Chapter 184: Sonia's Invitation
Saturday, September 26th
Morning sunlight painted the sky in soft hues of gold. Haunter held a garden hose, diligently watering the flower beds. "Arf!" Growlithe leaped over the water spray, dashing around the courtyard with boundless energy.
"Gengarrr!" Haunter shook the hose wildly, cackling with glee.
Squirtle stood on the balcony, slipping on a pair of sunglasses before starting its warm-up routine with a determined "Heave-ho!"
Meanwhile, Lu Ye cradled Sylveon in his arms and knocked on Cynthia's door, murmuring to himself, "She's not still asleep… right?" They had stayed up gaming until nearly 3 AM. Lu Ye was genuinely concerned that Cynthia might not wake up in time.
"…One second." A lazy yawn drifted from the room.
With breakfast prepared, he set steaming coffee and bacon toast on the table. Taking a glance around, Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction. A few minutes later, Cynthia pushed open her door, sleepily ruffling her golden hair. She let out another yawn as she took her seat.
"Still on time. Breakfast is a must," Lu Ye said firmly.
Cynthia nodded, took a sip of coffee, and her eyes lit up. "I'm digging in," she said, pressing her hands together in gratitude before starting her meal.
The summit began at 7 AM. Gathering scholars and experts from various fields, the Research Summit was held in Sootopolis City's Library.
Cynthia wore a white blouse over her usual black attire, her golden hair cascading down her back as she walked with her hands in her pockets, high heels clicking softly against the pavement. Her commanding presence naturally drew attention.
"She's here as a mythology researcher, right?"
"Then who's the guy behind her?"
"Not sure… but yesterday, he was personally welcomed by both Cynthia and Professor Rowan."
Upon hearing this, the surrounding scholars exchanged glances, their expressions shifting into ones of admiration. Following behind Cynthia, Lu Ye felt a slight nervousness creeping in.
"…Whatever," he muttered to himself. "Even if I don't say a word, no one's going to think I'm mute."
The Sootopolis Library wasn't far. A grand white stone building stood tall, with long staircases leading up to the entrance. Scholars gathered there, engaged in discussions. Near the entrance, Professor Rowan was deep in conversation with an older woman holding a cane, her expression dignified.
"You're here," Professor Rowan greeted, adjusting his briefcase. He then introduced the woman beside him, "This is Professor Magnolia, Galar's leading expert on Dynamax research."
Professor Magnolia tapped her cane lightly and smiled. "Cynthia, I presume? I've heard much about you…"
"You flatter me," Cynthia responded with a polite smile.
"And this young man?" Professor Magnolia turned to Lu Ye.
"This is my assistant," Professor Rowan stroked his beard and added with a chuckle, "Though he's also an exceptional Trainer, well-versed in battle strategy."
"I see." Professor Magnolia nodded approvingly. "Young and promising."
Lu Ye returned a polite nod while inwardly marveling. Even Galar's top researchers are here… This summit really is on another level.
"My granddaughter, Sonia, has taken an interest in Sinnoh's mythology," Professor Magnolia mentioned with a light cough. "But I have no idea where she's wandered off to… If she happens to disturb you, please send her my way."
"No problem." Professor Rowan nodded before turning back to them. "The opening ceremony is about to begin—let's head inside."
The ceremony took place in the library's auditorium. As the industry's most respected figure, Professor Oak took the stage. The hall erupted into applause. Following the speeches, the academic exchange sessions began in various conference halls. Both Professor Rowan and Cynthia had presentations scheduled.
Meanwhile, Lu Ye, now sporting an official staff badge, found himself wandering the exhibition hall with nothing to do. Which led him to the buffet area, where he and his Pokémon indulged in a feast. The catering was excellent, especially the desserts—macarons, soufflés, chocolate cakes…
"Gengarrr!" Haunter faceplanted into a cake, then lifted its head with a mischievous grin, reaching out with its claws to ambush Lu Ye. Lu Ye instinctively dodged.
"Gengar?" Just then, Haunter froze.
A woman with wavy, orange-red ponytails and large-framed glasses approached gracefully, holding a fork as she sampled a piece of cake. With neatly applied makeup and a confident stride, she glanced at Lu Ye and asked, "You two are researchers here for the summit as well?"
Lu Ye blinked and gave the woman a once-over. Glossy manicured nails, trendy hair accessories, and a limited-edition handbag… She didn't resemble a researcher at all. Yet, this stylish young woman was none other than Professor Magnolia's granddaughter.
"Sonia?" Lu Ye asked in surprise.
Sonia pointed at herself, blinking her emerald-green eyes. "You know me?"
"Professor Magnolia showed us a picture of you earlier at the entrance," Lu Ye casually added. "She said to find her after the summit."
"I will, I will…" Sonia put down her fork and licked a bit of frosting from her lips, sighing in exasperation. "Geez, even when I travel, she's still keeping an eye on me…"
Then, as if remembering something, she turned back to Lu Ye with curiosity. "But you still haven't answered my question." She gave him another assessing look. "Are you a researcher?" A researcher this good-looking? No way I wouldn't have heard of him before… Sonia thought.
Lu Ye hesitated briefly before coughing lightly. "For now, I'm working as Professor Rowan's assistant."
Sonia's eyes sparkled. "May I ask what field you specialize in?"
"Ancient texts," Lu Ye replied smoothly.
Of course, it wasn't really research. With Ancient Language Lv3, he could bluff his way past most people…
Sonia paused for a moment. Ancient linguistics was an incredibly niche field—even she only had basic knowledge of Unown script. Rumor had it that those who mastered Unown script could even command the Legendary Entei. In historical research, ancient linguistics was a top-tier discipline. No wonder he became Professor Rowan's assistant so young…
Sonia pondered for a moment, then flashed a radiant smile and extended her hand. "My research focuses on Galarian legends. It's a pleasure to meet you. If you're open to collaboration, even better!"
Lu Ye shook her hand—her grip was surprisingly firm—and raised an eyebrow. "Collaboration?"
"Hold on, let me explain!" Sonia, suddenly energized, dragged Lu Ye over to a tea lounge, where she promptly ordered an ice cream parfait. Lu Ye also ordered one for Haunter.
"Gengarrr… (๑´ㅂ`๑)" Haunter carefully stirred its spoon, grinning blissfully.
Sonia took a bite of her parfait before getting to the point. "Galar's research institutions have been actively recruiting talented individuals these past few years…"
"I'm not interested." Before she could finish, Lu Ye flatly refused. Yeah, right. If I'm going to be a researcher, it'll be in Sinnoh—with Cynthia!
"No, no, no! We're not trying to poach you," Sonia waved her hands frantically. "It's just that we offer Dynamax Bands as compensation for those who contribute research or data analysis… As a scholar in ancient texts, you qualify for this initiative. So… would you consider it?" She blinked at him expectantly.
Lu Ye paused, his expression turning complicated. So, she's basically offering me a free Dynamax Band? But he was neither a real researcher nor a Trainer… And what if Dynamax required pay-to-win mechanics? That would be a disaster!
"…I don't have any plans to go to Galar," Lu Ye coughed lightly. "As for the Dynamax Band… you should give it to someone who actually needs it."
Sonia rested her chin on her hands, gazing at him seriously. "Experts in ancient texts are rare in Galar," she said. "Offering a Dynamax Band in return is more than fair compensation…"
"Anyway!" She cleared her throat, suddenly leaning forward and fixing Lu Ye with a determined stare. "If you ever come to Galar, just say the word, and your Dynamax Band will be waiting!"
Her sudden intensity caught even herself off guard. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks. Her serious, almost pleading gaze left Lu Ye feeling a little conflicted. He sighed. "Fine… tell your grandma I appreciate the offer."
Sonia grinned cheekily. "No need for that!" She winked playfully. "Just thank me instead!"
[Inorin Note:
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