Early the next morning, Akg made his way to Professor Oak's lab. His goal was twofold: to begin learning more about Pokémon under the great Professor's guidance, and to officially introduce Rena—his Ralts. He had already decided on the story he would tell: that he had caught her in the Evergreen Forest the day before.
Upon arriving at the lab, Akg greeted the staff and released Rena from her Pokéball. The little Ralts stood beside him, blinking curiously at the new surroundings. Professor Oak and his assistants gathered around, surprised by her appearance.
"Is that… a Ralts?" Professor Oak asked, his eyebrows rising in surprise. "That's a very rare Pokémon, especially in the Kanto region. How did you find her?"
"I caught her yesterday in Evergreen Forest," Akg replied smoothly, keeping his expression calm.
Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That's incredible luck, Akg. Ralts are not native to Kanto—this is truly a rare encounter. Take good care of her. If you train her well, she might become your trump card in the future."
Akg smiled internally. She already is my trump card… she can rival even weak Legendary Pokémon. But he simply nodded and replied respectfully, "Yes, Professor. I'll remember that."
Then, taking a step forward, he added, "Doctor Oak, I'd like to learn more about Pokémon… I was wondering if I could study under you, maybe help out here at the lab?"
The professor looked surprised but impressed. He could see the determination in Akg's eyes. "Of course, Akg," he said with a smile. "You're hardworking and bright—feel free to come by whenever you like."
Turning toward the young woman beside him, he continued, "This is my granddaughter, Daisy. She's an excellent Pokémon breeder and researcher."
Daisy blinked, startled. It was rare for her grandfather to personally introduce her to anyone—especially a boy. Usually, he was so engrossed in his research that social introductions weren't even on his radar.
Akg turned to her and offered a polite smile. "Hello, Miss Daisy. My name is Akg, and I'm twelve years old. It's nice to meet you."
Daisy, slightly flustered but smiling, replied, "Nice to meet you too, Akg. I'm Daisy Oak, a Pokémon breeder and researcher." They shook hands, and she found herself intrigued by the young boy's composure.
Professor Oak watched the exchange with quiet amusement. He knew his granddaughter well—Daisy usually rejected or ignored the many suitors who came from prestigious families. But now, here she was, being unusually friendly with a young boy who technically had no status.
Still, Oak could see something in Akg: potential. Immense potential. Right now, he may be just a boy… but in the future, he'll be someone the world looks up to. If Daisy chooses him, I wouldn't object.
Smiling, he said, "Daisy, why don't you give Akg a tour of the lab? It'll help him get familiar with the place."
"Sure, Grandpa," Daisy replied cheerfully, and turned to Akg. "Come on, I'll show you around."
Daisy led Akg down a polished hallway, the faint hum of machines echoing through the clean, well-lit lab. Rena walked beside Akg, curious eyes scanning every corner. As they moved, Daisy pointed out various rooms.
"This is the Pokémon Analysis Room," she said, stopping in front of a large window. Inside, a Chansey was being scanned by a device projecting its vitals in 3D. "We use this equipment to analyze a Pokémon's health, genetics, and sometimes, even emotional state."
Akg's eyes lit up with interest. "That scan uses bio-spectral data, right? The layers of color probably represent hormone fluctuations or latent energy signatures."
Daisy turned to him, visibly surprised. "You… know about bio-spectral scanning?"
Akg smiled modestly. "Just a bit. I read about it in some research journals." Or more accurately, remembered it from his previous life.
They continued on. Daisy showed him the Pokémon Incubation Center, where eggs were carefully kept under controlled conditions.
"These incubators simulate environments similar to the ones in the wild," she explained. "Some Pokémon eggs only hatch under specific vibrations or temperatures."
Akg nodded. "That makes sense. Like a Larvitar egg would need a vibration similar to seismic activity, right? Otherwise, it might delay hatching."
Daisy stopped walking for a second. "Exactly… that's not common knowledge though. You've really studied deeply, haven't you?"
"I try," Akg said with a shrug, hiding the small smile tugging at his lips.
They moved into the Data Archive Room, where decades of Pokémon behavior, evolution data, and rare encounters were stored in holographic consoles. Akg's eyes sparkled with fascination.
"Can I access some of these files?" he asked.
Daisy tilted her head. "Usually we don't allow public access… but I'll talk to Grandpa. You seem like you'd actually understand it."
As they talked and walked, Daisy found herself genuinely intrigued. Most boys she knew only cared about battling or showing off. But Akg asked thoughtful questions—questions even some researchers didn't consider.
"How did you get so knowledgeable at your age?" she finally asked.
Akg looked out a nearby window before answering calmly, "I guess… I've always been interested in Pokémon, not just training them, but understanding them. Their habits, emotions, strengths, everything. It's more than a battle to me."
Daisy stared at him for a moment, then smiled softly. "You're… different. In a good way."
Akg met her gaze. "Thanks. I think you are too."
That earned him a light blush, which Daisy quickly masked by turning to the next hallway. "C-Come on, I'll show you the testing chamber next."
As they continued the tour, Daisy's curiosity about Akg deepened. He wasn't just smart—he was insightful, gentle with Rena, and clearly passionate about what he was doing. Something about him didn't feel like a regular twelve-year-old.
Professor Oak, watching discreetly through one of the surveillance monitors, chuckled. "He's already starting to make an impression…"