When Zhang Zhixing and He Sheng stepped onto the stage, students immediately recognized President Zhang of the Chengdu Pokémon League Branch.
He Sheng, however, rarely appeared in public, so no one knew who he was.
The principal then began his speech, much like every other year—reviewing the school's history and encouraging students to work hard.
The difference was that, perhaps worried about keeping the two important guests waiting, he wrapped it up in just two minutes. The students below were stunned—this was the shortest opening speech in school history.
Then, suddenly, the principal changed tone.
"Recently, something major happened. I wonder how many of you have been following the news. The most mysterious and beautiful Pokémon, Milotic, has been confirmed to not be a single-stage Pokémon. Its juvenile form is actually Feebas!
"Not only did the researcher uncover Feebas's evolution method, but he also selflessly shared it with the world. This is not only a display of exceptional talent, but also of outstanding character!
"And just moments ago, I received confirmation—the author of this paper is a Grade 12 student from our very own school!
"Let us welcome Oliver to the stage to receive his award!"
The moment the words left his mouth, the entire field exploded.
Students. Teachers. Everyone was stunned.
Milotic's popularity was absurdly high. The paper had caused a massive sensation the moment it was published, and after days of discussion, almost everyone knew about it.
But no one—absolutely no one—had imagined that the author was someone from their own school.
A normal high-school student.
A Pokémon researcher whose discovery shocked professors worldwide.
Were these even comparable?
People began racking their brains, trying to remember who among their classmates was named Oliver.
Oliver's classmates turned toward him instantly.
The class monitor's face went completely pale.
That paper… was written by Oliver?
He had once thought about surpassing Oliver academically.
Now he realized they weren't even standing on the same plane of existence.
Under countless gazes, Oliver walked toward the stage step by step.
Despite the attention, he felt no fear or pressure.
After all, the moment he chose the path of a Pokémon researcher, he had already imagined scenes like this.
And honestly?
Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax…
Compared to what he still hadn't revealed, this was just a warm-up.
On stage, He Sheng watched Oliver approach calmly.
His posture. His pace.
For a brief moment, Oliver's silhouette overlapped with another towering figure from long ago.
Back then… he walked the same way, He Sheng thought.
He closed his eyes, then opened them again.
The image faded, leaving only the young man before him.
Oliver stepped onto the stage.
He glanced around. Every face held admiration—except for the unfamiliar award presenter, whose gaze was unusually complex.
The principal briefly introduced the Alliance representatives but did not disclose He Sheng's identity, only stating that he was from League Headquarters.
He Sheng then took the microphone.
"A hundred years ago, when Pokémon first appeared in our world, humans did not treat them as friends or family like we do today. I trust all of you have studied that history, so I won't repeat it.
"What allowed humanity to survive that dark era was our spirit of exploration, selfless dedication, and unyielding resolve.
"Today, I see those same qualities in this student—Oliver.
"This proves that the spirit of humanity's heroes has not vanished. It is still being passed down, generation after generation.
"These qualities are not only what the Pokémon League needs—but what humanity itself needs.
"Therefore, on behalf of the Pokémon League, I hereby present Oliver with his reward."
Thunderous applause erupted across the field.
A staff member stepped forward, carrying a tray holding a Pokémon Egg and a bank card.
"After internal deliberation, the League has decided to award Oliver with one Pokémon Egg containing excellent genetic potential, along with one million Alliance Credits."
Oliver accepted the rewards calmly, offering a simple thank-you.
"I hope all of you continue to explore bravely and maintain your thirst for knowledge. Only then can humanity continue to grow and reach even greater heights."
After He Sheng finished, President Zhang Zhixing stepped forward on behalf of the Chengdu League Branch and presented Oliver with an additional reward—a High-Grade Water Stone.
These stones were practically priceless.
Though the League released a few each month at a listed price of 500,000 credits, they sold out instantly every time.
The principal then delivered a few closing remarks as cameras recorded everything.
Just like that, the opening ceremony turned into Oliver's personal award ceremony, ending amid roaring applause.
When the crowd finally dispersed, Oliver was about to return to his classroom when He Sheng called out to him.
"Oliver, I'll call you Xiao-Oliver. Our country hasn't produced a Pokémon Professor with international influence in a long time. You have exceptional research talent—your future potential is enormous.
"This is my contact information. You can call me Uncle He. If you ever face difficulties, feel free to reach out."
Oliver assumed the man was simply showing appreciation for talent and didn't want outside matters interfering with his research. Without overthinking it, he added He Sheng's contact.
"Thank you, Uncle He. This is only the beginning. I believe I'll bring even more surprises to the world in the future."
He Sheng's eyes were complicated. He patted Oliver's shoulder heavily.
"Good. I'll be waiting."
With that, he turned and left.
Oliver stood there for a moment, thoughtful.
Something about Uncle He's words felt… layered.
After failing to make sense of it, Oliver shrugged it off.
After all, his long-awaited rewards had finally arrived.
On top of the League Headquarters' prize, the Chengdu Branch had added another reward. The Water Stone wasn't useful for him directly, but selling it would be easy.
That meant his savings would soon reach 1.5 million credits.
With that kind of money, even if the Pokémon Egg hatched into a Munchlax, he could afford it.
As for a pseudo-legendary?
…Let's not joke.
Larvitar evolving into Tyranitar could eat through an entire mountain range.
When Oliver returned to the classroom, students who had never spoken to him before eagerly struck up conversations.
Even students and teachers from other classes crowded outside, curious to see what the legendary Oliver actually looked like.
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