"I have a gift to give you!" Professor Oak said with a warm smile.
At those words, Lu Ye shuddered involuntarily.
He couldn't help it—he was developing a trauma response to the phrase "gift" lately.
"Professor Oak," Lu Ye cleared his throat. "Just tell me what it is straight up. I can take it."
"Can you now?"
Professor Oak stroked his chin and glanced behind him.
Across the vast open field, a herd of Tauros migrated, kicking up a storm of dust.
And by a riverside boulder, a snow-white Pokémon was sharpening a stick-like object in its hands—Even the Tauros had the sense to give it a wide berth!
"Here's the thing," Professor Oak turned back to Lu Ye. "We collaborated with Modu University's Pokemon Breeding House recently, and they transferred over a Pokémon. Though it's... a bit quirky in temperament, it's undeniably powerful."
Professor Oak smiled faintly.
"I figured only a truly capable Trainer could tame it!"
Lu Ye blinked.
A Trainer's strength—whether physical ability, battle experience, or command skill—was crucial.
If the Trainer wasn't strong enough, even if they caught a powerful Pokémon, it wouldn't obey them.
"This capable Trainer you mentioned…"
Lu Ye stammered, "You mean... me?"
"Of course!" Professor Oak laughed heartily. "I never properly thanked you for passing the Pokédex to Wally last time, and since you're also from Modu University, it might feel a bit more at ease around you!"
Lu Ye sucked in a breath, 'So this… is how you say thanks, Professor Oak!? Where's my notebook—my grudge notebook!?'
"If you don't want to catch it, I've prepared other gifts too," Professor Oak smiled again. "But if you've got time, come to the lab tomorrow afternoon. Crystal will contact you!"
Lu Ye set his phone down and sat back on the couch, deep in thought, 'There were already five little ones at home. If he took in a sixth... Wouldn't that mean he could officially register for the Quartz Conference!?'
"No, no flags," Lu Ye shook his head. "I'll just check it out first, and decide after…"
To be fair, Lu Ye wasn't against catching new Pokémon.
But to him, strength wasn't the main thing—The most important part of catching a Pokémon was getting along and forming a bond.
This visit to Professor Oak's backyard might just lead to finding one that's both cute and reliable?
Power is meta-dependent.
But style? Style lasts a lifetime!
Lu Ye nodded with conviction.
"Gengar, we're heading to Professor Oak's lab this afternoon!"
"Gengarr!" Gengar grinned, flashing an 'OK' gesture with its tiny hand. (Sweet! Time to train a new teammate!)
---
The next afternoon, a wintry wind blew outside.
Lu Ye pulled on a dark knit sweater, ready to head out.
He held Togepi in his arms, who squirmed like a living handwarmer.
"Tchugki~briee~~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ"
Sylveon stared up at him with wide, sapphire-blue eyes. Motionless.
"...I can't carry you too."
"Veeon!" Sylveon pouted silently.
In the end, on the bus ride to Pallet Town, Sylveon got her wish—curling up comfortably on Lu Ye's lap.
"Veeon~~"
'My... my legs are numb.' Lu Ye
---
Pallet Town – Professor Oak's Lab
Under the azure sky, a Pidgeotto soared above.
In the distance stretched rolling mountains, while the lake shimmered with glints of light.
A fierce Gyarados leapt from the water—And… nothing happened.
Lu Ye looked around thoughtfully, 'Given that Professor Oak was the number one academic figure in the field, Having a backyard that was basically the Wild Area… seemed totally reasonable.'
Nearby, Crystal waved from under her red cap, her twin braids bouncing behind her.
"Teacher Lu, over here!"
Lu Ye greeted her and followed her lead.
"Where's Professor Oak?" he asked.
"He's recording Pokémon data," Crystal smiled. "I'll take you to him."
The backyard was divided into areas—rocky terrain, sandy fields, forest, and lakeside.
Without a guide, getting lost here wouldn't be hard.
Guided by Crystal , Lu Ye reached the edge of a thick forest.
Professor Oak, with his graying hair, stood quietly with a Pidgey on his shoulder and Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ around his feet.
Sunlight dappled his kind face as he jotted notes and mingled naturally with the Pokémon.
Neither Lu Ye nor Crystal spoke, waiting silently.
Until Professor Oak suddenly looked up.
"Have you been waiting long?"
"We just got here."
"Perfect."
Professor Oak released the Pidgey from his shoulder, and the Nidoran scattered. "I'll take you to meet the Pokémon!"
"Which one is it exactly?" Lu Ye asked.
Principal Du had been awfully vague when he mentioned the Pokémon—Almost like he was worried Professor Oak might actually eat it.
And judging by how highly Professor Oak spoke of its strength...
Even the former Kanto Champion seemed impressed.
That made Lu Ye just a little nervous.
"You'll see soon," Professor Oak waved mysteriously. "You won't be disappointed!"
Lu Ye followed him, wearing a complicated expression, 'If it's something like Larvitar or Bagon… There's no way I can afford to raise that!'
The prestige of the Modu University Breeding House didn't ease his anxiety either.
'No way. Squirtle was just an outlier, this is just a scouting trip. It'll be fine!' Lu Ye tried to reassure himself.
Following Professor Oak, they headed toward the lakeside.
Crystal glanced around.
"There seem to be fewer wild Pokémon nearby…"
"It's because of that Pokémon," Professor Oak said seriously. "Beasts are territorial—especially solitary ones."
Beast…?
Lu Ye froze.
A flash of red light emerged from one of Lu Ye's Poké Balls.
"Squirtlee!"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses, instantly picking up on a threatening aura.
That Pokémon... was strong!
Better prepare for battle in advance!
Seeing Squirtle go full battle-mode, a drop of cold sweat trickled down Lu Ye's forehead.
Professor Oak looked out across the lake.
"That's the one I mentioned," he said.
Following his gaze, the view slowly opened up.
"Sir~fetched~?"
A Pokémon Lu Ye had never seen before. Gengar scratched his head and pulled out his special edition Pokédex.
[Beep! Sirfetch'd. The Wild Duck Pokémon. An evolved form of Farfetch'd in the Galar region, transformed after countless battles.]
[The leek it wields is both weapon and delicacy—very delicious. slurp]
Lu Ye: ???
What's with that slurp at the end!?
What kind of unprofessional Pokédex announcer is this!?
"Sorry, sorry," Professor Oak chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head. "I accidentally recorded my gulping sound during the explanation."
'You seriously do want to eat it, don't you, Professor!? No wonder, back in the original series, Ash always had to worry about his Kingler when calling you…' Lu Ye's expression was weird.
Looks like Principal Du had a valid reason for sending me…
Jokes aside, Lu Ye still deeply respected Professor Oak.
"This is the one from Modu University's Pokemon Breeding House?" Lu Ye asked, licking his lips.
"That's right." Professor Oak nodded. "A Galar Pokémon—Sirfetch'd!"
"Sir~fetched?"
As if hearing the commotion, the snow-white, thick-browed Sirfetch'd slowly turned around.
In one hand, it held an enormous leek like a lance.
In the other—a shield made from its own leek leaves.
A powerful aura radiated from its body—
Like a seasoned knight, hardened by countless battles.
"Sir~fetched!"
Sirfetch'd pointed its leek at the Squirtle beside Lu Ye.
O Holy Light—this Squirtle is a worthy opponent!