When Owen last inquired about Munchlax's training progress, Leo explained that due to Munchlax's "bad habits," his family had spent a fortune hiring a renowned Breeder and Hypnosis Master.
They were using hypnosis to help Munchlax master the moves Rest and Sleep Talk.
"We're almost there. The Hypnosis Master is very busy, so he only teaches once a week. I heard that after four sessions, Munchlax will be able to successfully use Rest and Sleep Talk."
"In the meantime, I've had Munchlax practice Body Slam and learn the move Rollout," Leo added.
"Oh, that's pretty good," Owen nodded.
Aside from Owen, Lynnea and Leo were also growing stronger in their own ways. Once Lynnea's Growlithe mastered Flamethrower and Leo's Munchlax learned Rest and Sleep Talk, the three of them would be able to perform much more sophisticated team combinations.
The Editorial Office
At the editorial department of The Home of Pokémon, an editor was reviewing the latest submissions that had passed the formatting check.
"Seriously, I've lost count of how many Eevee submissions we've received."
Niu saw the word "Eevee" on the manuscript and took a sip of tea to soothe his headache. As a publication with the lowest barrier to entry and the widest audience, The Home of Pokémon received a mountain of drafts every day. Recently, however, the most frequent topic was Eevee.
The recent discovery of the "Frozen Rock" in Antarctica and the announcement of Eevee's fifth evolution (Glaceon) had sparked a new round of "Eevee fever." Consequently, many articles about Eevee flooded the submissions.
Niu had reviewed countless Eevee articles, but almost all were repetitive filler. He suspected most authors only knew Eevee from movies and had never actually touched one.
However, he had to admit the trend had high engagement. Major journals published Eevee articles in every issue just to attract readers.
"Wait..." Just as Niu expected another low-quality clickbait piece, his eyes widened at the title.
Title: Performance and Analysis of Eevee's Unknown Ability.
He quickly looked at the abstract.
"Anticipation Ability? The capacity to sense dangerous moves possessed by the opponent?"
He began reading the paper with a serious expression. A new ability for Eevee? At this timing, the paper would undoubtedly be perfect for publication and would cause quite a stir. But when he looked at the contributor's details, he looked bewildered.
A high school student?
"The contributor's starter is an Eevee. Even though the author is just a student, the article seems reliable." Niu took another sip of water.
An article discovering a new ability was beyond his paygrade to handle if there were no glaring logical flaws. Proving the authenticity would require a professional review.
"The research method is a bit crude and simple, but considering the author is a student, I won't be too picky. Since there are no major issues..."
In Aurelia, Azure Province, a small-framed researcher with messy hair was repeatedly comparing experimental results.
Aoki, one of the prominent Pokémon researchers in the province, was well-known in the field of Normal-type Pokémon. A graduate of a top-tier university, he had achieved great success over his decade-long career. The famous Theory of Adaptation for Normal-type Pokémon was his work.
Currently, Aoki was researching the differences and similarities between the color-changing abilities of Kecleon and biological chameleons.
"I see... mood and status also affect Kecleon's color change..." Aoki nodded, recorded the result, and decided to take a break.
After a hot shower to wash away his fatigue, he sat at his desk and opened his email to check his students' assignments.
That was when he noticed an email from The Home of Pokémon.
"Performance and Analysis of Eevee's Unknown Ability?" Aoki blinked and began reading carefully.
Ten minutes later...
"Anticipation... a timid or cowardly nature might not just be a personality flaw; it could be a specialized ability evolved to avoid danger."
"Specifically, Eevee is most sensitive to Fighting-type moves. Without training, they may even show signs of fear. Furthermore, high-power moves capable of a one-hit KO might trigger the same effect. This is the best way to test for the Anticipation ability."
"If trained, this ability can allow a Pokémon to perceive even smaller threats, granting them excellent battle awareness through the prediction of danger..."
"Interesting..." Aoki sighed. Eevee's cowardice isn't a defect, but a special ability? What kind of mindset does it take to think of that? If his students could discover a new ability like this author, they would be ready to graduate.
Aoki had researched Eevee before. He pulled up his old data and found one individual whose behavior matched the description perfectly. He had originally thought it was just that specific Eevee's personality, but now he realized it might not be that simple.
He planned to find a new batch of Eevee for research, though finding those with the Anticipation ability wouldn't be easy.
Meanwhile, he dialed a number: "Siyu, I have a task for you..."
Siyu, an intern researcher and a graduate student at Aurelia University, was one of Aoki's students. Aoki was now genuinely interested in the article.
Aside from conducting his own verification, he wanted to contact the author. If Owen could join the research, it would save a lot of time.
After all, the article showed that Owen had already conducted targeted training for a long time and applied the Anticipation ability to actual combat.
"Go to Fairview and contact a student named Owen."
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