Sea Cavern and Land Cavern (Half-Hour Revision)

Tetsuya held out a hand to Professor Birch, who was sprawled on the ground.

"Oh, oh, oh! You must be the Trainer Professor Oak mentioned, right? Your timing couldn't be better!"

Professor Birch, broad and powerfully built, spoke in delighted surprise as he used Tetsuya's hand to pull himself to his feet.

Among all the regional Professors,

Professor Birch was one of the few scholars who did not look much like a conventional scholar.

Perhaps because he frequently conducted field research and observations, he was more sturdily built and carried less of an academic air.

Of course,

when it came to fighting ability, Professor Oak was still unquestionably the strongest among the Professors.

It was just that the elderly man was no longer as robust as he had been in his youth, and there was absolutely no way to tell from his appearance.

"I've made a fool of myself. These Poochyena are simply far too energetic."

Professor Birch laughed heartily, as though being chased by the Poochyena had not affected him at all.

Tetsuya waved his hand. "Not at all. Professor, your dedication to research is truly admirable."

He was not forcing the compliment.

In the Pokemon World, researchers like Professor Birch, who lacked much combat strength yet still risked their lives entering the wilderness to conduct research, were deeply respected.

Without the efforts of such people, humanity's understanding of Pokemon might still be limited to "a group of magical creatures capable of wielding strange powers."

Gallade, having driven away the pack of Poochyena, soon returned to Tetsuya's side.

Professor Birch's eyes instantly lit up, and he rushed toward Gallade. "Oh, oh, oh! A Gallade! It has been raised exceptionally well!

Its gaze is sharp, its Inner Focus restrained. Whether in Fighting Type or Psychic-type abilities, it is outstanding!

Just