Chapter 285: The Oak Research Institute - Charizard's Fairy Wings!
Before taking any action, Hikaru first sent a message to his senior.
Considering the value of the item, he felt uneasy about using a courier. He thought it would be better to deliver it personally.
After all, with Latias' speed, no matter how far it was, it would still be a quick trip.
[Hikaru]: Senior, where are you now?
There was no immediate response from the other side, but Hikaru wasn't in a hurry.
He turned around and called Professor Ayame.
After a few rings, the crisp and efficient voice of the professor came through.
"Hikaru?"
Hikaru quickly replied, "Professor, it's me."
The voice on the other end sounded anxious and skipped any small talk.
"Speak. What's the matter?"
This made Hikaru think she might be in the middle of some research.
He hesitated and said, "If you're busy, Professor, I can call back later."
But the professor immediately replied, "No, no, go ahead and say it. I also have something to discuss with you."
Knowing her personality, Hikaru didn't waste time.
Professor Ayame was always straightforward and never bothered with unnecessary words.
"I've made some master-level energy cubes. They can significantly improve energy endurance and stamina in Pokémon. I wanted to ask you for help selling them."
The response was prompt and direct.
"Oh, that's all? Sure, just give them to me and I'll—wait, did you say master-level?"
Her tone abruptly shifted to one of shock and disbelief.
"Master-level... Master-level?!"
The first response was calm, while the second was practically a shout, significantly louder than usual.
An uncomfortable silence followed.
Feeling cautious, Hikaru asked, "Professor?"
"Are you serious?"
Her usual decisiveness seemed to falter, now sounding a bit hesitant.
Hikaru cautiously replied, "Yes."
"Alright, find a time... no, do you have time right now?"
She sounded almost desperate.
When Hikaru confirmed he did, she immediately responded, "Then come over right now."
The call ended abruptly.
Hikaru stared at his phone, stunned.
She hadn't even mentioned where to meet her...
With no choice, Hikaru dialed her again to get the exact location.
After getting the address, he wasted no time and had Latias take him to the school gate.
He then called for a ride and headed straight to the destination.
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The Oak Research Institute
As the largest research facility in Kyoto, the Oak Research Institute primarily focuses on Pokémon evolution.
The building resembles an inverted bowl, its surface a stark white, reminiscent of a plaster wall.
Just as Hikaru stepped out of the ride, he immediately sensed the presence of two guards at the entrance.
Their eyes were as sharp as blades, and by their sides stood two towering Arcanine, their gazes vigilant and alert.
Entering a Pokémon research facility without authorization was out of the question.
And forcefully barging in? Hikaru wasn't reckless enough to try that.
So, he quickly called the professor again.
Within three minutes, Professor Ayame appeared at the entrance, her lab coat flapping as she hurried over.
"You're here! Follow me."
With the professor leading the way, the guards at the entrance naturally didn't stop them.
However, they couldn't help but scrutinize Hikaru carefully.
Why would the renowned Professor Ayame bring a seemingly high school-aged kid into the Oak Research Institute?
No one would explain that to them, at least not now.
Inside, Hikaru was struck by how vastly different the interior was from the exterior.
A long corridor stretched out ahead, with both sides encased in glass, revealing various ecological zones:
Lakes surrounded by numerous Mudkip.
Grassland plains filled with Miltank and Tauros.
Forests bustling with Aipom.
Flowing streams glistening under the lights.
It was an awe-inspiring sight, but Professor Ayame didn't give him time to admire it, leading him straight to a central room.
---
The Central Laboratory
The room was an odd combination of laboratory and something else.
Half of it was lit with cold, sterile white light, with clean countertops and an array of laboratory equipment like beakers and flasks.
Researchers in white coats were busy adjusting instruments, while one workstation had a tank with a Magikarp floating inside.
The Magikarp had various tubes attached to it, seemingly monitoring its emotions.
Yet the computer display showed the "Mood" graph as completely flat—no fluctuations at all.
Hikaru recognized this place; it was the same room where he had his first phone call with Professor Ayame.
The other half of the room was a large, clear water pool teeming with dozens of Magikarp.
However, there was a peculiar section at the bottom of the pool—uneven and recently patched with rocky material, likely from a Rock-type Pokémon.
Professor Ayame didn't give him much time to observe.
She sat down at a computer, clicked a few buttons, and played a video.
---
The Video
The footage showed Hikaru's battle during the Waterwood City High School League.
Amidst a cloud of dust and ash, Charizard unleashed a Flamethrower, igniting the particles in the air.
Then, Charizard soared into the sky, its back shimmering with glittering Fairy Wings.
Hikaru's mind filled with confusion.
Hadn't that battle ended a long time ago?
Professor Ayame arched an eyebrow.
"After you proposed that emotional bonds could trigger evolution, we immediately considered whether Magikarp could evolve into Gyarados or Milotic using similar methods."
"We began extensive research, especially since Gyarados' power makes it strategically invaluable."
"Our findings suggest that as Magikarp's growth values reach a certain threshold, sustained rage accumulation can trigger its transformation."
"We've already succeeded in evolving three Magikarp into Gyarados, but..."
She paused for a moment.
Hikaru still looked puzzled.
"What's this got to do with my Charizard?"
Professor Ayame pointed at the video, urging him to look closer.
Hikaru looked over there.
Stunned in place...
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