Shiro felt a bit uneasy as his head ached and a faint dizziness set in. Just thinking about the research conference made him uncomfortable.
What if, during his presentation, someone suddenly asked how many days it took for a certain Pokémon's egg to be laid, or how long it took to hatch on average? He really did not understand breeding at all.
But Elm clearly did not intend to give him any chance to refuse. He only said that all the detailed research data had already been sent over, and that the rest could be discussed at the conference…
Buzzt!
The call ended, and Shiro held his forehead as he let out a long sigh. 'If I get exposed at the conference, I'm done for...'
"Dr. Corviknight! You really are a master of breeding. Professor Elm's recognition is the best proof!" Dale exclaimed, his face full of admiration.
"Yeah, yeah!" Rei beside him also agreed. "Even Professor Oak admitted before that you are proficient in both evolution studies and breeding!"
"Dr. Corviknight is truly a genius!"
The other researchers all joined in with praise.
"Heh..." Shiro could only give a bitter smile. How things would turn out depended on the conference. Hopefully, everything would go smoothly.
* * *
"Is the preparation for the conference going well? Remember, everything must follow the procedure exactly. It has to be identical. There cannot be the slightest mistake!"
In Kanto, at Oak Research Institute, Oak spoke with a serious expression as he instructed several researchers.
"Yes, Professor!"
After responding, they hurried off to continue their preparations. Some went to write plans, while others arranged the venue.
The Academic Summit was drawing near. Some professors who lived far from Pallet Town had already set off and would arrive early to stay for a while. They had to properly host these visiting professors and researchers, and time was actually very tight. It was said to be about a month, but in reality, it was only twenty-five days.
Inside the lab, Oak paced with his hands behind his back for a while before returning to the computer and opening the Egg Group theory paper again.
"Elm wasn't wrong. This entire theory was proposed by that kid..."
He still found it hard to believe. He had already called Elm and asked about the details.
This Egg Group theory clearly required a master who had spent years deeply involved in breeding to summarize. It would demand personally conducting countless Pokémon breeding experiments.
If it were a researcher who had barely touched breeding, then even if they were a genius, even if they could immediately see the direction and propose a rough theory, it would still be impossible to summarize it this thoroughly and this accurately.
Elm said that Shiro's Egg Group theory had no errors at all. That completely overturned Oak's understanding.
If a trainer was a true genius, then with enough resources, becoming a Champion within a year was not a problem. But for a researcher, even with full support, being able to produce results within a few years and showing the potential to become a professor before the age of twenty was already incredible.
And being both a Champion and a top researcher?
Oak fell silent and thought for a moment before arriving at a conclusion.
"There must be Galar's Macro Cosmos pulling strings behind the scenes."
Shiro was indeed talented, there was no doubt about that, but Macro Cosmos must have provided him with almost all his trainer resources. They had likely supported his academic research as well.
The Evolutionary Magnetic Field and the Egg Group theory might be the result of many years of research in Galar. They were simply released at this time to build his reputation and further promote the region.
Oak knew Galar had recently undergone major changes. The company led by Rose had taken full control of the region, and the traditional noble forces had completely disappeared.
Combining Galar's recent opening, the exposure of Dynamax, and Shiro's sudden rise, it was not hard to guess that Rose was playing a bigger game.
"Sigh." Oak exhaled deeply. "Looks like things are going to get chaotic again."
A sense of unease crept into his heart as he thought about the future of the Pokémon world.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
Oak spoke in a low voice. "Come in."
The lab door opened, and Delia rushed in, her brown braid swinging as she ran.
"Professor Oak! Something bad happened!"
Oak immediately stood up from his seat, slightly tense. "What happened?"
"Alden, Researcher Alden, was captured by people from Hoenn while investigating ancient ruins. He's asking us for help!"
"Alden? Captured? Asking for help?" Oak muttered, his gray brows tightening.
He paced briefly, then suddenly recalled something.
"Did he go explore ruins again without League approval, saying he wanted to excavate ancient Pokémon?"
"Yes, exactly!" Delia nodded quickly.
"Tell the Hoenn officials—" Oak stopped, then waved his hand. "Forget it. Go back. I'll call them myself."
After saying that, he turned and picked up the phone, his expression dark.
Delia quietly left the lab.
"Hello? Haha, it's me, Oak. Could you help arrange an entry permit for Alden? He got a bit too eager with his research…"
"Oh, Professor Oak… sigh, it's always you cleaning things up." The Hoenn official hesitated. "Do you really know all those researchers? No matter who gets into trouble, they all come to you. Isn't that exhausting?"
"Heh…"
Oak's lips twitched as a trace of displeasure flashed across his face, but he quickly adjusted and replied with a smile.
"What can I do? The academic world is one whole. We have to help each other. Newcomers need support to achieve results. Haha, sorry to trouble you."
"Alright." The other side sounded a bit reluctant. "By the way, I'd like a copy of some Dragon-type research. That's fine, right?"
"Of course."
After confirming the details, the call ended.
"Hmph!"
Oak gritted his teeth and slammed the receiver down, then strode out of the lab.
"Where's Delia?"
"I'm here!" she hurried over from another room. "What do you need?"
"Put Alden's professor certification application on hold. Delay it by two sessions!" Oak shouted.
"But… didn't you say before that he already met the requirements…" Delia said carefully.
"Now he doesn't!" Oak snapped. "I want the academic world to stay completely stable for the next year. Not a single incident. Not one!"
He paused, then added in a lower voice, "Spread the word. If anyone causes trouble again, don't come to me for help. And don't call themselves part of the academic world. For the next year."
"Yes…" Delia trembled. "Understood!"
She ran off in a panic, like a startled Sudowoodo.
**
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