The Professor's Support

Although the professor said it did not need to be too detailed, Zeno still wrote it very carefully.

Professor Birch was dumbfounded when he saw the proposal. Zeno had written several pages, and it was obvious he had put a great deal of effort into it. He had considered not only their numbers and habitat area, but also their food preferences, living habits, and breeding cycles. He had even included what illnesses they might catch and how they should be prevented and treated.

"You wrote this over the past three days?" Professor Birch asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Yeah. Is... is that not okay?"

"No, no. It's very well written. I'm very satisfied."

"Really?!"

Professor Birch nodded. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Zeno, have you made any plans for your future?"

"Of course. For now, I'll naturally keep learning from you and Senior Brother. As for later, I want to become a navigator and travel all over the world!"

"A navigator? What? You don't want to become a researcher?"

"A researcher? No. Teacher, do you want me to become a researcher?"

Professor Birch had indeed considered it. At first, he had simply thought Zeno was exceptionally talented, and because he cherished talent, he had taken him in as a student. Whether Zeno became a professional Trainer or a researcher, he would support him.

Over the recent period, Professor Birch had discovered that Zeno's sense of smell was particularly sharp. He could often draw inferences from one example, and he could immerse himself in all sorts of dry, tedious research material. Today, Professor Birch had once again witnessed Zeno's skill with words and felt that he was naturally suited to becoming a researcher.

But Zeno said he wanted to be a navigator. Seeing how excited he was, Professor Birch could not bring himself to refuse. He had never interfered with his students' lives, so he could not help feeling it was a pity.

"Teacher just thinks you're suited for it. I won't force you, haha. Being a navigator is quite good too. Just remember to collect some materials from other regions for me when the time comes!"

"Mm, I'll remember."

"Your proposal is very detailed. There isn't much that needs correcting in the main areas. I'll just refine a few details for you. Consider it approved."

"Really? Thank you, Teacher!" Zeno was thrilled. He had originally thought it would need major revisions, but it had passed on the first try.

"Now that the proposal has been approved, you need to return to Big Shell Village and put it into practice. Fine, I'll give you three months off. Go back and work hard."

Professor Birch was someone who liked getting things done. He often conducted field investigations himself, so compared with theoretical knowledge, he valued his students' practical ability more. This matter with the Clamperl was a fine test.

"Three months off? That's great!" Although Zeno liked studying, he liked vacations even more.

"Don't celebrate too early. I'll be supervising you the whole time, and you can't neglect your coursework either." Though he knew Zeno's temperament well, Professor Birch still gave him a reminder.

"Yes, sir."

"To make communication easier, I'll give you this!"

Professor Birch took out a red device and handed it to Zeno.

"This is... the latest Pokédex!!!"

"That's right. It has communication functions, and I'll stay in contact with you the whole time. Don't you dare slack off."

"Teacher, isn't this too valuable?"

It was not that Zeno did not dare accept it without reason. This item carried far too much significance. An official Pokémon League Pokédex could not be bought. It was only given to the League's direct members. Unlike the imitation knockoffs outside, it was truly priceless and impossible to obtain.

Receiving this Pokédex meant receiving recognition from the entire Pokémon League, along with a great many benefits.

"It's just a Pokédex. Take it. Your Senior Brother has one too. Hurry up and register your information."

"Okay, I'll register it right away."

Zeno carefully entered his personal information. Even if the Pokédex was lost in the future, no one else would be able to use it.

"Sit properly first. I have another piece of good news for you. Have some manners." Professor Birch laughed as he scolded him, seeing him wave his arms around in excitement.

"Go ahead, I'm listening!" Zeno quickly put away the Pokédex and sat properly.

"This time, when you return to Big Shell Village, your Senior Brother will be going with you."

"Senior Brother? Really?"

"Really. He has done related research on Clamperl before. With him there, you'll avoid many detours."

"Thank you, Teacher, and thank you too, Senior Brother!"

"Why are you being so polite? That brat stays in the research institute all day, like a stuffy gourd. I have no idea who he takes after. He doesn't have any of a young person's vigor. It'll be good for him to go out and relax with you."

Professor Birch was very satisfied with his eldest disciple, but he did not particularly like his personality. Since the two boys got along well, he was happy to have some peace and quiet.

By the time Zeno returned to the courtyard, Gu Yan had already begun packing. Professor Birch had mentioned the matter to him earlier, and he was interested in it as well. He had also researched Clamperl before, so this operation should be fairly easy. Perhaps he would even have time for a vacation.

"Senior Brother, why have you already started packing?"

"When I saw you go to see Teacher earlier, I started packing. You should hurry up and pack too. I booked a flight for ten tomorrow morning, from Rustboro City to Lilycove City."

"So soon?!"

"Don't you miss home? I made this decision because I was considering your feelings. If you think it's too rushed, we can change the booking."

"No, no need. Thank you, Senior Brother."

"No need to thank me. It's being charged to the company account anyway, haha."

Zeno: "..."

Sapphire was very unhappy right then. She had already heard that her two senior brothers were going to Lilycove City, and she wanted to go with them too. She had just pestered her father for ages, but no matter how much she cried and fussed, he would not relent.

"Sapphire, what's wrong?" Seeing that she was in low spirits, Zeno hurriedly asked.

"Hmph, you're all bad people. Dad is a big bad guy, and you two are little bad guys. You're going to Lilycove City without taking me. I'm mad!" Sapphire turned her head away and ignored him.

"Uh... Teacher is worried about you too. You're still too young, and it isn't suitable for you to travel far."

"Hmph, you're only three years older than me. I refuse to accept that!"

Zeno could not refute that. He could not persuade Teacher either. There was no way Sapphire could go with them.

"Don't be angry. I'll bring you souvenirs when I get back, okay?"

"Really?"

"Mm." Hearing her soften, Zeno quickly negotiated with her. "Tell me what you want, and I'll bring it back for you."

"Hehe, Lilycove City's specialty foods. Buy lots of them."

"Okay, no problem."

"And, I heard Lilycove City has Wailmer shows. You have to record one for me to watch."

"I've written it down."

"And also, I heard you can customize a plushie as big as a Wailmer over there. It looks adorable, and they say it's super comfortable to sleep on. You have to order one for me then."

"Got it. Is there anything else you want?" Zeno wrote it down, hoping she would say everything at once.

"Nope, that's all. Hehe."

"Alright, leave it to me."