Chapter 41: Making an Appointment with Erika for a Practical Training Class  

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After returning to Rainbow University with Principal Monet, Gary Oak found himself surrounded by a group of old scholars.

A swarm of middle-aged professors eagerly presented their projects, hoping to gain insights from Gary.

Some topics, however, seemed entirely out of place in a school setting.

Gary was exasperated. "Alright, colleagues, let's leave the academic discussions for the open class. Please, no personal doctoral theses. I haven't even gotten my doctorate yet..."

"Hey! Junior brother, you're too modest. It's only a matter of time before you get your doctorate~"

"That's right, you're the master here. Now, what do you think about the possible connection between Caterpie and Rayquaza?"

"And here's my paper on whether Ninetales can transform into a humanoid form and the future rankings of potential 'waifu' Pokémon!"

"Okay, okay, if you have any questions, we'll discuss them later in the open class. Let Gary and Caitlin take a break first!" Principal Monet ushered the eager teachers away with a smile, then led Gary to the teacher's office building.

"Room 303 on the first floor is your exclusive office, including a laboratory, training room, and lounge. Here's the key." Monet handed the key thoughtfully to Caitlin.

Gary was puzzled. "Principal, shouldn't you give me the key?"

Monet shrugged. "What's the difference? You'll both be living together anyway."

Gary opened his mouth to protest but gave up.

Caitlin handed the key to Gary nonchalantly. "It doesn't matter. I never use a key to enter."

With a flash of white light, Caitlin teleported directly into Gary's office.

"Do people with psychic powers need a key?" Gary spread his hands at Monet.

"Don't you need it?" The principal replied enigmatically.

"Tch," Gary muttered, opening the door and walking into the office.

Inside, the office was simple but well-furnished: a desk, a boss chair, a guest sofa, a water bar, and a small round table. In the corner, suits and white lab coats hung on a rack, each embroidered with Gary's title and work badge.

[Gary Oak—Professor of Theory Department]

"Not bad," Gary smiled.

Principal Monet stroked his chin proudly. "Of course, everything must be authentic. I don't want Professor Yamanashi to trouble me."

Gary donned the suit jacket, then the white lab coat. His transformation into Professor Gary was complete.

Monet nodded with satisfaction. "It suits you, Gary. You look perfect in a researcher's attire."

"Yeah, I think so too," Caitlin added.

Gary shrugged. "I agree."

Once Gary was settled, Principal Monet reminded him of the open class in the afternoon before rushing back to work.

Gary turned to Caitlin. "Have you seen the other rooms?"

Caitlin shook her head. "Not yet~"

"Let's go then. Let's check out the Pokémon living area first." Leading Caitlin through the laboratory, they arrived at the indoor training room.

"Wow~ There's so much fitness equipment here, even swings!" Caitlin exclaimed.

"Indeed, the indoor training room at Rainbow University is quite luxurious." Gary released all his Pokémon from their Poké Balls: Eevee, Charmeleon, Growlithe, Scyther, Rhydon, and Gengar. They all looked at the equipment with bright eyes.

"We'll be staying at Rainbow University for the next two days. This will be your training room, and professional trainers will assist you with training later," Gary explained.

The Pokémon eagerly prepared to train.

"Now, you can all play here. I need to prepare for my class." Gary pointed to a corner with sponge cushions. "Rest here if you get tired. There are energy drinks and snacks in the cabinet. Help yourselves and work hard~"

Scyther immediately nodded and took off flying.

"Mr. Oak, can I play here too?" Caitlin asked.

Gary smiled. "Of course. I'll be in the office. When we're free this afternoon, we'll visit Erika's perfume store. Until then, relax and have fun."

Caitlin nodded happily, released her Pokémon, and jumped onto the indoor swing.

After reminding everyone to be safe, Gary returned to his desk alone.

Spinning a pen in his hand, Gary pondered. Based on the timeline, Professor Yamanashi's visit should be to announce the discovery of two new Pokémon evolutions: Electivire and Magmortar. These Pokémon, thought to evolve only in the Kanto region, had transformed again with the help of the latest technological products from the Sinnoh region—an Electirizer and a Magmarizer.

The strength of Electivire and Magmortar was indeed impressive.

What's more intriguing was that this evolution method wasn't natural or through trading but used human-made items to induce a unique form of evolution.

Using Eevee's natural evolution stones wouldn't suffice in this discussion.

Bond evolution? Gary shook his head. Too complex to explain without evidence.

Mega Evolution? Not practical without the stones needed.

Gary then considered his Scyther and Rhydon.

Scizor needs a Metal Coat to evolve, and Rhyperior requires a Protector. Although these items aren't as advanced as the Electirizer or Magmarizer, they still represent an evolution process involving man-made objects.

The key was that these items were valuable and needed to be imported from the Hoenn region.

Gary grinned. "The principal's paying anyway, so I won't hold back."

Writing a list, Gary noted: "Metal Coat x2, Protector x1, Fire Stone x1, Electirizer x1, Magmarizer x1, Razor Fang x1, Razor Claw x1, King's Rock x2."

"Not too many," Gary raised his eyebrows and picked up the phone. "Hello, this is the teacher's office building, room 303. I need some materials for teaching and academic exchange."

"It's Professor Oak. The principal has already informed us. Please send the list to the Logistics Department, and we'll deliver the materials to your laboratory immediately," the Logistics Department director responded politely.