"Who are you looking for?" a young man in a white lab coat and glasses asked.
"I'm looking for Professor Rowan. Is he currently at the lab?"
At this moment, Rex had already arrived at the entrance of the Rowan Laboratory. After ringing the doorbell, a researcher came out to greet him.
"Professor Rowan is out doing field research, but he should be back soon, as per usual. Do you need something from him?"
The young researcher inquired, looking at Rex.
"My name is Rex. I'm from the Hoenn region. Professor Birch from Littleroot Town asked me to deliver something to Professor Rowan, and I need to hand it over to him personally," Rex briefly introduced himself, explaining that he needed to deliver the item directly to Professor Rowan.
"I'm Danton, one of Professor Rowan's students. Come inside and wait for him at the lab," the young researcher Danton, upon learning that Rex was sent by another Pokémon Professor, quickly invited him into the Rowan Laboratory.
Following Danton inside, Rex noticed that the number of researchers here was much higher than in Professor Birch's lab, where there were only a few.
Moreover, every researcher seemed busy, so much so that none of them noticed his arrival.
As Rex curiously observed the activities within the Rowan Laboratory, Danton returned, accompanied by a tall, elderly man with white hair.
The elderly man's stern face gave off an unapproachable vibe. Rex knew this was the Professor he had come to meet—Professor Rowan.
"You must be Rex. Professor Birch already informed me about your arrival," Professor Rowan said directly, without any unnecessary formalities.
"Hello, Professor Rowan. Here's the package Professor Birch asked me to deliver to you," Rex said, handing the package from his backpack to Professor Rowan.
After receiving the package, Professor Rowan asked Rex to wait there and left with the package.
Rex had no objections. Now that he had successfully delivered the package, one of his goals for his journey in Sinnoh was accomplished. Next, he planned to head to Floaroma Town to purchase some Combee and then return to his farm.
Not long after, Professor Rowan returned. Although his expression remained serious, Rex could sense that he was in a good mood.
"I'm pleased that you resisted your curiosity and didn't open Professor Birch's package. We were testing you, and it's rare for someone your age to pass this test," Professor Rowan said seriously.
These Pokémon Professors often look for talented youths to help them with tasks or field research, rewarding them generously in return. This mutually beneficial relationship helps the youths progress further on their journey as trainers.
The tests set by the Professors vary, and delivering items is one of the simpler ones. However, surprisingly, very few pass this particular test. Most youths, driven by curiosity, fail by opening the package.
Although the Professors sometimes forgive such behavior, it lowers their trust and willingness to entrust the youth with more important tasks.
"I see," Rex responded, not particularly moved by Professor Rowan's words. While he had guessed that this was a test from Professor Birch, knowing it didn't make him feel any better. Despite understanding that Professor Birch meant no harm, Rex couldn't help but feel annoyed.
After all, while he appreciated Professor Birch's help, Rex believed he could live well in the Pokémon world on his own, without needing to rely on anyone.
"Don't think we're trying to make things difficult for you. Sometimes, the tasks we entrust can impact entire regions. If the entrusted person can't resist their curiosity, it could lead to disaster, something we want to avoid," Professor Rowan said, noticing Rex's reluctance and speaking with unprecedented seriousness.
"I understand, Professor Rowan. However, I'm just a small farm owner and not a core trainer from the Alliance. Was this test really necessary for me?" Rex directly voiced his doubts. Since he wasn't a core trainer groomed by the Alliance, it didn't make sense for Professor Birch to include him in the test.
"You're mistaken. When we select someone for a task, we first look at their character, then their potential, and only lastly at their background. Whether someone is a core trainer from the Alliance isn't that important to us. It just so happens that most core trainers are outstanding, giving the impression that we only favor them," Professor Rowan explained.
"I see. Well, now that I've completed Professor Birch's task, it's time for me to leave," Rex felt somewhat relieved after hearing Professor Rowan's explanation, though he was ready to head to Floaroma Town for his next task.
"You've passed our test, so I want to offer you an opportunity. If you can resolve the recent Ariados infestation in Sandgem Town, I'll make an exception and let you choose a starter Pokémon egg from the Sinnoh region. How about it? Interested?" Professor Rowan offered a tempting task and waited for Rex's response.
"No problem, Professor Rowan!" Rex felt that even hesitating for a second would be disrespectful to the starter Pokémon egg. All previous frustrations were forgotten, and he eagerly accepted the task.
Rex knew that if clearing out a wild Pokémon infestation could earn a starter Pokémon egg, 90% of trainers in the Sinnoh region would be lining up to take on the task. Professor Rowan was simply using the Ariados infestation as an excuse to give him the egg as a reward.
Having been in this world for some time, Rex had only obtained a Combusken from the starter Pokémon line. The thought of acquiring another starter Pokémon egg made it impossible for him to refuse.
(End of Chapter)