Return—a very special move.
The closer a Pokémon is to its Trainer, the stronger its power.
And with the right calculation formula, it could be used as a direct measuring tool for affection.
If Chen Shi could prove that Riolu evolved once its affection exceeded a numerical threshold, then his Affinity Evolution Theory would be officially validated.
And once that happened…
His alias "Severe Indecision Disorder" would shake the entire Researcher Forum again.
But to test it properly, he needed:
Pokémon that evolve strictly through affection
Time to raise and observe them
Return as a quantifiable affection gauge
A research facility
Professional data-analysis machines
Training the Pokémon was the easy part.
But the equipment?
The environment?
The calibration tools?
He had none of it.
So how was he supposed to prove anything?
"Bui~"
At that moment, an Eevee popped out of nowhere and hopped straight into Gary's arms.
Gary scratched its fluffy head.
Eevee purred, melting into his embrace.
Chen Shi's eyes sharpened instantly.
Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
"Gary, where did your Eevee come from? How long have you had it?"
Gary replied without hesitation:
"I picked it up! I've had it for about half a year now."
Half a year of bonding.
And judging from the way Eevee nuzzled him—
Its affection level was very high.
Chen Shi nearly grinned.
Not only could he study Eevee's evolution mechanics…
He could also produce the research paper for Espeon, an evolution not officially discovered yet.
He leaned in slightly.
"Then… have you decided what you want your Eevee to evolve into?"
Gary froze.
"Evolve…?"
He had picked Eevee up off the street.
In his mind, it was more of a small companion than a battler.
He never even considered the evolution question.
Chen Shi smiled.
"There's a special Psychic-type Eeveelution."
"It evolves through affection alone."
"No stones. No items. No battles. Just pure emotional bond."
Gary's eyes widened.
A brand-new evolution.
One no one in the world had discovered.
A Psychic-type at that.
Chen Shi leaned close and whispered like a devil handing out forbidden knowledge:
"Do you want it?"
"I… want it!" Gary blurted.
Professor Oak, watching from beside them, narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
He had so many questions.
How did this kid know?
That Eevee had another evolution
That the trigger was affection
That the resulting form was Psychic-type
But Oak did not interrupt.
He simply observed.
Chen Shi continued:
"Then Gary—if you and Eevee help me with some testing, and train with me every day…"
"I guarantee your Eevee will evolve into that Psychic-type."
Gary straightened immediately.
"Okay! We'll help!"
Eevee, meanwhile, blinked innocently.
When did it agree to any of this??
Chen Shi then turned toward Oak.
"Professor Oak… I don't have professional research equipment."
"Could I borrow yours here?"
He had originally intended to find an excuse to stay.
This was the perfect opportunity.
Professor Oak paused—
Then smiled, eyes gleaming with a spark he quickly hid.
"Of course."
"You're helping Gary and contributing to important research. My lab is always open to you."
Chen Shi felt a wave of relief.
"Then I'll be counting on you. Thank you, Professor Oak!"
Gary practically jumped in excitement and insisted on helping Chen Shi carry his luggage.
Soon, Oak arranged a comfortable guest room for him.
Then he personally led Chen Shi on a tour around the entire facility.
And when they entered Oak's true research lab…
Chen Shi stopped breathing for a moment.
Rows upon rows of professional machines.
Advanced scanners.
Evolution analyzers.
Behavior simulators.
Energy spectrometers.
This wasn't a lab—
This was a research empire.
Chen Shi felt like a clueless villager walking straight into a high-tech sci-fi movie.
He swallowed.
"Professor Oak… do you have a training ground?"
"I'm entering the World Championship next month."
"I'd like to borrow a place to train."
Professor Oak blinked.
Then a meaningful smile curved his lips.
He waved casually.
"A training ground? No need for that."
"Come to the backyard."
"Let my Pokémon help train yours."
Chen Shi's eyes instantly lit up.
He hurried outside and released his entire team.
"Baruyaa~!"
"Swamp!"
"Rose!"
"Cha-koiii!"
Togekiss immediately poked Chen Shi, demanding yesterday's promised double ice-cream reward.
Chen Shi raised two fingers.
"One extra today."
Togekiss immediately twirled around happily.
Gary nearly collapsed.
"W-WOW! A shiny Metang!"
"And… what are those other ones?!"
Chen Shi smiled and pointed.
"That's Florges—from Kalos."
"And this—my starter—Dragapult."
"Dragon/Ghost-type."
Gary was speechless.
He wanted to travel too.
He wanted to battle too.
But he was still too young.
Professor Oak watched quietly.
Dragapult—already quasi-Elite.
Swampert—solid power.
Florges—full control.
Leafeon—well-trained.
Even Metang—overflowing with potential.
This child wasn't just a researcher.
He was also a Trainer of terrifying caliber.
Oak's earlier thoughts solidified:
This boy is not ordinary.
Not at all.
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