"Ah… Mr. Locke, are you serious about this resume?"
In the afternoon, Taylor, who had just finished cooking food, sat in his office, staring at the man in front of him with a strange expression.
When Taylor had returned to the office, he noticed an extra job application email on his computer. Before he even had a chance to read it, Kuro came in and told him that a guest had arrived.
When Taylor went to the gate, he discovered that the visitor was the same person who had just sent the job application email.
This man's speed ability was terrifying. Taylor hadn't even checked the email for an hour, and the applicant was already here in person.
"I'm serious, Mr. Dean. I have a rich experience in psychological diseases." The man, Locke, smiled, pushing up his glasses with his middle finger.
Taylor frowned slightly. He couldn't tell whether Locke had a strange habit or if he was deliberately being provocative, he seemed to enjoy adjusting his glasses with his middle finger. Every time he did it, it looked as if he were intentionally giving someone the finger.
But the part about his experience…
"The 'rich experience' you mentioned… means you were hospitalized in multiple mental institutions in the Sinnoh region, then continued your treatment in Johto, and even assaulted your attending physician?" Taylor's hand subconsciously touched the table.
If the man in front of him tried to start trouble, he would let him experience the "fist of justice."
Taylor had originally assumed that the visitor would be an impressive psychologist. After all, Locke looked refined, gentle and elegant. Even in his formal attire, his well-developed muscles were visible.
He exuded an aura of knowledge and refinement.
But after reading the resume, Taylor realized Locke truly did have "rich experience" just not the type he had expected.
"Yes, but at the time, I was working on my research in psychology: On How to Be Discharged from a Mental Hospital Without Illness. To complete my research, I infiltrated several mental institutions," Locke said, his tone entirely serious.
Taylor took a deep breath.
"What's your online ID? I'd like to read your masterpiece." He was unsure if this man was a lunatic or a genius.
"Of course. My ID is 114514," Locke replied without hesitation.
Taylor immediately opened the academic forum, the League's official public paper website, free to access.
After entering the ID, Taylor quickly pulled up Dr. Locke's published papers:
Mental Illness: Understanding Patients by Becoming a Mental Patient
Discussion on the Erasing Memory to Cure Patients
On How to Be Discharged from a Mental Hospital Without Illness
Taylor was stunned.
They were… real.
When he clicked on the author profile, he saw Locke's credentials: a candidate at Pokémon League University, most prestigious university in the Pokémon world, received a full scholarship each year, and even offered a position at a top League hospital immediately after graduation. His papers had also earned him notable recognition in the field.
Taylor was shocked.
Just based on his academic work and credentials, Locke could easily return to his work as a professor. At the very least, he could join a top hospital and earn over more than ten thousand Alliance coins per month.
So why was this man applying for a small welfare home position that barely paid 4,000 Alliance Coin a month?
"Are you sure you're applying for a full-time position?" Taylor asked, looking at the computer as if doubting his own eyes.
"Yes," Locke said, showing no trace of hesitation. He didn't look at all like the patient who had reportedly assaulted his attending doctor at Mental Hospital in Johto just last week.
"Can you tell me the reason?" Taylor finally asked. He wasn't particularly picky about applicants, if someone wanted to work, that was fine, but Locke's case was… unusual.
It was like a convenience store hiring a cashier and having Elon show up to apply.
"Because there's a voice in my head telling me to come and work for you," Locke said seriously.
…Crazy.
Completely insane.
Taylor's hand moved toward the alarm button. He was now certain this psychologist was completely unstable, he was even having hearing voices .
"Haha, just a small joke. The real reason is simple," Locke waved his hand, smiling.
Taylor's mouth twitched. He had noticed earlier that Locke had said Jokes as his area of expertise on the resume.
"Actually," Locke continued, "in order to complete my research, I had to take certain drugs that mimicked the symptoms of mental illness."
Taylor glanced at him again. Strange as he was, Locke's dedication to acadeic was… extreme.
"Although I've completed my research, the mental strain was immense. My body is on the verge of collapse. I need a job that is relaxing, fulfilling, and allows me to rediscover myself," Locke explained, spreading his hands.
Taylor finally understood.
In short, Locke had pretended to be a lunatic for so long that he was on the edge of becoming one and now he needed to recuperate.
"All right. But if you want to work at the welfare home, you still need to register with the League," Taylor said with a smile. The man had the education, the knowledge, and technically even field experience as a psychologist.
Even if it had all been for research.
And lasted six months.
Still, his reputation was legitimate.
If there were any real issues, he wouldn't pass the League's background check. Taylor's recruitment process required League verification anyway.
"This is my audit report," Locke said, producing a document as if he had predicted Taylor's concern.
Taylor accepted it. The report had the League's official seal and a verifiable serial number.
Still cautious, Taylor called Officer Jenny to confirm the information. After a short conversation, he hung up, reassured.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Welfare Home, Dr. Locke," Taylor said, standing with a smile. Now that everything was verified, they could sign the contract.
Taylor was looking forward to Locke helping Puffin and Lucy with their psychological problems.
As for Casey… he wasn't as optimistic.
If Casey didn't want therapy, it could easily avoid Locke forever.
"It's my honor, Mr. Taylor," Locke replied warmly, standing to shake Taylor's hand.