Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Chapter 123 Bratano

The warmth of the Sinnoh region gradually faded as the flight headed north, and when Zhang Jianying set foot on Carlos, he was greeted by the crisp, cold air characteristic of winter.

Miare, the central city of the Carlos region.

The towering Prism Tower gleamed in the winter sun, the roadside trees were covered with a thin layer of frost, and pedestrians hurried by wrapped in coats. Zhang Jianying stood at the entrance of the Bratano Institute, exhaled a puff of white mist, and watched the mist slowly dissipate in the cold air.

He straightened his collar and knocked on the door of the research institute.

A moment later, the door opened.

The man who appeared behind the door was quite handsome. His dark hair was a little messy, and he had a carefully trimmed stubble on his chin. His features were deep and handsome, and even wearing an ordinary white coat could not hide his good looks.

But at this moment, the handsome man was yawning widely, with two heavy dark circles under his eyes.

"Hmm—who is it?" He rubbed his eyes, his voice hoarse from just waking up.

Zhang Jianying's gaze fell on the nameplate on his chest: "[Brataño Mega Evolution Research Chief]".

He could barely reconcile the unkempt man before him with the image of the "most handsome doctor in Carlos" from rumors.

"Hello, Dr. Blatano," Zhang Jianying greeted politely. "I'm Zhang Jianying, a trainer introduced by Cyndaquil Champion. I've come to pay a visit."

As soon as he finished speaking, Dr. Blatano's eyes lit up instantly.

"Oh—!" he drawled, his sleepiness vanishing instantly. "You're the trainer Miss Zhulan introduced!" He enthusiastically grabbed Zhang Jianying's arm and pulled him into the research institute without further ado: "Please come in, please come in! It's cold outside!"

The research institute was more chaotic than I had imagined.

The table was piled high with various instruments, documents, and leftover instant noodle boxes. Several running servers sat in the corner, their cooling fans humming.

Dr. Blatano led Zhang Jianying through the cluttered work area to a relatively tidy reception room. He quickly cleared away a few fashion magazines from the sofa, gestured for Zhang Jianying to sit down, and then turned to make coffee.

"Just a moment, I've been working on data all night—"

While frantically searching for a coffee cup, the doctor explained, "Miss Zhulan told me two days ago that you might come, but I didn't expect it to be so soon."

A moment later, two steaming cups of coffee were placed on the coffee table.

Dr. Blatano sat down opposite Zhang Jianying, picked up his glass and took a big gulp, then put the glass down, crossed his hands on his knees, and put on a very gossipy expression.

"So," he leaned forward, his eyes sparkling, "you're the boyfriend of Miss Zhulan that Karuni mentioned, right?"

Zhang Jianying's hand, which had just picked up the coffee cup, froze in mid-air.

"He is indeed a handsome man."

Dr. Blatano looked Zhang Jianying up and down, muttering to himself, "Hmm—she has a third of my youthful charm. Miss Champion has good taste."

Zhang Jianying silently put down his cup, speechless.

He now fully understands why the people of Carlos, when they mention Dr. Blatano, think of his playboy reputation first, not his academic achievements. Isn't your focus a bit too unusual?

"Doctor," Zhang Jianying tried to steer the conversation back on track, "Actually, I came here to—"

'

"I know, I know!" Dr. Blatano waved his hand, smiling brightly. "The special training, both champions told me about it. But before that—"

He leaned closer and lowered his voice: "What's going on between you and Miss Zhulan? Karuni was being so mysterious and vague."

Zhang Jianying: "————"

He desperately wanted to drag Karuni out of somewhere and ask her face-to-face how many people she had spread the news to.

Seeing Zhang Jianying's complicated expression, Dr. Blatano laughed even harder: "Alright, alright, enough joking around."

He leaned back on the sofa, and although he said that, the gossipy glint in his eyes didn't diminish at all.

Zhang Jianying silently took a sip of coffee, inwardly exclaiming that he couldn't take it anymore.

You're a grown man, an authority in the field of Mega Evolution research, how come you're so gossipy?

However, Zhang Jianying suddenly remembered a speculation circulating in the gaming community in his previous life: some people said that Dr. Blatano might be the "unknown lover" of the champion Karuni.

He glanced up at the doctor's handsome face, then recalled Karuni's goddess-like image in the movie—

Well, judging from their appearances, it's not impossible. Plus, they were friends at the same time, so maybe An Xin'er's father really is the one in front of us.

But Zhang Jianying quickly suppressed the thought. For the sake of his own life, and to avoid being beaten up by the people of Carlos in the middle of the night, it was better to keep the secret to himself.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

Dr. Blatano finally put away his joking expression, though his eyes still held a smile. "I heard from the two champions that you came to Carlos for special training in preparation for the League Conference?"

Zhang Jianying nodded.

"They will arrange the special training."

Dr. Blatano waved his hand. "The two of them set off for the Oriannes Forest yesterday, saying they were looking for the newly discovered Garchomp and another Mega Stone for Lucario."

He paused, then his eyes lit up again: "But before that, I heard from Karuni that you can also undergo super evolution?"

When Dr. Blatano mentioned the words "super evolution," his tone became noticeably serious. That researcher's focus finally overcame his gossipy and frivolous nature.

Zhang Jianying put down his coffee cup: "Yes, what's wrong?"

"Fantastic!" Dr. Blatano slapped his thigh. "Mind if I record some data in a bit? I'm very interested in the emotional connection between trainers and Pokémon, especially the deep bond that can trigger Mega Evolution—"

"Of course," Zhang Jianying readily agreed.

"Great!" Dr. Blatano's cheerful demeanor returned. "Let's chat for a bit, then we'll talk more when my assistant arrives. He should be here soon."

So the two of them went back to chatting casually.

However, the topic of this casual conversation has gone increasingly off-topic.

From the principles of Mega Evolution to the delicious food of various regions in Kalos; from the stories of legendary Pokémon protecting the ecosystem to the newly opened dessert shop in Luna City; from trainer battle tactics to the recently released movie about Karen—

While Zhang Jianying dealt with the doctor's rambling and unconventional topics, she secretly clicked her tongue in amazement.

More than an hour passed by in the blink of an eye.

He finally understood why Dr. Blatano was so popular with women—the old guy was such a good talker! And he could switch topics so seamlessly, always finding something that interested the other person.

Just as Zhang Jianying began to consider whether to go directly to the Oruans Forest to find the person, the door of the research institute was knocked on once again.

"Ah, it must be the assistant." Dr. Blatano stood up and walked towards the door.

Zhang Jianying also stood up and stretched his body.

The door opened, and a boy wearing a slightly oversized white coat stood outside. He looked about fifteen or sixteen years old, with dark blue hair and a slightly shy expression.

"Doctor, I'm here," the boy said softly.

"Come in, Ai Lan, come in!"

Dr. Blatano warmly put his arm around the boy's shoulder and led him into the reception room. "Let me introduce you. This is Zhang Jianying, a trainer from Sinnoh and a friend of the Cynthia Champion."

He then turned to Zhang Jianying: "This is my assistant, Ai Lan. A little guy determined to help me unlock the secrets of super evolution, he's a fantastic fellow!"

Zhang Jianying stood up and nodded to Ai Lan: "Hello."

No wonder he looked familiar; isn't he the biggest scapegoat in XY animation?

The one who was initially taciturn and powerful, but whose intelligence was forcibly reduced by the writers later on, and who was arranged to betray Ash—

Alain returned the greeting somewhat shyly, then looked at Dr. Blatano: "Doctor, I've completed my research project. Um—could I have my Charmander now?"

His voice was filled with undisguised anticipation.

Dr. Blatano smiled, a smile full of satisfaction. He reached into his white coat pocket, pulled a red and white Poké Ball, and handed it to Alain: "Of course. You deserve it."

Alain took the Poké Ball with both hands, his fingers trembling slightly. He took a deep breath and pressed the button in the center.

"Bang!"

A flash of red light appeared, and a small orange fire dragon materialized on the floor. It blinked its big eyes, looked around, and when it saw Alain, it immediately cried out happily, "Wow!"

Then she buried her face in Ai Lan's arms.

Ai Lan hugged the little dragon tightly, a bright smile spreading across her face. That pure, undisguised joy made the entire reception room seem a little brighter.

As Zhang Jianying watched this scene, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

He recalled the scene when he first captured Ralts, that small figure walking alone in the wind and snow, which had now grown into an elegant and powerful Gardevoir.

Indeed, the feeling of encountering Pokémon will never change.

He subconsciously touched the Poké Ball at his waist. The ball swayed gently, responding softly.

Dr. Blatano, having observed their reactions, burst into laughter: "Alright, alright. Come with me, let's show Alain what true Mega Evolution is all about!"

He led the way deeper into the research institute.

Zhang Jianying and Ai Lan exchanged a glance and followed. Ai Lan held the little Charmander, his eyes sparkling; his longing for Mega Evolution was written all over his face.

The three walked through a corridor and arrived at the institute's ecology hall. It was a fairly spacious indoor space that simulated various terrains: grasslands, rocks, pools, and even a small artificial beach.

"This is where we test Pokémon moves and battles," Professor Syracuse explained. "The soundproofing and protection are excellent, so feel free to demonstrate."

He took out a portable data logger, adjusted it a few times, and said, "Okay, we can start anytime."

Zhang Jianying nodded and walked to the center of the field. He took the Gardevoir's Poké Ball from his waist and gently tossed it out.

"Gardevoir, I choose you!"

A flash of white light, and Gardevoir gracefully appeared on the field. Its long, sky-blue hair shimmered softly under the indoor lights, and its red antennae swayed gently.

The little Charmander in Alain's arms curiously poked its head out and stared at Gardevoir.

He pressed his finger on the key on the bracelet, concentrating intently.

Gardevoir—

'

The moment he spoke, Gardevoir also raised its head. Their eyes met, and no further words were needed.

Bonds, resonance.

The evolution stone on Gardevoir's hair clip burst forth with dazzling light, and a rainbow of light surged from Zhang Jianying's body, connecting with the white light rising from Gardevoir's body!

Mega Evolution!

As the light faded, Mega Gardevoir reappeared in its original spot. Its posture was more elegant, like the flowing skirt of a black evening gown. The orange structure on its chest became even more prominent.

"Shana~"

Mega Gardevoir spoke softly, its voice ethereal.

Dr. Blatano's recorder beeped, and data scrolled rapidly across the screen.

"Incredible—"

The professor muttered to himself, "The emotional resonance intensity index is so high! My God, this is better than all the data we've recorded before!"

He looked up, his eyes shining: "Zhang Jianying, your bond with Gardevoir is amazing!"

Alain held Charmander tightly, their eyes filled with longing and anticipation. Charmander cried out, and the flames on its tail burned even brighter.

Mega Gardevoir twirled gracefully across the field, its sky-blue hair fluttering in the wind. It raised its hand, and a pale blue Psychic energy ball condensed in its palm before slowly dissipating.

A few minutes later, Zhang Jianying and Gardevoir were de-Mega.

Dr. Blatano was still looking down at the data on the recorder, muttering to himself, "Resonance frequency, stability, duration, it's perfect. This is simply the ideal research sample—"

After a long while, he finally looked up, his face beaming with excitement: "Thank you so much! This data will be of immense help to my upcoming research!"

He turned to Alain: "See that, Alain? This is the miracle caused by the deep bond between trainers and Pokémon."

0

Alain nodded vigorously, her eyes resolute: "I will try my best, Doctor. I will also build such a bond with Charmander!"

"very good!"

Dr. Blatano patted Alain on the shoulder. "Well then, it's time for you to embark on your own journey. Only through travel, battles, and experiencing all sorts of things can you truly understand the meaning of bonds."

Ai Lan nodded solemnly. He looked at the little fire dragon in his arms, and the little fire dragon looked up at him with the same determination in its eyes.

Zhang Jianying watched this scene and sighed softly to himself.

He didn't know if, due to the butterfly effect, Alain would encounter Vladari again, or get involved in those events again. But at least for now, the boy's eyes were filled only with longing for the future and yearning for bonds.

This is enough.

"PhD."

Zhang Jianying pulled himself out of his thoughts and asked, "I have a question about Mega Evolution. Have there been any new variations in the Mega forms discovered so far? Or are there any undiscovered species?"

Dr. Blatano stroked his chin, his expression turning serious: "There are definitely more undiscovered species. Research on Mega Evolution has only been in its early stages for a few years. We already know that some Pokémon have different Mega forms, but the evolution stones haven't been discovered yet."

He paused for a moment: "Like I just said, the two champions went to the Forest of Oriannes to search for Garchomp and Lucario's newly discovered Mega Stone. If you're looking for them, you can go there and take a look."

Zhang Jianying nodded. The Forest of Oruans...

If I remember correctly, it should be the place where Yveltal almost destroyed it. Is there really a Mega Stone there?

"However," Dr. Blatano added, "that forest is a bit special, said to be protected by ancient forces. It's best to be well-prepared if you're going."

Zhang Jianying nodded, already having a plan in mind.

He looked out the window; the sky over Miare was a clear, deep blue.

Well, thankfully I didn't go with "Troublemaker" Ash. Yggdrasil and Deer have been asleep for so long; it's impossible for them to wake up the moment I arrived in Kalos—that would be too far-fetched.