Life Energy

"As long as you're all right."

Azisa patted her chest and sighed in relief. But after hearing Dian out, her expression turned serious. "Dian, is this what you're researching? How Pokémon inherit Abilities?"

She stood and looked around, then said gravely, "Dian, never talk about the contents of a research paper before you've published it."

"Thank you. I understand."

Dian nodded. He knew that much. It was the same principle as keeping your wealth out of sight.

After all, when fame and profit were involved, harmony was rare. Even when it existed, it was only relative.

Azisa's guess wasn't wrong, though. If he wanted to enter the research world, this would be a good place to start.

For one thing, starting with Oddish would keep the subject accessible and inconspicuous. For another, the results stood a good chance of being adopted and put to use.

When he'd come out of the ruins in Napolant, he had considered joining an ancient culture research institute. After thinking it over, though, he'd given up on the idea.

He still had little influence, so even if he produced results, others would reap the rewards. Nor could he explain where he'd learned all that knowledge.

How could an ordinary person have come into contact with such advanced ancient culture?

Besides, he had other paths to choose from, and his current priorities lay elsewhere. He had set the idea aside for now.

Azisa nodded and clapped her hands. "All right, everyone. Listen to Gloom from now on, okay?"

"Nah, nah. Nah, nah."

"Nah, nah."

"Nah, nah. Nah, nah. Nah, nah."

The Hoppip quickly answered in delight. One of them even wobbled over to Dian's feet and rubbed against him with all its might.

"Is this...?"

Dian took out Skiploom's Poké Ball and released it as he