Pokémon Detective Case Files.

It was this exploration of the question that propelled Ms. Cynthia, then a senior trainer, to become a world-renowned mythologist. Before winning the championship title, she first earned the unparalleled academic honor of being a "mythology authority."

In the office, Hugo returned to the floor-to-ceiling window. This time, instead of staring intently at the gate of the Feather Residence, he looked up at the glittering lights of Feiyun City under the night sky.

His three Pokémon were already fast asleep, nestled together. Chimchar was hugging the purple Evolution Stone tightly, drooling as it drifted off to sleep, looking quite content. Azure Ditto seemed to have quickly integrated into the group as well; sleeping, it resembled a purple jelly, being hugged tightly by Piplup and Turtwig as a pillow.

Eevee was woken up by the noise of Ditto joining the team. Both Eevee and Hugo, who had taken a nap earlier, were wide awake and were now taking an elegant and adorable night stroll.

"Buyi?"

What's going on now? Eevee looked at his trainer with some unease, not understanding why she was still frowning and lost in thought so late at night.

Little Eevee couldn't resist taking a few steps closer to Azure. Hearing the footsteps, the girl looked up and casually said, "Eevee, I still have some things to think about. You should go to sleep first... Huh?"

The detective turned around and looked at the girl in front of him with a half-smile.

Azure's eyes widened, as if she had discovered the truth of the world.

In the early days of human civilization, Pokémon and humans coexisted harmoniously. In the early days of human civilization, when there were no Poké Balls, no trainers, and the world was in a completely primitive state, Pokémon and humans spent a happy time together, a time that is etched into the genes of both.

This mirage-like, illusory conjecture, this problem that has troubled Professor Oak for so long, can actually be proven by such a simple fact!

"Yes, that's exactly what you're thinking."

Hugo nodded to the girl with a somewhat nostalgic look: "Just as natural as an apple falling from a tree, right?"

Chapter 085 Azure Myth Myth Deduction

The shock-induced disorientation did not last long.

Before she could even comfort the bewildered Eevee, the evidence she had discovered was already blurted out by Azure—

"It's language, isn't it?"

In the instant she inadvertently spoke to Eevee, Azure realized—the truth buried beneath the calm surface of everyday life…

Regarding Pokémon language, there are two known facts: First, Pokémon can communicate with each other; second, humans are clearly a different type of organism from Pokémon, and therefore cannot understand Pokémon language.

These are undeniable facts, and this phenomenon proves that all sorts of strange and wonderful Pokémon belong to a unique biological category, while humans are outside of this category.

This is why humans cannot evolve, do not possess attributes, cannot use techniques, and do not have any innate characteristics.

However, there is a strange and peculiar thing in the world. Because this strange thing is so ordinary and convenient, this crucial contradiction has somehow escaped the keen eyes of generation after generation of elf doctors throughout the long history of research.

Even today, this contradictory proposition remains a self-evident common sense that people habitually ignore.

The contradiction is that humans cannot understand Pokémon's language, but Pokémon can easily understand human language.

Yes, aside from a few special species that cannot communicate, all Pokémon can understand human speech.

From the newly hatched Caterpie to the Onix lurking deep underground, from the reclusive Politoed Kingcopter in the mountains to the slumbering Regice in the frozen Hoenn Temple… all these Pokémon can understand the commands given by humans.

This cannot be explained by mere coincidence.

Did they acquire these skills later in life? No, that's impossible. Even humans need at least several years to learn a language, yet elves can master both their own race's language and human language within months of birth. This is a task almost impossible to achieve through mere effort.

Do all Pokémon possess an organ similar to telepathy? Are Pokémon born with the talent to understand human body language? No, if you place a Pokémon in a soundproof, transparent room and give it commands through the glass, it will still be completely confused.

Of course, one could conduct an easier experiment: simply ask their spirits if they can understand human language. And if someone did this, they would undoubtedly receive a resounding "Of course!" from the spirits. They might even roll their eyes: "We've been together all this time, why are you still worrying about this?"

So how do we explain Pokémon's mastery of human language?

The similarity in language among Pokémon can perhaps be explained by the theory of shared genetic origins, but there is a biological chasm between humans and Pokémon. Even with today's advanced scientific advancements, scientists have not been able to fully unravel the linguistic principles behind Pokémon.

So, why are Pokémon able to understand human language so easily?

.

"All we need to do is change our mindset!" Azure found herself so excited that her earlobes were burning.

Despite the fact that this was already academic knowledge that had been made public on a small scale, despite the fact that she was simply retracing the steps taken by those who came before her, and despite the fact that the detective in front of her clearly already knew the answer, she was still overjoyed to have discovered the truth herself by using her own brainpower.

"It's not that the Pokémon deciphered human language, but rather that human language itself originated from the language of Pokémon!"

Hugo nodded in satisfaction and praised, "Incredibly insightful. Miss Azure, you have successfully arrived at the truth."

Why can Pokémon understand human speech, but humans cannot understand Pokémon calls? The answer to this question is incredibly simple—human language originated from the imitation of Pokémon calls.

Although humans and Pokémon are different creatures, human language logic followed certain rules of Pokémon language from the very beginning, which is why it can be recognized by Pokémon.

However, this language pattern is only subconsciously imitated by humans. Human genes and Pokémon genes are fundamentally different, so humans cannot rely solely on instinct to interpret this language pattern—this is the real reason why humans cannot understand Pokémon language.

In the primitive era before human civilization, the birth of language also required a process of going from nothing to something. So how did our ancestors create language?

In this world where Pokémon exist, the answer is self-evident: just listen to the calls of the Pokémon right next to you.

“Let’s examine this further.” The detective, seated in an armchair behind his desk, continued the conversation.

"Since humans can learn language from Pokémon, it means that humans began to have contact and communication with Pokémon in the early stages of civilization. Moreover, the fact that Pokémon can understand human everyday language suggests that this communication is far more in-depth than experts previously thought."

Ancient humans could not have learned language from their predators or prey. Only those with whom they could communicate on an equal footing could subtly pass on the earliest glimmers of civilization to their friends.

"Therefore, we can conclude that in the ancient times of human civilization, before human language had even taken shape, a dreamlike utopia where Pokémon and humans lived in harmony already existed in the world," Azure emphasized with great delight.

The detective nodded: "It is precisely because of this history of peaceful coexistence that there are Pokémon like Chansey and Nearspeak that are close to humans. And it is precisely because of this that the authenticity of the first sentence of the Sinnoh fairy tale becomes beyond doubt—and everything can be explained."

Although Azure's primary job is as a Pokémon Trainer, she also undertakes research work to collect Pokédex entries for Professor Oak, making her essentially a professional graduate student. After several close encounters with legendary Pokémon, she couldn't help but become curious about the historical truth of this world.

At this moment, faced with Hugo's speech that used scientific evidence to interpret myths, Azure was completely overwhelmed with emotion.

Because the detective in the white coat in front of me is eloquently discussing the distant history of human civilization.

The shock and impact it brought was no less than her feelings when she first faced a legendary Pokémon in Kanto. In fact, because her mind was involved in the logical deduction throughout the process, the shock was even greater.

What kind of emotional bond will emerge between humans, who have just started from the starting line of civilization and are still learning to speak, and the Pokémon that treat them kindly?

Thinking of the lives of ancient humans who lived with Pokémon, Azure couldn't help but smile from the bottom of her heart.

The awkward emotions built up from the series of events—the little fire monkey crying, Hugo acting, and Ditto's intrusion—have long since vanished.

Hugo spread his hands, delivering his concluding remarks as the curtain fell on this academic evening—

"Therefore, gifts play an extremely important role in the history of communication between humans and Pokémon. By giving gifts, humans express their gratitude to Pokémon; similarly, by receiving gifts, Pokémon establish their initial bond with humans."

The detective sighed as he spoke, "We really need to prepare some nice gifts for the Pokémon."

The girl retorted, "Hugo, you're the one who went too far. Even though it was acting, what you said before was still excessive. You just admitted to sending those children away, how could you say such sad lines?"

"Perhaps it's because I really do have that kind of inferiority complex," Hugo surprisingly admitted. "But I won't do that."

"What compelling reason could this be? Could it be because the original owners of those children were terrifying or something?" Azure stared at the detective with her bright eyes.

“No, it has nothing to do with that.” Hugo didn’t deny it directly. “Although I’m not a qualified trainer, I still believe in the concept of bonds.”

"Bonds?" Azure couldn't believe such a passionate word would come out of the mouth of the detective in the white coat.

“Is it strange? I think this word is quite good. The word ‘bind’ was not originally a positive word. In the past, it was used to refer to restraint and constraint, meaning being tied down by things around you.”

"Ah, that's true to some extent, but nowadays it's more often used to refer to connections like fate or destiny, right?"

"Aren't things like fate and destiny too ethereal and elusive? If you want to describe your relationship with the Pokémon, isn't 'bond' a more fitting term, a connection as strong as a chain? It's this kind of thing that draws your Ditto across the ocean to Unova."

Azure really couldn't refute it.

“That’s exactly why,” Hugo continued in a relaxed tone.

"Using the theory of 'this and that is for the good of Pokémon' to do excessive things is utterly foolish. Humans and Pokémon have been mutually hindering, dragging each other down, and dragging each other down since ancient times. Pokémon lose their freedom and become pets when they meet humans, and humans become lazy and weak and become the protected party when they meet Pokémon, but what does it matter? As long as everyone is happy."

For the first time ever, Azure saw a completely innocent smile on the detective's face.

Chapter 086 Finding a Treasure: Almost a Doll

Perhaps she got too engrossed in chatting last night, because even though it was already Monday, a workday, Bilan still hadn't switched back to work mode.

At this moment, she stood in front of Detective Hugo's desk, rubbing her sleepy eyes, looking as if she might fall asleep at any moment. Little Eevee followed beside Azure, equally drowsy, its big tail dragging limply behind it.

It's strange, though. The chair in front of the desk is supposed to be Azure's exclusive spot, but today someone is already sitting in that high-backed office chair.

Sitting in her seat was a young girl wearing a white sun hat, a light blue sleeveless top, and a red skirt, with long, flowing chestnut hair. A cute Eevee was perched on her shoulder, turning its head to give Azure a mischievous grin.

"Good morning, Ditto, you're so energetic." Azure ignored the Pokémon's prank and shooed the girl who looked exactly like her off the chair. Azure's imposter instantly turned into a purplish-red slime, along with the Eevee on her shoulder.

"Ditto was just trying out Pokémon food," Hugo said, pointing to the empty plate behind his desk. "It's probably because it's a Normal-type Pokémon, and it seems to prefer the one Eevee is currently eating."

"That guy also likes to eat Peach Blossom Jam, and he loves anything sweet." Azure, who knew her Pokémon inside and out, added without thinking, then casually asked, "But Hugo, aren't I in charge of preparing the meals for the Pokémon in the agency now?"

“I’m considering whether to transplant a few more fruit trees in the yard. Originally, these fruit trees were supplied to Douzi as a bargaining chip for the rent, but now with the daily consumption of these Pokémon, we’re starting to run into a deficit.”

"I see." The girl nodded. "So, are there any miscellaneous tasks at the office today that require my attention as their only employee?"

Hugo wasn't a demanding boss, and didn't assign any new work: "The investigation into the dark web and black market is now being handled by Grandpa Tie Xuan. There aren't any cases worth noting at the Feiyun Police Station for the time being. If no client comes this morning, you can rest on the sofa."

"Thank you so much." Azure yawned as she walked towards the rest area, while Eevee wagged its tail and jumped onto the sofa first, curling up to take a nap.

Even detectives can't muster any energy on that dreaded Monday morning. Hugo opened the agency's public email and listlessly browsed the messages.

Despite the media backlash against Hugo, the firm still had the prominent publicity of the Yu Xi Mansion and Touko's mother. While the workload wasn't overwhelming, it was certainly steady.

First, decline any requests that seem too troublesome. For example, vaguely defined surveillance investigations, obviously baseless infidelity investigations, or outlandish field investigations where a detective is hired to find a legendary spirit…

If a detective takes on such troublesome cases casually, he may not only end up making a wasted trip without receiving payment, but he may also have conflicts with those involved in the case, ultimately leaving both parties unhappy.

Then there are the requests to reject those that are completely impossible to complete. For example, a request for a detective to investigate the United Federation's shady dealings free of charge out of a sense of social justice; a request to travel across half the globe to investigate a giant corporation's alleged smuggling activities; and a request to persuade a cheating husband to change his mind...

Hugo carefully read through these letters, then wrote some specific suggestions as concisely as possible, and politely declined.

Even if a detective wanted to intervene in these kinds of cases, they would be powerless. For cases involving a large scale, the detective would still recommend reporting them through police procedures. As for some age-old family problems, Hugo would suggest that they seek mediation from local community organizations.

The rest are some very simple requests, with missing Pokémon cases making up a large proportion of them. Detectives wouldn't normally take on these kinds of requests, but now they can let Azur Lane and the Turtwigs run around doing it.

In addition, there were several routine background check requests. Hugo planned to conduct preliminary online investigations in the morning before contacting clients to confirm acceptance of the requests.

Hugo picked up his coffee and took a sip. Just as he was getting lost in the mundane routines and beginning to lament the lack of innovative crimes in the world—

Outside the gate of Yuqi Residence, there was a loud banging on the door.

The knocking wasn't loud, just a little louder than a normal knock, but it was enough to startle the people inside—because Yuxi Residence has a courtyard and walls, and usually when guests visit, the doorbell should ring instead of the knocking.

Having clearly taken a nap, Bilan hurriedly rushed to the firm's office area, unsure of what to do as she looked at the rattling door.

"Could it be that our enemies have come knocking on our door?"

Eevee and Ditto beside the girl were ready for battle.

The detective stood up and calmly walked towards the door.

"The knocking wasn't loud or soft; it wasn't the kind of knocking that comes from anger, but rather a subconscious action from someone who was nervous. We didn't turn on the main lights in the morning, so the person outside probably wouldn't know what was going on inside, but they kept knocking without hesitation, which means they were familiar with our working hours. Finally, considering that they were able to get through the gate and into the yard, it was quite clear who was standing outside."

Azure then remembered that Hugo had once said he could discern a visitor's identity and purpose from the rhythm of their knocking. So he wasn't just boasting.

Hugo opened the door, and standing outside was an anxious, short-haired older woman.

Azure recognized this person; she was Reina, the eldest sister who was employed to take care of the fruit trees in the courtyard of the Feathered Residence. Azure had seen her a few times before. Azure remembered that Reina also had a very cute little doll, which would always help Reina with its cultivation tools when she was tending to the fruit trees.

“This is our client for today,” Hugo said to Azure, then turned to Reina—

“Miss Tree Berry Cultivator, I can tell you’re a little flustered, but I suggest you take a few deep breaths first. It will help you express your purpose more clearly. Also, it would be best to wait for your 'Almost Doll'. You ran too fast on the way here, and it’s still closing the gate for you at the courtyard entrance.”

Five minutes later, a Pokémon with large, bright blue eyes entered the main hall of the Featherwood Residence. It politely waved and greeted Azure and Hugo, then sat down next to the trainers.

The little fire monkeys had gotten up sometime earlier and, as usual, served hot tea to the guests.

Sitting down on the sofa reserved for clients, Rena took a deep breath and explained to Hugo the reason for her hasty visit—

“Detective Hugo, Miss Azure, I’ve run into a really bad situation, and you two have to give me some advice. Look, my partner, Almost Doll, and I found this on the roadside today.”

The short-haired woman opened her clenched fist in front of the detective and his assistant, revealing the contents inside.

It was a crystal-clear object, like a glass bead, with pink patterns in the shape of a gene spiral.

Azure looked astonished: "Could this be... a Mega Evolution Stone?"

I never expected that after having a super evolution battle in a video game just yesterday, related items would appear in the real world today.

"I heard that Mega Stones attract the corresponding Pokémon, and this stone is pinkish-white..." Hugo stroked his chin, "Could it be the Mega Stone that corresponds to a doll?"

"I don't know. This glass bead starts flashing when it touches a doll. I was wondering if it's some kind of valuable battle item, so I came to discuss it with you." The gardener shook her head vigorously, then looked at Hugo with a puzzled expression—

"By the way, what exactly is that Mega Evolution Stone you guys are talking about?"

The assistant stared blankly, looking like she thought, "No way!" The detective rubbed his forehead and explained—

"A Mega Stone is an item that can temporarily change the form of a Pokémon. Only certain Pokémon can perform this miraculous Mega Evolution. These stones are more common in the Kalos and Hoenn regions, but they don't seem to be found in Unova, which is probably why they're not well-known. Currently, the only Unova Pokémon known to be able to Mega Evolve are..."

The detective pointed to the gardener's side, to the pink Pokémon with its innocent-looking big eyes.