Chapter 126: Just Another Unremarkable Day

"Dr. Chen Ou is different..."

After hearing Youyue’s words, Huili shook her head slightly and said in a low voice, "Dr. Chen Ou didn't just achieve theoretical results; he actually verified them."

Youyue tilted her head, looking rather adorable. "Verified? How? Can he go and find a Legendary Pokémon to verify his theories?"

Youyue found the idea quite amusing. Everyone in the research community knew that all the theories put forward by mythologists were merely "conjectures" rather than facts. Since very few people had ever seen a Legendary Pokémon, those ancient myths and records were impossible to verify. If you called them fake, you couldn't produce contradictory evidence; if you called them real, you couldn't provide any solid proof either. That was why mythologists had always been a controversial group within the League. However, they were also highly valued for their contributions to studying the origins of Pokémon and humans, as well as exploring ancient secrets and ruins. Consequently, mythologists remained a significant faction among researchers.

This was exactly why Youyue found it laughable when Huili claimed Chen Ou had verified his theoretical results.

Chen Ou was indeed tall and handsome, but suggesting he could track down those elusive, legendary Pokémon? Youyue didn't believe it.

But Huili nodded. She nodded very seriously.

The smile on Youyue’s face stiffened. She asked, "You’re kidding, right? He really found Legendary Pokémon???"

Fortunately, her composure hadn't completely shattered, so she kept her voice low; otherwise, it would have been truly impolite.

"My uncle said that when Dr. Chen Ou displayed his photos with Darkrai and Mew on stage, the scholars and doctors in the audience were just as shocked as you look right now," Huili said, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle as she watched Youyue’s frozen expression.

Youyue ignored her friend’s teasing, turning her head in complete shock to stare at Chen Ou.

Chen Ou noticed her gaze. Although he didn’t know why she was looking at him, he waved a hand in greeting. Youyue instinctively waved back before snapping her head back around. "I’m going to go ask him some questions with you later!"

Youyue wasn't foolish enough to ask what would happen if his evidence turned out to be fake. With so many experts and doctors present, was it even possible to commit fraud? Weren't they afraid of being beaten to a pulp by the doctors on the spot?

In this world, doctors were not merely frail, unarmed scholars. Otherwise, why would research students like them have to take those grueling field practice courses?

A doctor’s research could not be completed solely indoors. Observing wild Pokémon and collecting biological samples were mandatory for all researchers. While they might lack talent in commanding Pokémon or interest in being professional trainers, they were all perfectly capable of defending themselves in the wild. In fact, because their own physical prowess and their Pokémon were often weaker, their survival skills and common sense in the wild often exceeded those of some amateur trainers.

In a sense, they were scholars who were well-versed in both letters and martial arts. This was why academic fraud in this world could literally lead to a physical altercation. It was said that full-blown brawls at research summits were not uncommon. After all, this world was inherently martial-focused, and the League’s strong support for researchers was partly due to their awareness of the downsides of a society where everyone was prone to fighting.

It was precisely because of this that Chen Ou often wondered if Professor Oak’s reputation as the "number one in the research world" was backed by his formidable combat strength. More often than not, when opinions clashed, a fight was the most effective way to explain things.

"Didn't you say you weren't interested in myths and legends? Didn't you say you wanted to study Mega Evolution with Professor Sycamore or move-field research with Professor Kukui?" Huili teased mercilessly.

Youyue tossed her hair and said with an arrogant flair, "Professor Kukui is handsome, and Professor Sycamore is even more handsome! But!!! Neither of them is as handsome as Dr. Chen Ou!!!"

"...You are such a shallow person!" Huili sighed helplessly, even though she knew Youyue was speaking the truth.

She also finally understood why Youyue, despite not having a clear research direction, was able to gain deep knowledge and insight into every field. Still, Huili wasn't joking about the possibility of studying under Professor Sycamore or Professor Kukui. Given Youyue’s family background, getting her a spot in either of their labs would be no problem at all. And with Youyue’s talent, once she settled on a specific path, her progress would likely be unimaginable.

Of course, they were only freshmen; many students hadn't yet determined their research focus. Even Huili was still vacillating between mythology, egg group studies, and the study of human-Pokémon relations.

But that was understandable. It was better to wait before making rigid plans for one's life. The choices people made in their youth were often regretted as they aged, until they grew accustomed to the regret and stopped speaking of it. However, after seeing Chen Ou this time, Huili had made a preliminary decision.

She clenched her fists slightly, as if steeling her resolve.

"Watch out! A Pokémon attack!!!"

The students were startled by the sudden roar. Huili snapped back to reality and shouted, "Everyone, stay calm! Those with Pokémon, stand on the outside and form a defensive perimeter around those without. Stay alert! Shunyuan, identify the species of the attacking Pokémon immediately so we can respond!"

Guided by Huili’s commands, the students quickly moved from panic to organized action. It was clear that Huili held significant authority in the class. Youyue and Huili stood on the perimeter, each clutching a Poké Ball, ready to defend.

Chen Ou and White, lagging behind, watched the students' movements and Huili’s command. Chen Ou couldn't help but praise, "She really is a capable young girl."

"You’re only two years older than her..." White said helplessly. She felt that Chen Ou always saw himself as much older than he actually was. In reality, Chen Ou was only twenty-one—a junior in university.

Chen Ou didn't respond, silently watching as the students methodically drove away a Fearow that had attacked them. This, in fact, was the standard formation for a research team in the wild without the protection of professional trainers...

What a useful set of tools!