Seeing its flames blown away, Charizard grew more serious.
It flapped its wings and rose to the same altitude as Mega Pidgeot, its entire body erupting into raging fire.
Flare Blitz was activated.
Charizard charged straight toward Mega Pidgeot.
Although Mega Pidgeot sensed the danger and attempted to evade, Charizard still managed to seize one of its legs.
What followed was a classic Seismic Toss.
Mega Pidgeot was slammed down and lost its ability to fight under Charizard’s signature move.
[Beep…
Battle settlement in progress…
Rating: B minus]
[Beep, congratulations on receiving rewards: Master Ball times 1, Peat Block times 5]
Hearing the system notification, Ash felt a surge of excitement.
Although he did not obtain another Mega Set, the rewards were still excellent, especially the Peat Blocks.
This item was the key to allowing Ursaring to evolve into Ursaluna.
If used properly, it could help him quickly gain recognition in the research community.
Professor Oak studied the data displayed on his instruments and muttered, “Compared to an ordinary Pidgeot, Mega Pidgeot’s speed has increased by nearly twenty percent.
Its raw strength has not changed significantly, but the power of its moves has nearly doubled.”
“Professor, there is something I would like to discuss with you,” Ash said.
Professor Oak turned toward him curiously.
“What is it?”
Ash spoke seriously.
“Professor, after traveling for so long, I have realized that my current understanding of Pokémon is not enough to support my goal of becoming a Pokémon Master.
So during my next journey, I plan to become a researcher as well, to study and better understand unknown Pokémon.”
“You want to become a researcher?”
Professor Oak looked slightly surprised.
Compared to the impulsive boy he once knew, Ash now seemed far more composed.
“Ash, becoming a researcher requires studying a great deal of theory.
It may even affect your travels.
Are you certain about this choice?”
“Professor, this is my path.
I believe my decision is the right one, and I believe in myself and in Pokémon.”
“In that case, I will register your name under my laboratory.
From today onward, you are a researcher affiliated with Professor Oak’s Laboratory.
Your first task will be to assist me in completing the research report on Mega Pidgeot before you depart.”
Professor Oak smiled as he patted Ash’s shoulder.
Seeing that smile, Ash immediately realized something.
“Professor, were you just trying to scare me earlier about it affecting my journey?”
“Of course not…
that was simply a test,” Oak replied casually.
“Now, quickly hand over that Key Stone and Mega Stone so I can examine them for a while.”
As he spoke, Professor Oak reached toward Ash’s glove.
If Ash had not known his personality, he might have already ordered Pikachu to use Thunderbolt.
In the end, Ash still handed over the Mega Set for research.
Over the next two days, Ash formulated detailed training plans for all his Pokémon and even established an internal ranking system similar to a competitive ladder.
The higher a Pokémon ranked, the more opportunities it would have to participate in future battles.
Alternatively, it could exchange its ranking for a chance to travel alongside Ash.
At the same time, Ash studied Pokémon knowledge within the laboratory and assisted Professor Oak in completing the research paper on Mega Pidgeot.
For authorship, Professor Oak listed himself as the lead author and Ash as the second author, while strongly emphasizing Ash’s contributions.
During these two days, Primeape successfully evolved into Annihilape.
As for the research regarding this evolution, Professor Oak did not interfere and instead entrusted it entirely to Ash.
Ash wrote the paper based on knowledge from his previous life.
Whether the conclusions would be validated in this world was no longer his immediate concern.
Because it was time to depart for the Kalos region.
Naturally, the news of his destination did not escape the ears of the Team Rocket trio.
Under the watchful eyes of Professor Oak and Delia, Ash and Alexa boarded a plane bound for Kalos.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket secretly snuck into the cargo hold, planning to follow them.
This time, aside from Pikachu, Ash brought Pidgeot, Annihilape, and Gible.
Pidgeot could Mega Evolve, Annihilape needed recognition, and Gible required focused training.
Kalos region.
Vaniville Town.
Serena was still fast asleep.
To wake her up, her mother sent Fletchling as a living alarm clock.
“Ouch!”
“Didn’t I tell you not to wake me up like that?”
Serena rubbed the spot where she had been pecked and glared at Fletchling.
Fletchling tilted its head innocently.
The two stared at each other for a moment before Serena suddenly lunged forward, trying to grab it.
However, Fletchling was already prepared and easily dodged, then cheekily landed on Serena’s head.
“Serena, it’s time for morning exercise!”
At that moment, her mother Grace called from downstairs.
Hearing the words “morning exercise,” Serena’s face filled with reluctance.
“Okay, I’m coming…”
This so-called exercise referred to riding Rhyhorn.
Grace was a top Rhyhorn racer and had always hoped Serena would follow in her footsteps.
Serena, however, had little interest in it, even though Rhyhorn naturally seemed to like her.
Serena opened the window, took a deep breath of fresh air, and waved toward the Rhyhorn in the yard.
“Good morning, Rhyhorn!”
“Shaaaa!”
The Rhyhorn squinted its eyes and responded.
Looking at the clear sky, Serena murmured, “I wonder if something good will happen today.”
At the same time,
Lumiose Airport.
Ash stood at the boarding stairs, spreading his arms wide.
“Kalos region, Ash from Pallet Town has arrived!”
“Pikachu!!”
Although it was somewhat dramatic, Ash found himself enjoying this bold way of expressing excitement.
After all, he was Ash now, not Xiao Ruozhi from his previous life.
And besides, being a little dramatic was not a bad thing.
Alexa looked at him in confusion.
“Why are you suddenly acting like this?”
Ash smiled.
“It’s my first time in the Kalos region.
A new journey is about to begin.
Today is a day worth remembering!”