"It's still more than a month away anyway."
Seeing the gloom on Rowan's face, Shiro smoothly changed the subject. "I'm curious about Professor Sycamore. What research results did he achieve?"
His understanding of Sycamore was limited to Mega Evolution. He knew Sycamore was the one who studied it and later revealed it to the public. But Mega Evolution had clearly not been made public yet in this world, so Sycamore could not have earned his title because of that.
At least for now, his recognized achievements did not include Mega Evolution, yet they had been sufficient for him to apply for the professor title.
"Sycamore…" Rowan recalled slowly. "He focused on fossil research and successfully restored quite a number of ancient Pokémon."
"The restoration of ancient fossil Pokémon?"
Shiro was genuinely surprised.
He remembered that the restoration machine had originally been developed by scientists in Cinnabar Island in Kanto. That research institute had connections to Team Rocket. Around the same time, scientists from the Devon Corporation had also built a similar machine.
So what did that have to do with Sycamore?
"He was the one who proposed the theory," Rowan explained, his admiration evident. "He also designed the core structure of the machine himself. Researchers in Kanto and Hoenn competed to see who could realize his theory first and build the restoration machine. In the end, both sides succeeded almost simultaneously."
"Because it was completed so quickly, his theory became reality within a short period. That greatly increased his chances of earning the professor title."
Shiro nodded repeatedly while his thoughts drifted to his own future research.
The Evolutionary Magnetic Field theory, which Rowan was helping him refine, would basically be complete once they reduced the magnetic frequency and created a simplified device for evolution inside a Poké Ball.
Regarding Elm's Egg Group classification research, that might take more time. Still, it should be finished before the Academic Summit.
His own primary focus was Pokémon evolution, and he naturally intended to continue publishing related theories.
The field had a broad future. Many Pokémon did not evolve through simple level, item, or magnetic field triggers, yet cases like Feebas evolving into Milotic or Magikarp evolving into Gyarados were too isolated.
Those findings could only serve as supplementary material. After publication, they would merely decorate his research record.
He needed something bigger.
Searching his memory for more Pokémon knowledge, Shiro realized that aside from Feebas and Magikarp, he truly had little else to work with at the moment. Looking ahead, the only major subject left was Eevee and its evolutions.
However, according to his plan, he intended to wait until his institute was built and he had assembled a proper team before studying Eevee. At that point, he could use League research funding to train Pokémon while subtly guiding his researchers, releasing Eevee's various evolutions step by step.
Publishing research on the Eevee line now would not work.
At present, he could only publish theory; he lacked the conditions for large-scale experiments.
But results focused on a single Pokémon, without solid research data, would barely attract attention. Some researchers might even question their authenticity, or worse, the work could end up benefiting another professor who had the resources to verify and expand upon it.
As for Rowan, he was still busy with the Evolutionary Magnetic Field project. The institute was also filled with "junk" sent over by various professors, leaving him neither the time nor the energy to undertake another major project.
"Sigh…"
Shiro could not help letting out a long breath. This was truly difficult.
If only the Fairy-type had already awakened. Then he could at least begin research in that area.
In theory, the Fairy-type was deeply connected to the legendary Pokémon Xerneas of Kalos. Once Xerneas awakened, the Fairy-type would reappear.
He would need to purchase Pokémon and berries that might possess Fairy attributes in advance, but that would require a large amount of money.
He had to become a professor as soon as possible, build his own institute, and secure another round of League funding.
The problem had circled back to the beginning.
Shiro felt helpless. After all, the academic world did not value ability alone; it also relied heavily on the support of numerous researchers.
"Shiro, come over and take a look. These are things Sycamore sent me to store and study."
Just then, Rowan stood up from a cabinet in the corner, dusted off his white coat and pant legs, then carried out a small rectangular box and placed it on the nearby table.
While Shiro had been lost in thought, Rowan had already gone to search for something. Noticing Shiro's strong interest in Sycamore, he remembered some items that had been stored in that cabinet for a long time and thought Shiro might discover something unusual.
Shiro walked over.
The wooden box on the table was made of redwood and looked expensive, with copper locks set on both sides.
Something Sycamore had sent over, what could possibly be inside?
He did not expect much. Most of the items sent by various professors were projects that had failed to produce short-term results; some were nearly confirmed to be useless. How could there be anything valuable?
Rowan, however, wore a cheerful smile like a child opening a treasured collection. He unfastened both copper clasps and lifted the lid.
Inside, wrapped in gray cloth, lay more than a dozen colorful crystals that emitted a soft glow even indoors.
The moment Shiro saw them, his pupils shrank and his heart began pounding violently.
Mega Stones.
Why would Sycamore send Mega Stones here?
"Sycamore asked me to keep these safe. He said they're very important." Rowan tugged at his beard and spoke casually. "I really don't see what's so special about these little stones. Maybe they're just art pieces he collected with the Stone family."
"What…?"
Shiro tried hard to control his expression as he looked at the smiling professor. He had never imagined that Sycamore would send over Mega Stones.
After seeing how tightly Pokémon resources were controlled in this world, and knowing that some ancient noble families had existed for thousands of years, he had long since given up hope of discovering Mega Evolution on his own. Some old noble families, perhaps even major clans, likely already possessed knowledge of Mega Evolution.
The Key Stone worn by Tobias was strong proof; his Vice Chairman grandfather surely knew something.
And Rowan had just said that Sycamore considered these stones important. As the original researcher of Mega Evolution, he should understand their general function.
Yet he had still sent them here.
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