Mythical Pokémon Era: Global Ascension 42

Roy froze slightly.

"Research?"

After hearing the explanation, Roy finally learned that although Professor Xing was their homeroom teacher, he was not a tactics professor who had graduated from the Trainer Major.

Professor Xing had studied in the Breeder Major before becoming a national Pokémon Researcher after graduation. His theoretical knowledge was extensive, more than enough to guide most students.

"Still, I can point you toward a clear path."

A hint of amusement suddenly entered Professor Xing's voice.

"Wait for me at the school gate at five. I'll take you somewhere."

Roy arrived at the school gate as agreed and got into Professor Xing's Mercedes.

"Professor, where are we going?"

"A home visit."

"A home visit?" Roy raised an eyebrow. "Whose home are we visiting?"

"You'll know when we get there."

No matter how Roy asked, Professor Xing refused to reveal anything.

Twenty minutes later, the car passed through the gates of a detached villa in central Sheng Hai City and stopped in the garage.

Roy followed Professor Xing out of the car. Before he could remark on the wealth of the place, he saw a familiar figure approaching them.

"Professor Xing, I..." The newcomer had just begun to greet him when he spotted Roy. His eyes widened, and his face flushed red as he said, "Why are you here too?!"

Roy replied calmly.

"Long time no see, Xiao Bin. Professor Xing brought me here."

"...Hmph."

Since it was Professor Xing's decision, Xiao Bin had nothing to say. He could only shoot Roy an embarrassed glare before leading the two inside.

As they entered the villa's living room, never mind the luxurious yet elegant decor and furnishings—the room alone looked to be over a hundred square meters.

If Roy remembered correctly, Elite Four Xiao normally lived in the Imperial Capital. In other words, this villa was merely his temporary residence.

...Being a Trainer really did have a bright future.

Besides the slightly plump, kind-looking Elite Four Xiao, there was also a beautiful woman Roy had never met sitting in the living room.

Her looks were no less stunning than Mu Xixi's, making Roy glance at her a few extra times.

What was more, even though guests had arrived, she never raised her head from beginning to end. Expressionless, her eyes remained fixed on the book in her hands.

"Old Xing, you're here."

Elite Four Xiao did not seem surprised when he saw Roy. Clearly, he had already spoken with Professor Xing.

He said amiably, "You don't mind if I call you Little Luo, do you?"

Given Xiao Rong's lofty Elite Four position, it would have been fine for him to simply call Roy that outright. Yet he still sought Roy's consent first... That small detail greatly improved Roy's impression of him, and Roy immediately shook his head.

"Old Xing has already told me why you came." Xiao Rong smiled gently. "You want to find a method for training Inner Focus, right? Hehe, I have plenty of those in my collection. I can let you choose one and give it to you."

"This..."

Roy had not expected things to go so smoothly. He quickly said,

"Thank you, Mr. Xiao. I'll remember this favor."

"There's no need for that." Xiao Rong shook his head, his expression frank. "My career as a Trainer has already reached its end. I haven't improved in many years. I'm simply waiting for an outstanding junior to come take my place. I can't wait to retire..."

"Now, my only hobby is nurturing exceptional talent. I hope someone can take over for me soon."

"Over the years, I've seen all kinds of geniuses."

"In my eyes, you can rank among the top three of them."

When Roy heard this, he simply assumed it was polite praise from an elder and did not take it seriously.

However, Professor Xing and Xiao Bin, who both knew something of Elite Four Xiao, wore shocked expressions.

Father thinks so highly of this brat... Xiao Bin felt somewhat bitter.

Top three? He actually ranks that high? Professor Xing roughly knew who the other two were. Without changing his expression, he glanced at Xiao Muyi beside them.

She was the one ranked first in Elite Four Xiao's heart.

Xiao Rong looked at Roy with a smile before suddenly saying, "However, I have a better suggestion. Would you like to hear it?"

Before Roy could answer, Elite Four Xiao said something astonishing.

"Do you want to learn the Inner Focus training method that I have practiced all this time?"

"----!?!"

The moment those words were spoken, Professor Xing was overjoyed while Xiao Bin looked utterly incredulous.

Xiao Muyi finally shifted her gaze away from her book and looked at Roy without a trace of emotion.

Honestly, Roy had no idea what was happening.

The Inner Focus training method that the Superpower Heavenly King had practiced all this time?

If this thing were sold to foreign forces, it might even be worth several cities. Its true value was beyond measure.

The kings of some small countries might even be willing to sell their nations in exchange for it.

What exactly did Elite Four Xiao mean by this?

"Don't overthink it." Xiao Rong explained, "Although I have always practiced this Inner Focus training method, it isn't my personal secret technique. I learned it from someone else as well. If you want to learn it, you will also need that person's permission."

"..."

A person whom even the Superpower Heavenly King respectfully called "sir"—Roy instantly imagined the sort of setup found in fantasy novels. Could this be some inherited legacy passed down through generations of Superpower Heavenly Kings, with some reclusive ancient ancestor behind it?

It couldn't really be Lord Shafurin, could it?

With too little information, Roy could not guess the other party's intentions at all.

Although he understood that there was no such thing as a free lunch, the temptation was too great. Roy still could not resist agreeing.

"Very good." Xiao Rong nodded in satisfaction. "Go back and pack some clothes, then return here. Old Xing, I'll leave the school side to you... One month should be enough."

"Mm, I'll help him apply for a long leave right away."

Professor Xing nodded cheerfully.

If his student could truly learn an Elite Four's secret technique, never mind helping him take a month off—even if Roy did not attend classes for the rest of the semester, it would be fine!

Xiao Rong turned to his children and said,

"Muyi, please take him there."

"Mm."

Xiao Muyi answered simply, rose from the sofa, and walked over to Roy.

Only when she got closer did Roy realize that she was rather tall, at least 1.72 meters...

"Your address."

Her tone was so flat that a perfectly good question came out sounding like a statement.

Roy froze for a second before realizing she was asking him something. He immediately gave her his address.

Xiao Muyi raised a hand, and a Poké Ball suddenly appeared in her empty palm.

An Esper?

The Poké Ball opened in a burst of light, and an elegant humanoid Pokémon, like a noble young lady, appeared before them.

Roy was very familiar with this Pokémon. It was a wife... no, a Gardevoir.

"Take him."

Even when speaking to her own Pokémon, Xiao Muyi's voice remained flat.

After giving Gardevoir that instruction, her figure vanished from the spot.

"Ne~~~"

Gardevoir's voice resembled the soft chirping of a human woman. Unlike her master, she greeted Roy very gently.

After receiving Roy's permission, she lightly moved closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Teleport!

Roy's vision immediately went dark, and his head spun.

After taking a moment to recover, Roy opened his eyes and abruptly realized that he was already standing outside his home. Xiao Muyi and Gardevoir were both beside him.

Gardevoir's mastery of psychic power is incredible...

Roy had thought they would need to Teleport several times at the very least. He had not expected to arrive in a single jump.

The distance of more than ten kilometers was one thing, but the precision was absurdly high.

What level of Trainer was Xiao Muyi?

Curious as he was, Roy did not rudely investigate.

This woman obviously was not easy to get along with... Xiao Muyi could Teleport herself, and with a hand on him, she could have taken Roy along. Yet she had specifically made Gardevoir bring him instead.

Misandry?

Thinking that, Roy unlocked the fingerprint lock and led her into the house.

It was work hours, so Roy's parents were not home. They would not see him bringing a girl home and develop any unnecessary misunderstandings.

Back in his room, Roy packed his luggage while leaving messages for his family and friends on his phone to explain the situation.

Since he did not know whether Elite Four Xiao was willing to let this matter be known, Roy merely explained that he was going out for some "special training."

Roy's outstanding performance as a Trainer had earned his parents' complete trust, and they did not ask any further questions.

Ten minutes later.