Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 422: Professor Oak’s Visit

Chapter 422: Professor Oak’s Visit

On February 25, 200 of the Alliance Calendar, after a day of flying, Professor Oak's plane finally arrived in the Paldea region.

A Kanto Air passenger plane landed at Mesagoza Airport, its cabin bustling with eager tourists. Among them was Professor Oak, dressed in casual attire, his face lit with curiosity as he took in the sight of the vibrant metropolis.

This was his first visit to the Paldea region!

Mesagoza's architecture exuded Paldean charm, and its centerpiece was an ancient and prestigious academy—Naranja Academy.

Before departing for this region, Professor Oak had done his homework, gaining a broad understanding of Paldea's Pokémon and culture.

Stepping out of the airport and onto the lively streets, Professor Oak marveled at the unique Pokémon casually accompanying pedestrians.

He spotted a green-furred cat-like Pokémon washing its face diligently, a pink Pokémon wielding a small hammer, and a lizard-like Pokémon with a tire-shaped air sac around its neck.

“Oh my! Pokémon that don’t exist in Kanto!” Professor Oak exclaimed, his eyes widening with excitement.

Reaching for his Rotom Phone, he scanned each Pokémon eagerly.

Rotom's mechanical voice chimed in with detailed descriptions:

"Sprigatito, the Grass Cat Pokémon. Its fur has a plant-like texture, and it frequently washes its face to prevent its fur from drying out!"

"Tinkatink, the Metalsmith Pokémon. It attacks groups of Pawniard and Bisharp to collect metal for forging its hammer!"

"Cyclizar, the Mount Pokémon. Since ancient times, humans have used it as a mount. Murals dating back 10,000 years depict this relationship!"

Professor Oak chuckled in amazement. “How convenient these Rotom Phones are! Back in my day, we had to sketch Pokémon for our research notes.”

He reminisced fondly about the early days of the Pokédex before considering whether he should suggest Ash explore Paldea someday.

“No, he’s still traveling in Hoenn,” Oak mused aloud. “I’ll let him finish that journey first. One step at a time!”

Just as his thoughts were drifting, Professor Oak realized he’d gotten distracted.

“Ah! I almost forgot why I came here!” he exclaimed, slapping his forehead. Quickly, he consulted his Rotom Phone for travel options to Kosaji Town.

The answer? A Flying Taxi.

Minutes later, Professor Oak boarded the unique aerial vehicle powered by three Squawkabilly. Ropes connected the energetic Flying Pokémon to a compact carriage with seats for both the driver and passengers.

“This is fascinating!” Professor Oak remarked, admiring the novel transportation method.

The driver, a friendly young man, chuckled. “First time in Paldea, eh?”

Oak nodded enthusiastically. “Indeed!”

“Well, you’re in for a treat! The Squawkabilly Flying Taxi is unique to Paldea. Our neighbors in Galar use a similar system, but their flying taxis are powered by Corviknight instead.”

“Corviknight?” Professor Oak’s mind immediately pictured the massive, steel-feathered bird Pokémon he’d seen earlier in Tsuoka City.

Professor Oak: "I noticed there are Pokémon like Corviknight in the Paldea region. Why not employ them for transport instead?"

Judging by the appearance of Corviknight, it seemed better suited for this job—its size and strength were ideal.

The driver sighed, looking troubled. "It’s not that we don’t want to use Corviknight, but it’s impossible to employ them."

"Oh?" Professor Oak raised an eyebrow.

The driver continued, "There’s a Pokémon called Tinkaton that lives in the Paldea region. It’s highly intelligent, and whenever it spots a Corviknight flying in the wild, it immediately attacks it with its hammer."

Hearing this, Professor Oak’s mind flashed to two words: natural enemy.

Tinkaton was the natural predator of Corviknight, much like the relationship between Caterpie and Pidgeot!

"Ah, I see now!" Professor Oak exclaimed, nodding in understanding. "That makes perfect sense."

The driver smiled sheepishly and returned his attention to navigating the flying taxi.

After a long day of travel, Professor Oak felt his energy waning. Leaning back in his seat, he decided to take a short nap.

When he opened his eyes again, the Squawkabilly Flying Taxi had arrived safely in Kosaji Town. Professor Oak stepped out onto the quiet, charming streets, the atmosphere a stark contrast to the bustling city he had left.

He pulled out his Rotom Phone and opened his private chat with Calyrex, whom he had been referring to as "Farmer."

Since Calyrex hadn’t provided an exact address, only mentioning “Kosaji Town,” Professor Oak decided to send a message for further guidance.

The reply came almost immediately.

[Farmer: Please wait a moment.]

Professor Oak stood patiently, his gaze wandering over the town’s quaint surroundings.

Within minutes, a large, familiar figure landed gracefully before him. A Dragonite! Its imposing yet gentle demeanor caught the professor slightly off guard.

The Dragonite regarded him with intelligent eyes, then turned around and gestured with its head.

“Whoo-oo!” it called out warmly.

Professor Oak blinked in surprise. He pointed to himself. "Do you mean me? You want me to ride on your back?"

The Dragonite nodded, its demeanor both patient and confident.

"Did your trainer send you to pick me up?" Professor Oak asked again, already guessing the answer.

“Whoo-oo!” Dragonite nodded once more.

Understanding the situation, Professor Oak chuckled softly. “Well, thank you, Dragonite.”

Without further delay, Professor Oak climbed onto Dragonite’s back. The dragon flapped its powerful wings, lifting them both into the sky. The serene town below quickly turned into a patchwork of fields and homes as they soared toward the outskirts.

As Dragonite descended gracefully onto the ranch, Professor Oak stepped off its back and immediately noticed a familiar figure waiting for him.

Naoki, standing near the entrance, greeted him warmly with a smile. “Long time no see, Professor Oak!”

Professor Oak’s eyes widened in shock. “It’s you!”

The trainer standing before him was no stranger. Naoki had attended a prestigious Unova banquet last year alongside Champion Alder. Not only that, he had also famously defeated Lance, the revered Dragon Master of the Kanto region.

This memory made an indelible impression on the esteemed professor.

Naoki nodded, his smile unfaltering. “Yes, it’s me. Let me properly introduce myself. I’m Naoki, the owner of this ranch. Welcome to the Paldea region!”

At first, Professor Oak didn’t think much of Naoki’s identity as a rancher. It seemed like a simple, unassuming title.

At Naoki’s invitation, he followed him to the living room for tea and a chance to rest. However, the journey there quickly began to challenge his initial assumptions.

As they walked, Oak’s attention was drawn to the immaculate rows of crops and the bustling activity of Pokémon working alongside the ranch’s systems. Among them, a strong, well-bred Dragonite stood by a field, performing Rain Dance. Dark clouds gathered overhead, and a gentle rain began to fall, irrigating the farmland below.

Naoki noticed Oak’s curiosity and gestured toward the Dragonite. “That’s one of my Dragonites. It’s in charge of watering the crops.”

Professor Oak nodded in acknowledgment, impressed by the Pokémon’s precision. However, his astonishment grew when a large shadow passed overhead. Looking up, he saw a swarm of Dragonite soaring through the skies, each carrying a backpack.

“Dragonite—so many Dragonite!” Professor Oak exclaimed. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Even during his visits to the Dragon Holy Land, the famed Dragon Sanctuary, he had never seen such a gathering.

Naoki glanced up and smiled. “Ah, those are the delivery Dragonites. I recently opened an online store, and they handle customer deliveries. When someone places an order, the Dragonites are dispatched to deliver the goods.”

Professor Oak blinked in disbelief. “Delivery Dragonites?”

He had traveled the world, met countless trainers, and seen his fair share of extraordinary things. But this? A ranch filled with an army of Dragonite serving as couriers?

As realization dawned, a sense of incredulity washed over the professor. A man who had captured so many Dragonite—and who might have connections to legendary Pokémon like Calyrex—could not simply be a humble rancher. His achievements, reputation, and the strength of his Pokémon all pointed to something far greater.

In all his years, Professor Oak had never encountered a rancher quite like Naoki.

Could it be that Naoki retired?

From what Professor Oak knew, some trainers chose to retire as they grew older, venturing into other industries after achieving great feats.

That must be it!

“You look young. Why did you retire so early?” Professor Oak asked, puzzled.

“Retire?” Naoki was caught off guard for a moment.

But soon, he realized what Professor Oak was implying.

—Professor Oak thought Naoki was a retired Champion who had decided to settle down and run a ranch.

Naoki had encountered this misconception many times before. By now, he didn’t feel the need to clarify in detail anymore. So, he simply smiled and said, “Compared to battling, I prefer a peaceful life like this, surrounded by Pokémon.”

“Is that so?” Professor Oak nodded, his gaze sweeping over the ranch and the Pokémon. “You must care about them deeply.”

Naoki smiled warmly. “Of course.”

As they continued walking, Professor Oak’s attention was drawn to the variety of Pokémon on the ranch.

“Dragonite, Cyclizar, Pawmot, Alcremie, Ogerpon, and Flutter Mane—I remember them!” Professor Oak exclaimed with excitement. He recalled seeing them in action during the Unova banquet.

Naoki grinned and nodded. Gesturing toward the Pokémon, he began introducing them. “Over there Gholdengo. Beside Alcremie is Garganacl, and The the Ghost  Horse type over there is Spectrier. The white horse next to it is Glastrier. They are favorites of Calyrex.”

On the other side of the ranch, near the river, some Pokémon were enjoying their time in Snorlax Park. Naoki decided not to rush through introductions, knowing that Professor Oak was brimming with curiosity and would take his time exploring.

Surveying the area, Professor Oak was overwhelmed with excitement. So many Pokémon! It felt like paradise. 

There were more Pokémon species on this ranch than in his entire research institute!

As a scholar devoted to studying Pokémon ecology, Professor Oak felt an irresistible urge to observe and document them immediately. But his sense of responsibility reminded him of his primary objective.

He still hadn’t met the legendary Pokémon—Calyrex—the so-called King of Bountiful Harvests who could use a Rotom Phone to surf the web.

Sensing the professor’s eagerness, Naoki led him toward the house. 

Opening the door with a smile, Naoki said, “Come in!”

“Sorry to intrude!” 

Professor Oak stepped into the room, his face alight with excitement. As he entered, his gaze immediately fell on a majestic Pokémon seated gracefully on the sofa.

It was Calyrex!

Dr. Oak’s heart raced. Finally, he was face-to-face with this legendary Pokémon.

“I don’t think I need to introduce him to you, do I?” Naoki said with a smile.

Calyrex looked at Professor Oak and nodded elegantly. A calm voice echoed telepathically in Professor Oak’s mind. “Greetings, Professor Oak.”

It speaks!

Professor Oak inhaled sharply, his amazement palpable. However, he quickly realized that Calyrex wasn’t physically speaking; this was telepathy.

“Please, have a seat,” Naoki offered, gesturing toward the sofa.

Indeedee brought a cup of black tea to the guest. Professor Oak thanked her, took a sip, and then turned his attention back to Calyrex, his enthusiasm barely contained.

This wasn’t the first time Professor Oak had encountered a Legendary Pokémon. Decades ago, he had crossed paths with Celebi, the time-traveling Pokémon, in a mysterious forest. Yet, despite his prior experience, this moment felt extraordinary.

“Naoki, when did you meet Calyrex?” Professor Oak asked eagerly.

Naoki thought for a moment before responding. “It was during the winter two years ago.”

“Two years ago...” Professor Oak repeated. By his calculations, that would place the meeting in the year 198 of the Alliance Calendar.

“At that time,” Naoki continued, “Calyrex had lost both its power and its memory. It was wandering alone across a vast, snowy wilderness.”

Hearing this, Professor Oak’s eyes widened in shock. “How could such a thing happen?”

Naoki nodded thoughtfully and posed a question in return. “Professor Oak, are you familiar with the Galar region?”

Professor Oak nodded. “Of course.”

Naoki explained, “Calyrex was once the revered king of the Galar region, worshipped by its people thousands of years ago. They built temples in His honor and offered sacrifices to show their devotion.”

Professor Oak was taken aback. “Calyrex was the king of ancient Galar?”

Naoki nodded. “That’s correct.”

The revelation left Professor Oak stunned. The legendary King of Bountiful Harvests, the deity of abundance, was the ruler of Galar in ancient times. The thought was incredible.

But something gnawed at Professor Oak. 'If Calyrex was so revered,' he wondered, 'how did He lose His power and memory, only to end up stranded in the snow?'

Professor Oak frowned, deep in thought. 'Could it have been more than that? Perhaps an external force sought to dethrone Calyrex—someone or something vying for dominance over the region?'

...

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