Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

Hearing Professor Oak's words, Luo Yuan couldn't quite fathom what kind of progress he was referring to.

Noticing Luo Yuan's confusion, Professor Oak quickly provided an answer.

The camera on the communicator wobbled a bit in Professor Oak's hand, then steadied, focusing on a corner of the lab.

In that corner stood a fierce-looking Pokémon with sharp, black rocky protrusions along its body—an Aerodactyl, but one that looked unusually intimidating.

"This…"

Professor Oak continued, "Over the past few days, I've been studying your Aerodactyl's genetic sequence. I discovered a part of its DNA that was dormant, so I recreated ancient environmental conditions to stimulate it. I also exposed it to specific radiation designed to awaken these genes."

"As a result, it transformed into this state—what appears to be the Mega-Evolved form of Aerodactyl."

As he spoke, Professor Oak pointed to the Mega-Aerodactyl.

"!"

"That's why I called. I wanted to know when you could come by in person. There's a lot of research data I can't explain over the phone. Plus, it seems like Aerodactyl is… eager to see you."

As Professor Oak spoke, the Aerodactyl in the corner spotted Luo Yuan through the screen and let out an excited screech.

Listening to Aerodactyl's cry, Luo Yuan had a feeling it wasn't longing to see him so much as it was eager to challenge him, hoping to assert its dominance now that its power had increased.

Nodding, Luo Yuan replied, "Understood."

His Aerodactyl had transformed into a Mega form without the use of a Mega Stone—he definitely needed to go back and take a look.

"I'll return tomorrow."

After setting a time with Professor Oak, Luo Yuan ended the call.

Turning to Sabrina with an apologetic look, he said, "Sorry, something came up. I won't be able to stay."

Sabrina shook her head.

They'd discussed this before; she wasn't some lovestruck girl who needed constant attention. She wouldn't be upset just because Luo Yuan couldn't spend the whole day with her.

"Go on, then. I'll cheer you on at the Indigo League." Sabrina gave him a warm smile.

"…Alright." Luo Yuan paused, then managed to keep his expression steady as he replied.

He had a nagging sense that a storm was brewing.

And, as the center of that storm, he found himself unable to find any excuse to stop both Sabrina and Misty from meeting at the Indigo League.

"What do I do…"

He spooned another mouthful of what had moments ago been delicious food, but now it tasted like ashes in his mouth.

…

Though Luo Yuan felt an impending headache at the thought of both Sabrina and Misty cheering him on at the Indigo League, he wasn't overly anxious about it.

Not because he'd thought of a solution.

On the contrary, he wasn't anxious because he'd reached a point of resignation, accepting that he couldn't come up with one.

If worse came to worst, he'd just have to rely on that famous line.

He was confident it wouldn't be too disastrous… right?

---

Pallet Town – Oak's Lab

This was Luo Yuan's third time visiting, and he'd grown accustomed to Pallet Town's unchanging scenery.

Though peaceful and tranquil, to Luo Yuan, life here seemed monotonous. No wonder Gary had decked out a car and gathered a harem to spice things up for himself.

After ringing the doorbell, he entered the lab.

To his surprise, not only was Professor Oak there, but Gary was as well.

"Gary, are you just back, or have you been here the whole time?" Luo Yuan asked.

Before Gary could answer, Professor Oak chimed in, "Gary here has asked me to put him through some intense training so he can surpass you."

"Cough, cough!"

Professor Oak's sudden remark made Gary choke, his face flushing as he coughed.

"Gramps, do we really need to bring that up?"

Feeling the weight of Luo Yuan's amused gaze, Gary looked a little embarrassed.

Professor Oak, well aware of his grandson's personality, smiled and turned back to Luo Yuan.

"Come with me. I don't know if anyone else has encountered this phenomenon, but based on my knowledge, your Aerodactyl is the first recorded case of evolving into a Mega form without a Mega Stone."

With that, Professor Oak pushed open a door.

In the backyard sky, a terrifying, black-spiked Aerodactyl was swooping down, its presence alone scattering a herd of Tauros in all directions.

Aerodactyl let out an exhilarated cry.

Professor Oak sighed. "Maybe it's because awakening certain dormant genes has made it more aggressive. It's been terrorizing some of the Pokémon on the mountainside."

Meanwhile, after scaring off the Tauros, Aerodactyl set its sights on a Kingler.

"This guy…" Luo Yuan's mouth twitched as he watched the Aerodactyl in the sky.

He didn't think it was an issue of genes. It was more likely the result of him pushing Aerodactyl too hard in the past, and now, with its newfound strength, it wanted to assert itself.

"Ahem." Luo Yuan cleared his throat.

Hearing him, Aerodactyl, who had been relentlessly flipping Kingler onto its back, paused, finally noticing Luo Yuan and Professor Oak.

Upon seeing Professor Oak, Aerodactyl's fierce aura softened a bit—it still had some gratitude for the food Professor Oak had provided over the past few days.

But when it saw Luo Yuan, it let out an excited screech.

Through the power of Viridian, Luo Yuan immediately understood Aerodactyl's intent.

"Hmm? You want to challenge me?" Luo Yuan eyed the newly emboldened Aerodactyl.

It seemed Aerodactyl felt it was powerful enough to renegotiate its status.

Fine by him. Luo Yuan decided it was time to remind Aerodactyl of what it meant to face his authority.

"Professor Oak, may I borrow the field?"

Seeing the sudden shift in atmosphere, Professor Oak quickly grasped what was happening. Without a word, he nodded, stepping aside to make space for Luo Yuan.

Aerodactyl took its position across from him, letting out a fierce roar.

Seeing the battle-ready Aerodactyl, Luo Yuan smirked.

Though he couldn't use his Gengar with Professor Oak nearby, he still had other Pokémon he could rely on.

His hand settled on a Heavy Ball at his waist.

"This fight's all yours. Dragonite, show this guy some restraint with your fists."

In Professor Oak and Gary's astonished gaze, a colossal Dragonite, easily two to three times the size of an average one, appeared on the battlefield.

"Roooar!"

Dragonite's call whipped up a gust of wind across the field.

---

Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!

Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?

Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!

— Furina ✨