Chapter 181: Heading to Sootopolis City
Lu Ye looked at the notification in front of him.
[Ancient Language Lv3: Capable of translating most stone tablets and inscriptions, with a 50% increased success rate in deciphering unknown runes. (Basic reading and writing are no longer an issue.)]
He pondered for a moment. In the Pokémon world, the ancient language mainly consisted of Unown script, which could be found in ruins across various regions. The academic community has long debated whether the language or Pokémon came first. Nevertheless, ancient linguistics is a crucial field in historical research, with specialized courses offered at major universities.
With Ancient Language Lv3, he might not be at a professor's level, but becoming a certified researcher wouldn't be a problem. To be honest, this skill wasn't as practical as the ones he had gained before. For one, academia isn't easy to break into. Moreover, Lv3 proficiency only put him on par with Steven, an amateur archaeology enthusiast. He was still far behind renowned scholars like the Pokémon Professors or Cynthia.
"Well… at least if she talks about this stuff, I'll be able to understand," Lu Ye nodded slowly. "Not bad, I suppose."
He had considered becoming a researcher before, but ultimately shook his head. Relying on knowledge from the system and his past life meant his foundation was weak. Besides, being a researcher wasn't necessarily less risky than being a Trainer. It didn't suit his cautious nature.
"Anyway… having another skill doesn't hurt," Lu Ye muttered to himself.
The time for the Research Summit was approaching. "Not that I want to see Cynthia or anything." Lu Ye rubbed his chin. "I'm mostly looking forward to meeting Professor Oak!"
According to Cynthia, Professor Oak—widely recognized as the foremost academic authority in the Pokémon world and even a former Pokémon League Champion—would be attending the summit. In a way, Professor Oak was a man who stood at the peak. Still, it was kind of absurd how every time Ash called him, Delia Ketchum would always be in the background…
That afternoon, Lu Ye lounged on the sofa, holding his Sylveon while scrolling through the chat group. Meanwhile, Haunter mischievously beckoned Growlithe over. With a howl, Growlithe lunged at Haunter, only for the ghostly Pokémon to effortlessly dodge.
Lu Ye sighed. Why did it feel like… he had created a monster?
"Gengarrr!" Haunter stood with its hands on its hips, striking a proud Trainer-like pose. Now that it had learned Taunt, it could provoke others into training even if they didn't want to! A perfect plan!
In the chat group, Gold, who had just been unmuted, suddenly realized something. "Lu Ye, you can write songs too?"
"Hm? What about it?"
"I just heard one on DJ Mary's radio show today. Pretty good, actually." DJ Mary was a popular radio host in Goldenrod City, as well as Gold's idol. She even invited Professor Oak as a guest once, which showed her status.
"Oh, yeah, I heard about that." Whitney, Goldenrod's Gym Leader and a close friend of DJ Mary, chimed in. "I heard the music show's ratings were even higher than Professor Oak's Pokémon lectures!"
"That old man is so annoying. Every minute he talks is a minute less of Mary's show," Gold sighed.
The chat fell silent for a moment. Lu Ye blinked. Wait… Green didn't mute Gold today?
Red: "Green's out of town, so I'll do it."
[Admin 'Red' has muted 'Gold' for 5 minutes.]
Lorelei sighed. "Only five minutes? Red, you're too kind."
Erika: [Embarrassed face emoji]
Lu Ye was surprised. It had only been three days since his song's release, and he already had fans in Johto? Then again, it did fit the theme of Johto's summer fireworks festivals.
Lance: @Lu Ye, there have been sightings of Silver in Johto. If you have time, you should check it out. His communication ability might help Haunter evolve.
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. He glanced at Haunter, who was teasing Growlithe and laughing uncontrollably. Even Sylveon had evolved already… Haunter, the big brother of the group, should be next.
Lu Ye made up his mind and nodded. "Alright, I'll head over after the Research Summit."
"The Research Summit in Sootopolis City?" A rare message from Steven popped up. He was slightly surprised. Could it be that Lu Ye… also has a researcher's identity?
"Well… it's a long story," Lu Ye sighed.
Erika chuckled. It seemed inviting Lu Ye to join had been the right choice after all.
Steven: "I have a vacant villa in Sootopolis City. If you don't mind, you can stay there."
Lu Ye froze for a second. Was this real? "Thanks, Steven!" He said sincerely.
At Goldenrod City's radio station, during the show Mary's Voice, a spry old man in a white lab coat spoke confidently: "That concludes today's educational segment. Allow me to end with a senryū…"
'At the wind's invitation,
The free-spirited Gliscor,
Soars through the sky.'
Removing his headphones, Professor Oak stepped out of the recording booth. Mary stood up and bowed. "Thank you so much for taking the time to join us today."
"Haha, spreading the wonder of Pokémon has always been my goal," Professor Oak smiled. "No need for excessive thanks. I still have another appointment to catch."
"Is it the summit in Sootopolis City?" Mary asked as they walked.
"Yes." Oak nodded. "I have to prepare my report, so I won't be able to record for the next few weeks."
"Please don't say that! Your participation is our greatest honor."
With Mary seeing him off, Professor Oak got into a car and focused on his preparations for the upcoming summit.
Meanwhile, Lu Ye also received an invitation to the Sootopolis Summit. His official title? Assistant to Professor Rowan. Aside from academic presentations, the summit would also provide various networking opportunities. He might even meet scholars researching Dynamax phenomena. Honestly, Lu Ye was looking forward to it.
This time, he wasn't traveling alone—he also had a Husky tagging along. Squirtle carefully dragged its fish tank out of the bedroom, looking at Lu Ye expectantly.
"If you want to bring it, fine…" Lu Ye sighed. "But we'll have to ship it separately."
Squirtle froze, then shoved the fish tank back inside. What if it got swapped during shipping?! Forget it… It could check out the situation once they arrived.
Sootopolis City required a transfer at Jubilife City—the largest city in Sinnoh—before taking a ferry. "Last time, I picked up Cynthia's flight… now it's my turn, huh?"
Scratching his head, Lu Ye gathered his excited Pokémon and boarded the plane bound for Sinnoh.
[Inorin Note:
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