"Enough, Agatha. Our grudges don't need to drag a child into them."
Professor Oak's voice wasn't loud — but the weight behind it made the entire room pause.
His expression had hardened, irritation clearly simmering beneath the surface.
Even mild-tempered Miyazaki Ryūno joined in with a small sigh:
"You two can fight later. Don't put a rising trainer on the chopping block."
As the one representing Hoenn — and as someone who admired Chen Shi's potential — he wasn't about to let Agatha pressure him in front of the world's highest authority.
After all, a talent like Chen Shi was rare — frighteningly so.
Calling him a future Elite Four member was conservative.
Agatha narrowed her eyes, then scoffed softly, leaning back in her seat.
She didn't continue.
But the amused glint in her gaze told everyone she already achieved her goal:
She annoyed Oak.
Mission accomplished.
Professor Rowan cleared his throat urgently, unable to wait any longer.
"That Charizard transformation — it's not a one-time mutation, is it?"
His tone was serious — trembling with barely restrained excitement.
Every gaze turned to Chen Shi.
This was the real reason they were here.
If Charizard's evolution was unique, then today was merely curiosity.
But if…
If it was repeatable, replicable, usable by other Pokémon—
Then the world as they knew it was about to change.
Chen Shi didn't hesitate.
"No. It's not unique."
"It's a special evolutionary phenomenon."
"I named it — Mega Evolution."
A spark — then an explosion.
Shock rippled through the room, though no one spoke.
So he continued — calm, steady, controlled:
"A Mega Evolution requires specific stones — a Key Stone for the trainer, and a corresponding Mega Stone for the Pokémon."
He intentionally left out detail and technique.
Names, definitions — nothing physical.
Not yet.
Still, Professor Rowan nearly teared up.
"I knew it…! I knew it! The bond between trainer and Pokémon is core — it always has been!"
His voice wavered with decades of theory finally validated.
The room fell quiet — heavy, reflective.
For years, the world assumed strength was tools, strategy, move sets.
Now — Mega Evolution reminded them:
Pokémon were not tools.
They were partners.
People began remembering battles, choices, bonds — and whether they truly understood the hearts of their Pokémon.
Miyazaki Ryūno finally exhaled, visibly relieved.
"If bond is the core requirement, then at least we can rest easy. The dark organizations won't be able to exploit this easily."
Everyone nodded.
Criminal groups thrived on control and obedience — not trust.
Without genuine emotional connection, Mega Evolution would remain beyond their reach.
Then Miyazaki shifted his gaze to Chen Shi with a gentle smile.
"Chen Shi, we'd like you to publicly announce Mega Evolution and submit a research paper under your name."
"But rest assured — the Alliance won't let you walk away empty-handed. If you have any requests, state them. We will do our best."
The meaning was clear:
Mega Evolution is world-changing.
If the Alliance wants it, they have to give something equal in return.
Chen Shi wasn't surprised.
He turned his head toward Professor Oak — silently yielding the negotiation.
Oak sighed slightly, already prepared.
"Very well."
His tone became calm — but firm enough to shake the room:
"One access to the First Vault, and three item selections from the Second Vault.
Plus — a League-certified doctoral title."
The reaction was instant.
A man slammed the table and stood.
"That is impossible!"
His voice was sharp — incredulous.
"At BEST, he may select one item from the Second Vault — three is outrageous!"
"And the First Vault access is completely off the table!"
"As for a PhD—he's sixteen! You can't hand out academic titles like candy!"
The room grew tense.
Even those who didn't speak wore uncomfortable expressions.
Because they all understood what those words meant.
The Second Vault contained items capable of creating Champion-level Pokémon.
The First Vault…
Contained things far beyond that.
Even many of them — Champions, Elite Four, presidents — had never entered the First Vault.
Giving a teenager access was nearly blasphemous.
Even Miyazaki froze.
He had expected Oak to bargain for small benefits.
But Oak had walked in like a Snorlax at a buffet and declared:
"Everything. I want everything."
Oak leaned back lazily.
"Those are the terms."
"You may refuse if you want."
Silence crashed into the room.
Because everyone knew the truth:
They could protest.
They could argue.
They could delay.
But they couldn't walk away.
Mega Evolution was too valuable.
Too powerful.
Too world-altering.
Someone at the head seat — Chairman Damalanji — finally spoke, expression unreadable.
"Samuel."
"You truly believe the Alliance should pay that price?"
Professor Oak didn't even blink.
"I believe," he replied evenly,
"That what you're receiving is far more valuable than what you're giving."
A few heads dropped.
Because…
as much as they hated it…
He wasn't wrong.
After a long silence, Damalanji turned toward Chen Shi — gaze softening.
"You may step out for now. We'll discuss and give you the final answer."
Oak nodded toward him.
"Go on."
Chen Shi stood, bowed politely, and left the room without looking back.
Outside, after the door closed behind him—
He exhaled.
"…Teacher is scarier than Mega Charizard."
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