The setting sun cast its glow over Canalave City, divided by shimmering waterways that glittered under the fading light.
The Canalave City Library stood silent and imposing.
From a distance, white-coated scholars descended the marble steps.
"Hey, Burnet," Professor Kukui, his bronze skin catching the light, chuckled into his phone, one hand in his pocket. "Yeah, today's exhibition was amazing!"
Sonia supported Professor Magnolia as they carefully made their way down the steps, sighing in admiration:
"Natsume-sensei and Champion Cynthia... their results were incredible."
Professor Magnolia gave a slight nod, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I benefited greatly as well..."
"Though I never expected," she continued, "that translation achievement actually came from Natsume."
Sonia clung to her grandmother's arm, smiling. "I saw Natsume-sensei at last year's Research Conference too~"
"With his talent, achieving results in just a year was probably effortless!"
"You..." Professor Magnolia shook her head helplessly.
Her granddaughter still didn't grasp the difficulty and significance of that accomplishment.
Judging by Professor Hale's excitement, it was clear how impactful this work would be.
And with three groundbreaking Pokédex entries, capped off by a flawless defense...
Professor Magnolia mused, "This year's Gold Award might already have Carolina's name on it."
After the presentation, Cynthia reserved a celebratory banquet at an upscale restaurant in Canalave City.
With so many dining options, her indecisiveness had left her agonizing over which one to pick—until she heard this particular restaurant's specialty was desserts, especially ice cream. Moe-Moe! That sealed the deal.
"So, have you decided which ice cream to get yet?"
Walking toward the restaurant, Natsume asked Cynthia.
"..." Cynthia seemed to have just remembered this dilemma. Crossing her arms, she rested her chin on her hand, falling into deep thought.
"Let me choose for you," Natsume said, rubbing his temples. "I've done some... research on desserts."
He knows my tastes. Cynthia smiled faintly and nodded. "Sounds good."
Tap. Tap.
"Don't pretend I'm not here," Carolina said dryly, rapping her cane.
"Gengar!" Gengar peeked out from Natsume's shadow, snickering mischievously behind its hands.
You little brat—you're thrilled about getting a Mega Stone, aren't you?!
Natsume sighed inwardly, frustration simmering.
A glance at the bonus screen confirmed the selected item—the deep-purple orb: Gengarite
"Who knows? Maybe some wildcard will swoop in last minute and snatch it away," Natsume consoled himself.
"It's not over till it's over!"
The sinking sun stretched their shadows long—Carolina's cane planted firmly between them.
The young man stood tall, his broad shoulders accentuated by a tailored Western-style suit.
The two "girls" moved gracefully, their silhouettes almost mirroring each other. Cynthia's golden hair cascaded down her back, smooth and straight.
Their figures gradually receded into the distance.
"Gengar!"
From the lengthening twilight shadows, Gengar suddenly popped out, grinning wide. Facing an imaginary camera, it snapped its fingers with a playful click, signaling a scene transition.
In the top-left corner, a red recording light blinked off as Rotom chirped:
"Captured some priceless footage~ Rotom!"
...
Canalave City, Library.
Professor Oak was organizing today's observations and preparing the evaluation process.
"So the judging starts this soon?"
Crystal, wearing a white cap and overalls, asked curiously: "Aren't there still two more days left?"
"We're just ranking today's presentations based on certain criteria," Professor Oak chuckled. "If more outstanding work appears later, we'll adjust accordingly."
"But then, why is Natsume-sensei's team's research…"
Crystal glanced at the notebook, suddenly realizing she'd spoken out of turn. Blushing, she fell silent.
"Haha, no need to worry."
Professor Oak nodded thoughtfully.
"Because... in my professional opinion, this is work worthy of the conference's highest honors."
"Tomorrow afternoon marks the end of presentations. By then, we'll know whether Natsume's team wins the Gold Award, Most Valuable Research, or both!" Professor Oak said cheerfully.
To receive such high praise from Professor Oak... Crystal whispered: "That's amazing..."
Meanwhile, in the Chat Group:
"Results out yet? Results out yet?" Gold spammed the chat.
"You're hurting my eyes," Silver said flatly.
"You there? You there? Who's the freeloader at my place watching tokusatsu—"
[Group member 'Gold' has been muted by Group Admin 'Lance' for 5 minutes.]
Lance said coolly, "You're hurting my eyes too."
Lt. Surge tsked. "Big oof..."
[Group member 'Gold' has been awarded the title 'Muted One' by Group Owner 'Natsume-sensei'.]
"..." Sabrina's icy expression cracked as the corners of her lips twitched upward.
Yellow: [Pikachu dancing.gif]
"Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant," Lance laughed, his deadpan humor shining through.
Ash replied: "LOLOLOLOL."
Natsume blinked.
Who has such low EQ—oh, it's Ash. Never mind.
Platinum stifled a laugh, steering the conversation back on track:
"Results won't be out till tomorrow afternoon. But Natsume-sensei's probably a lock for the Gold Award."
Natsume-sensei: "!?"
Lance: "@Crystal, any insider info?"
Is this what justice looks like? I'm here for it, Natsume mused.
Crystal fought back her gossipy urges, cheeks reddening as she adopted her 'class rep' demeanor. "Nope, no insider info!"
Muted is over. Gold rubbed his chin, smirking. "C'mon, just tell me. Did Elm pull off something amazing?"
"..." Crystal.
"With this old man's help," Gold boasted, hands on hips, "he's gotta take first place!"
Crystal flushed and sent a voice message, yelling: "Professor Elm didn't even make the cut!"
The chat fell silent.
[Group member 'Crystal' recalled a message due to typos.]
Natsume-sensei: "Voice messages don't have typos!"
Brock narrowed his eyes. "So, Natsume-sensei has a real shot at the Gold Award..."
"I'm rooting for you, Natsume-sensei~" Erika said sweetly.
"Hehe, even my dad praised you," Sapphire chimed in. "Not many scholars earn his respect."
The hype was overflowing, practically leaking from the keyboard!
Whatever… out of sight, out of mind.
Canalave City, upscale restaurant.
Natsume quietly closed the chat and accepted the menu from Cynthia.
Noticing his expression, Cynthia smiled.
"It's over. No need to stress."
"..." Natsume nodded silently.
"Tonight's on me," Professor Carolina declared.
Nice. Natsume opened his mouth to speak but caught Carolina's gaze and straightened up.
"I'll pay."
Good kid. Carolina nodded approvingly.
Canalave's specialty was Old Gateau—smooth, translucent, and served in celadon bowls like polished stone. The red bean filling was sweet but not cloying. Natsume savored it quietly.
"Old Gateau. Cures Pokémon status conditions…" Cynthia read aloud.
"Does it fix paralysis?"
"Mhm." Cynthia looked up from the menu. "It does."
"I'll take some to-go," Natsume said. "Probably tastes better than Cheri Berries..."
Another regional treat unlocked: [Old Gateau] √
This trip to Canalave for the research conference with Cynthia?
Moe-Moe! might've won, but Natsume never loses!
...
Following the plan—Carolina offers, Natsume pays—Moe-Moe! quietly settled the bill via mobile. Natsume promptly reimbursed her.
Cynthia shot him a questioning look.
Natsume's expression said, You lecturing me?
Glancing at her grandmother, Cynthia typed under the table:
[Cabbage Ice Cream: Wrong amount.]
[Natsume-sensei: Keep the change.]
[Cabbage Ice Cream: Not enough. (╥﹏╥)]
[Natsume-sensei: …]
[Natsume-sensei: (Wealthy Patron, feed me pls.jpg)]
Nightfall. Cynthia and Carolina returned to the guesthouse to discuss tomorrow's agenda.
Back in his room, Natsume wasn't lonely. His little ones swarmed him, and the fish tank radiated intense [Aura Detection]…
Wiping sweat, Natsume smiled.
"Sirfetch'd, did you hatch eggs today?"
Sirfetch'd blinked, pointing at its nest—where two Pokémon eggs sat side by side.
"Sirfetch'd?" (Which one?)
Natsume rubbed his eyes. "Togepi, quit hiding in Sirfetch'd's nest!"
"Togepi doo-ee! ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
The cream-colored eggshell peeked out, then hopped down and scampered onto the sofa to fiddle with a Handheld console.
Natsume: "A… ninja sprint?!"
"Togepi doo-ee~(′▽｀)"
Togepi kicked its tiny feet, engrossed in the game.
Natsume: "..."
And I can't even scold it.
Shaking his head, he turned to Sylveon, who tilted its head. "Sylveon?"
"Nothing," Natsume said. "Just thought you'd make a cute magical girl."
"Gengar!" Gengar popped up, posing with a peace sign.
"Denied," Natsume said flatly. "Urgot doesn't belong in idol groups."
"Gengar~(｀Д｀)" Gengar's grin drooped.
As night deepened, Natsume lounged on the sofa, munching on [Old Gateau].
"Arcanine… (ˉ﹃ˉ)" Arcanine wagged its tail.
Natsume eyed it, then turned away with the plate.
Arcanine: "Arcanine!( ﾟ∀ﾟ) ﾉ"
Between bites, he thought of tomorrow's results.
Natsume stared at the ceiling.
"Guess I'm not sleeping tonight…"
...
Next day, afternoon.
Canalave City Library. The awards announcement.
The exhibition hall was silent. Scholars focused on Professor Oak under the spotlight.
His expression was stern, dressed in a white lab coat, holding a speech draft.
Under the crowd's gaze, Professor Oak cleared his throat and spoke slowly:
"We are honored to witness so many outstanding achievements…"
"In this year's Research Conference, the teams awarded the Scientific Research Gold Award are—"
"Professor Kukui's Team—'Effects of the Alola Region's Aura on Z-Moves.'"
"Professor Carolina's Team—'Sinnoh Mythology and Analysis of Legendary Pokémon.'"
"…"
"Additionally, the recipient of this year's 'Most Influential Young Scholar' award is…"
"From Professor Carolina's Team—Natsume."
"…"
"Finally, the team receiving this year's 'Most Valuable Research' award is—"
"Professor Carolina's Team—'Sinnoh Mythology and Analysis of Legendary Pokémon!'"
As all awards were announced, it was like a boulder dropped into a lake—ripples spreading.
Enduring applause followed, all eyes fixed on Carolina's team.
Like a film sweeping awards at a festival.
Every researcher offered sincere congratulations.
Crowned the 'Most Influential Young Scholar', a bright future ahead—a true Ancient Language expert.
Natsume's mind was in turmoil. With a flawless smile, he stood and nodded under the camera flashes and praise.
Brilliant. That was the word rising in everyone's minds.
For his contributions, only one word fit: genius.
Once seated, Cynthia smiled softly:
"You can relax now."
"Yeah." Natsume gave a hollow laugh. "I can… relax now."
[Ding! Quest Complete.]
[Objective: Win the Gold Award at Sinnoh's Canalave City Research Conference.]
[Reward: Selected—Gengarite ×1]
This was expected. Natsume had braced himself.
But—
Before he could catch his breath, Natsume's eyes snapped wide open. A chill shot down his spine.
[Ding! Major Quest—'Sinnoh League' Updated.]
[Progress: (2/3)]
[Objective: Challenge the Sinnoh League. Collect all eight Sinnoh Gym Badges.]
[Description: Set sail, Researcher. Become Sinnoh's most knowledgeable—and powerful—Trainer.]
[Progress: (0/8)]
[Reward: Gracidea.]
Natsume: "…"
[Ding! Quest Updated.]
[Progress: (5/8)]
[Description: Five badges collected. Halfway there. Keep striving, Trainer.]
"What's wrong?" Cynthia glanced at him.
Natsume took a deep breath and forced a smile.
"N-Nothing…"
Quest progress… updated?!
This was… a chain quest?!
Gracidea… So you're forcing me to 1v1 Giratina?!
This isn't some random task—you planned this all along—
D*mn it, I'm filing a complaint!
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