Friday, September 25.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to arrive in Jubilife City. Please prepare for disembarkation."
Luke closed the tourist brochure and peered out of the airplane window, where a misty view of Lake Verity came into sight. Haunter lay on the window, gazing outside. Luke patted his head and smiled.
"We're almost there. I'll get to see Cynthia soon."
"Jie jie~!" Haunter grinned and nodded eagerly.
At the Jubilife Airport in Sinnoh Region, hundreds of renowned scholars had been invited to the Canalave City Scientific Research Summit. In the airport reception area, scholars in their lab coats mingled, chatting and laughing, excited about the event.
Cynthia, distinguished in her black trench coat, her flowing blonde hair covering one eye, and her high heels, exuded an aura of authority.
"Isn't she the Champion of the Sinnoh League?"
"Yes, Ms. Cynthia is also a legend in the academic world. She was invited to attend the summit."
Respect filled the eyes of the researchers.
"Who is she waiting for, Professor Rowan perhaps?"
However, the situation became more puzzling when a dignified, white-haired, older man in a vest and brown trench coat arrived with his suitcase. He and Professor Oak appeared to be waiting for someone.
The researchers were perplexed.
"Why are these two prestigious scholars welcoming someone?"
"Isn't that Professor Oak from Kanto?"
As the two distinguished scholars awaited someone's arrival, their actions attracted even more attention.
Then, as a youthful scholar made his entrance with a suitcase and Haunter floating beside him, everyone was shocked.
"He's so young!"
"I don't recognize him."
Although he was young, the scholar's intellectual and elegant demeanor was unmistakable. Moreover, he had captured the attention and respect of both Professor Rowan and Cynthia.
The researchers were curious and couldn't help but regard Luke with newfound respect.
"Welcome," Professor Rowan said, shaking Luke's hand enthusiastically. "My invitation still stands. The laboratory is open to you anytime."
Luke nodded and instinctively looked at Cynthia.
Cynthia smiled softly and, upon making eye contact, greeted him. "It's been a while."
"To be precise, it's been 27 days," Luke corrected with a grin.
"Wow, has it been that long?" Cynthia blinked.
From the meteor shower to the Fireworks Assembly, it felt like a significant amount of time had passed.
"Jie jie~!" Haunter grinned and playfully pinched Cynthia's shoulder.
Cynthia chuckled and patted his head. "Jie jie~! (*ω＼*)"
Professor Rowan added, "To reach Canalave City, you'll need to take a ferry. The conference begins tomorrow. Luke, I suggest you take some time to get acquainted with the area."
Cynthia chimed in, "Would you like a guide?"
"Of course!" Luke eagerly nodded. "I'm genuinely interested in Sinnoh's culture."
"Is that so?" Professor Rowan expressed slight regret. "I have to prepare my report, so I can't take you around."
Cynthia quickly offered, "Then I'll be your guide. Consider it a way to repay you for the tour of Magic City."
Luke was taken aback for a moment, and Professor Rowan gazed at him with newfound respect.
"Well done, Professor!"
Sinnoh boasts numerous lakes and wetlands, with ferries being a common mode of transport. As the ferry gently sailed on the glistening lake, Cynthia stood on the deck, her blonde hair billowing in the breeze.
"Mt. Coronet stretches across Sinnoh from north to south, creating a complex geographic environment," Cynthia explained, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"The eastern and western parts of Sinnoh differ in Gastrodon shell shape due to geographic isolation..."
Cynthia paused for a moment and chuckled, "Are you paying attention this time?"
Luke was momentarily entranced by Cynthia's profile, and he cleared his throat.
"Sorry, my mind wandered. Please, go on."
Cynthia smiled, looking out at the coastline.
"Canalave City is right there."
The city's notable attraction is a century-old wooden bridge that connects its two districts, standing strong and unspoiled by time.
"The Steel Type Gym in Canalave City is run by Mr. Byron, but he's proven elusive," Cynthia explained. "In addition, there's a longstanding library. Where would you like to go first?"
"Where do we go first?"
"Exactly."
"In that case, let's head to my place."
Cynthia was momentarily surprised. "Rent a villa from Mr. Steven, you say."
After considering for a moment, Luke added, "I'll only be at the summit for a few days, so it should be fine."
"I see," Cynthia responded, "I was actually going to invite you to stay at my place."
"Is it too late to change my mind now?"
Cynthia smiled and walked ahead, her black trench coat billowing in the wind. "Let's go. Share the address, and I'll take you there."
...
Steven's villa had a simple yet elegant appearance. The gray exterior resembled limestone, with various uniquely shaped stones decorating the courtyard.
A steward had been waiting outside for a while and respectfully greeted Luke, "Your Excellency Luke, you can move in at any time."
"Thank you very much!"
"Jie jie~!" Haunter enthusiastically carried the luggage and rushed through the gate.
"Slow down, Haunter, be careful not to trip over Sylveon roller inside!" Luke called after Haunter.
Cynthia watched the scene with a smile and suddenly said, "Steward, how many rooms are available?"
"Although most of the stones were collected by Master Steven, there are more than enough rooms to accommodate over a dozen people," the steward replied respectfully.
Cynthia nodded and mused, "I'll bring the game consoles over from home...I'll be back later."
Single-player and multiplayer gaming offer distinct experiences, and Luke is a professional gamer. If she's been stuck on a level, she might be able to overcome it today.
As Cynthia thought about it, a smile gradually appeared on her face.
Meanwhile, in Canalave City at Lucian's home:
"Lucian, wake up! Teacher Luke is here in Canalave City!" Aaron excitedly awakened Lucian.
"What's with all the shouting..." Lucian groaned but suddenly sat up. "Teacher Luke?"
Flint laughed, "Reliable sources say that Teacher Luke is participating in the scientific research summit!"
"Wait, how did you two find out?" Lucian asked, bewildered.
"Of course, we keep tabs on Teacher Luke's updates."
Aaron pointed to his phone. "He wasn't live streaming, so we came to Sinnoh."
"Speaking of which, I just saw someone who looks a lot like Teacher Luke moving into that gray villa," Flint added. "It's highly likely that it's him!"
"You two are like star-struck fans..." Lucian rubbed his forehead. "Is it really okay to be this enthusiastic?"
Aaron grinned, saying, "Well, I did steal quite a few techniques from Teacher Luke!"
Flint chimed in, "Yeah, if we pay a visit, we might get some valuable advice!"
Lucian sighed. "It seems that you've forgotten the times Teacher Luke outsmarted us..."
Lucian pushed his blue glasses up and began contemplating. "By the way, Teacher Luke is also a researcher..."
Receiving an invitation to the research summit suggests that Teacher Luke has significant expertise in the academic field...
At that moment, both Elite Trainers exchanged glances and declared unanimously:
"We're going!"
Lucian shook his head. "What's the plan?"
"We'll visit Teacher Luke and discuss battle tactics!"
Aaron's green hair curled with excitement, and his eyes gleamed as he said, "Lucian, you're coming with us!"
Lucian chuckled. "I won't do anything foolish."
"In any case, the chances are high that Teacher Luke will be there." Flint stroked his chin. "Let's give it a shot; you won't lose anything."
"Right! Lucian, we're heading out ahead!" The two friends dashed out of the house and hurried towards the gray-colored villa in the distance.
Lucian remained by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing outside with mixed feelings.
"If it really is Teacher Luke..."
Lucian murmured, "I might need to prepare in advance, like contacting Miss Joy for them and having an ambulance ready."