Chapter 236: The Special Edition Pokédex
Celadon University.
Located on the outskirts of Celadon City, the campus was vast. In front of the main entrance lay a circular plaza, flags fluttering. A few Pidgey perched atop a fountain.
"The campus is divided into several sections—Medical School, Art School, Research Institute…" As they walked, Lisia explained. "The Trainer Academy isn't here. I'll take you there after we meet the principal."
Lu Ye nodded, his gaze shifting toward a row of bronze statues. "What are those?"
"Each school builds statues to honor its distinguished alumni," Lisia replied. "That one belongs to the Business School—a statue of the Hoenn region's Zinnia."
"And over at the Research Institute, you'll find statues of Professor Oak, Professor Rowan, and others." She smiled. "Maybe if you work hard, Teacher Lu, you'll have a place here too?"
"The Business School, maybe," Lu Ye mused. "But the Trainer Academy? No chance."
"Hm?"
"I was a Finance student, after all," he shrugged.
Lisia paused before realization struck—Lu Ye was the mastermind behind the massively successful PTCG. Achieving such success in both worlds… So this is what they call… a true all-rounder!
After arriving at the principal's office, Lu Ye completed his employment paperwork. Scanning the faculty list, he noticed several familiar names—Erika was a lecturer, and Bill was teaching a communications course. Like him, they only taught a few classes per week.
After a brief visit to the Research Institute, Bill, fresh out of class, grabbed Lu Ye and took him to the student cafeteria. "Order whatever you want—it's on me!" Bill grinned, waving his meal card.
"Hm?" Lu Ye sensed something off.
"Gengarrr?" Gengar rubbed its belly, its eyes gleaming…
A few minutes later, under the bewildered stares of the students, Gengar licked its plate clean.
Bill, on the verge of tears, mumbled, "M-my card's out of money… Let's save the rest for next time."
Lu Ye patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks, Bill!"
"By the way, are you teaching at the Research Institute?" Bill asked.
"No, the Trainer Academy."
"Ah… what a shame. I was hoping to discuss some academic theories with you," Bill sighed dramatically.
Erika, who had joined them, looked at Lu Ye with newfound curiosity. So… he's also a researcher?
"Oh, right," Bill suddenly remembered. "Teacher Lu, if you have time, you should visit Professor Oak. He's a titan in the academic world and a spiritual leader for Trainers in Kanto."
Lu Ye nodded. It was only polite to visit the honorary principal. His classes wouldn't start for another three days.
After parting ways, Lu Ye returned to his villa in Saffron City and opened the group chat. To his surprise, Green sent a message.
Green: Teacher Lu, are you free tomorrow? Professor Oak wants to meet you.
Gold: Huh? Why is Professor Oak looking for Teacher Lu?
(Earlier, after getting utterly wrecked by Red at Mt. Silver, Gold had temporarily switched off his 'reckless mode'.)
Brock: Trainers visiting a new region usually meet the local professor. It's tradition.
Gold: But Professor Oak was the one who brought it up. Could it be… he's taken an interest in Teacher Lu?!
Silver: …Do your thought processes always work like this?
Green's expression turned odd. "Well… technically, you're not wrong."
Lu Ye: ???
Everyone in the chat: ???
Green coughed. "Just come over tomorrow, and you'll see."
One Day Earlier
Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Night had fallen. Green, hands in his pockets, strolled past the lab, glancing at the light inside. "Still awake, huh…" He pushed open the door. Inside, the elderly Professor Oak spotted him. "Oh, it's you. Still up so late?"
"You're the one who should be sleeping earlier." Green's eyes flicked toward the desk, cluttered with documents. A bright red Pokédex stood out.
Oak chuckled. "At my age, a few hours of sleep is plenty. Here, take a look at the new Pokédex I made!"
As Green approached, his own Pokédex vibrated. "Another special edition?" he asked in surprise. Each year, Oak distributed Pokédexes to new Trainers, but he had only ever personally crafted a handful of special ones. These were reserved for Trainers with exceptional skills, like Red, the 'Battle Legend,' and Gold, the 'Hatching Prodigy.'
"Oh, I've got to keep up with the times!" Oak grinned. "I added smartphone functions to this one. I'll be upgrading yours later, too."
"You've already picked a Trainer to receive this?" Green asked. The special Pokédex wasn't just more accurate; it was a symbol of recognition.
"Not yet," Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I originally wanted to give it to Ash, but he left in such a hurry… and with the Lily of the Valley Conference coming up, I didn't want to disturb him."
Green pondered for a moment. "…I do have a candidate in mind."
"Oh?" Oak looked intrigued. "Which region is the Trainer from?"
"Donghuang." Green took out his phone. "He's already in Kanto… and with his skills, I'd say he's more than qualified for your Pokédex."
"I'll think about it," Oak nodded, then smiled. "Hearing you talk about him like this… now I'm actually looking forward to meeting him!"
[Inorin Note:
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