In the aftermath of the rampaging Dynamax Pokémon—and the royal descendants' disastrous defeat broadcast live across the region—
Galar's most prosperous cities had ground to a complete halt. People gathered in places without Power Spots, while the Galar League dispatched elite response teams and summoned powerful Trainers to suppress the gigantic Pokémon running wild throughout the region.
Under Leon's leadership, the Trainers won battle after battle, steadily bringing the Dynamax Pokémon under control. Though the Power Spots in the north remained highly active, those in central and southern Galar had already begun to settle down.
"Galar particles have become extraordinarily active. From the standpoint of energy development, Galar truly has been granted a new lease on life."
In Wedgehurst, Professor Magnolia leafed through investigation reports from the cities, the Wild Area, and numerous other locations. Meanwhile, the laboratory's detection equipment continuously monitored fluctuations in Galar particles.
Similar machines and institutions existed in other regions. Hoenn had its Weather Institute, while Unova had its Season Research Lab. Galar's particle-detection equipment used monitoring technology much like theirs.
"The light above the Crown Tundra was once stolen by an alien god, only to be returned shortly afterward. Once those erupting pillars of Galar particles disappeared, the number of Dynamax Pokémon began to fall. That matches the findings of our earlier investigations."
"You mean those Dens, right, Gran?" Sonia asked. "Entrances to Pokémon Dens appear all across Galar. Some are on flat ground, some among the hills, while others are hidden in cliff faces or beneath lakes. If you throw a Wishing Star inside, a Dynamax Pokémon will appear—and before it emerges, a pillar of light shoots into the sky…"
Everyone had gathered in Professor Magnolia's laboratory. Before they traveled to the energy plant, Sonia needed to compile all the information she had gathered and present it to her grandmother.
Professor Magnolia nodded as she listened to Sonia's report.
"That's correct. In the past, these wild Dynamax Pokémon—particularly those that emerged inside Dens—were extremely powerful. Defeating one required no fewer than four reasonably capable Trainers working together. Four was the absolute minimum…"
Professor Magnolia removed her glasses and massaged the bridge of her nose.
"In other words, Galar will be seeing Max Raid Battles throughout the region for some time."
"That will inevitably disrupt people's lives and travel," Bea said. "Cities without Power Spots may experience a resurgence as a result. More people will become afraid of Dynamax Pokémon, and migration between cities will probably become much more common."
"But what will happen to cities with Stadiums? Without large numbers of local spectators purchasing tickets, the cost of maintaining the facilities will rise for the companies involved. People may even begin rejecting Dynamax altogether…"
"No matter what happens, ordinary Pokémon battles will return to the public eye," Marnie said. "We'll probably see more tournaments that don't use Dynamax from now on."
"The young heroes who distinguished themselves in the tundra… Brave souls who were knighted by its king."
Professor Magnolia smiled.
"Don't worry. The people of Galar won't be defeated so easily. The legend of the King of All has already proven that. This land is an ideal realm, and now most of its legends have been explained. The true sovereign of the Crown Tundra and his knights are waiting beyond those mountains. There's something rather romantic about that, don't you think?"
"It's enough to stir even an old woman's blood. To devote oneself to Galar's future… like the final rays of sunset still shining upon the snow."
"Sonia, you did well this time."
"Actually, aside from what I learned from Mr. Hikaru, most of my conclusions were based on the information Professor Burnet transmitted to me. And she invited me to…"
Sonia stopped halfway through her sentence and turned toward Hikaru, who was sitting beside one of the laboratory tables.
"Wait! I haven't even asked you about this yet! You're the deputy director of the Dimensional Research Lab?!"
"But you told me you don't even have a doctorate!"
Hikaru coughed.
"Well, that just proves I'm not a professional."
"If you aren't a professional, then nobody in this world is…"
"No, people descended from ancient civilizations are often like that," Professor Magnolia said with a quiet laugh. "Such peoples exist in many different places, preserving stories and legends unknown to the rest of the world. In truth, we needn't place quite so much importance on doctoral degrees."
"Modern human history is quite short. Even Galar, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, has only two hundred years of such history. Before that, there were mages, magicians, wielders of mysterious arts, Pokémon tamers, authorities on occult science, and alchemists…"
"And who was there to issue certificates to any of them?"
"Peoples who preserve ancient myths often emerge when the world encounters a problem no one else can solve. Kalos, across the sea, has such a people as well—the clan that guards the Tower of Mastery, for example."
"That is why I say a mythologist is simultaneously the most substantial and the least substantial of all scholarly titles. Understanding myths and history requires painstaking research and investigation. Sometimes, it even requires confronting calamities descending from the heavens."
"Sonia, have you realized why your earlier research went so poorly?"
"Oof. I'm being criticized again."
Sonia spread her hands and gave everyone a helpless look.
Professor Magnolia then turned toward Hop.
"Leon's younger brother… You became involved in this incident by chance, but you played no small part in resolving it."
"You still lack strength, but your future certainly looks promising."
Hop folded his hands behind his head, looking a little embarrassed.
"Yeah, the whole thing really got my blood pumping! And Wooloo and I have already— Ahem! Anyway, I'm going to ask my big bro for an endorsement."
"I'm going to become a Gym Challenger! This will be the starting point of my own legendary history!"
"Ahem. That's right—I'm a witness to legends! Mr. Hikaru said that some legendary knights served as witnesses too. Besides, Calyrex knighted me as well."
Hop was partly saying it to lighten the mood, but young people often felt the urge to venture into the world after witnessing something momentous.
Hop especially had changed. After discovering how Wooloo ought to be used in battle and witnessing combat between high-level Pokémon, childish contests of Defense Curl followed by Tackle no longer seemed impressive.
Watching beginner kids battle on the roadside would probably feel unbearably dull now. To think he had once been at their level, happily commanding Tackle over and over…
Well, there was something admirable about never forgetting one's beginnings. Still, even Tackle shouldn't be used so straightforwardly!
Timing and technique mattered with Tackle too!
"Come to think of it, I noticed something about this in your résumé," Professor Magnolia said to Hikaru.
"You're also deputy director of the Dream Research Institute, whose director is Fennel; an assistant at Professor Juniper's laboratory; a field researcher attached to Professor Rowan's laboratory in Sandgem Town; and deputy director of the Area Zero Research Station? You're also a senior executive at Devon Corporation, and you have employment records with both Blueberry Academy and the University of Paldea?"
"Blueberry Academy may still be under construction as an institution of higher education, but Paldea's academy is a prestigious university with eight hundred years of history."
Hikaru coughed softly.
"To be honest, although my record says I taught at Naranja Academy, I suspect our chairwoman simply slipped that into my file. As for what I actually taught… I merely knocked more than a dozen candidates out of the League's annual assessment."
"I don't think that counts as teaching. They do have practical battle classes at the academy, but I wasn't responsible for those."
"I really have been doing proper work for the Dream Research Institute, though."
So Professor Juniper had formally registered him as an assistant, while Professor Rowan had given him a field-researcher title…
But what was this business about being deputy director of the Area Zero Research Station? Had AI Sada arranged that?
"How did all these people pile so many titles onto me without my knowledge? Oh… Was it because of that joint paper we discussed?"
"Cynthia is technically affiliated with Professor Rowan's laboratory as well, isn't she? She worked as his assistant in the past. Although she's now an independent mythologist, she doesn't have a research institute of her own. She conducts her research either in her hometown or at Caitlin's villa."
In terms of scale, Professor Juniper's laboratory had been inherited from the elder Professor Juniper. Professor Rowan's laboratory had only recently been reestablished in Sinnoh, but Rowan himself was an immensely senior scholar. Merely earning the title of researcher at his laboratory was an impressive accomplishment.
As for the Dimensional Research Lab and Dream Research Institute…
Hikaru might hold the title of deputy director, but when he thought about it, even counting the professors and himself, both institutions were rather understaffed.
Fennel's institute had exactly three people: Fennel as director, with Hikaru and Truffle as deputy directors.
It didn't have a single ordinary employee!
Director Fennel spent every day sleeping and dreaming, Hikaru ran around the world despite being deputy director, and only Truffle ever worked overtime. Yet Truffle wasn't even nine years old. He had practically started working overtime the moment he was born.
Even Larry didn't have it that bad.
Professor Burnet's side did have other researchers, but apart from inexperienced recruits they had picked up along the way, the rest were probably Aether Foundation personnel.
Did that research institute have anyone it could truly call its own?
The Area Zero Research Station was much the same. Only AI Sada remained. Everyone else had either fled or died. The remaining researchers were all under Geeta's authority.
Surely they couldn't count Arven as a researcher?
Such were Hikaru's thoughts.
"Your qualifications as a Trainer need no explanation, and you appear to possess considerable talent as an educator as well," Professor Magnolia said. "An assessment may not be an official class, but practical instruction is still instruction. So I'm afraid your argument doesn't hold."
"If you attend this conference and contribute to a major paper, earning a doctorate should be effortless. As the descendant of an ancient people and a senior official in two different Leagues, obtaining one would benefit both organizations you belong to, should you have any interest."
"A region's research capabilities determine how quickly that region develops. An independent researcher with significant academic achievements becomes highly sought after—just look at the Dimensional Research Lab where you work."
"So, concerning authorship of the paper on this incident…"
"Exactly!" Sonia raised both arms excitedly. "Professor Burnet said we can all be listed as coauthors! You haven't promised anyone else yet, have you? Let's publish it together! You can stay in Galar for a few more days, and then we'll all travel to Sinnoh!"
"About that…"
Hikaru fell silent.
Sonia's heart skipped a beat.
"That reaction… Don't tell me you really have already made another commitment?"
"My, my. Running between so many research institutes cannot be easy," Professor Magnolia said with a laugh. "Judging from that reaction, I'm beginning to look forward to the conference."
"Surely your name won't appear on every major paper presented there? Now that would be entertaining."
"Would you like to study Dynamax as well? Sonia has never shown much interest in it. I always hoped she would inherit my work, but—"
"Gran! I never said I wouldn't study it! Don't give away my research topic without asking me!"
Sonia looked utterly exasperated.
"You have to leave me something to research…"
"Come to think of it, all of Galar's myths have now been explained. Doesn't that mean I have nothing left to study? I was thinking about writing a book, but what am I supposed to do after I finish it? I can't pad my papers every year by writing about the knights selected in the tundra."
"Study human beings."
Professor Magnolia's gaze suddenly sharpened.
"According to a few rumors, someone may genuinely present such an argument this year. Keep an eye out for it."
"It sounds outrageously sensational, so I'm rather looking forward to it."
Sonia stared at her in disbelief.
What?
Professor Magnolia continued as though she had said nothing unusual.
"As for Professor Burnet's institution… Although it is still a relatively new research organization, would you like to spend some time working there?"
"At the conference, I can use the opportunity to arrange for you to study there for a while. Experience as an assistant in multiple research institutes will help when you establish your own laboratory, as well as with your future career in academia."
"A young professor employed by a megacorporation is no ordinary researcher. When it comes to the study of dimensions, Professor Burnet genuinely appears to be the foremost authority in the field."
"If you need more research topics, I can give you several. You could investigate Max Raid Battles, the mysterious barriers created during them, and Pokémon Dens."
"Whatever else may happen, Galar has dangerous areas related to dimensional phenomena. We must remain vigilant. After training at the Dimensional Research Lab, you can return here. Countless mysteries remain within the Dens of both the Crown Tundra and mainland Galar."
"Do those Dens truly lead underground beneath Galar, or do they connect to another space entirely? You said there was an immense hollow beneath the tundra's mountains. From a geological standpoint, a structure large enough to accommodate dozens of Dynamax Pokémon battling one another is far beyond anything that could be called an ordinary subterranean cavern."
Professor Magnolia could sense the winds of the future beginning to change.
In earlier times, wild Dynamax Pokémon had occasionally appeared without warning, but people had never experienced a disaster on the scale of this one.
Yet the incident had also allowed Trainers capable of controlling Dynamax—and those possessing extraordinary strength—to distinguish themselves. From the perspective of Galar's bloodthirsty spectators, society might become even more complicated from now on.
People could enjoy watching colossal Pokémon exchange blasts in a Stadium while hating the idea of gigantic wild monsters appearing in the countryside. There was no contradiction in that.
The danger might even inspire more people to become Pokémon Trainers.
Others, however, would only become more frightened and leave Galar for safer lands.
"A true professor must brave all manner of danger to gather precious firsthand information. This experience alone, together with the resulting investigation reports, has unraveled every legend surrounding the Darkest Day, the Slumbering Weald, the King of All, and the king of the tundra."
Professor Magnolia looked directly at her granddaughter.
"Sonia, once the academic conference is over, you'll finally be able to call yourself Professor Sonia."
There was only a moment of silence.
Then came an incoherent cry of pure excitement.
"R-Really?! I can finally become a professor?! Thank you, Gran!"
Sonia burst into tears.
"Oh, honestly. There, there. I know you're excited, but don't cry."
Professor Magnolia glanced through the window. Many people were beginning to leave Wedgehurst.
"Everyone is returning home. The people who evacuated here from Postwick, along with those who came back from elsewhere but couldn't reach their houses, have started departing one group at a time."
"Because the remote controls in the Slumbering Weald were destroyed—and because the forest never had any natural Power Spots or Dens to begin with—no more Pokémon have emerged from beyond the forest since Sordward and Shielbert disappeared and their remote equipment was completely demolished," Marnie said.
Professor Magnolia nodded.
"Young lady from Spikemuth, we owe you our thanks as well. You, Bea, Hop, Hikaru, and Sonia destroyed those remote controls and protected the peace of the heroes' homeland."
"This disturbance certainly frightened the residents of Postwick and Wedgehurst. Fortunately, that kindhearted Flying Taxi driver was willing to help."
"Beyond those mountains lies the Crown Shrine… Postwick and Wedgehurst may actually gain residents from now on. In fact, a couple of families had already planned to move there, but traffic congestion and certain well-known circumstances delayed them until now…"
"The Corviknight Flying Taxis have resumed service, and Machoke Movers is operating again. Those two families should be able to move in very soon."
"A few days ago, I even saw…"
Professor Magnolia recalled something, then abruptly turned toward Hikaru.
"I noticed that your work history includes research and analysis concerning Egg Groups. I assume your chairwoman added that as well. Although you've never worked at Professor Elm's laboratory, you seem to possess an unusual depth of knowledge about Pokémon Eggs, much like he does."
"Is it because Eggs hold special importance to the people of some distant region? I've heard that certain ancient peoples raised the Eggs of particular Pokémon. The earliest modern research into Egg Groups drew upon their practices."
"There is such a clan in Kalos—the same one associated with that tower. They specialize in raising Lucario."
"Then does that mean Galar's research into Egg Groups is relatively recent too?" Hikaru asked.
"Of course. It was only after Egg Groups were understood that certain Pokémon could be bred on a large scale. Eggs truly are mysterious things. Supposedly, no one has ever witnessed the moment an Egg comes into existence."
"And that isn't limited to Galar. Isn't the same true in every other region?"
"Capturing a wild Pokémon and befriending it is entirely different from raising one from an Egg."
"In the past, Galar's people were constantly harassed by wild Dynamax Pokémon. Our industrialized coexistence with Pokémon began two hundred years ago, but there were still those who could not adapt and left the region, while others suffered disasters caused by wild Pokémon."
"Chairman Rose may have entered prison of his own accord, but the fact that Galar's people can live so harmoniously with Pokémon today is largely thanks to him, isn't it?"
Rose's first Pokémon had been a Cufant he caught near the mines with his younger brother, Peony.
The history of Poké Ball development wasn't as long as Galar's Industrial Revolution. Even in the original supplementary novel, Professor Westwood only developed the modern Poké Ball in 1925, while Professor Laventon's version dated back roughly one hundred and fifty years.
Of course, devices similar to Poké Balls seemed to have existed in far more ancient eras.
Ultimately, storing Pokémon inside a "ball" merely made them easier to carry. Modern Poké Balls could even expand and shrink, making them more convenient still.
If the only requirement was the storage of a Pokémon, then the staff of an Aura Guardian from a thousand years ago could arguably be considered a kind of Poké Ball.
Not only had it stored a Pokémon, but it had preserved that Pokémon's bodily functions in peak condition without food or water, sustaining its life until the next time the seal was opened.
Even the staff itself had survived intact for a millennium.
That was far more impressive than a modern Poké Ball.
"However, I've heard that Galar has already decided upon its new first partner Pokémon," Hikaru said. "They allow beginning Trainers to grow quickly, while also… Hmm?"
"Wait. Were Galar's previous first partners Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle?"
Leon's first partner had been Charmander.
After the conclusion of Pokémon Sword and Shield's main story, he even left the protagonist an extraordinarily rare Charmander with the potential to Gigantamax. That suggested the breeding and discovery of Charmander with Gigantamax potential had only just begun during that era.
In other words, Master Mustard's Max Soup remained an exceedingly rare specialty of the Isle of Armor.
Perhaps it was because Leon had trained there that he and people like Raihan knew Mustard possessed the remarkable ability to switch a Pokémon between ordinary Dynamax and Gigantamax.
After all, the origin of Max Soup had been a complete accident.
It had been created by Mustard's wife, Honey.
And she had originally made it to save money.
She gathered mushrooms from the forest to use in soup, only for the Pokémon that drank it to suddenly Gigantamax. That was how they discovered that soup made from those mushrooms could alter a Pokémon's Dynamax form.
Honey subsequently developed an ambition: one day, she wanted to turn Max Soup into an instant food and sell it across the entire world.
That dream was still nowhere near realization during the era of Sword and Shield. And since Scarlet and Violet didn't feature Dynamax, no story concerning her could naturally occur there.
At the Master Dojo, the protagonist was also allowed to choose once again between the other two Kanto first partners—Squirtle and Bulbasaur, excluding Charmander.
Strangely, Galar's first partners weren't obtained from a research laboratory. They were gifts from Leon, and none of the subsequent dialogue seemed to connect them with Professor Magnolia.
How peculiar.
Could Master Mustard's dojo have been responsible?
After the first trial, Mustard specifically explained the relationship between Dynamax and Gigantamax before leading naturally into the second trial.
Perhaps Mustard—an Expansion Pass character—really had been the one to research the Gigantamax potential of Galar's first partners and certain other Pokémon, determining which species were capable of Gigantamaxing.
As Hikaru pondered the matter, Professor Magnolia noticed his confusion and offered an explanation.
"The new partners have already been selected. Perhaps Galar was simply fortunate, but the three chosen species aren't merely highly compatible with one another—they can also breed with one another. Under Macro Cosmos's research program, we successfully bred second and third generations of first partner Pokémon."
"The three you know are Scorbunny, Grookey, and Sobble."
"Furthermore, we discovered some individuals among them that possessed an unusual power—the phenomenon now known as Gigantamax. Their appearances change, and attacking moves of certain types become G-Max Moves with additional effects distinct from ordinary Max Moves."
"Leon's Charizard is one Pokémon with Gigantamax potential. As far as we know, the Charmander from which it evolved was the only naturally occurring example ever discovered."
"I see," Hikaru said. "The three Kanto first partners belong to mutually compatible Egg Groups as well. That made them some of the earliest powerful Pokémon suitable for beginners that humans could breed reliably."
"Galar's three are similarly rare. All three share a mutually compatible Egg Group. Finding a set like that certainly isn't easy."
"Scorbunny belongs to the Field and Human-Like Groups. Grookey belongs to the Field and Grass Groups. Sobble belongs to the Field and Water 1 Groups."
That reminded Hikaru of something.
Macro Cosmos's Pokémon Nursery was that large house in Bridge Field.
Galar had a newly opened nursery on Route 5, while the larger facility stood in Bridge Field, with a Macro Cosmos employee stationed beside it.
Who owned the place could hardly have been more obvious.
Galar's companies could also be viewed through Poké Jobs. The sheer variety was astonishing, and Macro Cosmos accounted for more than half of them.
After all, Chairman Rose's corporate conglomerate was literally named "Macro Cosmos."
In a sense, the name echoed that of the Aether Foundation.
"The reason I suddenly asked about this," Professor Magnolia continued, "is because you told me that the king at the Crown Shrine rewards the knights who pass his trials with Pokémon Eggs, as well as unique Pokémon whose colors differ from the norm."
"Those are extremely special gifts. I'm not saying I intend to claim the Eggs entrusted by the tundra's king."
"But I've discovered two promising young talents, and I would like to ask them to investigate this matter for me. You might call it my personal endorsement. They'll first complete the Gym Challenge and climb to the top…"
"Their age and current ability may not yet be suited to battles of such intensity, but…"
"I don't believe the restrictions need to be quite so rigid. Therefore, I intend to endorse them not only for the Gym Challenge, but for the tundra's trials as well."
"A few days ago, two children who had moved here from another city displayed astonishing ability with borrowed Pokémon outside Wedgehurst. I believe they both have tremendous potential."
"Especially the girl wearing the green hat. I'm certain she can complete my request."
"A girl in a green hat who moved here from another city?"
Hikaru immediately caught the important words.
Of course!
The major blackout meant people would be moving!
Yet it sounded as if they had already planned the move beforehand…
Had the plan and present circumstances simply come together, triggering a new chain of events?
Was Galar's crown jewel—the invincible Scottish lass in the green tam—finally about to arrive?
"Yes," Professor Magnolia said. "But first, they need to gain some experience. Before I entrust anything precious to them, there are several things I would like to understand."
"Long ago, special individuals capable of Gigantamaxing first appeared inside Pokémon Dens. Around particularly powerful Dens, one can often find extremely strong Pokémon surrounded by a brilliant aura."
"Such Pokémon frequently know unusual moves that most others of their species would struggle their entire lives to master. Sometimes I wonder whether these three phenomena might be connected."
"I understand what you want to ask," Hikaru said.
"First is the matter of inheritance. When Pokémon from compatible Egg Groups breed, their offspring may inherit their parents' form, moves, individual strengths, Nature, and Ability—much as human children inherit traits, except the results are more visible in Pokémon."
"As for artificially raising a Pokémon with Gigantamax potential… I believe that requires an item known as a Dynamax Crystal."
"When a Dynamax Crystal is used inside a special, exceptionally large Den, a Pokémon with a rare Ability and the potential to Gigantamax may appear."
"My suspicion is that the crystal doesn't simply attract such Pokémon. Rather, it grants them the power to transform into that form."
"It probably produces an effect similar to the Max Mushrooms found on the Isle of Armor."
Dynamax Crystals were items that couldn't be obtained through any normal in-game method during Generation VIII. They were distributed exclusively through special events.
Three hundred varieties existed. Every name began with a star symbol, followed by letters derived from constellation abbreviations designated by the International Astronomical Union.
"Pokémon Dens emit two kinds of pillars: red and purple. You must have observed both on mainland Galar before. During your previous research with Macro Cosmos, you probably encountered Butterfree that Gigantamaxed after emerging from purple pillars."
"One of the earliest places known to produce a purple pillar… was the location where Rose Tower now stands."
"In other words, a Den emitting a red pillar has a chance of shining, while a Den emitting a purple pillar will always shine."
"Shining Pokémon Dens are more likely to contain Pokémon with Hidden Abilities, Egg Moves, high individual strengths, and Gigantamax potential."
"Egg Moves are abilities learned from birth. Individual strengths are simply humanity's quantification of a Pokémon's natural talent. Gigantamax, meanwhile, is a latent potential awakened by Galar particles."
"A Pokémon Den emitting a red pillar may also radiate golden light."
"A Den emitting a purple pillar will always radiate golden light."
Professor Magnolia's hand trembled slightly.
"Golden light?! Then that light really is…"
A mystery that had perplexed her for years had finally begun to unravel.
"Correct," Hikaru said. "That golden light is also known as an aura."
"The region where such auras are most common is Alola, far from Galar. Powerful Pokémon possessing those auras are found there, and the strongest among them are known as Totem Pokémon."
"However, Galar is a land born from the Darkest Day. The aura of light cannot produce Totem Pokémon here as it does in Alola."
"Neighboring Kalos also has its legendary 'aura Pokémon.' In Paldea, Pokémon that consume special legendary herbs—Herba Mystica—can undergo changes that make their bodies enormous and surround them with a magnificent aura."
"It would be premature to conclude how those phenomena relate to Alola's auras of light or the golden auras surrounding Galar's Pokémon."
"Among Pokémon with exceptionally high potential and natural talent, there are also ferocious Alpha Pokémon with tremendous vitality. Originally, they were dominant Pokémon produced by the environmental conditions of ancient lands. It's possible they may eventually begin appearing in modern regions as well."
"Whether the combination of light and Galar particles can draw out a Pokémon's latent potential remains uncertain. It is only a hypothesis."
"What we can confirm is that dream energy can influence Pokémon Abilities. As a member of the Dream Research Institute, that is the most definite answer I can offer."
"So the relationship between Egg Groups and Pokémon breeding is even more complicated than I imagined," Professor Magnolia said. "I now understand more clearly what an enormous contribution Professor Elm—one of Professor Oak's students—made to the field."
"Auras and different forms of energy can influence Pokémon breeding and awaken their potential… Is this the theory of regional ecology you intend to publish?"
"I heard about it from the elderly residents of the Isle of Armor. It appears Galar's Pokémon can provide further compelling evidence in support of it."
"This theory has extraordinary potential. It may influence all future research into Pokémon forms, Evolution, and breeding throughout the Pokémon world."
"If it is ever confirmed…"
"It may change the world."
"Wh-What?!" Sonia exclaimed. "That regional ecology theory he keeps mentioning is really that important? It could change the entire Pokémon world?"
Then she suddenly realized something.
"Wait! Weren't we just discussing an incredible research topic? Red pillars and purple pillars are part of the Dynamax phenomenon, aren't they?"
"That should be my field of research! If it's already being explained, then what am I supposed to do?"
"Add another subject to your research," Professor Magnolia said. "Investigate Pokémon born with Gigantamax potential and rare Abilities."
"That also relates to Dens and Max Raid Battles. Since it concerns the breeding and natural state of local Pokémon, studying at the Dimensional Research Lab will become indispensable."
"Actually, another professor studied the theory of regional ecology roughly one hundred and fifty years ago," Hikaru said. "That research included regional forms, and its origins lay in Galar and Alola."
"However, that professor's findings…"
"Disappeared."
"Lost research findings…" Professor Magnolia murmured. "Still, research conducted one hundred and fifty years ago must differ considerably from knowledge preserved by ancient peoples over thousands of years. It is truly regrettable that those earlier results were lost."
"But now the argument has been revived. I expect great things from you, Dr. Hikaru."
"Mm. There's one final matter—the question of alternate coloration."
"That also appears to be connected to auras," Hikaru said. "The more Brilliant Pokémon surrounded by golden light one defeats, the more likely one becomes to encounter Pokémon with rare coloration. I suspect some force is attracting them."
"It resembles the Shiny Charm developed in Unova. That particular discovery hasn't been formally published yet, but it probably will be soon."
The criteria governing Shiny Pokémon naturally couldn't be as mechanical as they were in a game. Yet Pokémon with unusual coloration undoubtedly held some special position or underwent some distinct change within their populations.
Alola's SOS Battles offered one example.
A Pokémon under attack might call for help. As the chain grew longer, the allies—or natural predators—that answered the call had a greater probability of being Shiny.
In other words, the appearance of Shiny Pokémon was unquestionably connected to battle.
There was still no definitive conclusion on how to hatch Shiny Pokémon more efficiently.
Generation II, however, had featured an item known as the Odd Egg.
It was not the mysterious Egg that contained Togepi. The Odd Egg could hatch only one of seven specific Pokémon species, and in its original version there was a fifty-percent chance that the Pokémon would be Shiny.
"A Shiny Charm?" Professor Magnolia asked, fascinated by the description of how it was made.
"Is it a special mechanical device? Does it operate through electromagnetic waves, or by stimulating something in nature? Ah, yes—there were once rumors that Team Rocket created the red Gyarados in Johto…"
"I see. Your earliest affiliations were with the Dream Research Institute and Professor Juniper's laboratory. Radiance and alternate coloration are connected to the origins of Pokémon…"
"What a pity."
Professor Magnolia shook her head and looked at Sonia.
"Professor Juniper's research achievements appear to be even more astonishing. Your results still fall far short of hers."
Sonia stared at her, no longer able to follow what was happening.
"So I can't represent Galar at the conference… Ugh…"
"What is this? We're both young researchers, but compared with them, I…"
"I'm hopelessly inexperienced."
"Now, now. Don't be upset. Go and bring out the object in the research room."
Professor Magnolia hurried Sonia along. Sonia rushed into the room at the back of the laboratory, and a startled cry soon followed.
"What is this—a Pokémon Egg?!"
"Correct."
Professor Magnolia turned toward everyone.
"I intend to entrust these Eggs to the children who caught my attention after moving here."
"According to research conducted in Johto, Eggs appear to hatch more quickly when carried by Trainers while they walk. My earlier questions were meant to determine whether it might be possible to hatch special individuals with Gigantamax potential or greater-than-average Dynamax power."
"Now that those uncertainties have been resolved, I'll have the children carry the Eggs entrusted to them and investigate Dens emitting purple pillars."
"They will eventually make their way to the Crown Tundra."
Professor Magnolia smiled.
"I wonder which one will arrive first…"
Ding-dong—
The doorbell rang at precisely the right moment.
Sonia opened the front door.
Everyone turned to look.
Framed by the light outside, a cute young girl stepped through the doorway.
She wore a gray woolen coat—
And the unmistakable green tam of a Scottish lass.
(End of Chapter)
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