"A titan of ancient Pokémon studies…?"
Ethan looked at the middle-aged man in the black leather jacket with mild surprise.
Professor Zhang Benchang stood straight-backed, his eyes sharp yet restrained—someone who had clearly spent decades immersed in research rather than battle.
After hearing the system's prompt, Ethan replied calmly.
"Research isn't impossible," he said.
"But Tyrantrum doesn't have the best temperament."
"If you're planning to take him away for long-term experiments, then I'm afraid I'll have to refuse."
Ethan wasn't being rude—just firm.
The blue opportunity was tempting, of course.
Even with his current resources, anything granted through an opportunity—especially after a multiplier—was always superior to what money could buy.
But Tyrantrum was non-negotiable.
"That won't be necessary," Professor Zhang replied immediately.
"I only wish to observe him up close. Nothing more."
The moment Ethan agreed, the professor's composed expression cracked, replaced by the unmistakable excitement of a lifelong researcher.
Ethan took a quiet breath.
"Then please follow me, Professor."
He led Zhang into the villa and out to the courtyard beyond the balcony.
The moment Zhang stepped outside, his breathing stopped.
Standing in the open yard was a towering Tyrantrum, well over three meters tall—its massive frame radiating dominance, power, and prehistoric ferocity.
Zhang's eyes lit up.
"As I suspected…!"
"This Tyrantrum is far larger than the standard morphological data!"
That was precisely why Zhang had rushed over.
From the academy forum photos alone, he had noticed something wrong—or rather, extraordinary.
Zhang himself owned a Tyrantrum.
His stood at roughly 2.5 meters tall—already massive by any standard.
But Ethan's Tyrantrum?
It wasn't even in the same category.
Seeing it in person, Zhang felt genuine awe.
"This isn't an illusion… this thing is practically a walking catastrophe."
Ethan turned to his Pokémon.
"Tyrantrum, this is Professor Zhang from the academy."
"He's going to take some measurements. Be careful."
"Raaawr~"
Despite his fearsome appearance, Tyrantrum responded with a low, gentle growl—clearly acknowledging the request.
Zhang noticed immediately.
For a Pokémon this powerful to obey an eighteen-year-old so naturally…
It was rare.
Extremely rare.
His gaze shifted across the yard—and suddenly froze.
"…That is a Metagross."
Not just any Metagross.
A shiny Metagross.
Zhang's brain stalled.
"Ethan," he said slowly, "this Metagross is also…?"
"Yes," Ethan replied casually.
"He's been with me since I was young."
"Metagross," Ethan added, "say hello."
"Gross."
A low, metallic hum—polite, controlled.
Zhang swallowed hard.
At that moment, he no longer knew how to evaluate this student.
An eighteen-year-old freshman.
A Tyrantrum of abnormal scale.
A shiny Metagross with immense pressure.
And both Pokémon listened to him.
What kind of background produces something like this…?
Suppressing his shock, Zhang refocused on his purpose.
The examination was straightforward:
Height
Body mass
Limb density
Muscular distribution
The process took nearly half an hour.
By the time Zhang finished recording the data, he was panting lightly, sweat visible on his brow.
Looking at his notes, disbelief flooded his expression.
"This Tyrantrum's physical parameters…"
"…are nearly one and a half times that of my own."
"In terms of mass, it's almost double."
And yet—
The leg musculature suggested explosive speed.
That was the most terrifying part.
Ethan wasn't surprised.
Tyrantrum's mother had been exceptional
His Totem-level potential pushed growth beyond norms
And he had absorbed Supreme-grade Sand Scale Fruit and a Supreme Dragon Fang
Anything less than monstrous would have been strange.
"Ethan," Zhang said sincerely, "you've raised a truly extraordinary Tyrantrum."
"With this Pokémon alone, you could already challenge a city-level Gym Leader head-on."
"That's too kind," Ethan replied modestly.
"He's just working hard."
Zhang laughed softly.
That humility alone impressed him.
"I'm finished here," Zhang said, straightening up.
"Thank you for your time."
He reached into his jacket and produced a gemstone glowing with deep pink light.
"This was a gift from a colleague," he explained.
"I have no real use for it."
"Please accept it as thanks."
The moment Ethan took the gem—
System Notification Activated
Blue Opportunity Completed – "Request of the Ancient Pokémon Authority"
Multiplier Calculation…
×9 Critical Bonus Achieved
Reward Upgraded: Supreme Psychic Gem
Ethan felt the gem pulse faintly in his palm.
A smile flickered across his face.
This visit…
Had been more than worth it.
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