After the presentation session of the summit ended, Professor Oak and Professor Rowan began preparing for the selection process. Therefore, before the selection process started, the professors, Researchers, and scholars attending the summit could socialize freely, look for topics of interest, or seek advice from the famous professors.
At this moment, Lucas was complaining about the summit's schedule with Birch.
As a slacker and someone with social anxiety, neither of them particularly enjoyed this kind of socializing session. Thus, when they started talking about it, their complaints flowed one after another.
As for why Lucas didn't go find Cynthia, it was because Cynthia and Professor Carolina were currently surrounded by Researchers and scholars who studied Legendary Pokémon, who were asking them questions about Legendary Pokémon from various regions.
Of course, to be precise, it should be called a discussion and exchange. However, among all the scholars present who studied myths, legends, and Legendary Pokémon, only Cynthia had produced astonishing results, even having photos and videos. Therefore, calling it 'seeking advice' was not inaccurate.
So, Lucas was forced to hide in a corner and chat with Birch.
"Hello, Your Excellency Lucas."
While Lucas was talking to Birch, a warm and gentle voice came from behind him.
Lucas turned around and saw a man wearing a white cap, his white lab coat wide open to reveal strong, bronze-colored pectoral muscles.
It was Professor Kukui from Alola, a professor who also researched Pokémon moves (some say battles, but it feels like the same thing, as moves are part of battles).
"Alola! Hello, Professor Kukui."
Lucas politely greeted Professor Kukui.
Kukui froze for a moment. He clearly hadn't expected Lucas to use the Alolan way of greeting to say hello to him.
"Alola, Your Excellency Lucas."
Kukui reached out his hand, and Lucas reached out to shake it.
After letting go, Lucas looked at Kukui and asked, "Professor Kukui, is there something you wanted to see me about?"
Kukui nodded. "Yes, Your Excellency Lucas. I am very interested in the section of your paper concerning dietary therapy and Z-Moves. May I ask you a few questions?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Lucas nodded. "Just call me Lucas. Sure, though I might not be able to answer everything. After all, this paper covers a very broad range of topics, and I only have a superficial understanding of many things."
When Lucas sent the document to Professor Oak, he had jumbled together his understanding of Pokémon in this life, the books he had read, his own interpretations, and the Pokémon knowledge he had from his past life, packaging them all together to give to Professor Oak.
He hadn't expected Professor Oak to be able to organize it so systematically and methodically for him.
This resulted in his head spinning when preparing to present his research topic, as the aspects involved were simply too broad.
Furthermore, many things had to be expressed in the language of this world, and he had to use sufficient evidence to prove his points instead of taking things for granted.
For example, regarding the widely known 'Ash-Greninja' from his past life, Lucas had just mentioned earlier that he doubted whether there existed a special evolution for it that differed from Mega Evolution.
Lucas certainly couldn't just directly say that there was actually a special phenomenon called 'Bond Phenomenon' in this world. After all, up until now, no Pokémon had ever achieved such a state. If he just blurted it out and named it as such, he would have to produce actual proof.
But currently, Ash was still traveling in the Unova region and had not yet arrived in the Kalos region.
He couldn't very well say he saw it in an anime, could he?
Moreover, it was only after coming to this world that Lucas realized the Pokémon ecosystem was actually highly complex.
To sum it up in one sentence: when the anime and game worlds become the real world, what we have to face are real-world problems, not just simple, idealized questions.
For instance—people really do die in the real world.
Kukui nodded. He had read Lucas's paper many times. For a world-famous professor like him, it wasn't hard to see that Lucas's paper could actually be broken down into many smaller sub-topics. Of course, 'smaller sub-topics' was only in comparison to Lucas's massive paper; in the Pokémon academic world, any one of them would already be considered a first-rate or even top-tier research topic.
For someone as young as Lucas to be able to write such an excellent paper was already a testament to his extraordinary talent. If he were expected to have fully mastered all of it, that would be simply impossible.
"Don't feel pressured. After all, academic research is the result of day-after-day exploration and exchange."
Kukui spoke with a smile, dispelling Lucas's concerns.
"You're right. Shall we discuss and learn from each other then?"
Kukui nodded. "Actually, I am highly interested in what you said about how Z-Moves don't necessarily have to be released by performing a specific dance. Could you elaborate on that in more detail?"
Lucas thought for a moment, organized his thoughts, and then said, "Actually, this is just my personal hypothesis. If you don't mind my bold ideas, I can explain it to you in detail."
"Sure, please go ahead."
Kukui nodded solemnly.
Because when Lucas and Gothitelle had used a Z-Move earlier, they had performed their own unique dance, which made him extremely curious.
Reasonably speaking, unleashing a Z-Move required the Trainer and Pokémon to perform the same specific movements, yet Lucas had broken this rule, which was why he was so intrigued.
At this moment, another professor walked over. She greeted Kukui, Lucas, and Birch, asking, "May I join and listen in?"
Is this—Professor Burnet from the Alola region?
Looking at the professor who spoke, Lucas recognized her at a single glance.
Kukui and Burnet—
The professor couple of the Alola region, who were also Ash's foster parents and took great care of him in Alola. However, it seemed they weren't together yet.
Lucas looked at Kukui again. He recalled that Kukui seemed to be quite the workaholic.
Conducting academic research, battling incognito to earn money, and establishing the Alola League all at the same time.
Running three lines of work simultaneously.
What a terrifying man.
"Of course, no problem."
Lucas nodded and began to explain, "To put it simply, a Z-Move is when a Trainer channels natural power—commonly referred to in the Alola region as 'Z-Power'—to upgrade a Pokémon's move into a powerful, special move. Once it ends, it places an immense burden on both the Trainer and the Pokémon."
Kukui and Burnet nodded together. They were already aware of this, but they did not interrupt Lucas.
"According to the data I've consulted, the poses we commonly use for Z-Moves today have been passed down from ancient times in the Alola region. These poses can help Trainers and Pokémon master Z-Moves much faster, which makes it relatively simpler compared to Mega Evolution."
"This gradually led to the poses used for Z-Moves becoming fixed over time."
"However, the strain of a Z-Move on a Trainer and Pokémon is even greater than that of Mega Evolution, which is why many Pokémon immediately lose their ability to battle after using a Z-Move."
"Since I am a user of both Mega Evolution and Z-Moves, after using both systems multiple times, I discovered that the way Z-Moves are used shares a certain similarity with Mega Evolution."
"Regarding this situation, I initiated some research."
In reality, this was just a process Lucas fabricated to make it easier for others to accept.
Lucas's actual 'research' consisted solely of slacking off, eating, and sleeping.
"After multiple studies, I found that the essence of a Z-Move is actually the same as Mega Evolution. Both can be unleashed by relying on the deep bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon."
"As for the theory on bonds, I already explained it earlier, so I won't repeat it here."
"Now, let us make a bold assumption: the so-called 'Z-Power' is also a form of the bond between Trainer and Pokémon. In order to repay the Trainer's determination, the Pokémon squeezes out its physical potential to unleash a terrifying power, while the Trainer uses a specific dance to reach a state of mutual understanding with the Pokémon, helping to share the burden of the Z-Move's strain on the Pokémon."
"But this method has drawbacks similar to Mega Evolution. It is easier to master than Mega Evolution, but the damage is also greater. Mega Evolution requires a much higher bond between Trainer and Pokémon, whereas Z-Moves don't strictly require a deep bond between them. This is because we can rely on the Z-Power of the z-crystal combined with specific dances to construct a pseudo-bond, thereby allowing the use of a Z-Move."
"This also explains why so many people can still use Z-Moves even when their relationship with their Pokémon isn't actually that close."
Burnet asked suddenly.
"This is only an assumption."
Lucas said.
"No, I think what you said makes perfect sense. Z-Power is also a form of bond. Forcing a bond creates one that is fleeting and artificial, which also explains why so many Trainers and Pokémon find the power of their Z-Moves significantly diminished in the future."
Kukui had clearly encountered this situation before, as he spoke up.
Lucas nodded. "From this, we can infer that Z-Moves likewise deplete the potential of both Trainer and Pokémon. Thus, our question returns to the same issue as Mega Evolution: how to ensure that the potential of both Trainer and Pokémon remains at a certain level."
Lucas paused before continuing, "In order to ensure that our strength and our Pokémon's strength can be maintained above the baseline for a long time, we must find a method."
"Dietary therapy."
Birch spoke up at this moment.
Lucas nodded. "Not entirely, but dietary therapy offers the most benefits. This is because food can bring a pleasant mood to Pokémon, and mild herbs in the food can assist in soothing the Pokémon's emotions after a battle."
"After a battle, we Trainers need a long time to calm our emotions, and the same goes for Pokémon. Compared to Trainers, Pokémon also suffer physical injuries on top of mental stress. This causes their emotional state to often spike to an extreme high before and after battles."
"If we use a combination of food and herbal medicine to soothe the Pokémon's emotions before and after a battle, or even maintain a pleasant mood, wouldn't we be resolving the issue of the Pokémon's mental stress?"
"And as for the physical injuries Pokémon sustain in battle, treating them is only simpler."
"Furthermore, during this process, the relationship between the Trainer and Pokémon will gradually elevate. As they spend time together, an invisible bond will slowly emerge. Once it reaches a certain critical point, this bond will manifest, transforming into a tie that deeply connects the Trainer and Pokémon."
"This is the principle behind the exclusive Z-Moves of specific Pokémon, which also explains why exclusive Z-Moves differ from ordinary Z-Moves."
"Dancing is a joyful thing. If both Trainer and Pokémon maintain a pleasant mood while using a Z-Move, would it make using the Z-Move a bit easier? If the Trainer is thinking about how happy they are to dance with their Pokémon, and the Pokémon is thinking about how delightful it is to dance with its Trainer, would this mutual affection offset part of the strain the Z-Move places on them?"
Speaking of which, Lilligant popped out of her Poké Ball on her own.
"Lilli~"
"I love dancing with Lucas the most~"
"In fact, strictly speaking, Lilligant's Z-Move was the only true dance."
"Me too."
Lucas said with a smile, and then Lilligant took his hand, and they began to dance gracefully together.
The dance was beautiful, gorgeous, and elegant. The interactive affection between Trainer and Pokémon transformed into specks of light, enveloping the dancing duo and making them shine brilliantly, radiating a captivating glow.
Burnet covered her mouth.
"This—"
Kukui's eyes widened.
What a beautiful dance—
Lucas's dance moves were not very practiced, but his affection for his Pokémon, along with his passionate love for each other and for the dance, completely overshadowed any awkwardness from his lack of familiarity.
Everyone in the venue stopped talking and looked toward the corner at Lucas dancing gracefully with Lilligant.
"Lilligant, Bloom Doom!"
The venue bloomed with flowers, and then an extremely intense beam of light shot through the Dark Void in Gengar's hand toward the Distortion World.
In the Distortion World, Giratina carried Alcremie on its head and bolted.
"I'm not stupid. Don't think I'm going to take this move head-on again."
As the flowers faded, Lilligant curtsied, while Lucas placed his hand over his chest and bowed slightly.
Not far away.
Professor Carolina struck the floor hard with her cane.
"Hmph!"
"What's wrong, Grandmother?" Cynthia asked.
"Grandstanding!"
Professor Carolina said coldly.
"But, not bad, hmph!"
Cynthia instantly beamed with a smile.
"Right?"
Professor Carolina glanced at her granddaughter. "You're an adult now, control your emotions."
Cynthia put away her smile, though she noticed the corners of her grandmother's mouth curling up uncontrollably, her eyes crinkling.
"A suitable dance not only makes people feel happy, but perhaps it will also greatly reduce the pressure on Trainers and Pokémon when using Z-Moves."
Lucas looked at Kukui and Burnet and said with a smile.
This was true; when Lucas used Z-Moves, the pressure wasn't that high, so he could use Z-Moves many times in a row.
"I see..."
Kukui's eyes lit up. "Thank you for your guidance, I've benefited greatly."
Burnet: "Me too."
"You're too kind."
"Your research on the bond between Trainers and Pokémon is truly beyond reach."
At this moment, a voice came from nearby. Lucas turned his head and saw Professor Platane from the Kalos region, who had approached without him realizing it.
Lucas greeted Professor Platane, and then Professor Platane asked Lucas his own question.
Seeing people gradually gathering around, Lucas sighed, knowing he couldn't escape. He grabbed Birch, who was trying to leave, and looked at Gengar.
"Gengar, bring the props."
Gengar responded.
No problem.
Then a stand, a blackboard, a marker, and an eraser popped out.
Lucas's mini-class officially began.
A group of people gathered around, listening to Lucas's lecture while constantly exchanging ideas and learning; Lucas also benefited a lot.
Professor Oak looked at Lucas, who was lecturing, then turned to Professor Rowan. "What do you think? I told you it would work."
"Then let's try it?"
"Good, but I need to think of a title for him."
"I have one, what do you think?"
After hearing Professor Rowan's title, Professor Oak nodded immediately. "This is good, very fitting. Shall we go with this?"
Professor Rowan hummed in agreement. "I believe everyone present will not object, because apart from him, no one else can fit this title."
On the other side, Lucas tapped the blackboard.
"So, in the end, dietary therapy is about taking better care of Pokémon, bringing Trainers and Pokémon closer together, and building bonds."
At this point, a professor raised their hand. "Excuse me, Professor Lucas—could I borrow a small sub-topic from your research? I study psychology, and I would like to connect the dietary therapy and Pokémon psychology topics you touched upon with my own research to conduct a deeper study. Of course, I will credit you as the author."
Lucas was stunned for a moment. Is that even allowed?
But he didn't really care, because this would be his last paper.
This stuff was just too tiring.
He wouldn't write any more in the future; lying down and sleeping was more comfortable.
"No problem. Everyone here, if you want to use it, go ahead. If my paper can help with your research, I'd be very happy, because that would mean our Pokémon academic community will uncover more unknowns."
Hearing Lucas's generous words, everyone present was shocked.
Birch shook his head.
As expected of you—Lucas.
A selfless mindset—
Kukui, Burnet, and Professor Platane were completely won over by Lucas.
At this time, Professor Oak stood on the stage and called out, and everyone returned to their seats.
Lucas slumped in his chair with an expression of having burnt out.
"I can't do it anymore, I'm so tired—I'm never coming again—"
Birch looked at Lucas. "Is this why you wouldn't let me leave?"
Lucas grinned. "Good friends don't necessarily share blessings, but they must share hardships, right?"
Birch: "You—I—He—"
"Hee hee."
Birch looked speechlessly at the thick-skinned Lucas, helpless, and finally turned his head to look at Professor Oak on the stage.
Professor Oak was announcing the excellent research reports.
Five were selected, announced from last to first. The 5th, 4th, and 3rd places were on dream research, regional Pokémon forms, and the research on Sinnoh legends and Legendary Pokémon in collaboration between Cynthia and Professor Carolina.
Second place was Professor Elm's research on new Pokémon Egg Groups.
Needless to say, for first place.
Lucas took first place by a narrow margin.
Hearing the applause, Lucas quickly stood up from his slumped position and smiled, nodding to everyone present.
After a while, when the applause subsided, Lucas sat back down.
"It's so scary, being the center of attention."
Birch nodded in deep agreement.
The last item of the summit was to announce the list of selected Pokémon Professors.
A total of three people officially became Pokémon Professors.
The first two were the man who studied regional Pokémon forms and a veteran in the Pokémon world who had always been researching Pokémon history.
"So, who is the last person to become a Pokémon Professor? After discussions with Professor Rowan and much deliberation, we finally decided to add this name."
"That person is—"
The screen first displayed that person's research topic.
"Dietary Therapy and Pokémon"
Lucas: —
Birch stood up, preparing to leave, and Lucas, dumbfounded, reached out and pressed down on his shoulder.
Birch: Let go of me, you bastard! I don't want to sit next to you!
Being the center of attention is too uncomfortable! Let me go!
A simple research title, but the content inside was not simple at all.
"That's right, he is our Lucas."
Professor Oak said with a smile, and everyone present looked at Lucas. The whole venue went silent.
Professor Platane applauded first, and then the venue once again resounded with enthusiastic applause.
Birch, held down by Lucas, felt the scorching gazes of everyone and felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.
Can you consider people with social anxiety! You bastard!
Lucas: What's going on? Didn't they say to come over as a Pokémon assistant or Researcher? How did I suddenly become a Pokémon Professor?
Huh? Pokémon Professor? Me?
Is this still home—the Sinnoh region? Where did they bring me?
"I thought about it for a long time, but I couldn't come up with a title that fit Professor Lucas. Later, Professor Rowan thought of one, and we all felt it was very suitable for him."
Everyone present: ???
Lucas: !!!
"From now on, Professor Lucas is the Professor of Pokémon Bonds and Emotions."
Everyone present was in an uproar.
Are Pokémon Professors impressive? Definitely. Countless Pokémon Researchers and scholars spend their whole lives pursuing this status.
And among Pokémon Professors, there is another position that all Pokémon Professors want to pursue.
That is a Professor with a specific title.
This title is no ordinary title.
It is something recognized by everyone, and the research content is unique.
A Pokémon Professor with a specific title is always a leader in a certain research direction.
For example, Professor Oak is the Professor who studies the relationship between Pokémon and humans.
Professor Rowan is the Professor who studies Pokémon evolution.
Professor Elm, Professor Birch, Professor Bill—they are all leaders in their research topics.
It wasn't that no one present thought Lucas would become a Professor, but they never expected Lucas to become a leader in his research topic.
However, when they recalled Lucas's research paper, they felt this promotion was a matter of course.
Especially since it was a result jointly finalized by Professor Oak and Professor Rowan, its value was maxed out.
Lucas hadn't even realized how he became the Professor of Pokémon Bonds and Emotions before he was called up by Professor Oak to give a speech.
He went on stage, thanked everyone around him, thanked his parents for their silent sup—oh, it was the silent support of his Pokémon.
Gothitelle: You're sensible.
After Lucas stepped down, Professor Oak revealed another explosive piece of news.
"Don't let Professor Lucas's young age fool you; when it comes to Pokémon breeding, he is completely on par with me. He is a top-tier Breeder."
Everyone present: ???
Professor Rowan picked up the microphone: "He is also another Champion Trainer of our Sinnoh region."
Everyone present: !!!
Kukui: ?
Professor? Breeder? Trainer?
Huh?!
Are you even human?
Kukui himself was juggling three jobs, and he compared himself with Lucas.
Trainer strength, can't compare.
Pokémon research ability, can't compare.
Closing himself off—
After the summit ended, Professor Oak and Professor Rowan came to Lucas's side, chatted with him for a few words, and then left.
Lucas was surrounded by many people, and amidst the compliments, he struggled to squeeze out of the crowd.
Listening to the voices praising him behind him, Lucas walked with a swagger, head held high, chest puffed out, nose in the air, swaying from side to side.
"Congratulations, Lucas."
Cynthia's voice came. Lucas stopped, turned back to look at Cynthia, and then gave a proud hmph.
"How many times have I said it, call me by my title when we're outside! Please call me Professor Lucas, the Professor of Pokémon Bonds and Emotions!
Come on, repeat after me, Pro—fes—sor—Lucas!"
Cynthia smiled.
Gengar, Gothitelle, Lilligant, Ninetales, and Dash behind him looked at each other and then turned around together.
"Oh~ So it's Professor Lucas who has arrived~"
"That's right, that's right."
Lucas's lips were almost curled up to the sky.
"It seems that after becoming a Professor, someone already disdains talking to us ordinary people, let alone eating. Grandmother, let's go. He probably looks down on us now, let alone accepting your invitation to eat at our house."
Lucas: !!!
He blinked and discovered a serious-looking little old lady standing behind Cynthia.
She was squinting her eyes, leaning on a cane, and staring at him.
"Grand—Grandmother, you're here too. Look, I knew you were here from the start, so I was just joking with Cynthia to make you laugh."
Lucas felt his back was already soaked.
It's over! This mouth! It really deserves a slap!
Lucas wished he could slap his own mouth hard.
Why were you putting on airs! Seriously!
"Don't, stop right there, don't call me an old lady. I'm not so old that I can't move yet. Besides, the distinguished Professor Lucas probably eats delicacies now and looks down on the pickled vegetable porridge at our house."
"No, no, please don't mock me. Everyone knows that at the Breeding House, we eat porridge with steamed buns. I am very frugal and really like drinking porridge. A light diet is good for the body, and I don't like eating meat at all."
Lucas rambled.
Gothitelle: —
Then who was it this morning that made me specifically make meat buns, and who made me prepare four or five types of meat fillings?! And who ate a whole bunch of them! Did you feed it all to the dogs?!
"Hehe."
"Grandmother~"
Lucas started acting cutesy.
Cynthia: ?
Is he possessed?
Cynthia glanced at Gengar.
That's not right, Gengar is still here?
Gengar: ???
I'm not that disgusting! Don't frame me!
Lucas kept coaxing Professor Carolina.
Until finally, Professor Carolina slammed her cane hard on the ground.
"Shut up."
Lucas instantly shut up and stood at attention.
"You're cooking tonight. If it's not to my taste, you don't have to come over."
Lucas: "Leave it to me!"
After Professor Carolina left, Lucas looked at Cynthia and said with a smile, "Grandmother really has a sharp tongue but a soft heart."
Cynthia nodded with a smile, then looked at Lucas with a smile: "Grandmother is, but I'm not~"
"Respected Professor Lucas, from now on you can sleep in a bed by yourself. Oh wait, we don't have a guest room anymore, you'll just have to go back to the Breeding House to sleep."
Lucas: !!!
Yamero!
You might as well kill me!
Why did I have to be so cheap!
Lucas lost all his color, turning into a black-and-white tone.
Cynthia looked at the devastated Lucas and huffed.
How can someone have such a loose mouth? He must be punished severely.
At this moment, Kukui, holding a white crystal in his palm, walked toward Lucas and Cynthia.
***************************
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