By the following evening, the setting sun cast a warm orange-red glow across Lumiose City in the Kalos region, draping the entire metropolis beneath a gorgeous sunset veil.
A passenger plane slowly descended from the sky before steadily gliding across the runway and finally coming to a stop.
Chen Shi, Steven, Cynthia, and Diantha walked out of the airport one after another.
They had departed from Sootopolis City early that morning and spent several hours flying before finally arriving in Kalos.
Originally, Phoebe had loudly insisted on coming with them as well.
However, because the two Orbs were currently in her possession, Chen Shi refused and told her to return to Mt. Pyre first with the Orbs.
Phoebe also understood how important the Orbs were, so although reluctant, she ultimately agreed and did not follow them to Kalos.
After leaving the airport, Lumiose City immediately revealed its unique scenery before their eyes.
The cobblestone streets winding throughout the city resembled elegant ribbons, circling around towering modern office buildings scattered along the outer districts.
Meanwhile, lining the grand avenues deeper inside the city were buildings showcasing unmistakable Parisian architectural styles.
And towering above everything else stood Prism Tower.
Like a dazzling crystal pillar piercing straight into the heavens, it rose high into the clouds.
Under the reflection of the setting sunlight, the tower's exterior refracted countless brilliant colors, shining with breathtaking splendor.
Chen Shi couldn't help sighing in admiration.
"Lumiose City really deserves its title as the metropolis where technology and art converge. It truly lives up to the reputation."
Steven nodded repeatedly in agreement.
"I heard Lumiose City has two especially famous landmarks."
"One is Prism Tower, and the other is the Lumiose Museum."
"Now that we've seen Prism Tower, I wonder what the museum is like."
Diantha smiled softly.
"You can visit it later. I guarantee the exhibits won't disappoint you."
"I'm looking forward to it," Steven replied with a smile.
"Alright, enough chatting. Let's head to Professor Sycamore's place first," Chen Shi said calmly.
After all, their main purpose in coming to Kalos this time was visiting Professor Sycamore.
Things like sightseeing could wait until later.
"No problem."
Diantha nodded slightly before taking out a Poké Ball from her waist.
A flash of light appeared.
Gardevoir emerged gracefully before everyone.
"Gardevoir, please take us to Professor Sycamore's laboratory."
Diantha spoke gently.
"Gardevoir~"
Gardevoir responded softly.
Immediately afterward, psychic power spread outward like an invisible web, gently enveloping everyone present.
Then—
Gardevoir used Teleport.
Everyone felt their vision blur briefly.
In the next instant, they had already arrived somewhere slightly remote and quiet.
Compared to the bustling city center, the surroundings here were much calmer. Trees lined the area, and before them stood an older-looking but dignified building.
"This is Professor Sycamore's laboratory."
Diantha explained to the three of them before stepping forward and knocking on the door.
Very quickly, the laboratory entrance opened.
A young boy around thirteen or fourteen years old dressed in black appeared before them.
"Oh, Sister Diantha! Please come in—"
The moment Alain saw Diantha, he was just about to invite her inside.
But soon afterward, he noticed the three people standing behind her and instantly froze on the spot.
"Alain, long time no see. Is Professor Sycamore here?"
Diantha smiled warmly.
"H-He's here…"
Alain stood there blankly for a moment before instinctively answering.
Then suddenly, as though finally reacting, he spun around and ran deeper inside while shouting excitedly:
"Professor Sycamore! Professor Chen Shi is here! I finally met my idol!!"
Chen Shi froze briefly before laughing helplessly.
The moment he first saw Alain, he already felt the boy looked familiar.
Only after Diantha called out his name did Chen Shi finally realize—
That kid was Alain.
The same Alain from the anime.
The one with Mega Charizard X who defeated Ash-Greninja.
As for why Alain appeared here beside Professor Sycamore, Chen Shi wasn't surprised at all.
Back in the anime, Alain had indeed worked as Professor Sycamore's assistant and followed him around conducting research.
"Damn, Old Chen, you're impressive. You've even got little fans inside Professor Sycamore's lab!"
Steven laughed while patting Chen Shi on the shoulder.
Chen Shi rolled his eyes at him without replying before following Diantha deeper into the laboratory.
After entering, instead of seeing countless research machines like expected, they found themselves inside a spacious living room.
Tea sets were neatly arranged atop a table.
Diantha explained:
"Professor Sycamore's actual research laboratory is further inside."
"This front area is generally used for receiving guests or distributing starter Pokémon to children."
Chen Shi suddenly understood.
So it was similar to Professor Oak's place.
Because they needed areas for distributing starter Pokémon to young trainers, many professors built welcoming living-room spaces near the entrance.
Diantha continued:
"Let's head further inside. There's not much to see here."
"Alright."
Chen Shi nodded without objection.
Just as Diantha prepared to guide everyone further in, a door behind them suddenly opened.
Alain emerged while dragging along a man around thirty years old.
"Hurry, Professor Sycamore! Professor Chen Shi is here! Look!"
"Alright, alright, I know already. No need to rush."
Professor Sycamore looked rather helpless while being dragged along by Alain.
Ever since Chen Shi's online identity—Severe Choice Paralysis—became famous on the researcher forums, Alain had constantly followed him online.
Then after Chen Shi completely shocked the world during the World Championships by consecutively revealing Mega Evolution and even the eighteenth Pokémon type before ultimately winning the tournament—
Alain officially became Chen Shi's die-hard fanboy.
Although no official organization had ever granted Chen Shi the title of "Professor," Alain personally believed Chen Shi already deserved it.
That was why he always addressed him as "Professor Chen Shi."
And regarding this matter, Professor Sycamore never corrected him.
Because even Sycamore himself felt Chen Shi was worthy of being called a professor.
...
"Professor Sycamore, I brought Chen Shi over."
"And Steven and Cynthia also wanted to visit."
Diantha slightly bowed while introducing Steven and Cynthia.
"Professor Sycamore, I'm Chen Shi. It's an honor to finally meet you."
"And you too, Alain."
Chen Shi smiled while greeting the two of them.
The moment Professor Sycamore saw him, surprise immediately appeared on his face.
He hurried over and directly grabbed Chen Shi's hands enthusiastically.
"Wonderful, wonderful!"
"No need to be so formal. Welcome to—"
Originally, he was about to say welcome to you, but quickly remembered the others standing behind Chen Shi and immediately corrected himself.
"—welcome all of you as guests."
Steven and Cynthia simply smiled without minding the small mistake.
Chen Shi understood the personalities of researchers like Professor Sycamore very well.
He knew they disliked wasting time on unnecessary pleasantries.
So he immediately went straight to the main topic.
"Professor, I heard you discovered many ancient ruins related to Mega Evolution."
"Could you show me the ruins?"
"Or at least the photographs?"
The instant Sycamore heard those words, the smile on his face became even brighter.
He grabbed Chen Shi and immediately started leading him deeper into the laboratory.
"Hahahaha!"
"Come with me!"
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