Academic Exchange and the Prolific Young Master Mao

Rainbow University's lecture theater was the largest classroom on campus. It was generally used for major meetings or university-wide celebrations.

Today, however, the Sinnoh Scholars Exchange Group and the professors of Rainbow University's Theoretical Evolutionists had reserved the entire place.

Professor Rowan adjusted his tie and waited solemnly for the exchange conference to begin.

Thinking of the Electivire and Magmortar he had brought, Professor Rowan couldn't resist stroking his thick mustache.

So what if Electabuzz and Magmar were first discovered in the Kanto Region? I was the one who brought out their full potential.

Yes, just what you'd expect of me-a role model for Pokémon professors!

President Monet watched Professor Rowan stroking his mustache in the front row with a sour expression. "That old man still loves showing off at his age... Speaking of which, why isn't Gary here yet?!"

"They're here! Professor Oak and his assistants have arrived!" an associate professor from Rainbow University suddenly called out from the classroom's back door.

"So they're here. What's all the fuss about? Not an ounce of a teacher's composure." Monet's face nevertheless lit up with delight.

The two vice presidents beside him couldn't help curling their lips. Would you take a look at your own face? You can barely keep that smug grin under control!

The classroom door opened, and Gary walked in first. Beneath his pristine Researcher Lab Coat, he wore an impeccably arranged blue suit and a tasteful bow tie.

What a handsome, elegant young man! Professor Rowan's eyes brightened. As a meticulous man who groomed even his facial hair before going out every day, he was an unabashed admirer of good looks.

The reason he always criticized Professor Oak whenever they met was that Professor Oak had become rather careless about appearances in his old age.

A red shirt paired with mustard-yellow trousers, worn for an entire week. Every time Professor Rowan saw him, he inwardly howled.

Give him back! Give me back that handsome young man you used to be!

Following Gary were his secretary, July, and two faculty members.

The dozen or so document boxes in their arms made Monet even smugger.

Professor Rowan only has two files. Look at my student! Now that's a generous helping...

Caitlin entered last, pulling along Cynthia, who was also wearing a white lab coat.

Gary nodded to his teacher, Monet. "We can begin."

President Monet couldn't resist shooting Professor Rowan a smug look. "Well, I won't ramble on. This exchange conference officially begins!"

Reporters from Sinnoh Local TV and Sinnoh NOW, along with special correspondents from Kanto and Johto, set up their cameras, ready to record the proceedings.

Rainbow University's student assistants switched on their computers, preparing to post the conference's findings to major academic forums in real time.

Gary approached the front row and politely shook Professor Rowan's hand. "Professor Rowan, you're my senior. Would you like to go first?"

Professor Rowan nodded in satisfaction, thoroughly pleased by Gary's humility. This is a good lad. Thankfully, that old man Oak hasn't led him astray.

After switching on the projector and taking out two Poké Balls, Professor Rowan stepped up to the lectern.

"These two are my latest discoveries: Pokémon that have achieved entirely new evolutions through artificial items-Electivire and Magmortar." Professor Rowan tapped the blackboard, then opened the Poké Balls.

Pop! White light flashed, and two imposing Pokémon appeared on the platform.

"Whoa... So that's Electabuzz's evolved form? It looks powerful."

"Magmar was already an outstanding Pokémon. I never imagined it could go even further."

The Kanto scholars whispered among themselves. Clearly, these two Pokémon had challenged their understanding.

"The Sinnoh Region is dedicated to researching the myths and legends surrounding Pokémon origins, as well as discovering new possibilities for Pokémon.

"The items used for these two entirely new evolved forms are the Electrodriver and Magmadizer, the latest products independently developed by our team in the Sinnoh Region under Professor Rowan." Professor Rowan's assistant, a young man with green hair, stood on the platform and added this explanation.

Next, they discussed footage of Electivire's and Magmortar's evolutions, along with their various measurements and statistics.

There was no question that the discovery of these two Pokémon's evolutions was flawless. It had even substantially raised the expected growth potential of Electabuzz and Magmar.

Both Pokémon had already been capable of making it into top-tier battle lineups before evolving. Now, their strength had been pushed to its peak, giving them the potential to become ace Pokémon.

President Monet and the Rainbow University professors had to admit that this discovery had practical significance. Moreover, it was a thoroughly developed research result.

After completing his explanation, Professor Rowan stepped down from the platform with great satisfaction and looked at Gary. "Young man, I hope you'll make this trip worthwhile for me."

Gary smiled faintly. "I look forward to your guidance."

As Gary took the stage, July thoughtfully brought up his prepared slides on the computer.

Branches and Evolution of Evolution-as soon as Gary's title appeared, the Sinnoh scholars grew restless.

"Isn't that a little presumptuous?"

"Exactly. Even the professors in Sinnoh wouldn't dare publish a paper under that title."

"That boy's chosen rather too broad a title..." Professor Rowan frowned as well.

President Monet also held his breath in concern.

Gary raised a hand and motioned for quiet. "Fellow scholars, please maintain your decorum. If you want to debate me, wait until I've finished before raising your hands."

Gary's confident expression conveyed just one thing: Stand back! I'm about to show off!

"Research into Pokémon evolution has always been one of the topics of greatest interest to our academic community.

"As everyone knows, evolution is something like an elevation of life itself for Pokémon.

"The benefits and improvements it brings are equally obvious.

"So what exactly does the current field of evolution look like? Don't worry. Allow me to explain.

"..."

Next, citing established research, Gary introduced natural evolution through leveling up, emotion-driven evolution through increased friendship, item-assisted evolution, evolution in special locations, and Trade Evolution.

The scholars below went from initial disdain to solemn attention, then finally to an avid thirst for knowledge. Their expressions changed as quickly as turning pages.

Beyond the most common method of evolution through leveling up, friendship-based evolution already had practical examples in Espeon and Umbreon.

This also introduced the branches of daytime and nighttime evolution.

Nosepass, discovered in Sinnoh, could also substantiate Gary's theory of evolution in special locations.

As one of the earliest evolutionary branches discovered, Trade Evolution received only a brief mention from Gary.

"Item evolution!" Gary tapped the large screen before continuing. "I've named its branches as follows: one, natural-item evolution; two, artificial-item evolution; three, biological-item evolution."

Looking at the mountain of documents before Gary, the Sinnoh delegation was utterly dumbfounded.

Weren't we here to show off? How did this turn into a lecture...?

At this point, though, the scholars weren't about to quibble over that. They only wanted Gary to keep talking.

"Natural items include the Razor Fang and Razor Claw, as well as rarer examples such as the King's Rock."

In the audience, Cynthia sat upright wearing gold-rimmed glasses. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded admiringly. "Just what you'd expect of Professor Oak's grandson. He's a genius in academia too."

Although Caitlin couldn't understand Gary's academic paper, she still proudly puffed out her flat chest. "Of course! Whose friend do you think he is?"

"Next, let's conduct a few experiments here." Gary clapped his hands, and Robert entered with his Poliwhirl, followed by several Pokémon Day Care employees.

Excitedly placing the King's Rock on Poliwhirl's head, Robert looked at the employees behind him. "Start feeding him experience."

The employees deftly took out their Poké Balls, and several Geodude appeared in the room.

These were the Pokémon Day Care's dedicated sparring partners, seasoned performers all.

Poliwhirl didn't hold back, unleashing an impressive barrage of Water Gun attacks.

Finally, after the last Geodude fell with exaggerated theatrics, white evolutionary light burst forth with a crackle.

When the light faded, a clapping Politoed appeared before everyone.

"That's the royal Pokémon, Politoed!" Professor Rowan shot to his feet, his eyes blazing. "To think it's a branch of Poliwag's evolution!"

Gary's discovery was already no less significant than Electabuzz's further evolution!

Under everyone's astonished gazes, Gary clapped his hands. "We're not finished yet. Next, let's welcome our next performer- ahem... Pokémon."

Robert was grinning almost from ear to ear as he brought out Onix next.

Fortunately, the lecture theater was spacious enough. Otherwise, Onix would probably have had to curl up...

Already coated with the Metal Coat, Steelix rapidly absorbed experience points and the Metal Coat with the help of a group of Fire-type performers.

Soon, an imposing Steelix made another grand entrance.

The Sinnoh delegation opened their mouths, but no words came out.

Well, Gary had shown off again! All previous conjectures about these two Pokémon had been overturned, and the papers concerning their evolutions would bear Gary Oak's name.

By establishing two entirely new Pokémon evolution chains, Gary had already brought Rainbow University level with its opponents!

The faculty around President Monet tactfully congratulated him. "Exactly what we'd expect of your brilliant student, President!"

Old Monet smugly stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly. "Hahaha, you're too kind. Teaching and nurturing students is the only little skill I've picked up in this life, after all. Still, it's the boy who's done us proud."

Professor Rowan's mouth twitched. For the first time, he felt a little envious of Professor Oak. Why isn't he my grandson...?

Just when everyone thought Gary's presentation was finally about to end, he took out another Poké Ball.

"The Politoed you just saw belongs to the natural-item evolution category, while Onix belongs to artificial-item evolution.

"Other Pokémon capable of evolving through artificial items include Scyther and Rhydon."

Robert clapped again, and a new batch of sparring partners entered the classroom.

Painted up like some African chicken, Scyther rubbed his claws together eagerly. He was going to evolve today, no matter what. He couldn't stand this shit-yellow coating for another day.

Gary merely showed Rhydon to the audience before recalling him. His body wasn't suited to such a rushed evolution.

After going through the procedure, Gary nodded in satisfaction as Scyther donned red armor. He had finally evolved!

As one of the most dependable fighters under Gary's command, Scyther's development was very important.

Looking at the now-numb Sinnoh delegation below, Gary smiled politely. "Next, we'll discuss the final type: biological evolution. You can also think of it as symbiotic evolution."

A dopey-looking Slowpoke and a Shellder in a water tank were wheeled into the classroom.

The scholars in the classroom finally lost their composure. Professor Gary Oak, do you realize you're churning these out like a mother Emboar?!

Professor Rowan continued his sour inward grumbling. Why isn't he my grandson?

Far away on Binu Beach, Professor Nishinomori V looked up and sneezed.

"I wonder if the higher-ups caught me slacking off while writing the Pokédex. I need to figure out Slowpoke's evolution chain as soon as possible.

"Then I can become a highly respected celebrity, just like my great-grandfather and the others." Professor Nishinomori rubbed his nose and looked at the photograph on the wall, sinking into a pleasant daydream...