Chapter 648 - 645

"This section is based on research conducted by Lord Hikaru!" Professor Burnet announced after taking the microphone. "Although we still don’t fully understand what Galar’s Wishing Stars or the Darkest Day truly are, the Darkest Day itself undeniably possesses the power to draw meteors from outer space!"

"I’ll leave further analysis to Professor Sonia!"

"As for investigations into Pokémon such as Clefairy and Starmie, I believe there is an urgent need to restart them! Starmie, in particular, not only emits mysterious radio waves but also writes strange symbols known as ’Star Script.’"

"In Alola, there are even old children’s tales claiming Starmie are invaders from outer space."

"Beheeyem and Elgyem are likewise said to be extraterrestrials who arrived aboard a spaceship! These accounts may sound like supernatural legends, but when examined through the theories of Origin, Terroir, Dreams, Galarian History, and other fields..."

Professor Burnet’s argument earned Professor Birch’s approval. He nodded repeatedly.

"People have imagined such things since ancient times. They believed that the stars reflected upon a calm sea at night changed shape and became Starmie. Because the section at the center of its body, known as its core, shines in seven colors, Starmie was given the nickname ’the gem of the sea.’"

The academic world had always been enthusiastic about theories concerning Pokémon from outer space. In the past, however, no one had connected those Pokémon with space and regional environments.

Academia had still been in a somewhat flamboyant and unserious phase back then.

All manner of wild hypotheses had resulted in certain Pokémon studies containing absurd conclusions. Some had later been proven true, while others had been discarded as worthless nonsense.

"There is also the matter of Ultra Wormholes. From what we currently know, they are extremely dangerous. The immense energy within them may cause people to lose their memories or send them to other worlds. That has not yet been fully confirmed, but if you encounter such a wormhole, please keep your distance."

"That concludes my presentation. Thank you, everyone!"

The applause was thunderous, boiling through the hall like surging water.

Professor Burnet’s findings received unanimous recognition from the researchers present and left them thoroughly astonished.

Then, as the next presenter prepared to take the stage—

"So, do you think that man’s name will appear again?"

"Of course it will... right?"

"One, two, three, four, five... Don’t tell me?!"

Paldea region. Presenter: Professor Sada.

Zero Lab, Area Zero/Pokémon League—Authors: Professor Sada and Hikaru!

The academic paper naturally did not list Arven, who had personally placed himself in danger, nor did it list Geeta. After all, the chairwoman had done nothing except supposedly guard the entrance.

Actually, she hadn’t even done that.

Larry had.

"Oh my, it’s Lord Hikaru again!"

"What can we even say at this point? This is simply unbelievable!"

The researchers’ expressions had become wonderfully colorful.

Professor Sada had already touched upon the subject of her report earlier.

The past. The future. Space-time. Timelines.

And most importantly... Terastallization!

At first glance, these concepts sounded too profound for anyone to understand. Yet if all the earlier theories could be proven, then even these seemingly fantastical ideas could naturally become subjects of serious research!

"Presenting the time machine itself would make the argument far more convincing, but the two Unovan professors, Buck and Tyme, didn’t attend this conference. They must also be afraid that time-machine technology could be abused. That matches my own calculations."

"An excessively powerful foreign system will disrupt the local system. No one can say what consequences that would bring, but it would undoubtedly end in tragedy. The findings from Alola also prove that point—the Ultra Beasts..."

"The time machine should remain sealed for now. Humanity has not yet reached the moral standard required to travel freely through time."

Countless thoughts flashed through AI Sada’s mind, though regret accounted for most of them.

Then she formally began her presentation.

On time.

On space.

On light cones.

On timelines.

Of course, she would not directly introduce terms such as ancient Pokémon or mysterious mechanical life-forms known as Paradox Pokémon.

This was the first time she had appeared on the world stage as a true professor!

She gave a detailed explanation of the Fourth System. Its establishment made Professor Oak’s theory of Pokémon types even more unassailable.

"We believe that two additional special classifications should be added to the eighteen known types."

"Some Pokémon lose one of their types after using certain moves. Professor Oak previously proposed an entirely new system for classifying moves, and I would like to supplement it with moves that add, remove, or change types—specifically the unique moves Burn Up and Double Shock!"

"We believe that Stellar, which lies at the source of Terastallization, should be regarded as an entirely new type. However, a Pokémon’s Tera Type can only be changed through the use of Stellar Tera Shards. Meanwhile, Pokémon that lose their original type become typeless Pokémon!"

"We have indeed received similar reports," Professor Rowan added from beneath the stage.

Although he had no direct connection to Sada, Hikaru had previously battled Dawn, and the data from that battle had been stored on Professor Rowan’s computer.

A Pokémon with no weaknesses!

"A typeless Pokémon receives no same-type attack bonus from any move it uses," Professor Rowan continued. "Nor does it possess any type matchups whatsoever. This was also part of Hikaru’s earlier research."

"This is extraordinary!" Professor Oak grew increasingly excited. "A nineteenth and twentieth type! But they aren’t conventional types. They only exist under special conditions!"

"This is the influence of terroir! Just as the Fairy type was first discovered in Kalos, could some particular force have been influencing it? From what we now know, it must be some form of energy source!"

Strictly speaking, however...

As Hikaru listened from the side, he found himself thinking that there were actually twenty-one known types, not twenty.

There was also the mysterious "???" type, although it was later merged into the typeless classification.

During Generation IV, a pure Flying-type Pokémon using Roost would become "???-type." However, no pure Flying-type Pokémon existed in Generation IV. Such a Pokémon would not appear until Generation V, when Tornadus debuted.

As for other genuinely pure Flying-type Pokémon—excluding the llama—there were only Rookidee, Corvisquire, and Flying-type Silvally.

The move Curse had also once been considered "???-type" before later being changed to Ghost type.

That twenty-first type had now vanished completely. It had merely been a placeholder.

Perhaps the llama itself still retained it. After all, the only Pokémon capable of displaying that type in Generation IV was technically Arceus.

It had probably been designed to prevent certain data-reading errors.

As for the typeless and Stellar classifications, neither was a type in the conventional sense, but both were still categorized alongside types. Typeless even had a proper move of its own.

Struggle!

"Exactly," Professor Sada continued. "Although a Stellar-type Terastallized Pokémon still takes damage according to its original type weaknesses, Stellar encompasses the power of every Tera Type. Therefore, the first time it uses a move of any given type, that move receives a significant boost."

"Wild Terastallized Pokémon have absorbed enormous quantities of Tera energy. Based on Terroir Theory and the data we have gathered, we can confirm the following characteristics—"

"They possess two to four exceptionally high individual values. They are also enormous, physically stronger, and surrounded by brilliant light."

"Tera energy can also make lakes glow and improve the performance of machines. It possesses many incredible properties, but it also has a drawback. If the Tera energy fades after being used, machines whose performance was enhanced by that energy—or machines that theoretically should never have been able to function at all—will cease operating."

"At present, Tera energy has only appeared in two areas: the Paldea region and Kitakami, near Sinnoh. Places affected by Terastallization also tend to contain unique Pokémon such as Garganacl and Glimmora. The specific reason remains unknown, but both species are connected to stone or minerals."

"Tera crystals are, in essence, gemstones of energy."

"The Unova region also possesses unique Type Gems capable of increasing the power of moves of their respective types. We speculate that these may be related to the anomalous magnetic fields and surging energy found in Chargestone Cave. Whether a connection exists between these two kinds of gemstones..."

Professor Sada provided a detailed explanation.

The discovery of Terastallization held tremendous significance for the advancement of Pokémon research!

As AI Sada watched the researchers below grow increasingly enthusiastic, she thought that she had at least completed the promotional task Geeta had assigned her.

In the future, more people would probably come to Paldea to research Terastallization or Pokémon types.

There might even be an opportunity to cooperate with Professor Oak and recruit his students to Paldea as—

Ahem.

It was all for scientific research. How could anyone call them exploited laborers?

"That was absolutely spectacular!" Roseanne declared. "I feel as though I’m about to Terastallize myself! Every report presented today represents an unprecedented breakthrough in the history of academia!"

"Next, please welcome Professor Sonia from the Galar region! Her fields of research are Galarian History and Particle Aura Manifestation!"

"I’m certain everyone has heard about the terrible crisis that occurred in Galar not long ago. We have now gained an even deeper understanding of the truth behind that incident. Professor Sonia, please present your findings!"

Galar region. Presenter: Professor Sonia.

Magnolia Laboratory—Authors: Sonia, Hikaru, and Magnolia.

"Ahem! As expected, his name is there again! Every major study has his name attached to it!"

"This man is no longer merely a rising star. Without question, he’s...!"

"The founder of an entirely new discipline!"

"He’s in demand! In tremendous demand!"

After being bombarded with so many revolutionary reports in rapid succession, many of the professors were starting to feel dizzy.

Fortunately, Sonia’s subject allowed them to catch their breath.

Although auras could also be considered a product of terroir or energy, they were not phenomena that appeared everywhere. They only manifested in areas overflowing with energy.

That made Professors Kukui and Sycamore listen with particular intensity!

One argument was especially important:

Excess energy made Pokémon more aggressive and violent while also increasing their power!

Professor Kukui stroked his chin. "If I could personally wrestle a Dynamax Pokémon and take a Max Move head-on, I wonder whether this battle-hardened body of mine could withstand it."

"Galar’s history isn’t just material for padding out a paper, either," Professor Sycamore muttered. "Looking at it this way, maybe my papers really are the least substantial ones here!"

When the presentation finally ended, Sonia drew several deep breaths as though she had just survived a disaster.

She had stumbled over her words several times while presenting her results, but when she remembered that this was only the first step toward a great achievement in her life...

Come on, Professor Sonia! You can do this!

She encouraged herself while recalling Hikaru’s earlier performance.

She couldn’t allow herself to lose!

And at last, she had finished!

Her report was followed by an intermission.

Sonia had originally intended to rest for a while, but researchers quickly surrounded her.

Then she glanced toward Hikaru.

Oh my!

There seemed to be even more people surrounding him!

How could weak Pokémon be made stronger?

How could Pokémon with poor natural potential increase their power?

How could Pokémon learn Egg Moves when their Trainers didn’t know what they were, or when they had failed to inherit the correct moves?

Questions like those were as numerous as the stars in the sky.

And Hikaru seemed able to answer every one of them without hesitation!

Then again, even among the countless stars, he was someone who shone like the sun.

"You want a copy? That’s no problem, but organizing the material and preparing the theoretical documentation may take some time."

"Professor Elm, regarding your question about improving a Pokémon’s capabilities, please look into Hyper Training. It is a form of training that allows a Pokémon’s stats to reach the same values they would possess with maximum IVs."

"Professor Kukui, regarding your question about passing down moves, please cultivate Mirror Herbs. Unlike learning Egg Moves through breeding, this method is not restricted by Egg Groups. Even Pokémon belonging to the Undiscovered Egg Group can pass moves to other Pokémon this way."

"Professor Birch, regarding your question about changes in habitats and population distribution under different regional environments... that subject is inseparably connected to the new research being conducted by Professor Samson Oak."

"The lost phenomenon was once known as a Massive Mass Outbreak. Yes, it resembles an ordinary Mass Outbreak, but it isn’t quite the same. Under those circumstances, some Pokémon appear to leave their usual habitats, and the outbreaks are always accompanied by severe weather such as torrential rain or blizzards."

"In ancient times, different people held different opinions about the phenomenon, but it remains a mystery even now. A young woman named Mai believed the Pokémon were gathering to enjoy a festival beneath the rain. Professor Laventon believed residual energy was influencing and attracting them. A young man named Adaman, meanwhile, considered it a trial bestowed by the divine."

"The woman who named the phenomenon was Cyllene."

"This aspect of terroir should be regarded as a phenomenon produced by changes in the energies of terrain and weather."

The professors had far too many questions, and even Hikaru was beginning to struggle beneath their barrage.

Professor Albizia asked him about ancient scripts. Professor Willow questioned him about investigations into lost Pokémon. Professor Mirror wanted to discuss the Illumina phenomenon!

The energy flowing through the land of the Lental region was known as Illumina energy. When activated, it produced the Illumina phenomenon in Pokémon and Crystablooms.

"That may be connected to the Telluric Meteorite that fell in the region. Of course, what the meteorite brought didn’t become the true source of the Lental region. That came from something else... probably?"

The Illumina phenomenon had not originated from the meteorite.

If the meteorite had actually struck, it might have created an entirely new system.

However, to prevent mass extinction and countless deaths before that new system could emerge, a certain Pokémon had intervened.

It was the world’s second Xerneas, which lived in the Lental region!

Unlike the X-shaped deer of Kalos, which accepted death, the X-shaped deer of Lental rejected it!

It absolutely refused to accept an extinction of that magnitude.

It transformed its own power into light and shared it with five Pokémon, allowing them to erect a massive barrier over the entire region!

As a result, Lental’s terroir had remained unchanged for two thousand years. It had preserved an incredibly primeval state while remaining isolated from the outside world.

Although Hikaru understood Lental’s circumstances, the second Xerneas had to be manually awakened.

The energy of all five islands had to be activated, restoring the life force that had once become light and formed the Great Barrier. Only then would Xerneas awaken inside a certain ruin.

If he revealed that here...

Lysandre would probably activate the ultimate weapon immediately.

Even if he hadn’t attended this conference, a researcher like him would certainly be paying attention to it.

Better not stir up another massive incident right now.

Lysandre could quietly wait another two years and let Calem and Serena take him down.

Then again, the lion-haired man probably hadn’t even discovered where the so-called "flower cannon" was yet.

At the moment, he should still be developing the Holo Caster and attempting to profit from it so he could finance research into the relationship between Trainers and Pokémon.

As for Team Flare’s operating funds, those actually came from its members paying for the privilege of working there.

The membership fee was five million, after all.

Hmm...

After Professor Mirror came...

"Hello, Professor Sycamore."

"You wanted to ask about Mega Evolution?"

Regions inhabited by Xerneas would attract one another.

Would the two Xerneas eventually meet?

Yet judging by the situation in Lental...

Even without Yveltal, life could still achieve balance!

Death was by no means essential!

"Terroir Theory has truly shaken me!" Professor Sycamore declared.

"I would like to request your help in solving Kalos’s greatest Pokémon mystery: the secrets and potential of Mega Evolution! More than anything, I want to understand what happened in Hoenn—the so-called origin of Mega Evolution!"

"And also... the energy behind Mega Evolution!"

"I’ve heard there is an enormous pink crystal in Anistar City, in the Kalos region," Hikaru replied. "It is said to be a meteorite that fell there three thousand years ago. It is known as the Anistar Sundial."

"Yes. A pink energy crystal."

"Something capable of releasing Mega Energy."

"Isn’t that worth investigating? High-energy particles from outer space... That sundial may release the same energy emitted when a Pokémon Mega Evolves. It transforms the radiance of the sun into a mysterious light."

"Hasn’t Anistar City possessed that phenomenon since ancient times?"

"For one hour beginning at eight in the evening, the sundial..."

"Begins to shine."

"Investigating it might lead to additional discoveries."

"There are other factors as well, but I’m sorry. That portion still requires further investigation."

They obviously couldn’t investigate absolutely everything.

What if they really uncovered something—like the ultimate weapon?

"Light... wavelengths...!"

It should have been obvious.

Professor Sycamore’s thoughts had simply been too chaotic for him to make the connection.

Now, however, his mind exploded with a thunderous realization!

Of course!

That was it!

Although the sundial displayed a strange phenomenon, no one had ever believed it might be connected to Mega Evolution!

Yet they now understood that light was an intense manifestation of energy!

Under the particle model of light, photons were considered discrete quanta possessing both energy and momentum. Light simultaneously exhibited the dual physical properties of a wave and a particle!

A gentle laugh came from behind Professor Sycamore.

"Well, Sycamore? Do you feel as though you understand the world a little more clearly now?"

Professor Sycamore jumped. "P-Professor Oak?!"

As the leading authority and pioneer of Pokémon research, Professor Oak had already met Hikaru during the Crystal Tower incident.

At the time, however, Professor Oak had believed Hikaru was merely a mysterious craftsman from ancient times.

"To think that the person I met among ancient ruins, in a world so different from our own, would one day establish an entirely new academic discipline! Perhaps even that was a destined encounter."

"Your chosen subject stands at the very forefront of academia. It possesses both theoretical and practical significance, demonstrates remarkable originality, and is supported by extensive evidence and rigorous reasoning..."

"So... have you considered applying for a doctorate? If you intend to apply..."

A doctorate by thesis was a degree awarded to someone who had not formally completed a doctoral program but had demonstrated, through a successful thesis defense, that their academic ability met doctoral standards.

Quite a few researchers had obtained doctorates in that fashion.

Besides, something produced after studying Pokémon science in a classroom for three to five years might not carry as much weight as the work of a "wild research assistant" who had evolved into a "new professor."

Research assistants and doctoral candidates of that kind personally conducted fieldwork on the front lines. They also studied vast amounts of ancient literature, mythology, and folklore, selected an appropriate field in which to specialize, and often received one-on-one instruction from an established professor who already operated an independent laboratory.

Even Sonia—the weakest professor academically and a self-proclaimed scholarly small fry—had constantly stayed awake through the night while studying Galar’s ancient records.

In the original story, she had personally entered the Slumbering Weald despite being afraid of it and ultimately advanced from a self-proclaimed professor’s assistant into a true professor.

Sonia could be considered the quintessential doctorate-by-thesis candidate.

The three great Unovan researchers—Professor Juniper, Professor Fennel, and Professor Burnet—had genuinely received formal academic training, however. All three had attended Castelia University together.

That probably hinted that Unova’s educational standards far exceeded those of other regions.

As for the level of success each of the three had achieved and what had become of their dreams...

All one could say was that choosing a research topic required caution.

Professor Juniper had her family enterprise.

Professor Burnet had investors.

Professor Fennel could only build machines in a tiny workshop.

The crucial point, however, was that Fennel was a genius among geniuses—and she had actually managed to build them.

"Professor Oak intends to recommend Lord Hikaru for a doctorate!"

"At Celadon University!"

The instant Professor Oak raised the subject, the other professors understood what he intended!

He wanted Hikaru to apply for a doctorate at Celadon University!

That was an exceptionally prestigious qualification.

Of course, as the pioneer of an entirely new academic discipline, the Sage Champion was certainly qualified.

Professor Oak’s grandson, Blue, was probably also preparing to apply for a doctorate at Celadon University. That would make him another classic doctorate-by-thesis candidate.

Come to think of it...

All three Champions present were technically doctorate-by-thesis scholars.

They were simply the extremely accomplished kind.

"Ahem... Professors skilled in battling are quite rare, but they always seem to produce astonishing results. I-I’m not very good at battling," Professor Sycamore muttered.

That was also one of his battle lines in the original story.

Although he was the first professor players could formally battle, Sycamore openly admitted that he was weak.

And in truth, he really was.

The entire purpose of that battle was merely to hand out a first partner Pokémon.

"Samuel, about that..." Professor Rowan began.

Professor Oak turned toward him. "Hmm? What is it?"

"No, it’s nothing. I was merely thinking that I also intended to have Hikaru apply for a doctorate. Unfortunately, Sinnoh doesn’t possess any especially prestigious universities, so never mind."

Even Professor Rowan himself had once conducted research in Kanto.

Sinnoh’s only well-known educational institution was the Trainers’ School in Jubilife City.

Universities—the highest institutions of learning—could not be found just anywhere.

Celadon University.

Castelia University.

Hammerlocke University.

Professor Elm had once attended Celadon University and had even studied under Professor Oak. There was no question about the prestige of a degree from that institution!

"Regardless..." Professor Rowan glanced toward the stunned Professor Juniper and the furiously coughing Professor Cedric Juniper behind her.

"Professor Juniper may be unable to influence Castelia University’s assessment process, but I imagine the university would be perfectly willing to grant him a degree. Professor Cedric is here, after all."

Cedric Juniper coughed softly.

"Please don’t put it that way when we belong to the same generation. This man is Unova’s Champion!"

In terms of age and years spent conducting research, Professors Rowan and Magnolia were the eldest. Professors Oak and Cedric Juniper came next.

"A joint degree! What a rare situation, but I see no problem with it!"

Professor Oak seemed delighted.

He clearly had no objections whatsoever.

"This certainly deserves congratulations." Cynthia wore an enigmatic smile. "It seems we should start calling you Professor Hikaru."

Hikaru coughed softly.

"Well, I would like to say that I merely made a tiny contribution, but on an occasion like this..."

Cynthia laughed. "Then perhaps you shouldn’t say it. No matter how you look at it, Terroir Theory is extremely important. It could never be called a tiny contribution."

Not far away, Professor Magnolia fell into thought.

She dearly wanted Galar to claim a share of the honor. The representatives from Hammerlocke University were already shouting in the background, insisting that they couldn’t allow someone so famous in Galar to slip through their fingers.

However, Hammerlocke University had certain connections to Chairman Rose.

Although the chairman and Hikaru shared a measure of friendship, this was not the proper moment.

"If Hammerlocke University wishes to grant him a degree and make him a member of the university, then history is the only field we still have available," Professor Magnolia said. "The others have already been claimed on a first-come, first-served basis."

"Professor Magnolia, how can you say that?" the Hammerlocke University representative protested. "Isn’t he a member of Magnolia Laboratory? His name is clearly listed on Professor Sonia’s report."

"As the hero who saved Galar, we already held great expectations for these findings and looked forward to cooperating with him!"

"How can we allow Celadon University and Castelia University to take him? Castelia University is one thing—the Sage is originally a visitor from Unova. But Celadon University... This... This is..."

"Although his name is listed, he truly isn’t a member of Magnolia Laboratory," Professor Magnolia replied. "Regrettable as that may be, our laboratory studies Dynamax and Power Spots. He has no intention of inheriting our Dynamax research."

"As for auras and particles, everyone knows that those ideas only emerged after the Eternatus incident. Although Hikaru proposed them, how many days have passed since then? We haven’t even had time to establish a proper research team. Our current findings were obtained through cooperation with researchers from other regions."

"However, I’ve also heard that he teaches at Naranja Academy. Although the academy couldn’t attend this conference because of certain circumstances, Professor Sada herself holds an official doctorate from Naranja Academy. Won’t the academy eventually grant Hikaru a degree as well?"

Naranja Academy had not attended because the school was undergoing a major internal reorganization. Even its director had been ordered to resign.

Who could they possibly have sent to the conference?

Raifort, who had only recently joined the faculty?

If she came, the ancient tombs of Sinnoh would be in serious danger.

Professor Magnolia’s words instantly awakened the Hammerlocke University representative.

He understood!

Celadon University and Castelia University were jointly awarding Hikaru a degree.

In that case, Hammerlocke University—which had been drawn into a public controversy because of Chairman Rose and was currently a popular topic of discussion—should also seek a more advantageous partner!

That did not mean the university itself had done anything wrong.

The final judgment regarding Chairman Rose had not yet been reached. Many people in Galar continued to support him and believed he had been deceived by the so-called royal family.

Hammerlocke University had merely received investment from Chairman Rose and was consequently caught in the discussion.

Besides, Chairman Rose had never attended university himself.

He used to be a miner.

Professor Magnolia adjusted her glasses.

"Still, being courted by several universities at once is certainly unusual. The last person who possessed qualifications like these was..."

She had not entirely understood it in the past, but now she understood perfectly.

The person worthy of such treatment was Professor Elm, who had once studied at Celadon University.

His greatness required no further explanation.

"Very well! Then please allow us to award Professor Sonia a dual doctorate in Pokémon History and Pokémon Particle Science!"

If they could not immediately win the Sage’s favor, beginning with his assistant was also a reasonable choice.

After all, "Professor" Sonia had already been preparing to apply for a doctorate the following year. She had Professor Magnolia’s recommendation, genuine ability, and significant academic achievements.

She was now widely known throughout Galar as well!

"Me?!" Sonia cried in shock.

She, the scholarly small fry, had finally turned her life around!

How had she suddenly become a double doctor?!

"Congratulations, Professor Sonia," Professor Juniper said.

"Professor Sonia, Hammerlocke University is an institution with an extremely long history," Professor Burnet added. "Receiving a dual degree from them means your discoveries have been fully recognized. Your research likewise possesses enough value to be recorded in the history of academia!"

Sonia hurriedly waved her hands, so excited that she could barely form a coherent sentence.

"No, no! I’m the one who should thank all of you! And Hikaru too!"

"Ahem! Thank you so much! No matter how many times I say it, it’ll never be enough!"

"A university, huh..." Professor Kukui wore a complicated expression.

Trainers’ Schools existed everywhere, but as long as they remained schools rather than universities, they would always rank one step below them.

"Principal Asuka of Alola’s Trainers’ School is always dreaming of having the school elevated into a university. Unfortunately... the school doesn’t seem to have produced any famous figures."

At Professor Kukui’s words, Hikaru remembered.

Oh, right.

Principal Asuka.

She had mentioned that ambition in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.

Her proposed method had been to defeat Elio or Selene and make herself famous.

If she defeated the reigning Champion, the school’s reputation would soar. That fame could attract talented people and allow the institution to become a university.

The result, of course, was that she suffered a crushing defeat and became an experience-point pack for the player.

After all, the battle against Principal Asuka occurred during the postgame.

The same old principle applied.

If she could genuinely defeat Selene, then when Necrozma appeared, everyone should have been shouting, "Quick! Summon Ancestor Asuka from her seclusion!"

If Lusamine and the Ultra Recon Squad had known that such a mighty expert existed, why would they have operated separately?

Wouldn’t it have been easier to pay her a fortune to carry them through the battle?

The school even had its "Seven Mysteries."

Drifloon, Gastly, and Hypno haunted the campus, along with the ghost girl who never failed to appear in each generation.

Those who knew the truth called it a Trainers’ School.

Anyone who didn’t might have mistaken it for the Old Chateau in Eterna Forest.

All one could say was that Alola’s students had remarkably durable fates.

Their horoscopes were tougher than a Steelix.

"To have their schools promoted into universities, principals everywhere rack their brains and use every means available. I can understand it."

Professor Kukui casually mentioned the Trainers’ School and warmly invited Hikaru to visit.

Giving children greater hopes and brighter futures...

If they heard that an Island Kahuna was visiting, they would certainly be thrilled.

In the game continuity, however, Professor Kukui was not actually a teacher at the Trainers’ School. He was simply familiar with its faculty and held considerable authority during the main story.

Professor Samson Oak was not the school’s principal, either.

The principal was Asuka.

"By the way, Hikaru-kun, there’s something else I wanted to discuss with you!" Professor Samson Oak said.

"Professor Samson, do you mean regional forms...?"

"No. This is related to field research."

"I want to develop a machine that will make investigating regional forms and terroir more convenient. In your earlier reports, you mentioned the idea of letting Rotom enter a Pokédex, correct?"

"Should we commission an exceptionally skilled inventor to create such an appliance? But now that we know a certain individual in Sinnoh developed Rotom’s motor..."

Hikaru’s gaze sharpened!

Was the person who developed the Rotom Pokédex going to change?

Originally, Professor Samson Oak and Professor Kukui had commissioned Clemont.

During the events of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, they had received special components from Clemont and used them to modify a Rotom Pokédex at the laboratory.

Could they now be planning to...?

"Ahem. If we’re discussing Rotom modifications, that man is indeed more skilled than anyone else," Hikaru said. "However..."

"Capturing him won’t be easy."

"Oh my, oh my," Professor Oak said. "Team Galactic has recently become the center of attention in Sinnoh. Perhaps Professors Juniper and Fennel could provide additional assistance with the machine’s development?"

"Hikaru himself is also a mechanic, and the Ranger Union can help. Jointly developing a new Pokédex device and a unique miniature motor shouldn’t be excessively difficult."

"The most important point is that it would create an entirely new form of communication between people and Pokémon!"

The intermission soon ended.

The professors eagerly anticipated even more astonishing revelations. Every one of them was ready to write at furious speed.

The first presenter of the conference’s second half was...

Sinnoh region. Presenter: Professor Rowan!

Professor Rowan’s Laboratory, Sandgem Town—Authors: Rowan, Roseanne, Cynthia, and Hikaru!

Research subject: The Evolution of Pokémon and Its Specific Conditions!

"As expected!"

"Just as we predicted!"

"It’s him again!"

Hearing the researchers’ discussion and feeling their burning gazes fall upon him, Hikaru finally began to feel genuinely embarrassed.

He had known Professor Rowan would include his name, but Hikaru’s only contribution to this particular study had been Pokédex data.

It seemed veteran professors truly had unique talents. Professor Rowan must have analyzed a vast amount of additional material.

Come to think of it, their discussion in the Canalave Library had probably contributed as well.

Professor Rowan stood with his hands behind his back, apparently not even needing to consult his notes.

Was this the composure of a seasoned academic?

"The more deeply we study Evolution, the more questions emerge."

"Based on the Theory of Terroir and Origin, the fact that no evolutionary form has yet been discovered for a Pokémon does not necessarily mean that the Pokémon is incapable of evolving."

"Its genes and cells may be influenced by energy..."

"At the instant a Pokémon evolves, it also releases an enormous quantity of energy!"

"Under the impact of that immense energy, an entirely new—"

KRA-KOOOM!

As though responding to Professor Rowan’s explanation, a violent earthquake struck!

An impact originating in some distant area traveled outward as a shock wave until it reached Canalave City!

Every researcher in the hall was shaken!

"Wh-What?! A mysterious earthquake?!"

"What happened?!"

"It’s shaking! The entire building is shaking violently!"

The researchers looked bewildered and alarmed.

The conference hall descended into chaos.

Professor Rowan’s expression became grave as he looked toward Roseanne. She hurriedly began searching for reports.

"Professor... No, it didn’t originate in Canalave City! The tremor came from somewhere else! It was an impact that traveled across the entire Sinnoh region!"

"The location is—"

Footage of an enormous explosion appeared on the conference hall’s television screen!

However, the explosion had not occurred at Lake Valor!

At the same time, a man’s voice emerged from the screen.

His face was not visible. He appeared only as a dark silhouette.

"The world should be perfect. The world must be made better."

"Therefore, this imperfect world must be erased. Ambiguous hearts—and everything else in Sinnoh—must disappear completely."

"Team Galactic, the Sinnoh region, and the entire world will reach the moment of perfection at the summit of Mount Coronet!"

"We have no need to understand the three emotions. We have already discovered the correct path through the seal!"

"No matter how you obstruct us, plant spies among us, investigate us, or seal our path... we will fulfill our ideal!"

"Scholars of humanity, witness it with your own eyes."

"A new world."

"A new century."

"A new universe."

"A new history."

"Humanity shall attain Instrumentality!"

"I will personally proclaim Team Galactic’s accomplishment to the world!"

"At the Spear Pillar, the gospel of the new world shall begin!"

Author’s Note: New content from Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s DLC has been revealed.

Did my prediction come true?

1. Solar Beam

Mega Meganium’s Pokédex description states that it can fire Solar Beam instantly. It may possess a new Ability with an effect similar to Power Herb.

It also mentions that Mega Meganium’s Solar Beam is stronger than an ordinary one.

Could the 200-power Solar Beam from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! be making an official return?

2. The level cap

Pokémon in hyperspace worlds are affected by an unknown power, allowing them to exceed the normal level cap of 100.

This appears to be a hyperspace-exclusive level buff.

In the promotional footage released so far, the highest-level wild Pokémon shown was Level 165.

Could the new cap be Level 200?!

Who knows what other massive surprises they’re preparing?

(End of Chapter)

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