"Grandma Agatha, would you be willing to help me with a demonstration?"
Agatha narrowed her eyes slightly. "Go on."
"I'll have Lopunny attack your Gengar. That's all."
Agatha nodded. From the shadow behind her, a round purple figure emerged with a mischievous grin—Gengar floated forward and stood before Peter.
Peter took out a stopwatch.
Click.
"Lopunny—Quick Attack!"
"Whoosh—!"
Trailing white streaks of light, Lopunny shot forward, passing cleanly through Gengar and sliding all the way to the hall entrance.
"1.37 seconds," Peter announced, holding up the stopwatch.
"As you can see, the Normal-type move Quick Attack cannot hit the Ghost-type Gengar."
A few murmurs rippled through the hall.
"Now… please watch closely."
Peter's expression sharpened.
"Lopunny—Mega Evolve!"
Buzz—
Brilliant golden light burst from the Key Stone in his hand, illuminating the entire hall as if it were broad daylight. A spiraling double-helix of rainbow energy surged from the Mega Stone, enveloping Lopunny as it transformed into its Mega Evolution form.
"Once more. Quick Attack!"
"Boom!"
This time, Gengar was caught off guard and sent flying backward by the impact.
"Geh?!"
The purple ghost steadied itself midair, staring curiously at the Mega Lopunny standing beside Peter.
Because Gengar's body was composed mostly of gaseous matter, it was extremely light—hence why Lopunny had knocked it away so easily.
Peter lifted the stopwatch again.
"0.87 seconds."
"—!"
A wave of astonished exclamations spread through the hall.
The difference was undeniable.
Speed. Power.
And something else.
When the murmuring died down, Professor Oak leaned forward.
"So its Speed and physical strength increased… and its Ability changed to Scrappy, correct?"
Peter nodded.
"Correct. And that's not all. Lopunny also gains the Fighting-type after Mega Evolution. That can be verified by examining damage tolerance from identical moves."
He paused briefly.
"Of course, Mega Evolution may only apply to certain species. The full scope still requires further validation and research."
"That concludes my report on Mega Evolution."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
Clap clap clap.
Professor Oak began applauding.
Soon after, many of the prominent figures in attendance joined in.
Whitney clapped with sparkling eyes, her cheeks flushed pink with pride.
That was her boyfriend.
…
"Next, I will address Dynamax."
Peter inclined his head toward Professor Magnolia before continuing.
"As everyone knows, the Dynamax phenomenon occurs frequently in the Galar region. However, it has traditionally been random and uncontrollable—a burst of unstable energy.
When exposed to excessive Dynamax energy, any Pokémon can assume a gigantic form. Their moves convert into Max Moves, and certain species may even have unique Gigantamax forms.
Professor Magnolia's prior research has thoroughly examined these phenomena, so I won't elaborate on them here.
Instead, I'll focus on how to achieve controlled Dynamax."
He walked a few steps forward.
"From the phenomenon itself, we can conclude that Dynamax energy is volatile—but that Pokémon transform once exposed to a sufficient quantity of it.
Therefore, if we can create a vessel capable of freely absorbing and releasing Dynamax energy, control becomes possible.
To that end, I conducted a series of experiments."
The hall grew quiet.
"In the end, I discovered a material capable of perfectly fulfilling this role—
The mysterious meteor fragments that frequently fall in the Galar region.
Wishing Stars."
A faint stir passed through Magnolia and Chairman Rose.
Peter continued steadily, explaining the principles of energy absorption, resonance synchronization with Trainers, and release stabilization through specialized bands.
He concluded:
"That is the entirety of my report.
Thank you."
…
This time, the applause was immediate—and thunderous.
In just a few minutes, Peter had won over the majority of the room.
"Next is the Q&A session," Chairman Charles Goodshow announced.
He lifted the microphone.
"Peter, at such a young age, you've achieved extraordinary accomplishments in research. I've heard you're also traveling through Sinnoh challenging Gyms and preparing for the League Conference. What is your ultimate goal?"
Peter turned his head toward the girl seated at the edge of the stage.
"My goal is to become a Normal-type Pokémon Master and stand at the pinnacle of the world."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"So many of the seniors present here… are people I intend to surpass."
A faint ripple of reactions swept through the hall.
Koga shook his head lightly. "Bold words. Youth truly is something."
Leon crossed his arms and nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit a Trainer should have. I like you."
Chairman Charles Goodshow stroked his beard, smiling. As the overseer of League Conferences, he welcomed the rise of talented challengers.
"Professor Oak, this child doesn't seem destined to stay cooped up in a laboratory," Charles Goodshow teased.
Oak adjusted his glasses.
"May I speak?"
The hall quieted again.
"Peter, you know who I am, I presume?"
Peter bowed his head slightly. "Of course. Professor Oak—you are my idol."
"Good, good," Oak beamed warmly.
"You're young and already responsible for groundbreaking discoveries. I've also heard about some of the unique held items you've developed.
This proves you possess rare research talent.
Your path—your calling—should be in academia, do you understand?
The Trainer's journey is certainly exciting, but this world needs theoretical advancement. Only through research can we expand horizons and safeguard Trainers.
Why not pause your travels?
I can apply for a private forest research zone for you. Study whatever you like.
In ten years, my title as the foremost scholar might very well belong to you."
His words rang with conviction.
Nearby, Professors Cerise and Elm looked envious.
Oak's fondness for talent was legendary.
Before Peter could respond—
Agatha scoffed.
"Old Oak, not everyone wants to sit in a lab slurping instant noodles like you."
Her eyes softened slightly as she looked at Peter.
"Keep traveling, boy. One day, you can take my Elite Four seat. Don't end up like certain people—retiring from battle and letting their partners grow old in peace."
The hall fell into an awkward hush.
Everyone knew.
Agatha and Oak had once traveled together in their youth.
Oak became the first Indigo League Champion—but chose retirement to pursue research.
His decision revolutionized the world—Pokédex systems, structured Trainer education, and reduced casualty rates.
But Agatha, who valued battle prowess above all, saw it differently.
Peter thought for a moment.
Then he spoke carefully.
"Professor Oak… the version of you I admire most is the young Trainer who stood atop Indigo Plateau."
A subtle sting crossed Oak's face.
But Peter continued:
"However, the version of you I respect most… is the Pokémon Professor who chose research to illuminate the path for countless Trainers."
He bowed deeply.
"Without you, the Trainer profession would not be as prosperous and safe as it is today."
The hall grew still.
Oak blinked.
Then slowly—
A smile spread across his face.
"So that's how you see it…"
He laughed heartily.
"Fine! No one stops me today—the Pokémon Research Association will absolutely include your name!
Start research whenever you like.
Just make sure you visit this old man for tea once in a while!"
The hall erupted in good-natured laughter.
And in that moment—
Peter had secured both worlds.
The path of a Trainer.
And the respect of academia.
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T/N:
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