Dynamax is a battle mechanic exclusive to the Galar region.
However, many Trainers still prefer Mega Evolution over Dynamax.
Natsume, on the other hand, has no particular aversion to either.
"After all, they're both official mechanics," Natsume thought to himself.
Just then, the bell signaling the end of the session rang.
"I need to go find Professor Magnolia first."
Sonia stood up, waved her glittery manicured nails at Natsume, and smiled brightly. "Anyway... Galar is always open to you!"
Watching Sonia skip away in high spirits, Natsume felt a mix of emotions.
The Dynamax Band is a rare item, comparable to the Z-Power Ring and Key Stone.
Is it really okay to just give it away like that?
"Whatever," Natsume rubbed his forehead. "Even if I do visit Galar, it won't be for a long time."
Natsume's current plan is to take up a position in Kanto later this year.
Before that, he still needs to help Haunter evolve.
"Haunter?" Haunter licked the ice cream off its face, its red tongue flicking at the corners of its mouth.
"It's nothing," Natsume patted its head and smiled. "We still have to visit a communication studies expert this afternoon!"
Just then, Sonia hurriedly rushed back.
"Did you forget something?" Natsume asked.
Sonia shook her head, then nodded vigorously.
She tugged at her phone and pointed at the screen. "Can I... get your contact info?" Sonia asked, slightly embarrassed.
A moment later.
Watching Sonia's dejected figure walk away, Natsume smirked coldly.
Trying to get me to be a free ancient language translator?
No way!
Still, learning about the current state of Dynamax was a worthwhile experience.
Natsume nodded thoughtfully.
During the lunch break, he hurried to meet up with Cynthia and the others.
...
The Restaurant.
Many familiar faces were scattered around, chatting in small groups.
For example, the scruffy, long-haired Professor Augustine Sycamore, whose research focuses on Mega Evolution.
And the tanned, goggle-wearing Professor Kukui, who was currently laughing heartily, specializing in Z-Moves.
Natsume looked away and asked curiously, "Professor, is there a communication studies expert at this conference?"
Professor Rowan stroked his beard and pondered. "Professor Bill from Kanto is also attending this conference... You should be able to find him in the discussion hall."
The discussion hall was a space provided for scholars and investors to freely converse.
Whether it was collaborating on research topics or seeking investments, the atmosphere was lively.
Cynthia led Natsume to the hall, hands in her pockets, and nodded lightly. "I have another presentation later... Once you're done, wait for me to pick you up."
Natsume's heart skipped a beat, and he coughed awkwardly before nodding.
Cynthia smiled, waved at Natsume without turning around, and gracefully walked away.
Natsume looked away and muttered to himself, "Next up... finding Professor Bill!"
The exhibition hall was filled with displays of various teams' research成果, with many investors stopping to take a look.
Natsume wandered around for a while but didn't spot Professor Bill.
However, a booth named "Macro Cosmos Research Lab" caught his attention.
"This company name sounds familiar..." Natsume mused, stroking his chin. "Is it related to Dynamax?"
Just then, the door suddenly opened.
A researcher walked out, arms full of documents, muttering complaints. "Such strict demands... Why don't you just do it all yourself!"
The researcher nearly bumped into Natsume and was about to snap.
But upon seeing Natsume's ID badge, he swallowed his words.
"Professor Rowan's assistant..." the researcher gulped.
Those who could be called "Professor" were among the elite in the academic field.
And a Professor's assistant was often seen as their successor.
Moreover, this assistant was so young... It wasn't worth offending him...
"Are you here... to discuss a collaboration?" the researcher stammered.
"We're the Macro Cosmos Research Lab, specializing in the study of Dynamax phenomena..."
"Oh... I'm just looking around."
Natsume cut the researcher off and peered inside.
The dim lighting, piles of books, and overall atmosphere were quite oppressive.
Only one researcher remained, sitting at a computer, frantically inputting data while muttering to herself. "The Dynamax phenomenon of Lapras... The main difference lies in the multi-layered structure of its shell..."
The disheveled woman had chestnut bangs covering her forehead and wore thick glasses.
Suddenly, she stopped typing and looked up, confused.
"Are all these research materials yours?" Natsume asked, looking around in awe.
The female researcher stared blankly for a long moment before nodding.
"That's impressive..." Natsume murmured.
Even Sonia might not be as dedicated as her.
Could she be some hidden big shot?
Staring at Natsume's face, the woman's cheeks were hidden behind her large glasses, her expression unreadable.
"What's your name?" Natsume asked.
The woman opened her mouth, hesitated for a long time, and finally answered in a barely audible voice. "Oleana."
Natsume stroked his chin.
The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.
Pulling up a chair next to Oleana, Natsume asked curiously, "Are you here to present on Dynamax phenomena?"
The fluorescent light shone on her greasy hair.
Oleana's ears turned red, and she nodded stiffly.
"But you're the only researcher left in this booth," Natsume teased. "What if you can't secure any funding?"
A long silence followed, the fluorescent light reflecting off her thick glasses.
"I... love this work. Even without funding, it's fine..." Oleana whispered.
"Keep it up."
Natsume smiled and stood up. "Even if you're alone, keep pushing forward."
Oleana looked up, stunned.
Watching Natsume's retreating figure, she seemed to gather her courage.
Oleana suddenly called out, "Would you... would you like to listen to my presentation?"
The dust in the sunlight was clearly visible.
Oleana could even hear her own heartbeat.
The man, with one hand in his pocket, pondered for a moment before smiling. "Of course."
Oleana sat in her chair, dazed, before slowly coming back to her senses.
The feeling of being acknowledged...
Oleana took off her glasses and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
She opened a search engine and looked up the name from the ID photo she had seen earlier.
Her cheeks flushed, and her focus returned.
...
Leaving the booth, Natsume scratched his head.
"Oleana... that name really does sound familiar..."
The next moment, Natsume's expression turned strange.
"Wasn't Chairman Rose's secretary named something like that?"
But wasn't she supposed to be a long-haired, high-heeled office lady?
What did she have to do with this disheveled researcher?
"Probably just a coincidence."
Natsume nodded to himself.
He resumed his search for Professor Bill's booth.
Finally, after some effort, he found the "Bill" sign in a corner of the arena.
Bill has appeared in both the anime and games.
In the anime, one of his most iconic moments was the giant Dragonite at the lighthouse.
This small, thin Professor of Communication Studies was incredibly friendly.
Upon hearing that Natsume was friends with Red, he immediately started chatting and joking around.
"You want to evolve Haunter, right? No problem, the risks can be completely avoided!" Bill said confidently.
"Haunter!" Haunter stuck out its tongue, grinning mischievously as it lunged at Bill.
"Ah, no, I'm scared of ghosts!!"
"Bill is quite popular with small Pokémon," said Daisy Oak, Professor Bill's gentle, long-haired assistant, with a smile.
"Yeah," Natsume nodded in agreement, watching Bill paralyzed with fear.
"By the way, Natsume-sensei, Blue Oak has been under your care," Daisy Oak said with a slight bow.
"You are..." Natsume was momentarily confused.
"Blue Oak's sister," Daisy Oak said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and smiling.
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