Lu Xinghe was universally acknowledged as the number one authority in Pokémon research in Xia Country—a true titan of the field. His lifetime achievements were too numerous to count, and even today, at least half of the current pillars of Xia Country's Pokémon research community had once been his students.
Thirty years ago, he had practically swept every major international award. Year after year, he produced research results so astonishing that all Pokémon researchers of his generation were left struggling to breathe under his shadow. It was no exaggeration to say that his existence alone had pushed humanity's understanding of Pokémon forward by a massive leap.
This situation continued until ten years ago, when it abruptly came to an end.
For the past decade, Lu Xinghe had not published a single paper, nor had he accepted a single student. It was as if he had completely withdrawn from research, vanishing from the public eye.
Coincidentally, those same ten years marked a period of decline for Xia Country's research scene. Very few researchers managed to make a name for themselves on the international stage. Meanwhile, previously obscure researchers from other countries began to rise rapidly, breathing freely at last.
As a result, a narrative gradually spread: Xia Country's Pokémon research was no longer world-leading, and Lu Xinghe himself was rumored to be gravely ill and no longer capable of conducting research.
Neither Xia Country nor Lu Xinghe ever came forward to deny these claims, as if silently accepting them.
Over time, even the general public began to believe that this once-unrivaled giant of Pokémon research had truly fallen.
But now, in order to verify the authenticity of this paper, the upper echelons of the Alliance finally decided to invite this semi-retired legend—the undisputed number one Pokémon researcher—to step forward once more.
Oliver, of course, had no idea what was happening on the Alliance's side.
At this moment, he had finished packing and was heading to school for the final exam.
Since it was a practical exam, Oliver brought both Milotic and Kirlia with him.
At the school, the students' practical combat assessments were overseen by the physical education teachers. The standards were clear:
Defeating a Low Rank – Early Stage Pokémon was considered Pass.
Defeating a Low Rank – Mid Stage Pokémon was Good.
Defeating a Low Rank – Late Stage Pokémon was Excellent.
Teachers would also give more detailed scores based on the battle process itself, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of each student's strength.
In fact, these three tiers weren't the absolute limit. Above them was a hidden benchmark: defeating a Mid Rank – Early Stage Pokémon. Anyone who achieved that would receive a full score outright, regardless of the battle details.
As one of the top high schools in Rong City, Rong City No.1 High naturally had no shortage of training rooms. During regular practical classes, lessons were often held there, and for exams, the training rooms were used as well.
All the students waited outside the training rooms. Teachers called names one by one, and only those whose names were called could enter to take the test.
Although the exams were conducted individually, they didn't take as long as people imagined. Most students' Pokémon were low level and lacked stamina, and with plenty of training rooms available, all assessments could be completed within a single day.
Outside the rooms, students came out one after another. Some wore smiles, others looked disappointed, and occasionally the school medics were called in to treat injuries.
Even though this was just an assessment and everyone held back, it was still real combat—bumps and bruises were unavoidable. To prevent unnecessary injuries, Rong City No.1 High's medical team was among the best.
While waiting, Oliver opened the academic forum on his phone and checked his account. His two submitted papers were still under review.
He frowned slightly.
The last time he published the Milotic paper, it had been reviewed and released overnight. Now, it was already noon the next day, and the status was still "Under Review."
Maybe there are just too many submissions lately, he comforted himself.
At that moment, his name was finally called.
Oliver walked into the training room—and immediately froze.
The examiner was Old Liu.
Ever since Oliver had been selected as a member of the school team, he had barely attended team training sessions. This time, Old Liu clearly wasn't planning to go easy on him.
Old Liu looked up, grinned with his yellowed teeth, and tilted his chin toward the door, signaling Oliver to close it.
Oliver shut the door behind him and greeted him politely.
"Long time no see, Old Liu."
"Oliver," Old Liu said, "the competition date is getting closer. Even though you're mainly on the researcher track, the inter-school tournament is still extremely important. Don't blame me for nagging."
Oliver shook his head decisively.
"Not at all. I'm listening."
"Good. The tournament's on March 10th—right after school starts. But I haven't seen your Pokémon's progress lately…"
Oliver cut in smoothly, "I get it. You want a real Pokémon battle to see where I stand."
Old Liu chuckled.
"It's been a whole semester. If your Pokémon haven't improved, I'll have you come back during winter break for remedial training."
Oliver just smiled mysteriously and said nothing.
A flash of red light appeared.
Milotic materialized on the battlefield, its long body coiling gracefully, eyes filled with pride as it stared at its opponent.
Old Liu raised his hand and released his own Pokémon.
"Infernape, old buddy. We didn't have enough fun last time—let's enjoy this fight properly!"
The moment Infernape saw Milotic, memories of its previous frustration surfaced. It threw its head back and roared, flames of fighting spirit blazing in its eyes.
"Milooo!"
Infernape refused to lose—and so did Milotic. After all, it had lost the last time they fought.
"Begin!"
At the command, Infernape exploded forward, leaving behind streaks of red afterimages, a long trail of fire blazing in its wake.
Flame Charge!
Oliver remained calm.
"Surf."
Milotic let out a soft cry as towering waves surged forth. Its serpentine body moved elegantly through the raging water, like a mythical mermaid flickering across the sea's surface.
The waves grew increasingly violent, crashing down toward Infernape.
That red afterimage plunged straight into the tidal onslaught—like a pebble tossed into a raging river—unable to stir even a splash.
When the waves receded, Milotic's graceful form stood amid the mist, even more ethereal than before.
Infernape lay sprawled on the ground, completely unable to move.
"This… Infernape…" Old Liu was stunned.
Is this kid even human?
One move. A one-shot against a Mid Rank Infernape.
Even with type advantage, this proved that Milotic was an elite even among Mid Rank Pokémon.
Old Liu looked at Oliver and Milotic with complicated emotions. If he remembered correctly, Oliver had received his starter Pokémon only half a year ago. And yet, not only was he a monster in battle—he was also a once-in-a-generation genius in research.
"Well, Old Liu," Oliver said with a smile, tossing Milotic an energy cube as a reward, "feel reassured now?"
Old Liu let out a bitter laugh.
Reassured?
With this strength, he could sweep the entire competition without breaking a sweat.
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