"This is the Vibrava research site."
After flying a short distance, the two of them descended into a valley.
In the distance, five Vibrava could be seen lying on the ground in various positions, and several researchers on-site were making observations.
Evidently, they were all Vibrava that Professor Ackerman had requested from the Pokémon Researchers' Guild. But at a glance, none of them could compare to the one Ethan had raised with such dedication.
"Viiibbrraaa!"
Upon seeing so many of its own kind, Ethan's Vibrava became excited and began chirping happily, causing the others to stand up and take flight as well.
"Let's begin our experiment."
"First, I want to verify the data on your Vibrava."
Professor Ackerman was clearly a workaholic. The moment they landed, he began his research, and Ethan was immediately assigned as his assistant.
"Ethan, aren't you a Pokémon researcher?"
"How is it possible that you don't even know how to use these instruments?"
After a while, Professor Ackerman frowned at how clumsy Ethan was.
Hearing those words, Ethan could only smile awkwardly. Although he was now an advanced-level Pokémon researcher, all his achievements came from "copying" previous discoveries; he had never done real research.
"Professor Ackerman, my specialty is Pokémon breeding and training."
"My studies focus on summarizing training and evolution methods."
"As for scientific research... I'm not very good at it."
Ethan spoke honestly. From the very beginning, his goal had always been to become the strongest Pokémon trainer; becoming an advanced-level researcher had simply been an accident.
"Then I don't need you for research. Just take care of the Pokémon here."
Professor Ackerman frowned slightly and assigned him a new task.
"Perfect, professor. Leave the Pokémon in this area to me."
Ethan's eyes lit up. In truth, he had already intended to carefully observe the Pokémon in the valley to plan the next stage of training for his Vibrava.
This task fit him perfectly.
"Vibrava, cooperate well with Professor Ackerman."
Ethan smiled and gave his partner a few instructions, then took the spatial backpack the professor handed him and prepared to feed the other Pokémon.
"Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Altaria, Noivern..."
"Zubat, Golbat... even Crobat?"
Ethan's eyes sparkled as he read the list.
Among them, Zubat was one of his main observation targets.
Zubat was a dark blue, bat-like Pokémon, with purple-toned ears and wing membranes, and no visible eyes. It opened its mouth to reveal four white fangs and relied entirely on ultrasonic waves to navigate, replacing sight with echolocation.
This very ability of ultrasonic detection was what Ethan planned to teach his own Vibrava.
Theoretically, a Vibrava—which already generated ultrasound through the vibration of its wings and could learn ultrasonic moves—should also be able to develop this detection ability.
If Vibrava could master this skill, it would be perfectly suited for scouting and surveillance in the field, something extremely valuable for survival in the wild.
After making this decision, Ethan released Absol and placed a small Whismur on its back.
Whismur's Soundproof ability was essential for safety in caves and mysterious areas, so he always needed to bring it along.
Moreover, Whismur was obedient and calm, and Ethan often gave it small treats, so it had quickly grown attached to him.
"Chaaarr!"
But just as Ethan finished settling Whismur, a Poké Ball at his waist opened on its own.
Charmander appeared on Absol's back, kicked Whismur to the ground, and then threw itself into Ethan's arms asking for affection.
Whismur: (¿⊙~⊙?)
Charmander: (╬￣^￣)
Seeing Charmander's jealousy, Ethan couldn't help but laugh helplessly. In the end, he gave in and carried Charmander in his arms. He then also released Sandslash and Cacturne.
He had Cacturne carry Whismur while he held Charmander and rode Absol toward the cave where the Zubat lived.
Once inside the cave, Ethan took out several bags of plasma. When he opened them, a strong scent of blood filled the air, causing all the Zubat to fly out, eager to eat.
Sandslash watched them curiously as they fed, walked over, and scooped a little with its hand.
A second later, it turned completely stiff. Ethan had to give it juice to help it recover, unable to suppress his laughter.
Even so, seeing its reaction made him smile warmly. Since their last talk, Sandslash had opened up more and regained its gluttonous nature.
"Slowking, I'm leaving this to you."
Ethan released Slowking.
"Yadon!"
Slowking nodded and approached a Zubat to ask about how its ultrasound worked.
Grateful for the food, the Zubat was very cooperative and began explaining in detail. Slowking listened attentively, occasionally reflecting.
"Shellder, you help record too."
Ethan approached Shellder, gave it some juice, and smiled.
Slowking was known as the sea sage because of its intelligence, and there was even a saying: "If you get lost, ask a Slowking."
However, its memory was terrible. Even when it came up with ideas that could change the world, it often forgot them shortly after.
That was why Ethan asked Shellder—who shared a mental link with Slowking—to help preserve those thoughts.
Shellder glowed with a soft blue light and began direct mental communication.
This type of mental exchange was one of the special abilities Slowking and Shellder had obtained after evolving together, thanks to their shared psychic powers.
(End of chapter)