The next morning, the Researcher Forum erupted yet again.
Because Severe Indecision Disorder had posted three more papers.
This time:
"Eevee's New Evolution Form: Espeon"
"Theory of Affinity Evolution"
"Hypothesis on Umbreon's Evolution"
Originally, many researchers still doubted the concept of Affinity Evolution—
One Eevee evolving wasn't enough to overturn a century of evolutionary theory.
A major evolutionary discovery demanded repeated, large-scale verification.
But when they scrolled down to look at the authors—
All doubts evaporated instantly.
Because this time, the co-author listed beside Severe Indecision Disorder was:
Professor Samuel Oak
The titan of Kanto.
A pillar of global Pokémon science.
A researcher whose words carried absolute weight.
And not only did he co-author—
he personally left a comment confirming the theory.
That meant one thing:
Affinity Evolution was real.
Pokémon truly possessed emotional-evolution mechanisms.
Chen Shi listed several potential affection-based evolutions as well—
including Togepi, Riolu, and others.
The comment section exploded instantly.
"Crazy! This guy discovered another Eeveelution!? How many forms does Eevee HAVE?!"
"Six groundbreaking papers in two weeks… This is a monster."
"Who IS Severe Indecision Disorder? How can he constantly break the world?!"
Even Professor Rowan from Sinnoh and Professor Birch from Hoenn separately issued public approval.
Sinnoh Region — Professor Caroline Rowan's Lab
Professor Rowan stared at the screen, rubbing her temples.
"This child actually proved it… unbelievable."
"And he discovered a Psychic-type Eeveelution… truly extraordinary."
Cynthia folded her arms proudly.
"Grandma, I told you Chen Shi isn't the type to lie. Affinity Evolution absolutely exists."
Rowan rolled her eyes.
"Yes, yes. Your Chen Shi is amazing. Everything he says is correct."
Cynthia opened her mouth, but after a second, walked away with slightly pink cheeks.
Rowan harrumphed.
"Little brat… as if I don't see what's going on."
Back at the Oak Research Lab
Professor Oak ended a phone call and turned to Chen Shi.
On Chen Shi's researcher profile, the rank behind his name had just updated:
From Junior Researcher
past Intermediate Researcher
directly to—
Senior Researcher
He had skipped an entire rank.
A Senior Researcher was no small title:
Eligible to establish an official research institute
Receives 100 million annual funding
Priority access to rare materials, Pokémon samples, and League research channels
Authority to lead research teams
When Chen Shi learned this, he almost dropped his glass.
Professor Oak is too powerful…
That night, he cooked personally—filling the table with dishes to express his gratitude.
"Mmm! Shi'er, this cooking is amazing—almost as good as Hanako's!"
"Yes, yes! Grandpa's right!"
Professor Oak and Gary—two people who lived on instant noodles—devoured the meal like men starved for months.
Chen Shi watched them with a pained heart.
This is what they eat every day?
Gary chugged water and slumped back.
"So gooood… Since my sister left for her journey, the only decent meals I get are when Aunt Hanako visits. This is the best food I've had in forever…!"
Chen Shi shot Oak a silent look.
Professor. Your grandson. Please feed him something other than dehydrated noodles.
Oak coughed and quickly steered the conversation away.
"Shi'er, what are your next plans? You're preparing for the World Championship, yes?"
Chen Shi froze.
He had to compete—
but to win without revealing his secrets… was nearly impossible.
And revealing them…
He wasn't sure he could protect himself afterward.
He came to Oak seeking knowledge and support—
but after all the professor had done these past two weeks—
He couldn't bring himself to ask for anything more.
So he simply said:
"Yes… I plan to compete."
"The World Championship!?" Gary's eyes sparkled.
He had heard rumors:
The tournament gathering every genius under twenty.
Winning… meant glory beyond imagination.
Oak waved casually.
"I know that competition. You're strong—you'll definitely make Top 16. I'll watch your matches."
Gary puffed his chest.
"And I'll watch too!"
Chen Shi smiled faintly.
Oak narrowed his eyes—
He didn't miss the quiet fire behind that smile.
"Shi'er… the participants this year are terrifying. You aren't thinking of winning the entire thing… are you?"
"Let me be honest—your current strength isn't enough."
Chen Shi touched the necklace under his shirt and murmured:
"Maybe."
Oak froze.
He wasn't joking.
He truly intended to fight for the top.
Oak stared at him long and hard.
And then—
His expression changed.
He suddenly grew extremely serious.
"Shi'er… you are extraordinarily talented."
"Would you be willing… to become my student?"
Chen Shi blinked.
Completely blank.
He never imagined…
that Professor Oak—
one of the greatest figures in the Pokémon world—
would ask him this question.
A bomb exploded in his head.
Oak repeated calmly:
"I asked—are you willing to become my student?"
"I—I'm willing! Of course I'm willing!"
Chen Shi jumped up and bowed deeply.
"Teacher!"
Oak smiled, deeply satisfied.
"Good. Good!"
"Stay here for a while longer. Let Dragonite train your partners."
"It will help you far more than anything you could do alone."
Chen Shi nodded firmly.
"I understand… Teacher."
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/lucarioTL