Chapter 257

Chapter 257: Chapter 257

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: An Ice-type specialist? Hmm... Nobody comes to mind, actually.]

[ReallyWantIceCream: If we’re considering Gym Leaders, there’s Candice from our Sinnoh League, Pryce from Johto, and Wulfric from Kalos. All three would be suitable candidates.]

[ReallyWantIceCream: Personally, I’d recommend Candice. She’s one of our own Gym Leaders, after all.]

Cynthia had her reasons for making that recommendation.

Every time Mike’s research team successfully revived an ancient Hisuian Pokémon, the Gym Leaders or Elite Four members who participated in the project usually had an opportunity to take one home.

Naturally, Cynthia would prefer those Pokémon to go to members of the Sinnoh League.

Not only would that strengthen the League’s overall battling capabilities, but it would also reward the Trainers who contributed to the research.

And Candice was an excellent candidate.

She was a powerful Ice-type specialist who had spent years living in Snowpoint City.

She understood Pokémon that thrived in freezing environments, and her Gym wasn’t particularly far from Mount Coronet.

As far as Cynthia was concerned, there was very little reason to look elsewhere.

’Candice, huh?’

Mike considered the suggestion.

The image of a cheerful young woman immediately appeared in his mind.

He was certainly familiar with the Snowpoint Gym Leader, at least from his knowledge of the Pokémon world.

However, this situation was quite different from the previous Hisuian evolution projects.

The conditions for evolving Stantler into Wyrdeer had been relatively straightforward once they’d identified the necessary requirements.

Hisuian Avalugg, on the other hand, presented a much more complicated problem.

They weren’t even certain the evolution was still possible.

After thinking it over, Mike typed another message.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: This project might be even more difficult than the Wyrdeer evolution research. If possible, I’d rather have several specialists working together.]

Professor Oak immediately agreed.

[Professor Oak: Mike’s right. If this experiment succeeds, it’ll provide strong evidence that our earlier hypothesis about Hisuian evolution is correct.]

[Professor Oak: That makes this research particularly important. I think we should gather as much expertise as possible and put some real effort into it!]

Cynthia read the messages and reconsidered her options.

[ReallyWantIceCream: In that case, we could also invite some Elite Four members. Lorelei from Kanto and Glacia from Hoenn are both excellent Ice-type specialists.]

[IDontWantOvertime: Actually, Lorelei is already in Mike’s fan group.]

Mike blinked.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: ???]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Lorelei is in the fan group? Which fan group? MINE?!]

[IDontWantOvertime: Yes. Manryo invited her during one of your livestreams.]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: How did I not know about this?!]

[IDontWantOvertime: When was the last time you actually checked your own fan group?]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Uhhh... Good question.]

Mike stared at the conversation, unable to come up with a reasonable defense.

He really didn’t pay much attention to his fan group unless he had something important to announce.

Sometimes he went days without checking it properly.

Apparently, quite a few interesting people had joined without him noticing.

He quickly returned to the subject before Lucian could make fun of him any further.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Anyway, how about inviting both Candice and Lorelei to help with the research?]

[Professor Rowan: That works.]

[Professor Oak: Excellent! In that case, I’ll start making my way over.]

[Professor Kukui: What?! I’m already on the plane!]

[Professor Oak: ???]

[Professor Kukui: NOTHING CAN STOP MY PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE!]

Mike couldn’t help but laugh.

’Professor Kukui really doesn’t waste any time, does he?’

He’d barely finished explaining his theory, and the man was already traveling to Sinnoh.

Then again, considering how enthusiastic Kukui had been about the previous Hisuian Pokémon discoveries, perhaps Mike shouldn’t have been surprised.

Lucian soon sent another message.

[IDontWantOvertime: All right, I’ll contact Candice. Mike, I’ll leave Lorelei to you. @GengarStoleMyDrumstick]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Huh? Me?!]

[IDontWantOvertime: She’s in YOUR fan group, not mine. Thank you very much. [Wyrdeer Nodding.jpg]]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: ...]

That was a rather convincing argument.

Mike couldn’t exactly expect Lucian to handle everything for him.

Before he could reply, Cynthia added one final message.

[ReallyWantIceCream: I’ll arrive tomorrow.]

With the arrangements beginning to take shape, Mike closed the group chat and let out a sigh.

Then he opened his fan group’s member list.

It took him a little while to find the account he was looking for, but eventually, he spotted the familiar username.

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart.]

’There she is.’

Mike selected the account and sent a friend request.

...

Kanto Region — Four Island

Lorelei was lying comfortably on her bed, reading manga.

She’d returned to her usual leisurely routine after watching Mike’s earlier livestream and was enjoying some much-needed time to herself.

Just as she was getting to an interesting part of the story, her phone chimed.

"Hmm?"

She reached for it and glanced at the screen.

A new friend request was waiting for her.

From Mike.

Lorelei blinked.

’Mike wants to add me as a friend?’

That was unexpected.

She’d only recently joined his fan group, and although she’d spoken in the livestream chat, she hadn’t imagined he’d contact her personally.

Curious about what he wanted, she accepted the request.

A message arrived almost immediately.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Hello, Elite Four Lorelei! [Gengar Handshake.jpg]]

Lorelei sat up, resting her manga to one side as she began typing a reply.

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart: Hello, Professor Mike.]

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart: Is there something I can help you with?]

Mike quickly explained the situation.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Actually, I specialize in researching ancient Pokémon evolution and history. During my latest expedition, I’ve discovered evidence that another Hisuian Pokémon evolution might still be possible.]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Since the Pokémon in question is an Ice-type, I was hoping to invite an Ice-type specialist to help guide the research.]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Would you happen to have some free time?]

Lorelei stared at the messages.

’Hisuian Pokémon?’

’An Ice-type Hisuian Pokémon?!’

’And he wants ME to participate in the research?’

Her eyes lit up!

She’d been fascinated by Mike’s discoveries ever since learning about the revival of Hisuian Pokémon.

Unfortunately, despite her interest, she hadn’t yet had an opportunity to see one of those ancient regional forms in person.

She’d certainly never expected to receive an invitation to participate in the research herself.

And now the opportunity had practically landed in her lap!

Lorelei didn’t need to think about it for long.

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart: Of course.]

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart: When would you like me to come?]

...

Back on Mount Coronet, Mike looked at the response in surprise.

’Wow, that was fast!’

He’d expected Lorelei to need some time to consider the invitation.

After all, she was a member of the Kanto Elite Four.

Didn’t someone in a position like that have a mountain of League responsibilities?

’Does the Kanto League seriously have that little work to do?’

Mike couldn’t help comparing her situation to Lucian’s.

Poor Lucian seemed to spend half his life buried in paperwork, while Lorelei was apparently free to accept a research invitation without the slightest hesitation.

Still, he didn’t want her agreeing without understanding what she was getting into.

The environment on Mount Coronet was extremely harsh, and there was no telling how long this research would take.

He quickly sent another message.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Just so you know, the research site is deep inside Mount Coronet. The conditions here are pretty rough, and I suspect this project could take quite a long time.]

Lorelei read the warning and smiled.

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart: That’s fine. The place where I live isn’t much different from Mount Coronet.]

[IceDoesntUnderstandMyHeart: As for the time commitment, if anything urgent comes up, I can always return to the Indigo Plateau.]

Mike nodded thoughtfully.

’Fair enough. Four Island isn’t exactly known for its tropical weather.’

If anyone was accustomed to living in freezing conditions, it would be Lorelei.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: In that case, thank you very much! I really appreciate your help.]

He then sent her the location of their temporary base.

Lorelei opened the map and examined the coordinates.

A moment later, she climbed out of bed and sent him a voice message.

Mike tapped it.

A woman’s voice came through his phone.

"I’ll be there soon."

That was all.

Just four words in the original message.

But Mike found himself listening rather carefully.

Lorelei’s voice was beautiful, with a mature, slightly languid quality that made her sound remarkably relaxed.

’Whoa...’

’That’s not quite what I expected.’

He’d always imagined Lorelei speaking in an icy, commanding voice, the sort that immediately made people stand at attention.

Instead, her voice sounded like that of a sophisticated woman who was perfectly content to spend an entire afternoon lounging around.

’It doesn’t really match the image I had of her.’

Mike shook his head, dismissing the thought.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: All right! Have a safe trip.]

...

Meanwhile, at Sinnoh League headquarters, Lucian was sitting at his desk.

He searched through his contacts, found Candice’s information, and sent her a message explaining that her assistance was needed on Mount Coronet.

At that very moment, the Snowpoint Gym Leader was enjoying a little break from work.

Candice was sitting around playing with her phone when a notification suddenly appeared.

"Huh? Lucian?"

She opened the message.

Apparently, one of the Sinnoh Elite Four wanted her to travel to Mount Coronet and assist with some research.

Candice was a little confused.

Why would Lucian suddenly need her help with research?

Still, it was an official request from the League, so she didn’t waste time arguing.

She quickly agreed and began preparing for the trip.

...

After confirming Lorelei’s participation, Mike remembered another important matter.

’Oleana should be finished with the academies by now, right?’

He opened her conversation and sent a message.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Have you finished everything on your end?]

Oleana responded almost immediately.

[Oleana: The negotiations have been completed successfully. I’ll report the details to Elite Four Lucian once I return.]

Mike smiled.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Excellent work! By the way, could you contact Sonia and ask whether Professor Magnolia’s research institute has any Bergmite?]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: If they do, please see whether we can borrow a few for research.]

[Oleana: Understood.]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: When are you coming back?]

[Oleana: My flight is scheduled for tonight. I should arrive in Jubilife City tomorrow.]

Mike considered that for a moment.

Then he typed another message.

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Actually, don’t bother returning to Jubilife City. Come straight to Mount Coronet instead. We’ve got another research project starting.]

[GengarStoleMyDrumstick: Bring the assistants you recruited for our institute too. It’ll be a good opportunity for them to learn.]

[Oleana: Understood.]

...

Unova Region — Early Morning

Oleana was sitting in an airport departure lounge when Mike’s latest messages arrived.

She looked down at her phone.

Then she looked at the plane ticket in her hand.

Her flight was due to depart in half an hour.

"..."

She stared at the ticket for another moment.

Then she sighed.

Apparently, she wasn’t going home after all.

Oleana rose from her seat, walked to the airline counter, and arranged to change her ticket.

While sorting out her new travel arrangements, she also sent messages to Sonia and the two research assistants currently supervising the construction of Mike’s research institute in Twinleaf Town.

Once those arrangements were complete, she put her phone away.

There was nothing else to do but prepare for another assignment.

...

Back on Mount Coronet, Mike finally received Oleana’s confirmation.

He let out a satisfied breath and put his phone away.

Then he stood up, stretching his arms above his head.

"Ahhh! Finally!"

He turned toward the beautiful blue Pokémon perched on the nearby boulder.

A smile appeared on his face.

Now that all the important arrangements had been made, he could finally concentrate on photographing Articuno.

And he had to admit, the Legendary Pokémon was even more beautiful up close than he’d expected.

Its crystalline blue feathers shimmered beneath the sunlight, while its long, elegant tail streamed gracefully behind it.

There was something almost sacred about its appearance.

’Seriously, look at those feathers...’

Mike couldn’t help admiring the magnificent bird.

’Articuno looks SO much better than Zapdos with all those feathers sticking out everywhere.’

He approached the boulder and raised his camera.

"All right, Articuno! I’ve taken care of everything. Would you mind if I took those photographs now?"

Articuno looked down at him.

After a moment, it slowly nodded.

Mike’s face brightened.

"Great! Thank you!"

He immediately got to work.

Holding his camera carefully, he began photographing Articuno from different angles, making sure to capture the magnificent appearance of the Legendary Pokémon.

As he took the pictures, a familiar system notification appeared.

{The Three Legendary Birds}

{After encountering the three Legendary beasts, you have finally met one of the three Legendary birds! As an aspiring legendary photographer, how could you possibly show favoritism?}

{Keep up the good work! Photograph all three Legendary birds and share their appearances with the world!}

{Congratulations! You have successfully photographed Articuno! Reward: 300 Viewership Points.}

{Publish photographs and videos of Articuno so that more people can witness its magnificent appearance! Reward: 800 Viewership Points.}

{Go forth and photograph all three Legendary birds! Publish your discoveries and help more people gain a deeper understanding of these extraordinary Pokémon. Once you have completed this collection, you will receive their precious gifts!}

Mike glanced at the notifications.

’Three hundred Viewership Points?’

He felt a little disappointed.

’So Legendary Pokémon of this tier really don’t give that many points.’

Even publishing the photographs and videos would only earn him another 800.

Still, points were points.

A little here and a little there would eventually add up.

Mike shook his head and dismissed the disappointment.

What really interested him wasn’t the immediate reward.

It was the promise at the end of the mission.

’Precious gifts, huh...?’

He’d seen similar notifications before.

First, there had been the three Legendary beasts.

Then the three Pokémon of the lake guardians’ trio.

And now the three Legendary birds.

Every time, the system promised a generous reward once he’d successfully photographed every member of the group.

But what exactly was he going to receive?

’Seriously, what kind of reward could be worth collecting photographs of all these Legendary Pokémon?’

Mike considered the possibilities for a while.

Unfortunately, he had absolutely no way of knowing.

And before he could continue speculating, his stomach began protesting.

"..."

He looked down.

Then he sighed.

’Well, whatever the reward turns out to be, I can worry about that later.’

’For now, let’s eat!’