"Good morning, Mr. Norman. My name is Stephen — it's an honor to meet you."
"Oh! Max already told me about you. And Caroline asked me to remind you that lunch is ready. Sorry I wasn't here earlier — the League has been assigning tasks, and the situation around Petalburg City has kept me busy." Norman offers a sincere apology.
"It's alright. I understand gym duties are heavy. We can continue talking during lunch?"
"Of course. The lobby isn't the right place for a long talk," Norman says, leading me toward the kitchen.
As we enter, I see someone unexpected.
"Professor Birch? Why are you here?!" I freeze. A regional professor usually stays in their lab unless something serious happens. "Is the situation so bad that even you had to come?"
"You misunderstand," Norman chuckles. "Professor Birch is different from other professors — he prefers doing research in the field. The situation isn't that serious. And this is Stephen — a new trainer heading to your lab soon."
Birch smiles warmly. "What a coincidence! I was told a new trainer would arrive in Littleroot Town in three or four days. I came to help Norman and gather data on the local Pokémon. Nice to meet you! I'm Birch — but just call me Professor Birch."
"Nice to meet you, Professor. You don't need an introduction — your reputation is known across the world." I bow slightly. Meeting a regional professor is a rare chance for most people.
"The greetings can continue later," Caroline cuts in, placing dishes on the table. "Lunch will get cold!"
The food smells incredible. As expected of Caroline, her cooking ability stat is definitely maxed out. We eat so enthusiastically that we temporarily forget the problem we were supposed to discuss.
After the meal, Professor Birch's expression shifts from cheerful to serious."Stephen, can you help me with something?"
"Let me guess — the trouble in Petalburg Woods? Shouldn't you find an experienced trainer instead of a rookie?"
"In my opinion, you'll grow quickly," Birch replies. "Norman already gave you a recommendation."
"Mr. Norman?" I turn toward him.
"I saw how you recorded the Pokémon in my backyard," Norman explains. "You accurately analyzed their behavior and personalities without disturbing them. Most rookie trainers can't do that — even Max needed time to learn."
"…I'm interested in Pokémon, but I'm not sure I can help with something that even stopped a Gym Leader and a Professor." I admit honestly.
"Don't worry," Norman says. "We've almost solved it. We just don't understand why the Pokémon are attacking the merchant caravans, or how they choose targets. We drove them off, but once they recover, they'll attack again."
"Have you heard of a Pokémon called Shroomish?" Birch asks.
"Yes — it evolves into Breloom. If Shroomish are involved, spores could be a big problem," I respond carefully.
The two exchange surprised looks, as if wondering whether they picked someone too competent.
"Well," Birch sighs, "it's not an emergency. We'll plan a proper response later. Stephen, do you have any plans right now? You can ride with me back to Littleroot Town."
"Thank you, Professor!" No reason to refuse a comfortable ride instead of walking.
"You're welcome. Norman, please take care of the town."
"It's my duty. Leave it to me." Norman escorts us to the entrance.
"Stephen! If anything happens, you can ask me for advice!" Max says, trying to sound grown-up — though I clearly feel he's trying to encourage me.
"Haha, sure. Next time I'll come to consult the partner of the future Pokémon Master." I tease him gently before getting into the car.
In Professor Birch's Car
Along the way, I ask what data he's collecting that required him to come all the way to Petalburg.
"The leader Shroomish in the woods has learned Spore — a move normally only learned at a high level. Under its command, the group behaves well… except when they disrupt Pokéblock shipments."
"Pokéblock?" I take out the vendor's contact note. Could that really be connected?
"Something on your mind?" Birch notices my pause.
"…No." I shake my head. I have no proof yet — it's too early to mention it.
Birch nods and changes topics, enthusiastically explaining various Pokémon behaviors we pass along the road. The earlier tension fades into curiosity and excitement for my journey ahead.