Just as Chen Shi expected, the final match ended with Diantha's clean and decisive loss.
Lance's victory wasn't surprising — but what was surprising was his Dragonite.
It wasn't merely Elite late-stage.
It was Elite peak.
Just one step away from Champion-tier.
Chen Shi frowned slightly.
If it were only late-stage Elite, he had full confidence that his Mega Swampert could flatten Dragonite without much trouble.
But peak Elite…
That was already brushing against the ceiling of power.
That would not be an easy fight.
"What are you thinking about? The match is over. Let's go."
Cynthia's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
He shook his head, then—very naturally—took her hand as he stood.
"Nothing serious. Lance was just stronger than I expected. But it's fine."
Cynthia's fair cheeks flushed pink, and she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear — but she didn't pull her hand away.
Behind them, two small heads stared — Ash and Gary — eyes wide, stunned.
They looked at each other silently.
Something changed.
And neither of them knew how to feel about it.
Just outside the lounge, they bumped into Professor Oak, freshly returned.
"You're back, teacher?" Chen Shi immediately asked, eyes bright.
"How did things go?"
For someone usually calm, now he looked like a kid waiting for test scores.
Oak raised a brow — but his gaze drifted downward… to the hands still linked.
His expression instantly turned into one of amused mischief.
"Ohhh. To be young."
Cynthia quickly pulled her hand back, flustered.
Chen Shi, however, didn't even blink.
"Teacher taught me well."
Oak froze.
Then his expression twisted.
"When did I—exactly—teach you that?"
"You can't just spout nonsense with your eyes open!"
"Well, Agatha—"
"Enough! Enough!" Oak snapped before the name was fully spoken.
"Time's not early. I've worked myself hungry negotiating for you. Shouldn't you treat your teacher to a proper meal?"
He slung an arm around Chen Shi's shoulder with a very forced casual smile.
Anyone could see it:
He was guilty of something.
Steven and Cynthia shared a look full of curiosity.
There was gossip here.
Very juicy gossip.
But they said nothing and simply followed behind.
The moment they stepped outside the Silver Arena—
Chen Shi froze.
There were crowds.
Journalists.
Cameras.
Fans.
All packed like a swarm waiting for a rare legendary Pokémon.
No thought required — they were here for him.
He immediately pulled up a hat and mask, attempting the ancient stealth technique known as:
Pretending to be invisible.
But fate was cruel.
"Look—it's CHEN SHI!"
Reporters surged like a tsunami.
Microphones nearly stabbed his nose.
"Chen Shi! How did your Charizard evolve again?"
"Is this evolution exclusive or universal?"
"Can other Charizards do it?"
Questions crashed over him like Rapid Spins.
Chen Shi's brain buzzed.
Then — his eyes flashed.
He pointed behind them and gasped dramatically.
"OH LOOK — OVER THERE!"
Every reporter spun instinctively.
Silence.
Then—
click.
A Poké Ball opened.
They turned back just in time to see Chen Shi already riding Dragapult, grinning ear to ear.
"Thank you for your hard work, everyone~! Bye!"
With a flick of Dragapult's tail, they shot into the sky and vanished.
Reporters stood frozen.
Faces blank.
Hearts broken.
They had been defeated by the oldest trick known to kindergarteners.
Later, at a private restaurant suite.
Everyone gathered.
Professor Oak sat down — clearly waiting.
Chen Shi poured tea.
Silence.
Oak stared.
Chen Shi sipped.
Steven, Cynthia, Ash, and Gary watched like it was theater.
Finally — Oak couldn't stand it.
"…Aren't you going to ask me something?"
Chen Shi blinked innocently.
"Ask what?"
Oak's eyelid twitched.
"The negotiation results."
"Oh. Teacher, you'll say it anyway. Why should I ask?"
"…If you don't ask, how do I say it?"
"Even if I don't ask, you'll still say it."
A vein bulged on Oak's forehead.
He inhaled deeply.
Sat upright.
Poured himself tea.
Spoke slowly:
"…Since you don't want to know, then I won't say."
Chen Shi took a sip.
Then casually:
"Agatha—"
"ENOUGH!"
Professor Oak jumped up so fast the table shook.
Everyone stared.
Oak coughed twice, lowered himself back into his seat, and muttered:
"…I truly can't win against you."
Chen Shi smiled.
"Teacher taught me well."
Oak glared.
Then finally summarized:
"The Alliance agreed."
"You may enter the First Vault and choose one item.
You may enter the Second Vault and choose three items.
But the Doctor title is denied."
"The condition is that within half a month after the World Championship ends, you must publish an official research paper on Mega Evolution."
Chen Shi's eyes lit up — his smile bright and unrestrained.
He lifted a thumb in Oak's direction.
"That's perfect."
He didn't even know what the vaults contained — but judging by the furious reactions earlier…
Whatever was inside was priceless.
As for the doctorate—?
He never expected to get it now anyway.
Not without revealing Fairy typing.
Oak clearly only mentioned it to push negotiations harder.
And it worked.
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