legendary Pokémon... a challenging and obscure topic, but the impact would be undeniable...

Suddenly, Professor Rowan's expression turned serious, his back straightening.

Spotlights illuminated the stage, shining on Cynthia's exquisite profile. Dressed in a white lab coat, she smiled, her powerful presence silencing the hall.

"Next is the presentation from Professor Mustardseed's team, members being Professor Mustardseed, Lu Ye, and Cynthia."

Cynthia leaned toward the microphone, her magnetic voice filling the hall as a massive holographic display activated behind her.

Soft blue light rose as the scene shifted to a 3D rendering of the Ruins of Void, with Unown floating around.

Cynthia's gaze searched until it settled on Lu Ye. Smiling, she said slowly:

"The theme is: Sinnoh Regional Legends and Analysis of Legendary Pokémon."