Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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The next morning, Max set off cheerfully with the two Pokémon gifted to him by Professor Oak. 

Liam and Aunt Fumiko stood at the door to see him off. Aunt Fumiko was already in tears, and Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance. 

After all, though they had only spent three months together with little interaction, they had grown close. This already felt like family to him. 

Professor Oak did not come out, perhaps fearing he couldn't bear it and would embarrass himself in public. Only after Max was out of sight did Professor Oak step out of the house, his slightly red eyes saying it all.

"The day's not getting any younger. I have research to do, so I'll head to the lab first. Liam, help Aunt Fumiko tidy up, and come by when you have time."

After saying this, Professor Oak left. At this moment, perhaps research was the only thing that could distract him.

Liam helped Aunt Fumiko clean up Liam's room. 

By the time they finished, it was almost noon. Aunt Fumiko made two lunchboxes and instructed Liam to take one to the lab so Professor Oak could eat with him, as he had left that morning without even having breakfast.

Taking Gible along, Liam left the house, leaving Aunt Fumiko alone. Her figure seemed somewhat lonely, making Liam feel a pang of guilt. He considered staying to keep her company, but Aunt Fumiko smiled and urged him to go. 

So, Liam left.

On his way, Liam passed by the Ketchum residence, where Delia was sitting on the stairs alone, looking somewhat lost in thought. When she saw Liam, she ran over joyfully.

Liam smiled at the cheerful girl in front of him, envying her carefree nature. Gently, he tidied her slightly messy hair and asked softly, "Have you eaten lunch yet?"

Delia shook her head. "Not yet. Mom's cooking, and it'll be ready soon. Liam, do you want to join us?" She looked at him expectantly.

Liam smiled and shook his head. "After you eat, are you free? I'd like you to keep Aunt Fumiko company. She's home alone today."

He then explained Max's departure and the situation. 

Listening to him, Delia's eyes reddened with emotion, nearly on the verge of tears. She patted her chest and promised to take Aunt Fumiko's lunch with her and keep her company. 

Liam patted her in the head as thanks.

After parting ways with Delia, Liam continued on to the lab.

At the lab, Liam let Gible roam freely to play with the other Pokémon. He heated the lunchbox slightly and headed to the research room to find Professor Oak.

Quietly opening the door, Liam saw Professor Oak sitting inside, staring blankly at an adorable Eevee in front of him. The scene gave the impression of someone lost in memories.

"Professor Oak," Liam called softly.

Hearing him, both Professor Oak and Eevee turned their heads. It took a moment for the professor to regain his senses. Seeing Liam, he smiled and greeted him.

"Oh, it's you, Liam. When did you get here?"

Liam gave a wry smile. It was clear that Max's departure had deeply affected the professor.

"Aunt Fumiko made lunch. I've brought some for you. Let's eat together," Liam said.

"Oh, alright, I'll be right there."

Professor Oak picked up Eevee and followed Liam to the hall. He placed a full bowl of Pokémon food in front of Eevee, who happily started eating. Satisfied, the professor sat down at the table and began devouring his lunch. 

Clearly, he was starving.

Watching Professor Oak, Liam felt a twinge of sympathy. Then his eyes fell on the happily eating Eevee, and an idea came to him. 

Perhaps giving the professor something to focus on might help ease his mind.

"Professor Oak, since you have an Eevee, let me ask you a question: Do you know how many evolutions Eevee has?" Liam asked with a smile.

Professor Oak seemed surprised by the sudden question but quickly smiled confidently.

"Liam, are you thinking I only know about the Eevee evolutions from the Kanto region—Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon? Let me tell you, I also know about Espeon and Umbreon from Johto! This Eevee was actually a gift from a friend who researched them. So, you can't stump me that easily," he said smugly.

Liam chuckled inwardly at the professor's confidence but feigned a disappointed look.

"Oh dear, I thought you knew all of them. But it turns out you only know five. How… underwhelming," Liam teased with an exaggerated shake of his head.

Professor Oak froze for a moment but didn't immediately refute him. 

Over the past months, he had learned to take Liam's words seriously, as Liam often knew things even he didn't. Hesitant but curious, he asked cautiously, "So, Liam, are there more? Tell me!"

Seeing the professor's eagerness, Liam gestured for him to calm down, organized his thoughts, and began explaining.

"Eevee has three more evolutions—Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon." 

"Leafeon and Glaceon evolve in special environmental zones or by using specific evolution stones or special rocks such as Mossy Rock and Icy Rock, which are pretty hard to come by btw, unless you know where and what you're looking for. They gain Grass and Ice types, respectively. As for Sylveon… it requires an exceptionally strong bond with their trainers and learning a move of a new type—Fairy."

Liam's expression grew serious as he continued. 

"Fairy is a hidden type. It's especially significant because Fairy-type moves are immune to Dragon-type attacks and deal double damage to Dragon-types. This revelation could greatly impact clans and organizations specializing in Dragon-types, which is why I'm still cautious about sharing it."

Professor Oak was stunned by all the information that was revealed, pausing his note-taking. He deliberated for a moment before responding.

"I believe this isn't the right time for the Fairy type to be revealed. If what you're saying is true, then verifying and documenting the data for the other two Eevee evolutions is enough for now. If done properly, that alone could solidify my status as an official professor."

After a pause, he looked at Liam and said, "You're a remarkable person, Liam—you have a mysterious background, vast knowledge, and most importantly, a kind and generous heart. I hope you always stay true to yourself. You can count on me as a steadfast ally."

Hearing this, Liam smiled, reassured that he had chosen the right person to entrust with his secrets. 

He had already told Prof. Oak that he would help him with his research, and that the research would be published under Prof. Oak's name. 

The reason he gave was that Prof. Oak would be doing the bulk of the research and data analysis anyway as he had absolutely no interest in doing that, and that he wanted to establish himself in a different line of profession. 

Although a bit reluctant, Liam convinced Prof. Oak to accept it, which he did very gratefully. 

After all, helping Prof. Oak was basically helping himself as well. 

By doing so, not only would he gain the lucrative system reward for the mission completion, but also establish a firm relationship with him and his family. 

Besides, it wasn't like Prof. Oak really needed Liam's help anyway. After all, this was the Samuel Oak, a legendary figure in the Pokémon world. Even without Liam's help, his reputation and position in the Pokémon world was bound to be sky-fucking-high.

"Well then, let's focus on the research! I can't wait for the day I can proudly tell people that I know the world famous Professor Samuel Oak."