"Next, please welcome the second researcher..."
After the host spoke, the second researcher stepped onto the stage. She was a short-haired woman named Ivy, with striking purple hair, a beautiful face, and a well-proportioned figure.
Why emphasize her figure?
Because under her white lab coat, she was only wearing a dark blue one-piece swimsuit. She looked more like she was attending a modeling audition than applying for an academic title in Pokémon research.
Shiro's eyes almost blurred, and for a moment, he even wondered if he had somehow crossed into the wrong world again.
His vision suddenly turned hazy. When he lowered his head, he caught a faint glimpse of Mesprit's figure, then simply closed his eyes and pretended to rest.
Even with his eyes shut, Shiro could hear the intense discussion around him. Whether male or female, nearly all the researchers were criticizing Ivy's outfit.
After all, this was academia. Dressing casually was one thing, but this felt inappropriate…
"There is no need to criticize a female researcher like this!" Oak stood up with a serious expression. "Ivy comes from the Orange Islands, which are surrounded by the sea. Swimming is part of their local customs. Wearing a swimsuit carries no other meaning. It is simply cultural."
"..."
The crowd fell silent.
Though it might have been an illusion, many felt that among everyone present, his gaze seemed the most questionable.
On stage, Ivy paid no attention to the discussion or judgment. She casually brushed the hair from her forehead to the side and began summarizing her research, which focused on regional differences and adaptability of Pokémon.
A short while later, the voting began.
Once again, Oak was the first to stand.
"I believe Ivy's research is excellent, especially the mid-report of her paper. It was very well written. She is a highly capable researcher, and I believe she has great potential to become a professor."
Although he praised her, the level of support was actually weaker than what he showed for Alden.
Saying someone had the potential to become a professor usually meant they were not yet qualified, and it was also one of the most commonly used phrases to politely reject a candidate.
"I understand."
On stage, Ivy did not wait for the rest of the process. Having recognized the hint, she simply walked off the platform.
The hall fell silent for a moment, until faint sighs of disappointment came from certain corners.
"Researcher Ivy has voluntarily withdrawn from the voting process. Her application for professorship is therefore considered unsuccessful."
After announcing this, the host continued to call the next researcher.
Soon, the next candidate was also eliminated. Another researcher followed, but halfway through the summary, he sighed and gave up. As he stepped down, he lamented that earning the Professor title was not easy, something that might be impossible in this lifetime.
Out of the seven candidates, four had already been eliminated.
The fifth one was Shiro.
"Please welcome Researcher Shiro to the stage to present his research summary. The professors and researchers will then proceed with the voting..."
After speaking, the host stepped down.
Shiro stood up.
In an instant, almost every professor and researcher straightened in their seats, their eyes gathering on him as he rose. After all, he was considered the most likely candidate of this session to become a professor.
The focus of this entire conferment rested on him. Whether he would succeed and what the final result would be, everyone was waiting.
Even the four researchers who had already been eliminated felt tense. They were both hopeful and unwilling to see him succeed.
Shiro quickly walked onto the stage and, after a slight bow, began his summary.
"One of my research achievements is in Pokémon evolution studies. The Evolutionary Magnetic Field..."
He did not bring any materials. He simply spoke, laying out all his research in detail, from the Evolutionary Magnetic Field and related devices developed with Rowan, to the Egg Group theory researched with Elm, and finally the Friendship theory that even involved Oak's assistance.
Everyone below the stage already knew these topics by heart. Some even remembered them more clearly than he did.
After he finished, the host immediately stepped forward.
"The voting begins. Professors, please give your opinions."
"..."
The academic hall felt like a volcano about to erupt. Eyes met across the room, but no one stood up first.
At this moment, it was time for the authority, Professor Oak, to speak.
"Shiro is undoubtedly the face of the younger generation of researchers, and the most promising genius to become a professor."
With his opening words, Oak set the tone: most promising.
He continued with praise, "All of his research is highly practical. It has brought great convenience to the academic world and has also helped trainers significantly. Oh, right, he himself is also a very powerful and well-known trainer. He certainly has the potential to become a professor."
He then took the lead in applauding, and a few scattered claps followed from the audience.
The professors had already expected this, but the researchers felt a chill run down their spines.
If Oak's earlier comments toward other candidates had been somewhat encouraging, this time his words were clearly different.
"Promising" and "has potential" were subtle ways of denying Shiro. And bringing up his identity as a trainer in an academic conference was clearly meant to stir caution, even hostility.
After all, if Shiro's status as a trainer was already so high, even reaching the level of a regional Champion, why was he still competing with researchers for recognition?
Moreover, the divide between trainers and researchers had existed for a long time.
"..."
Shiro showed no surprise. He only smiled and met Oak's gaze.
He understood the intention. It was not personal resentment or jealousy, but simply a means to an end.
Oak wanted to maintain stability in the academic world for now, preparing for the release of his own research, something that might cause major upheaval.
Once Oak was done, the hall fell into a heavy silence.
Only when the host stepped forward again to urge them did someone finally respond.
"Next professor, please give your opinion..."
"I believe Shiro is fully qualified to become a Pokémon Professor. I only recognize him."
Rowan stood up first in support. He did not elaborate and quickly sat back down.
"I also agree."
Elm adjusted his glasses and stood up, expressionless.
"The Evolutionary Magnetic Field theory and its related results have opened up an extremely important new direction in Pokémon evolution studies. These findings will bring significant convenience in a short time."
"The Egg Group theory provides a solid foundation for breeding studies. It is a milestone achievement."
"I believe that among current researchers, and even some professors, few can match the level of Shiro's research."
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