"I know, I know—you must be thinking, why would a professor of Nexus Academy call himself a Pokémon Maniac?" Bill said, pausing dramatically.
"It's because I'm absolutely fascinated by anything and everything related to Pokémon, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!" he declared with a perfectly serious face.
A pin-drop silence filled the hall.
"Ugh, my brother warned me about him," Lisia whispered to Orin, leaning closer. "Remember—in the future don't take any of his personal assignments, and definitely don't participate in his experiments. My brother said they never end well." Her tone was playful, but the warning felt genuine.
Orin just nodded, closing his slightly open mouth as he stared at the holographic projection of Bill displayed on the twin screens flanking the lecture hall. Seeing the Bill from the pokémon games in person—right after seeing Professor Oak earlier—was surreal.
"Well, anyway, let's begin this informative lecture!" Bill announced with a wave of his hand. The holographic screen behind him shifted to display a rotating model of a Pokédex.
"If this were an academy course, I'd title it 'How to Use Your Pokédex 101!'" he added with a chuckle.
Orin noticed Victor jotting that down as the lecture's title. He smiled faintly and did the same, neatly writing Pokédex Seminar along with the date.
"Now then," Bill continued, "let me give you a brief history of the device you see before you. The Pokédex is a revolutionary creation, first developed right here at Nexus Academy by our current Dean, Professor Samuel Oak."
A new hologram appeared—Professor Oak's calm, smiling face hovering above the stage.
"Of course," Bill went on, "designing a digital encyclopedia of Pokémon was no small feat. While Professor Oak created the initial framework and prototype, it has since evolved and improved thanks to countless trainers and researchers across the regions. Nowadays, the Pokédex has advanced so much that the Pokémon League has made it mandatory for every registered trainer to own one!"
He said that last part with visible pride.
Orin had to gently shake Lisia's arm when he noticed her eyes starting to close. She blinked awake and whispered a soft, "Sorry," before straightening up and shaking her head to stay alert.
"I'll tell you one thing right from the start—don't take the device you've all been given for free for granted," Bill said with a grin. "It's nothing short of a digital miracle."
He pointed behind him. "Still, the one you see on the screen—and the one in your hands right now—is the oldest model: the Pokédex Gen 1. The latest version, however, looks more like this."
He reached into his pocket and took out a small rectangular device. To everyone's surprise, it began hovering and whirring on its own. A cheerful digital face appeared on the floating screen, its eyes blinking with energy.
"Say hello to Rotom Dex," Bill announced proudly.
"Hello, freshers! I am Rotom Dex!" the device greeted with a big, animated smile, waving one of its arms which appeared on the device.
A few students gasped while others laughed softly at the sight.
"This model," Bill continued, rubbing the floating device fondly, "is the latest generation of Pokédex—powered by a cohabitating Rotom. It's an incredible partner and assistant in one. But… it's still too early for first-years to handle something this advanced."
He tapped the device and it flew to the side. "So, let's go back to this little red box," he said, holding up an old-school Pokédex from his desk.
"Aww, I wanted to know more about Rotom Dex," Lisia muttered, pouting slightly.
"Well I have seen some videos of it before" Orin muttered with a smile.
"Now, everyone, take your Pokédex in your hands and open it. I'll explain what each and every button does. If you don't understand something, you can ask me directly—or access the recorded lecture and notes from the intranet later." Bill said, opening the Pokédex. "Alright, let's begin…"
---
"Wow, Orin, you sketch really well," Lisia said, leaning closer to look at the drawing of a Pokédex model in Orin's notebook.
"Yeah, I figured it's better to mark which button does what so I can remember it better visually," Orin muttered, writing Sends distress signal next to a button on his sketch.
"Smart," she said with an approving nod.
Orin smiled faintly before glancing at Victor's notebook. The Galarian boy's page was filled with tidy, detailed notes written in small, neat handwriting. Orin's own notes were a mix of labeled sketches and short descriptions—visual, but effective. Lisia, on the other hand… didn't even seem to have brought a notebook at all.
Bill, meanwhile, continued his lecture with surprising energy. The man really did know his stuff, explaining each button's function in almost excessive detail. It wasn't particularly difficult to remember, but his enthusiasm made it sound like the secrets of the universe were hidden in that little red device.
"Oh, a Nidoran!" Victor muttered, perking up as Bill tossed a Poké Ball and released a male Nidoran onto the platform.
"The Pokédex," Bill said, taking it up, "is a trainer's primary research tool and identification device. It connects directly to your trainer license, Pokémon storage data, and the Nexus network—as well as other regional databases."
He pointed the Pokédex toward the Nidoran and pressed a button.
"Now let me demonstrate the most basic function of every Pokédex: scanning."
A robotic male voice echoed from the device,
"Nidoran, Male. NexusDex Number 032. Poison-type Pokémon."
The Nidoran gave a curious snort and looked around the lecture hall as the students murmured in awe.
"You don't necessarily have to use the scan button," Bill continued, pacing at the front of the hall. "You can simply ask it, and it'll recite the most basic information available in its database. For more details, you can either press this button—" he pointed at one of the side controls "—or just ask a specific question about that species."
He turned back to the Nidoran. "What is its evolved form?"
"It evolves into Nidorino," the Pokédex replied in a clear, robotic tone.
"You can also adjust the amount of information you want to receive. Right now, it's in short-answer mode, but you can modify that in the settings." A holographic display appeared beside him showing a small configuration menu. "There's also a cry recognition function—press the mic button to analyze unidentified Pokémon sounds."
Orin stared down at his own Pokédex, turning it over in fascination as he followed along, checking each button and feature Bill mentioned.
"As a Gen-1 model, this Pokédex does have its limitations," Bill said with a wry smile. "For example, certain details about your Pokémon—like height and weight—must be calibrated and entered manually."
A few groans rippled through the hall.
"But that's a good thing!" Bill added quickly, raising a finger. "It teaches you how to properly care for your Pokémon and gives you hands-on experience with research work. Of course, many functions are still automated—it will automatically link your Pokémon to your trainer ID, update move data whenever your Pokémon uses a new technique, sync with the Pokédex Cloud, and log every Pokémon you catch, trade, or release. It even tags the original location where you found them."
Lisia pouted. "Ugh… I have to enter that stuff myself? Why can't we just upgrade our Pokédexes already?"
Orin chuckled softly. "Guess even the Idol-to-be has to start from the basics."
Lisia giggled, swatting at his arm lightly.
"If you want to upgrade your Pokédex, you can get a free upgrade next year," Bill said with a knowing smile, clearly reading the room. "Or, if you're impatient, you can use your Nexus Coins to buy an upgrade early. The prices are listed in the Nexus Store."
A few students perked up at that, while others groaned.
"My advice," Bill continued, "is to get used to the one you have first. Sure, the newer models are more advanced—but they also come with their own learning curves."
"I bet it's expensive to upgrade…" Orin muttered under his breath, remembering all the microtransactions from Earth.
Bill went on, gesturing toward the holographic display again. "It's also a good idea to make your own data entries. Recording your personal observations helps improve the global Pokédex database, which is maintained by the regional labs and, of course, the Nexus Labs here at the academy. Remember—this device represents knowledge and responsibility. Every scan you make adds to our shared understanding of Pokémon."
He then launched into a short segment about the durability of the older Pokédex models, as well as the dos and don'ts—like avoiding exposure to extreme heat or magnetic fields.
"This should cover everything you need to know to properly use your Pokédex," Bill said finally, returning Nidoran to its Pokéball. "If you missed anything or forgot a detail, you can review the full material on the academy intranet."
He clapped his hands once. "Also, behind this lecture hall, there's a large open field equipped with calibration stations for your Pokémon. You can use them to record data like size and weight. Just remember—many of you will be tempted to start battling right away." He smiled knowingly. "Don't overdo it. Treat your Pokémon partners with care and respect."
"Pokémon battles?" Victor asked, interest flashing in his eyes.
Lisia sighed theatrically. "I think I'll use that time to brush my Swablu's beautiful, fluffy wings instead."
Orin chuckled softly. He had to admit—he was more than a little curious about testing his Riolu in a battle too.
"And I'll end this seminar by saying this," Bill declared, his voice echoing through the hall, "there are countless Pokémon species in the world. Every single day, something new is being discovered. It's my dream to study every Pokémon in existence."
He paused, his eyes gleaming with passion. "So, welcome to the world of research, kids. From this moment on, every discovery you make, every Pokémon you meet, becomes part of something far bigger."
With that, he gave a proud smile and walked off the stage. The holographic screens faded out one by one, leaving only the slowly rotating image of the Pokédex hovering above the stage.
"Wow! Maybe I'll become world-famous if I record a brand-new Pokémon with my Pokédex!" Lisia said, her face lighting up with pure excitement.
"He definitely has a unique charm to him," Orin muttered, still feeling the spark of motivation Bill's words had lit inside him. He couldn't wait to go outside and see some Pokémon up close.
"Let's go," Victor said as he stood up, slinging his brown suitcase onto his back. "To that field he mentioned. I'll show you both my partner Pokémon."
"Wait—let me take a quick pic first!" Lisia said, pulling out her phone and snapping a photo of Orin's notebook. "Your notes will help me out! Thanks!" she added with a bright smile.
Orin just chuckled and shook his head. He didn't really mind.
As they made their way down the stairs, Lisia started chatting again—no surprise there. "Did you know the Nexus Academic Center is called NAC by the students here?" she said cheerfully. "It's kinda catchy, right?"
Orin smiled nodding as Lisia made Victor share his contact info with them while exiting the hall. Most of the other students seemed to have the same idea—they were all heading toward the back field.
The area outside was vast, lined with lush grass and sunlight pouring over dozens of students already testing their Pokémon. Some were scanning with their Pokédexes, while others were sparring in friendly battles—the air buzzing with energy, laughter, and the cries of Pokémon.
"There are quite a few people here already," Victor said, glancing around the bustling field. "Maybe my sister's here too."
"You have a sister?" Lisia asked curiously.
"Yes, I have a twin sister—Gloria," he replied with a wry smile. "We were supposed to attend this seminar together, but she went ahead and took it earlier with a new friend of hers." He then turned to Orin. "Hey, she's also in the Lumina House like us."
"Wow, your twin sister's in the same house too? Talk about coincidence," Orin chuckled.
Though inwardly, Orin was stunned. Gloria? As in the female protagonist from Sword and Shield games? If that was true, then these two probably will have double the plot armor going forward!
"Yeah, she just kinda followed me," Victor said with a sheepish grin.
"Well, you can introduce her to me later," Lisia said brightly. "We already exchanged numbers, remember?" she added, winking at Orin before turning to Victor with sparkling eyes. "Now c'mon—show us your partner Pokémon already!"
"Alright, alright," Victor said with a laugh as they moved toward an open patch of grass. He raised his Poké Ball. "Come out!"
A flash of red light burst forth, and a small, light-blue lizard-like Pokémon appeared, a yellow fin cresting its head as it blinked up at them with wide eyes.
"Ohh, what Pokémon is this?" Lisia asked, immediately whipping out her Pokédex.
"Sobble, Male. NexusDex Number 816 — the Water Lizard Pokémon"
"Woah, a Sobble? You lucked out, man!" Orin said, grinning as he gave Victor a friendly punch on the shoulder. He had suspected from the start that, being one of the MC, Victor would somehow end up with a starter Pokémon for sure.
"Thanks. It's a bit shy, though," he said with a wry smile—just as Sobble suddenly vanished into thin air.
"Oh wow, it can turn invisible too?!" Lisia exclaimed in awe. "Alright, my turn!" She beamed, pointing her Poké Ball forward. "Come out in style, Ali!"
A burst of light spun into the air, and a small bird did an elegant somersault before hovering gracefully. Its round blue body shimmered under the sun, fluffy white wings spreading like cotton clouds.
"Oh, I've seen this one before," Victor said, pulling out his Pokédex.
"Swablu, Male. NexusDex Number 333 — the Cotton Bird Pokémon"
"Did you teach it that flip while coming out? That was amazing," Orin said, eyes wide in genuine surprise.
"Yeah, it did that so smoothly," Victor added.
"Hehe, thanks, guys! Hear that, Ali? Both my friends loved it—good job!" Lisia said proudly as the little bird perched on her head, chirping softly. "Isn't he the best?"
---
[Orin Murasaki Encounter Roll: 35/100]
---
"Looks like we all have blue Pokémon," Orin said with a laugh, pulling out his own Poké Ball. "What a coincidence."
ZAP!
A sharp crackle of electricity suddenly drew everyone's attention. Just a few steps away, an orange, mouse-like Pokémon had unleashed a strong Thunder Shock ⚡️, knocking out the Caterpie in one hit.
"That was a powerful move," Orin muttered, eyes widening.
"Thanks," a confident female voice replied. "That was the first time he managed to pull it off properly."
Orin turned toward the sound—and froze.
Standing there, Poké Ball in hand, was a face he was able to instantly recognize.
The Champion trainer of Paldea from the games herself… Nemona.
***
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[Orin Murasaki registered Victor's Number]
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[Sav112 has redeemed an Extra Chapter this week]
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The commissioned art work of Nemona wearing the Valor House Jacket (Back) is available for the members of Pokémon Master Tier!
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Happy Belated New Year to all my readers!! 🎉
I hope that 2026 be the Best Year of your lives!! 🎊