Chapter 156: The Researcher's Forum
As Giovanni emerged from his tent, he saw Matt arranging tasks for a Chief and his squad.
"Your objective is reconnaissance," Matt instructed. "Survey the area and find any signs of other human activity on this island. If you encounter hostiles, prioritize your own safety and evacuate immediately."
"Yes, sir," the Chief replied, then led his squad swiftly into the jungle.
Though Matt did not possess the power of Viridian, he was a Gym-Leader-level trainer, and a formidable one at that. He sensed Giovanni's approach without turning around. "You are up."
"Mm," Giovanni responded, then asked, "Is it not too risky to send only one squad?"
Matt explained, "They are my best reconnaissance unit. In their field, not even the other Chiefs are more skilled." But he knew the risk was still significant. In this unfamiliar environment, the probability of death was high.
"Is that so?" Giovanni did not press the issue. Matt was the highest authority here; his word was law. He changed the subject. "Has a location for the base been found?"
Matt pointed toward the dense jungle. "It is in there— but there is no rush. We will wait for the recon team's report. The other Chiefs are currently expanding the search perimeter."
His meaning was clear: there was nothing for Giovanni to do at the moment. He couldn't, however, let Giovanni remain idle. "Come. I will show you the Researcher's Forum."
He also wanted to check it himself, mainly to see if anyone was currently working on a Yanmega project.
"Okay," Giovanni agreed. He had more than one potential research project in mind.
The best computer and signal transmitter they had brought were under Matt's direct control. He sat in a chair inside the plane's cabin, his fingers skillfully typing on the keyboard. The connection was slow, but eventually, a webpage with a Poké Ball emblem as its homepage began to load.
"If we log in now," Giovanni asked, "will the Alliance not detect our location?"
"Do not worry," Matt reassured him. "This site is for Researchers. It is the gathering place for the smartest people in the world. The Alliance's own technology relies on them. Even the Alliance cannot break into this website, let alone interfere."
Giovanni frowned. "Then registration is not open to just anyone?"
"Of course not. It requires an invitation from an existing member." A complex look crossed Matt's face. "This account was endorsed to me by a friend. In any case, you just need to know that you are very lucky."
Giovanni didn't know how Matt had acquired a Researcher friend— but since the captain didn't elaborate, Giovanni didn't ask. He simply nodded.
Matt typed rapidly. "First, I will check for any research on Yanmega."
In an era where the existence of Fairy-types were merely conjectures, it was highly unlikely. As Giovanni expected, the website had no research papers, not even a speculative article, on Yanmega.
A hint of surprise appeared in Matt's eyes. "Nothing."
Giovanni was unsurprised. His eyes, however, flickered across Matt's screen. Coincidentally, someone had just published a new post: "On the Diversity of Pokémon."
The author was "Oak Senryu Master." The first comment was a senryu poem from the author himself: "Charmander's spirit soars, a long road ahead it explores."
Below it, a thread of comments from other famous figures had already formed. A user named "Cinnabar's Hottest" had replied: "You are already the Champion, and you still have time for this? Are you that competitive?"
Another, "The Ghostly Matron," had commented: "Whoever dares to speak ill of this work will find a Gengar at their bedside tomorrow."
A "Dr. Elm" posted below them: "Dear Professors, are there any projects available for students?"
"Westwood V" had replied to him: "Come find me when you are free, Elm."
There were many other names, all prominent Doctors and Researchers from the Kanto region. Giovanni imagined the forum would become even livelier once diplomatic relations were established with other regions.
Matt's own account name, "Practical Research," was also interesting.
Since he had already seen the names, there was no need to pretend ignorance. "The Champion... that must be Professor Oak."
"That is right," Matt replied casually. "He is the only one who would write such boring poems."
"It is not bad," Giovanni countered, stroking his chin. "'Charmander's spirit soars' captures its vitality. 'A long road ahead' is a message for all of us. It means that whether it is a Pokémon or a person, there is always a long way to go, filled with challenges and opportunities."
Matt looked at him with surprise. "You even understand senryu?"
"I can only grasp the meaning. I suck at composing it myself."
"When the time is right," Matt said thoughtfully, "you should comment on this post. It might help you integrate into the Researcher community and solidify your public identity."
"Okay," Giovanni agreed. As both the Champion and a famous Professor, no one had more influence in Kanto than Oak.
Matt gestured to another computer. "I will grant you permission now. You can try it."
Giovanni sat down, a wave of nostalgia washing over him at the sight of the large screen. His fingers tapped on the keyboard, mimicking Matt's earlier actions. With Matt's permission, he quickly logged in.
"Choose a name," Matt instructed.
Giovanni thought for a moment, then typed two words.
"Cat-Loving Researcher."
Ding!
Registration successful!