Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Academic Exchange and the High-Yield Gary
In the auditorium of Celadon University, the largest classroom in the institution, it is typically used for important meetings or school celebrations. Today, however, it has been completely reserved by scholars from Sinnoh and professors specializing in theoretical evolution from Celadon University.
Adjusting his tie, Professor Rowan waited solemnly for the exchange conference to begin. Thinking about the Electivire and Magmortar he had brought with him, Professor Rowan couldn't help but stroke his bushy mustache.
So what if Electabuzz and Magmar were first discovered in Kanto? They have been brought to prominence by me! I truly am a model Pokémon professor!
Principal Monet watched with displeasure as Professor Rowan sat in the front row stroking his mustache. "Old man, at your age, still showing off… By the way, where is Gary? Why hasn't he arrived yet?!"
"He's here! He's here! Professor Gary and his assistants have arrived!" Suddenly, a vice professor from Celadon University shouted from the back door of the classroom.
"Just arriving isn't enough; he should show some composure as a teacher," Monet said with a smirk. The two vice principals beside him couldn't help but roll their eyes. "You should take a look at your own expression; your smugness is barely contained!"
As the classroom door opened, Gary walked in first. He wore a meticulously tailored blue suit with a stylish bowtie and a pristine white lab coat over it.
"What a handsome young man!" Professor Rowan's eyes lit up. As someone who takes care of his appearance daily, he definitely appreciated good looks. The reason he often teased Professor Oak was that Oak had become somewhat careless with age.
A red shirt paired with beige pants—he wore that for a whole week! Every time Professor Rowan saw it, he felt like screaming inside. "Give me back that handsome young man from back then!"
Following Gary were his secretary July and two other staff members. Seeing the three of them carrying around ten file boxes made Monet even prouder. Professor Rowan had only two files; just look at my apprentice—this guy is overflowing with materials…
Caitlin entered last, holding hands with Cynthia, who was also wearing a lab coat.
Gary nodded at Principal Monet. "We can start now~"
Principal Monet couldn't help but glance smugly at Professor Rowan. "Well then~ I won't ramble on; let's officially begin this exchange meeting!"
Reporters from Sinnoh TV and special correspondents from Kanto and Johto set up their cameras to record the conference content. Student assistants at Celadon University opened their computers to prepare to publish the results of this conference in real-time across various academic forums.
Gary approached the front row and politely shook hands with Professor Rowan. "Professor Rowan, you're my senior; why don't you go first?"
Professor Rowan nodded in satisfaction. Gary's humble attitude was refreshing. This kid is good; thankfully, he wasn't led astray by that old man Oak!
Opening the projector and pulling out two Poké Balls, Professor Rowan stepped onto the podium. "Today, my latest discovery is these two fellows—newly evolved Pokémon using artificial devices: Electivire and Magmortar!" Professor Rowan tapped on the blackboard before opening the Poké Balls.
Boom—white light flashed as two imposing Pokémon appeared on stage.
"Wow—this is Electabuzz's evolution! It looks really strong."
"Magmar is already an excellent Pokémon; I didn't expect it to evolve further."
The Kanto scholars below began whispering among themselves. It was clear that these two Pokémon had made a significant impact on their understanding.
"The Sinnoh region is dedicated to researching the myths surrounding Pokémon origins and discovering new possibilities for Pokémon." Professor Rowan's assistant—a young man with green hair—stood up to add.
Following this, they explained videos of Electivire and Magmortar's evolution along with various metrics and parameters. Undoubtedly, this discovery of evolution for these two Pokémon was perfect. It significantly increased Electabuzz's and Magmar's growth potential.
Both Pokémon could have easily made it into top-tier battle lineups before evolving; now they had reached their full strength and had solidified their status as ace Pokémon.
Principal Monet and several professors from Celadon University had to admit that this discovery was practically significant—and indeed very mature research results.
After completing his presentation, Professor Rowan walked down from the podium looking quite satisfied. He turned to Gary. "Young man, I hope you can make this trip worthwhile for me!"
Gary smiled slightly. "Please guide me well."
As Gary took the stage, July thoughtfully prepared the slides on her computer. The title "Branches of Evolution and Evolutionary Paths" appeared on screen; immediately, Sinnoh scholars became restless.
"That's quite an ambitious title."
"Yeah! Not even our Sinnoh doctors would dare use such a title for a paper."
"This kid has chosen quite an ambitious title~" Professor Rowan frowned too.
Principal Monet held his breath in worry.
Gary raised his hand to calm everyone down. "Scholars, please maintain your composure; if you want to speak up, please wait until I finish."
Gary's confident expression conveyed: step back! I'm about to impress you all!
"Research on Pokémon evolution has always been one of our academic community's most concerned topics. As we all know, completing evolution is like a sublime transformation for Pokémon. The benefits it brings are evident.
So what does the current landscape of evolution look like? Don't worry; I'll tell you—
…" Next, Gary referenced various examples of natural evolution through level increases, emotional fluctuations through friendship evolution, item-assisted evolution, special location evolution, and communication evolution.
The scholars below transformed from initial disdain to serious expressions and finally to eager thirst for knowledge—a complete change akin to flipping a book.
Besides ordinary level evolution, there were already practical cases like Espeon and Umbreon through friendship evolution.
He also introduced branches of day versus night evolution. The theory of special location evolution was supported by discoveries like Nosepass, which corroborated Gary's theory.
Communication evolution was briefly mentioned as one of the earliest discovered evolutionary branches by Gary.
"Item Evolution!" Gary tapped on the large screen before continuing. "I've named its branches as follows: 1. Natural Item Evolution. 2. Artificial Item Evolution. 3. Biological Item Evolution." If you need further adjustments or translations, feel free to ask!
Looking at the pile of documents in front of Gary, the Sinnoh delegation was completely dumbfounded.
Weren't we here for a show-off? Why does it feel like we're attending a lecture instead?
However, the scholars were not concerned about this; they just wanted Gary to continue speaking.
"Natural items include items like Sharp Beak and Sharp Claw, as well as some rarer ones like the King's Rock."
Sitting upright in her chair, Cynthia, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded in admiration. "As expected of Professor Oak's grandson; he's a genius in the academic world."
Caitlin, although she couldn't understand Gary's academic paper, proudly puffed out her chest. "Of course! Just look at who his friends are!"
"Next, let's conduct some live experiments," Gary clapped his hands, and Rob led his Poliwhirl into the room, followed by several staff members from the breeding center.
Excitedly placing the King's Rock on Poliwhirl's head, Rob looked back at the staff. "Start feeding it experience!"
The staff skillfully took out their Poké Balls, and several Geodude appeared in the arena.
These were seasoned sparring partners from the breeding center.
Poliwhirl wasted no time and unleashed a barrage of Water Gun attacks.
Finally, after the last Geodude dramatically fell over, a burst of white light signaling evolution began to erupt.
As the light faded, a clapping Politoed appeared before everyone.
"This is the King Pokémon, Politoed!" Professor Rowan stood up abruptly, his eyes shining. "I never expected it to be an evolution branch of Poliwhirl!"
This discovery by Gary could be considered as significant as Electabuzz's further evolution!
Amidst the astonished gazes of everyone present, Gary clapped his hands again. "But wait! There's more; let's invite our next performer—cough cough… Pokémon on stage!"
Rob was so thrilled that his smile nearly reached his ears as he took out an Onix.
Fortunately, the lecture hall was spacious enough; otherwise, Onix would have had to curl up!
With its metallic coating already applied, Onix quickly absorbed experience points with help from several Fire-type Pokémon.
Soon enough, an imposing Steelix re-entered the stage.
The Sinnoh delegation gaped in disbelief but was left speechless.
Alright then! Gary has once again outdone himself! All previous speculations about these two Pokémon had been overturned. The papers regarding their evolution would undoubtedly bear Gary's name prominently.
The surrounding faculty members congratulated Principal Monet, saying, "As expected from your top student~"
Principal Monet stroked his beard proudly and nodded repeatedly. "Hahaha! You're too kind; after all, I've only taught them this much in my life. It's still thanks to these kids for making me proud."
Professor Rowan twitched his mouth; for the first time, he felt a twinge of envy towards Professor Oak. "Why isn't this my grandson…?"
Just when everyone thought Gary's presentation was finally coming to an end, he pulled out another Poké Ball.
"What you just saw was Politoed evolving through natural items while Steelix evolved using artificial items."
"Other Pokémon that can evolve using artificial items include Scyther and Rhydon~"
Rob clapped again as a new batch of sparring partners entered the classroom.
The Scyther painted in bright colors like an African chicken was itching to evolve today; it couldn't stand that ugly yellow paint any longer.
Rhydon was showcased briefly by Gary before being returned; its body wasn't suited for such hasty evolution.
After some operations concluded and seeing Scyther don its red armor made Gary nod in satisfaction. Finally evolved!
As one of Gary's most capable fighters, Scyther's development was crucial.
Noticing that the Sinnoh delegation appeared stunned by now, Gary smiled politely. "Next up is our final type: biological evolution—also understood as symbiotic evolution."
As a cute Slowpoke and a Shellder in a water tank were wheeled into the classroom.
The scholars within were completely taken aback. Professor Gary Oak! Do you realize you're producing results akin to those of a prolific Ho-Oh?!
Professor Rowan continued to grumble sourly inside: why isn't this my grandson…?
Far away at Seafoam Islands, Professor Westwood V sneezed suddenly.
"I wonder if my slacking off while writing the Pokédex has been discovered? I need to hurry up and clarify Slowpoke's evolution chain!
Then I can become as respected as my ancestors!" Professor Westwood rubbed his nose and gazed at a photo on the wall while falling into delightful fantasies…