"Old Chen! I already talked to my father—he said he's coming personally tomorrow!"
Steven burst through the lounge door, practically glowing.
Chen Shi blinked.
He hadn't expected Steven's father, President Stone, to move this quickly.
But the more he thought about it, the more sense it made.
The World Championship had drawn in countless high-level figures from every region—Champions, Elites, League executives, ancient family heads, and even legendary researchers.
With Mega Evolution now publicly revealed…
Did anyone truly believe the world's power players wouldn't react?
Mokujin wasn't just coming for curiosity.
He was coming to make a statement.
Two forces backing Chen Shi—Professor Oak and the Stone family—would be enough to silence most hidden agendas.
Steven continued, excitement still bubbling.
"Oh—one more thing. Just now, your grandfather flew over Mauville City with two Champion-tier Pokémon. Full aura. No attempt to conceal anything."
"Grandpa said… the family's Miltank is about to give birth, so he's in a hurry to go home."
Chen Shi paused.
Then slowly dragged a hand down his face.
That was—without question—the most transparent excuse in the history of excuses.
A Miltank giving birth?
Right after Mega Evolution appears?
And he needed TWO Champion-tier Pokémon as escorts?
Please.
His grandfather wasn't going home.
His grandfather was flexing.
Showing the world:
"This boy has a family.
A strong one.
Do not touch him."
Warmth, guilt, and exasperation tangled together in his chest.
"…I understand."
Steven clapped his shoulder—a silent you're not alone.
Then he headed out.
"I'm up next. We'll talk later."
Not long after Steven left, Professor Oak returned and gestured to Chen Shi.
"Come with me. There are some people who want to ask you questions about Mega Evolution. Answer honestly. No need to worry."
Chen Shi nodded and followed.
Oak swiped a special card, and the elevator ascended to the highest restricted level: Silver Arena – Executive Lounge, Fifth Floor.
When the doors opened, Chen Shi sucked in a breath.
This wasn't a room.
It was a council chamber.
Luxurious. Spacious. A glass wall overlooked the entire arena.
And seated around a long conference table were people who could shake entire regions with a sentence.
Before he could process the scene, an elderly man in a blue vest rushed toward him.
"You! You're Chen Shi—the boy from the broadcasts! The one causing academic chaos! QUICK—tell me—how did you make Charizard evolve AGAIN?!"
Chen Shi froze.
…Chaos??
Before he replied, Professor Oak stepped in, amused.
"This excited fossil is Professor Rowan of Sinnoh—expert in Pokémon evolution."
Rowan coughed and scratched his head, embarrassed.
"Yes yes—no ill intent. Just… pure scientific suffering curiosity."
Chen Shi finally relaxed.
Okay. Not hostile. Just obsessed.
Oak motioned everyone to sit.
"Since everyone wanted him here, ask your questions calmly."
As they sat, another familiar elder smiled warmly.
"Chen Shi, it has been a while. Was it three years since we last met?"
Chen Shi immediately stood and bowed.
"President Miyazaki—sir. It's been too long."
Hoenn League President: Miyazaki Ryūno.
A legend who spent half his life building and stabilizing the region.
"Sit, sit. No need to act formal. Your grandfather and I go way back."
Chen Shi nodded and took a seat…
…and only then truly realized who else was present.
He scanned the table:
✔ Agatha
✔ Drasna
✔ Alder
✔ Bertha
✔ Rowan
✔ Two Sinnoh Masters
✔ Hoenn's Elite Four Bonnie and Phoebe's cousin Karen
✔ Several unknown but clearly high-ranking figures
✔ And at the head—
Damalanji — The Chairman of the World Championship.
Chen Shi inhaled slowly.
…He was sitting in a room that could rewrite world structure if it wanted to.
Right as his thoughts settled—
A low, raspy laugh echoed.
The kind that gave small children nightmares.
Agatha.
She leaned forward, eyes narrowed and amused.
"So, little boy… I heard you're that old coot Oak's student."
Chen Shi stiffened.
But he nodded.
"Yes, Elite Agatha."
Her grin widened—sharp and dangerous.
"Well now, look at you. A sharp mind, a strong bond with your Pokémon… I like that."
Then—she dropped the bomb.
"Want to become my student instead?"
The atmosphere froze.
Someone inhaled sharply.
Professor Rowan choked on air.
Professor Oak's smile died instantly.
Chen Shi felt something cold crawl up his spine.
Everyone knew:
Agatha didn't teach.
She challenged.
She provoked.
And most of all—
She absolutely, undeniably loved making Oak miserable.
If he agreed?
Oak would explode.
If he refused?
He would be refusing Agatha.
Both were dangerous.
So Chen Shi did the only thing a sane person could do.
He stared forward…
…and pretended he suddenly turned into a potted plant.
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