Although Johan had confirmed the identity of [Eevee Eats Cabbage], he was still at a loss on how to address Professor Rowan's questions.
The concept of "Beauty" hadn't gained traction yet, and the Contest Spectaculars weren't popular. Thus, he had no data or concrete examples to support it.
But just because Johan didn't have it didn't mean Professor Rowan wouldn't.
"I wonder if I could trouble you to help Feebas with 'sleep assistance' again?" Professor Rowan asked.
"Feebas?"
"Yes, I'm planning to request a batch of Feebas from the League, probably about… twenty to start with. This way, I can avoid any coincidental outliers and gather more accurate data."
So this is the kind of treatment a top League professor gets, huh?
Even though it's just twenty Feebas, it includes several, if not more, high-precision instruments.
And the key word here is "start", indicating more to come.
"Uh, that shouldn't be a problem. I can pre-record the 'sleep assistance audio,' and it should have a similar effect," Johan said.
To him, twenty Feebas seemed like twenty more "patients."
Besides, if Professor Rowan could confirm the evolution method, it would be a breakthrough for the entire Pokémon world.
He couldn't and wouldn't refuse such an opportunity.
After discussing the details briefly, Professor Rowan hung up in a hurry.
Sandgem Town, Professor Rowan's Research Lab
After finishing the call with Johan, Professor Rowan casually popped a candy into his mouth and prepared to call the Sinnoh League.
"Professor."
Cynthia's voice interrupted him.
"Hm?"
"'Grain in the Field' isn't your assistant," Cynthia reminded him.
Rowan paused for a moment and quickly understood her implication.
She meant that Johan wasn't his assistant and technically had no obligation to help him.
Even though Johan was polite enough not to mention it, it didn't mean Rowan should take advantage.
But Professor Rowan quickly became troubled again.
The current quarter's research budget had almost run dry, and the next one wasn't available yet.
"Never mind. I'll just give him what's left."
It wasn't like skipping some candy and sweets would be a big deal. Two refrigerators full should last a while.
"He's not an official researcher either," Cynthia added.
This brightened Professor Rowan's mood.
"I'll discuss it with Professor Oak and get it approved."
That should just about cover everything.
As for any resulting breakthroughs or research papers, there was no need to mention it; Johan's name would be included without a doubt.
"Oh, by the way."
Just as he was about to call Professor Oak, Professor Rowan stopped, remembering something.
"You'll be going to Lilycove City for the 'Youth Exhibition Match' soon, right?"
"Mm."
Cynthia nodded.
"Yeah… I think so?"
[Your account received 1,200,000 League Credits. Remaining balance: 1,478,923 League Credits.]
Huh?
Seeing the massive transfer alert, Johan couldn't help but be stunned.
Then he saw the apologetic message from Professor Rowan.
"So… this is payment for the 'sleep assistance audio'?"
Johan initially thought earning a "researcher" title and having his name on Rowan's research papers was more than enough.
But this…
"Things have different value depending on who offers them," he mused.
He then remembered the audio he had given to Lance earlier, feeling a pang of regret like he had lost a million.
"Next time, I'll make him treat me to a feast."
Suddenly, a thought struck Johan.
"If Professor Rowan's research findings prove conclusive, won't tons of people be lining up to buy my audio?"
It felt like a revelation.
The specifics of increasing "Beauty" hadn't been determined yet, but boosting "confidence" already had precedent.
Wait.
Would that make him a "CD dealer"?
"Ahem, I'm selling audio, not video," Johan reassured himself.
"But with this income, getting Vulpix its 'Ice Stone' might not be impossible."
"Oowu?"
Hearing Johan mutter, Vulpix's ears perked up, and its tail began wagging excitedly.
It was curious to know what it might look like when it evolved.
"Ka-kah?"
What about me? Haunter impatiently asked again.
When can I evolve?
Johan's face turned serious as he looked at Haunter in disbelief.
"You… don't know?"
"Ka-kah?"
Know what?
"Haunters evolve into Gengar by 'eating' a Clefable," Johan said matter-of-factly.
"Ka! Kah!! (Σ(дlll))"
Haunter looked like it had been electrocuted.
Vulpix was just as shocked.
Johan struggled to hold back a grin but quickly pulled out a photo on his phone.
"Look at this yourself."
"Don't they look the same?"
Haunter grabbed the table's edge.
"Ka-kah!! (╯°Д°)╯︵┻━┻"
Let it all burn! I'm not playing anymore!!
"Pffft—"
Johan couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't be so dramatic. I'm just messing with you."
But Haunter wouldn't let go of the table.
"Ka-kah!"
I'm flipping this table! And nothing's stopping me!
"Let's go out for a big meal later."
Haunter immediately let go of the table.
An exclamation mark appeared over its and Vulpix's heads simultaneously.
Then, under Johan's bewildered gaze, their eyes both darkened with a faint, eerie glow.
A vibe of slyness and cunning emanated from them.
The move, Nasty Plot!
Johan: "???"
They learned it?
For the promise of a big meal?
Haunter and Vulpix shared a sneaky look.
They could see the devious glimmer in each other's eyes.
You really think I didn't know you hid "The Art of Fear" in the cabinet?
Of course, Haunter knew it didn't need to "eat" a Clefable to evolve.
Haunter: See? I told you flipping the table would get us a big meal!
Vulpix: Just one? How about you actually flip it?
Haunter: ??
Vulpix: Did we just learn a new move?
Haunter: Easy-peasy. Focus on what we're eating next.
Watching them "subtly" communicate, Johan sighed.
"Ahem."
Clearing his throat caught the duo's attention.
He put on a disappointed look but spoke in a comforting tone.
"I thought you'd master it in just a few hours, but I see you're only getting the hang of it now. It's fine, though. You're both doing great."
He sighed again while speaking.
Haunter and Vulpix exchanged another look.
"Ka-kah!"
Bring ten more TMs, and I'll master them all for you!
"Oowu~~"
Five is enough for me!
Hearing this, Johan's heart nearly leaped out of his chest.
He quickly walked away, pretending not to hear them.
Is this the daily life of "outwitting each other" with my two genius Pokémon?
This is too much!
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