Zhuqing Breeding Center, Special Training Room.
Today would again be a memorable day for the world of Pokémon research.
The Pokédex would gain another numbered Pokémon, allowing new Trainers who encounter it to recognize it.
While this might not sound like a big deal, the number of new Trainers who receive a Pokédex each year is considerable.
Moreover, existing Pokédexes can also be upgraded at the Pokémon Center.
It's the same principle as a phone receiving a system update package.
Although relying solely on the Pokédex provides limited information, it's better than being completely clueless.
"0.31 meters tall, 1.13 kilograms in weight, lighter than I imagined."
Researcher Yongzao held Jirachi on the scale.
Although Jirachi felt light when Yongzao held it, he truly hadn't expected Jirachi to be so light.
More importantly, Jirachi's touch was incredibly soft.
Professor Rowan stroked his chin, "Are its Ability and Shaymin's Sky Forme both Serene Grace?"
Eiji adjusted his glasses, "Its types are Steel and Psychic... completely different from what we anticipated."
...
Professor Rowan quickly completed the data collection.
Professor Rowan forced a smile,
"Thank you for your cooperation, Jirachi."
"You're welcome!"
Jirachi floated lightly, flying back to Steven's shoulder.
This was also because Jirachi was quite unique.
If it were a common and gregarious Pokémon, they might also need to research its habits, living environment, and community lifestyle...
But for a Pokémon like Jirachi, which most people never see in their lifetime, knowing its name, types, and Ability is already enough.
After all, Jirachi isn't suitable for capture.
Jirachi, who was currently happily exploring the world, would fall into slumber again in a few days.
By the time Jirachi awakens again,
Everything would have changed, and the world would be vastly different.
Professor Rowan didn't believe this was cause for sadness.
Of course, if there was a way to awaken Jirachi, and Jirachi didn't want to sleep, Professor Rowan would be willing to do his best.
The prerequisite was Jirachi's own wishes.
"If the data collection is done, then I'll take Jirachi and leave."
"Alright, be careful."
Professor Rowan admonished Steven as if he were his junior.
Professor Rowan didn't care whether Steven was the Hoenn Champion; he was still a human, after all.
Upon hearing this, Steven was first stunned, then couldn't help but laugh,
"It's been a long time since anyone told me to be careful."
"Be careful! Be careful!"
Jirachi didn't understand the meaning of the phrase, only sensing Steven's feelings.
Steven was very happy.
"Hahaha!"
Steven and Professor Rowan exchanged smiles, interspersed with Jirachi's laughter.
Jirachi joyfully flew around the special training room, its eyes curving into crescent moons, finally landing lightly on Steven's shoulder.
Steven bent his arm and gently stroked Jirachi's cheek,
"Let's go, Jirachi, we're going out to play."
"Go out and play! Jirachi wants to go out and play!"
Jirachi's face once again broke into a joyful smile.
Even if Jirachi would fall into slumber again after seven days, as long as the memories left behind were beautiful and joyful, that was enough.
Perhaps while Jirachi was asleep, it would dream of Steven, dream of its experiences at the Breeding Center...
Steven bowed slightly, bidding farewell to Professor Rowan,
"Then we will take our leave first."
"Bye-bye~"
Jirachi tilted its head and waved to Professor Rowan, the wish tag on its head swaying with its movements.
Looking at Steven's back and Jirachi on his shoulder, Professor Rowan couldn't help but recall a saying Champion Cynthia was very fond of.
"The encounter of life with life, the beautiful memories left behind, and the miracles that occur naturally."
Eiji asked curiously, "Hey, isn't that what Champion Cynthia likes to say?"
Because Cynthia often visited Shanli Research Institute, this phrase was brought up from time to time, though it might differ slightly in wording.
Professor Rowan nodded, "Yes, I was inspired. Let's pack up the equipment; it's almost time to go back."
However, Professor Rowan and his group, who were planning to return, were warmly invited to stay by Li Wei's parents.
"Stay for lunch."
Putting everything else aside, staying for a meal here was simply too hard to refuse.
"Then we will impose."
On the other side,
Li Wei, who had finished his morning tasks, changed his clothes and came to his living room.
Cynthia was at the dining table in the living room, translating ancient texts on her laptop.
The laptop displayed clear photos of stone tablet rubbings.
Next to the laptop were thick ancient dictionaries and a dense pile of material.
But surprisingly, despite appearing disorganized, Cynthia could quickly find what she needed.
Cynthia, wearing glasses, was immersed in her translation and didn't notice Li Wei's arrival at all.
It was the hopping Diancie that was more likely to catch Cynthia's attention.
Cynthia, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, turned her head to look,
"Are you done with your work?"
The sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling window behind her spilled onto her golden hair and profile, further accentuating the curve of her cheek.
Li Wei came and sat beside Cynthia,
"Today's task was to massage Miltank; I left the rest to Lucario and them."
Lucario always helped Li Wei with his work, even when Li Wei didn't ask.
Cynthia couldn't help but smile faintly.
Cynthia supported this approach, as long as it wasn't forced.
She would also entrust the management of the flower garden to Roserade.
This itself was a way to make Pokémon happy and enrich their lives.
Just like animals in a zoo enclosure need enrichment.
What's more, Pokémon aren't even kept in enclosures.
The most mainstream activity for Pokémon is battling,
But their lives shouldn't be solely about battling.
Pokémon are also not battle tools,
Cynthia would also try her best to take her Pokémon on trips and enjoy life.
This way, Pokémon would more easily resonate with their Trainer's heart, forming even stronger bonds with each other.
At least, Cynthia believed so.
"Let me see."
Upon hearing this, Cynthia shifted her laptop to a direction convenient for Li Wei to view.
The information on this stone tablet immediately caught Li Wei's attention.
Because of one particular sentence,
"It watches over Pokémon and humans in all universes."
Li Wei blurted out,
"Arceus!"
Cynthia's face was filled with surprise,
"You can translate it without looking at ancient dictionaries?"
Li Wei scratched the side of his face with his index finger,
"Indeed, I don't need to."
Intermediate Ancient Language was much more powerful than Li Wei had imagined; at least, he understood its meaning at a glance.
It was like reading a classical Chinese text he hadn't seen before.
Perhaps the meaning of the classical Chinese couldn't be fully grasped, but reading it aloud was no problem.
The text on the ancient stone tablet was somewhat similar to classical Chinese,
"I can help you translate the entire passage."