"Uh..."
Shiro stared at Professor Elm's reply, feeling a little awkward.
After all, these were originally Elm's research findings. It was his work, yet the man was thanking him with such gratitude. At least some of the previous theories about the evolution field and so on had come from Shiro's own ideas.
'Forget it,' he thought. 'They were just settings in the story anyway. This is reality. As long as no one finds out, then it's my discovery.'
The greatest cheat for someone who transmigrated was to steal—no, to borrow—the wisdom of others, especially the brilliance of the Pokémon professors.
With that thought cleared, Shiro continued to discuss the details of egg group classifications with Elm, such as the conditions for breeding and the unique role of the Ditto group.
Their academic conversation grew more and more engaging. Through their online exchange, Elm felt as if he had found a true kindred spirit. All the fleeting ideas that had ever crossed his mind seemed to have already been researched by the other guy.
By the time the clock struck eight in the evening, Shiro noticed it was getting late and reluctantly said goodbye.
He genuinely enjoyed discussing academic topics with Elm. The reason was simple; he already knew everything they were talking about. Giving a detailed explanation to a renowned Pokémon professor, while the professor listened intently and even admired him a little, felt amazing.
"Ah~" Shiro yawned and stretched, leaning back with satisfaction before tucking his laptop into his bag.
He stood up from the chair with a hint of weariness. Most of his Pokémon were already asleep in their Poké Balls, except for Haunter, who loved the night and was still floating around.
After a quick wash-up, he soon drifted into sleep.
Tomorrow would be the day before the Gym Challenge began. He wondered what preparations the company had planned.
* * *
The next morning.
Shiro woke up on time at seven. The first thing he saw was Haunter lying on its back in the corner of the bed, drooling in its sleep.
He pulled off his blanket, rubbed his messy hair, and returned Haunter into its Poké Ball. It would sleep just the same inside.
Once dressed and tidied, he kept the communicator close in case the company sent a notice. Then he picked up the remote control, which he rarely used, and turned on the TV in front of his bed.
Tomorrow was the Gym Challenge, the grand event held every three years in the Galar region. The League should have already completed all preparations, like clearing the routes and recruiting the trainers who would block challengers. The Gyms must also be ready to welcome new contenders.
Every TV station in Galar would be eager to report on it. Even early in the morning, there would surely be news coverage. For now, this was the main way to stay updated about the challenge.
Buzz!
The screen flickered on, and a smooth, clear male host's voice filled the room:
"There's only one day left until the Gym Challenge begins. Trainers of the Galar region, everyone can take part in this grand event and cheer for your favorite contestants. Now, let me introduce the challengers once more, along with Macro Cosmos' recommended prodigy trainers..."
As the host's voice paused, the screen changed to a collage filled with the half-body portraits of many contestants. Shiro's image was near the top, facing off against Piers, whose face looked pale and weak.
In the center were the two brothers, Marvin and Gordie, pressing their foreheads against each other with gritted teeth.
After weeks of heavy promotion and media coverage, everyone was well aware of the rivalry between these company-backed hero trainers and the other challengers. The conflict between Marvin and Gordie drew the most attention.
When the public learned they were brothers, speculations ran wild: classic sibling rivalry, family drama, parents choosing sides, and more.
The company's TV station fueled these theories, confirming the rumors and repeatedly hinting that Gordie had stolen his brother Marvin's spot in the Gym Challenge.
All the public debate had been centered on these two brothers.
This was exactly the kind of drama the audience wanted most.
On the TV, the host continued with dramatic flair, as if he hadn't repeated this story enough times already:
"'Brothers at war' for fame and future! Marvin was betrayed by his own family. He endured humiliation and trained in the wilderness, finally saving countless people in Stow-on-Side. Now, he is a celebrated hero trainer! But who is the imposter here? Whose strength will crumble under pressure? Stay tuned for the upcoming Gym Challenge!"
"..."
Shiro looked at the screen in silence. What the host said was mostly true, but the coverage was already pushing the narrative too far, practically pointing fingers at Gordie.
If people kept hearing this day after day, they would naturally side with the victim, waiting for Marvin to prove himself during the Gym Challenge and reclaim his title as Gym Leader.
While Shiro was silently grumbling, the host shifted topics and started talking about him.
"Aside from Marvin, Shiro is another contestant wrapped in controversy. He was once a well-known prodigy trainer, but after losing both parents, he fled from Spikemuth..."
Shiro rolled his eyes. He'd heard this same story so many times, it was starting to feel like an annoying buzzing in his ears. Just as he reached for the remote to switch the TV off, the host's tone suddenly changed.
"However, some say his strength is lacking. Others call him reckless. But there are also those who believe he's a true trainer, a kind-hearted soul. What is the truth? Let's look at a letter we recently received from a viewer."
The host picked up an envelope from the side and waved it at the camera, showing it hadn't been opened yet. He then tore it open on-air and exclaimed:
"This is actually a letter from the Spikemuth Gym Leader, Silas!"
'Silas?' Shiro frowned, puzzled. He barely knew that guy and had no idea what kind of person he was. But considering how chaotic Spikemuth was, he couldn't be anything good.
More importantly, wasn't this Macro Cosmos' TV station? Why would they bring up a letter from the Spikemuth Gym Leader, which was obviously going to cause trouble? What were they trying to do?
On screen, the host cleared his throat and began to read with exaggerated emotion:
"As the Gym Leader of Spikemuth, I must clarify one thing. That brat Shiro is no damn genius! My son, Piers, is the real prodigy of Spikemuth! Shiro is nothing but a pest who just lost his father. He stole my daughter's Rookidee and ran off, then had the nerve to claim he's some kind of prodigy. A few months ago, he would've been lucky to have reached Intermediate-level."
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