The sun shone brightly, a rare stretch of good weather.
A snow-white Sylveon lay lazily on the sun-drenched bed, yawning comfortably.
"Veeon~"
The warmth of the winter sun was incredibly soothing.
Meanwhile, Gengar, with a Togepi perched on its head, sprawled across the balcony, basking in the sunlight.
"Kokekeke~~" Gengar blew at the steam rising from a teacup, looking every bit like a retired grandpa watching over his grandchild.
Although he wanted to sleep in, Growlithe was busy sprinting back and forth between the living room and bedroom.
Lu Ye reached out, blocked its path, and ruffled its fur in irritation before heading off to wash up.
"Arrff? (O_o)??"
There was still some time before his job officially started.
And since his class schedule wasn't too packed, he had plenty of free time to spend as he pleased.
Besides chatting in the group and streaming games, taking his Pokémon out for a trip seemed like a good idea too.
"Morning."
Lu Ye stepped onto the balcony with a cup of coffee, joining Gengar in enjoying the sunlight.
"Gengarr~ (′▽`〃)"
As he sipped his coffee, he opened the chat.
[Lu Ye: Can I visit Professor Oak today? @Crystal]
As Professor Oak's assistant, Crystal was partly responsible for managing his schedule.
[Crystal: No problem! You can come over this afternoon, @Teacher Lu.]
[Yellow: What's the occasion? Blue-senpai, can you tell us?]
Blue folded his arms, contemplating.
The special edition Pokédex was still a secret between him and his grandfather.
Knowing his grandfather's personality, there was a high chance he'd test Lu Ye in person first.
Better to keep quiet until Lu Ye officially received it.
[Blue: No.]
His cryptic response only made everyone in the chat more curious.
Even Lu Ye felt a bit uneasy.
Something about this seemed… off.
They wouldn't be giving me another starter Pokémon, would they?!
With a mix of anticipation and nerves, Lu Ye boarded a train, then a bus, and finally arrived in Pallet Town.
---
Kanto – Pallet Town
A peaceful little town, shaded by lush greenery.
A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, creating shimmering waves.
The name "Pallet" symbolized purity.
Breathing in the crisp town air, Lu Ye started to understand why.
Waiting to greet him was Crystal, ever professional in her cap and uniform.
"Welcome to Pallet Town, Teacher Lu!" she said with a smile.
"It's been a while."
Lu Ye nodded. "Anyone else from the group around?"
Pallet Town was home to some of the biggest names in the Trainer world.
Aside from occasionally spawning newcomers like Ash, it was also the hometown of 'Red' and 'Blue'—essentially final bosses in human form.
If he happened to run into Red, Lu Ye wasn't sure he'd survive the encounter.
"Red is training on Mt. Silver. Green-senpai is with him," Crystal explained.
"And Yellow is there too. The three of them are training together."
Lu Ye paused, staring up at the sky.
For some reason… he couldn't quite tell who the third wheel was in that situation.
"That red building up ahead is Professor Oak's lab," Crystal continued, pointing toward the rolling plains behind it.
"And over there—that's Professor Oak's backyard."
Lu Ye: ???
You're calling that… a backyard?
Even though he'd been mentally prepared, seeing it in person was still shocking.
Crystal chuckled.
"Well, it does house over a thousand Pokémon… There are more than thirty Breeders working full-time just inside the lab."
Lu Ye nodded.
So that's why Blue became known as the "The Trainer"
Growing up helping his grandfather take care of this backyard… it'd be impossible not to become a breeding expert.
Pushing open the lab doors, Lu Ye found researchers hard at work.
An elderly man with gray hair but sharp eyes rose to greet him, a warm smile on his face.
"You must be the Trainer from Donghuang… I've heard a lot about you!"
Hearing Professor Oak's words, several researchers turned their heads in surprise.
This remarkable-looking Trainer… was actually receiving a personal welcome from Professor Oak?
Lu Ye shook hands with him, nodding respectfully.
"The Pokémon card game… I really appreciate your endorsement."
Previously, with some well-crafted persuasion, he had managed to get Professor Oak to promote his Pokémon card game.
The boost from that endorsement had skyrocketed sales.
A visit to express his gratitude in person was only proper.
"Haha, that was nothing…"
Professor Oak chuckled, scratching his head—then suddenly froze.
Pokémon card game?
Wasn't that handled by a game company from Donghuang?
What did that have to do with the Trainer Green had recommended—?
"Wait a second."
Professor Oak hesitated. "What's your name?"
Crystal stepped in with a smile.
"Professor, this is Lu Ye— The Trainer—the Trainer Blue recommended and the creator of the Pokémon card game you praised so highly last time."
Professor Oak's expression turned odd.
Last night, Green had only mentioned that the Trainer was from Donghuang—he hadn't given a name.
Meanwhile, Lu Ye, the game creator, had already left a strong impression on him…
So in the end…
Blue had actually introduced an old acquaintance?!
"Promoting the game was no big deal…"
Professor Oak scratched his head and chuckled.
"The reason I called you here, Lu Ye, is for something even more important!"
You definitely just forgot, didn't you?
Lu Ye cleared his throat but couldn't really blame him.
As a leading researcher, Oak had countless responsibilities—forgetting a few things was only natural.
However, Oak's words sent another wave of unease through Lu Ye.
Carefully, he asked, "And what exactly is this important matter?"
Dressed in his signature lab coat, Professor Oak clenched his fist and coughed lightly.
"Well, you see… I've developed a brand-new special edition Pokédex, and I want to give it to a Trainer I can trust. Blue recommended you, so…"
Professor Oak turned around, picked up a red Pokédex from his workstation, and looked at Lu Ye with a serious expression.
"Lu Ye, would you be interested in becoming the next Pokédex Holder?"
For half a second, Lu Ye's brain shut down.
Staring at the Pokédex in Oak's hand, he was momentarily stunned.
A Pokédex Holder?
Sure, everyone in the chat group had one, but in the Pokémon Special world, this was main character treatment!
Crystal was surprised at first but quickly smiled.
With Teacher Lu's abilities, he was already on par with Kanto's three legends…
It seemed Professor Oak had chosen Lu Ye as the Pokédex Holder for the Donghuang Region.
Lu Ye's expression turned odd.
Main character treatment, huh?
Didn't that usually mean getting burned, petrified, frozen, or chased by legendary Pokémon?
Sure, the world was at peace now, but something about this title didn't sit right…
"You can take your time to consider it," Professor Oak said with a smile.
The special edition Pokédex had advanced features like evolution suppression, data transfer, and even move recognition.
For any Trainer, it was an incredibly valuable tool.
Seeing Lu Ye deep in thought, Oak was very satisfied.
This was already much better than a certain delinquent who had just wanted to battle him right away.
Lu Ye stroked his chin.
Function-wise, his system might be a bit embarrassing, but it was definitely more useful.
After all, his system's Pokédex could see an opponent's moves—practically a bug-level ability.
And accepting the special Pokédex meant taking on greater responsibilities.
It felt like yet another step away from his original goal…
"Professor Oak, I…"
"Gengarr!"
Before Lu Ye could finish, Gengar stretched out its tiny hands and solemnly took the Pokédex from Oak.
Lu Ye: ???
Professor Oak: ???
"Gengarr!"
Gengar's eyes burned with determination.
It had seen the World Champion pull out a similar Pokédex in battle videos.
And now, the very same device was right in front of its Trainer…
Wasn't his goal to become a World Champion?
Everyone hesitates. Everyone feels doubt.
But as long as they walked this path together, those fears didn't matter.
Grinning, Gengar firmly nodded at Lu Ye.
If its Trainer hesitated, then Gengar would act in his place!
Watching Gengar suddenly ignite with passion, Lu Ye's face twitched.
What kind of weird headcanon are you coming up with this time?!
Gengar's conviction even seemed to rub off on Professor Oak.
"A steadfast emissary of the night, unwavering like a Gengar, with eyes that burn like torches…"
Oak chuckled, reciting an impromptu haiku.
"It seems… you're a Trainer truly trusted by your Pokémon."
When handing out the special Pokédex, strength wasn't the deciding factor.
It was about a Trainer's character, their conviction, and their love for Pokémon.
Pokémon and Trainers influenced each other.
And from Gengar, Oak could see the light radiating from Lu Ye as well.
Walking the Trainer's path, advancing alongside Pokémon—That was the very reason Professor Oak had created the Pokédex in the first place.
"Gengarr!"
Still holding the Pokédex, Gengar poked Lu Ye's side, then grinned and handed it to him.
Lu Ye sighed and smiled. "You hold onto it."
"Gengarr?"
"Just store it in your fourth-dimensional stomach for now."
Lu Ye took a deep breath, making his decision.
Even if he didn't need the Pokédex, Gengar certainly could.
And if it was for his Pokémon, then he should put in more effort.
"Professor Oak."
His gaze steadied as he looked at the professor and bowed.
"Please entrust the Pokédex to me. I'll do my best!"
Professor Oak paused.
For a moment, he saw glimpses of others in Lu Ye—The boy training atop Mt. Silver, and another young man from Pallet Town…
"What an excellent look in your eyes," Oak said with a sigh, shaking his head with a smile.
"But before you can have the Pokédex, there's something you need to do for me first."
"A task?"
"Consider it a small test."
Oak's eyes glimmered with a sly light.
"It's also a way for me… to evaluate your abilities."
Crystal thought for a moment.
"When Professor Oak tested me, he had me take care of an entire garden of Pokémon…"
Oak chuckled. "And she ended up capturing all of them."
"That's why I called her 'The Catcher.'"
A test of my ability?
I don't even know what my title would be…
The 'Chef'? The 'Master of Making People Hungry'?
Lu Ye coughed lightly. "So what's my test?"
"The same as Gold's."
From a metal container behind him, Professor Oak retrieved two Poké Balls and met Lu Ye's gaze.
"A battle with me."
"The format will be an open match. Each of us can only use two Pokémon."
Crystal glanced at both of them, slightly nervous.
"Those are the rules… any objections?"
"Nope!"
Professor Oak, dressed in a black tank top, stretched his limbs and laughed heartily.
"It's been a while since I broke a sweat—this is the perfect chance!"
Lu Ye felt complicated emotions rise within him.
After all… Professor Oak was a former Champion.
Battling against him… I won't get completely wiped, right?
"Well then, these are my two Pokémon!"
Professor Oak tossed two Poké Balls into the air.
With a flash of white light, a proud and agile Stantler stepped forward, while a Ledyba hovered midair, its wings buzzing softly.
Lu Ye let out a small breath of relief—at least Oak didn't choose Kangaskhan or Dragonite.
Judging by the fact that Ledyba hadn't even evolved, its strength shouldn't be too overwhelming.
The real problem was Stantler… that one needed careful attention.
On the other hand, in an unrestricted battle like this, the primary target was always the Trainer.
As soon as Lu Ye threw his Poké Ball, he commanded, "Sylveon, use Yawn!"
With a graceful leap, the elegant Sylveon landed lightly on the field.
"A status-focused Trainer? Interesting."
Professor Oak folded his arms. "Stantler, use Me First!"
Me First would allow Stantler to use an opponent's move before they did.
But as Stantler let out a yawn, it suddenly realized—Sylveon wasn't even in front of it anymore.
Sylveon had sidestepped and instead aimed Yawn at… Professor Oak!
A wave of drowsiness swept over him, but Oak remained composed.
"Ledyba, use Supersonic!"
The high-frequency sound waves spread outward—not only could they confuse Pokémon, but they could also disorient the Trainer!
If the Trainer lost focus, victory would shift dramatically.
Ledyba sped toward Lu Ye, flapping its wings—
Until, suddenly, a shadow loomed behind him.
"Gengarr!"
Lu Ye gave the order. "Shadow Ball!"
"Gengarr! (ૢ˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
Gengar was faster.
The pitch-black Shadow Ball shot forward, blasting Ledyba out of the air.
But at that moment, Stantler's Hypnosis struck Sylveon, causing it to collapse onto the ground.
"Naked Hypnosis? That's brutal!"
Lu Ye clicked his tongue. "Gengar, use Substitute!"
Gengar split into two, both forms grinning eerily as they cackled.
Fighting off his sleepiness, Professor Oak shouted, "Ledyba, Encore! Stantler, Hypnosis again!"
Ledyba, now barely holding on, waved its tiny fingers—
If Encore landed, Gengar would be locked into Substitute, leaving it completely vulnerable!
"Gengar, Taunt!" Lu Ye commanded.
Under Taunt, Ledyba couldn't use Encore—or any other status moves!
Professor Oak raised an eyebrow in surprise.
This level of adaptability…
No, he anticipated my command in advance!
This kind of Trainer vs. Trainer mind game—this was what made Pokémon battles so captivating!
Meanwhile, Lu Ye wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Professor Oak was still standing strong, wide awake, even after nearly half a minute.
A Tauros would've been asleep by now!
Was this… the legendary Pallet Town protagonist physique?!
With no other choice, Gengar darted toward Oak, its eyes glowing an eerie blue.
Hypnosis!
"No chance," Oak countered. "Stantler, use Imprison!"
In an instant, Stantler's antlers gleamed with blue light, sealing off Gengar's move pool.
Hypnosis failed. Worse still, Gengar's Substitute was shattered.
Professor Oak hesitated briefly—until he saw Gengar hovering over Sylveon.
Its mouth opened wide, as if devouring something unseen.
"…You used Dream Eater on your own Sylveon?" Oak suddenly realized the danger.
"Sylveon, Quick Attack—finish Ledyba!"
Shaking off its drowsiness, Sylveon shot forward like an arrow, knocking Ledyba out.
"Stantler!" Oak called. "Use Take Down! But control your strength!"
However, instead of attacking Sylveon—
Stantler charged straight at Lu Ye, its antlers glowing with the energy of Take Down.
Gengar tried to intercept, but Stantler phased right through it.
"Gengarr?!"
Even Sylveon, who was restraining Oak with its ribbons, wouldn't be able to stop it in time.
"Veeon!"
Oak's eyes gleamed.
"This is checkmate!"
Lu Ye took a deep breath.
"Gengar—Ally Switch!"
Dirty tactics can only be countered with even dirtier tactics!
In an instant, Gengar swapped places with Lu Ye—
Meaning Hypnosis landed on Stantler at point-blank range.
Thud.
Stantler collapsed, snoring.
The match was over.
Finally, the drowsiness caught up with Oak as well.
Yawning, he lazily waved his hand.
Crystal quickly handed him a Chesto Berry to wake him up.
"Phew… that was some brilliant commanding," Oak said, letting out a hearty laugh.
"To beat a former Champion… kid, you've got real talent!"
Not like I had a choice—everyone from Pallet Town is a monster…
Lu Ye grumbled internally.
If Oak had normal human physiology, this match would've been over ages ago!
Meanwhile, Crystal, who had watched the entire battle, looked at Lu Ye with newfound admiration.
His live battle commands, his reaction time—he was already one of the strongest Pokédex Holders.
And in terms of Pokémon training…
To reach this level in just half a year—only Blue had accomplished something similar!
"Well then… you've passed your test."
Oak smiled as he pulled the Pokédex from his lab coat and handed it to Lu Ye.
But then, his expression turned serious.
"One last question, Lu Ye."
"To you… what do Pokémon mean?"
His voice was both reflective and nostalgic.
"Every Pokédex Holder is a genius in their own field," Oak murmured.
"To some, Pokémon are friends. To others, they're partners. Some see them as comrades-in-arms…"
"But for you—"
Oak's gaze deepened as he looked at Lu Ye.
"What do Pokémon mean to you?"
Lu Ye froze for a moment.
Truthfully, he had thought about this before.
But after half a year in this world, the answer had become clear.
The memories he had built with his Pokémon—That's what made everything shine.
"To me…"
He lowered his head, patting the grinning Gengar and the smug Sylveon.
The three Poké Balls on his belt trembled slightly, as if they were waiting for his answer.
"…They're family," Lu Ye said with a smile.
No matter where he was, he could always feel that bond.
And only family could bring that kind of warmth.
It was exactly why Lu Ye loved Pokémon so much.
"Family, huh…"
Professor Oak was silent for a long time.
Then, he smiled.
"That's a wonderful answer."
"Lu Ye, this is your Pokédex!"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the golden light washed over the plains.
Lu Ye handed the special Pokédex to Gengar, smiling.
"Gengarr!"
Gengar gave a thumbs-up.
Don't worry—I'll take good care of it!
After handling all the formalities, Lu Ye said his goodbyes to Professor Oak.
Standing in the twilight, Crystal turned to Oak and asked curiously, "Professor… what's Teacher Lu's title?"
Gazing at Lu Ye's departing figure, Oak's eyes held a profound light.
"No matter the situation, he remains absolutely calm."
"He adapts to every opponent with a tailored strategy."
"His tactical brilliance would even make Champions envious…"
"And most importantly, he has a heart as brilliant as gold."
Oak smiled.
"That's why, perhaps… he is 'The Tactician.'"