Chapter 186

"Dynamax" is a feature exclusive to the Galar Region, but many Trainers actually prefer "Mega Evolution" to "Dynamax." Luke doesn't have a strong preference for either option. "They are both official features, after all," Luke thought.

Just as the meeting ended, Sonia stood up and waved her shiny manicured hand at Luke, saying with a smile, "In any case, you're always welcome in Galar!"

Watching Sonia happily walk away, Luke's mood was somewhat mixed. He found it surprising that the "Dynamax Band" was being given away so freely, considering it was a rare item comparable to the "Z-Power Ring" and "Key Stone." Luke wasn't planning to travel to Galar anytime soon; his current goal was to reach Kanto in the second half of the year, and before that, Haunter needed to evolve.

With a face smeared in ice cream, Haunter extended its tongue to lick the corner of its mouth. Luke patted its head and chuckled, saying, "It's all right. We have to visit an expert in communications in the afternoon."

Suddenly, Sonia rushed back, and Luke asked if she had forgotten something. However, Sonia shook her head and gestured to her phone, indicating that she wanted to exchange contact information. After providing her with his contact information, Luke watched Sonia leave somewhat dejected.

Seeing her departure, Luke couldn't help but smirk to himself. He had no intention of being a free Ancient Language translator. However, he had gained some insights into the Dynamax phenomenon, which he found valuable.

Taking advantage of the lunch break, Luke decided to meet up with Cynthia and the others.

In the restaurant, Luke saw many familiar faces and scholars engaged in discussions. Professors like Sycamore, who researched "Mega Evolution," and Kukui, who focused on "Z-Moves," were among the attendees.

Curious, Luke asked Professor Rowan if there were any communication experts at the conference. Professor Rowan suggested that Luke might meet Professor Bill from Kanto in the conference hall.

With Cynthia leading the way, they entered the lobby. She informed Luke that she had another presentation to attend and would pick him up afterward.

Alone, Luke began searching for Professor Bill. Although he walked around for a while, he couldn't locate the professor. However, he stumbled upon an exhibition hall called the "Macro Cosmos Group Research Room," which piqued his interest.

Luke couldn't help but think the name "Macro Cosmos Group" sounded familiar, possibly related to Dynamax. As he approached, the door to the room swung open, and a frustrated researcher walked out, complaining about the strict requirements for their project.

Upon seeing Luke's ID card, the researcher's demeanor changed. He asked if Luke was there for a collaborative project. Luke interrupted and entered the room, where he found dim lighting and piles of books, creating a somewhat oppressive atmosphere. Only one researcher was still working at the computer, inputting data and muttering to herself.

She had disheveled hair, maroon bangs covering her forehead, and wore thick glasses. Suddenly, she stopped typing and looked up in confusion. Luke observed the surroundings and said in amazement, "Is all the research material here completed by you?" The female researcher remained silent for a while before nodding in a daze. "It's impressive," Luke muttered.

Sonia might not be superior to her. Could this be an enigmatic figure?

Luke examined the woman's face, but her large-framed glasses concealed her expression. "What's your name?" he inquired.

For a while, the woman remained silent, responding in a soft, mosquito-like voice, "Oleana."

Luke stroked his chin, the name seemed vaguely familiar, yet he couldn't quite place it. He pulled over a chair and seated himself beside Oleana, curiously asking, "Are you here to present on the Gigantamax phenomenon?"

The fluorescent lights illuminated her disheveled hair. Oleana's ears reddened as she nodded stiffly. "But you work as a researcher in this exhibition hall," Luke teased, "What if you don't secure the investment?"

After a long pause, her thick glasses reflecting the fluorescent light, Oleana softly replied, "I… enjoy my work here, even without the investment, it doesn't matter."

"Come on," Luke chuckled, standing up and saying, "Even if you're on your own, you should persevere."

Oleana looked up, momentarily appearing more determined.

Then, she suddenly blurted out, "Would you like to listen to my presentation?"

As the sunlight revealed particles of dust, Oleana's heart raced, and her cheeks flushed. With one hand in his pocket, Luke pondered for a moment before responding with a slight smile, "Of course."

Oleana sat there in a daze for a while before snapping back to reality. The feeling of being acknowledged meant so much to her. She removed her glasses, wiped away the teardrops at the corners of her eyes, and then searched for the name on the ID photo.

Oleana's cheeks grew warm, and her eyes refocused.

Walking out of the exhibition hall, Luke scratched his head and muttered, "Oleana... that name sounds so familiar..."

Suddenly, he realized something and his face contorted in surprise. "President Rose's secretary... isn't that her name?" But how could the unkempt researcher be the same person as the elegant secretary?

"Maybe it's just a common name," Luke reassured himself.

He resumed his search for Professor Bill's presentation room. After some effort, he found the sign with "Masaki Bill" in a corner of the venue.

Bill, known from both the Pokémon anime and games, was famous for the scene with the enormous Dragonite in the lighthouse.

The slender and small communications professor was warm and welcoming. When he learned that Luke was a friend of Red, he immediately threw his arm around his shoulders. "You want Haunter to evolve, right? No problem, we can avoid the risk entirely!" Bill declared confidently.

Haunter stuck out its tongue and lunged playfully toward Bill. "Ah, no, I'm scared of Ghost-types!" Bill exclaimed, visibly paralyzed with fear.

"Bill is great with Pokémon," added Daisy, Bill's assistant, a gentle woman with long hair and a friendly demeanor.

"Yes," Luke sympathetically noted, watching Bill's plight. He was about to mention Blue's earlier assistance when Daisy revealed, "By the way, Blue looked after you previously."

Perplexed, Luke asked, "And you are...?"

"Blue's older sister," Daisy answered with a soft smile, rolling up her hair next to her ear.