The two-day weekend break had e to an end, and Natsume had to return to school for csses. However, after the worldline shifted, Tokyo Metropolitan Uy had undergone a dramatic transformation.

  Walking through the campus, it was on to see boys and girls carrying Poké Balls, with some even having their Pokémon follow them around. Most of these Pokémon were small in size, like Pidgey, Growlithe, and Skitty. Some students even zoomed past on Linoone.

  "Rag Pokémon is prohibited on campus!"

  "Calm down, supervisor! Those are from the Battle Department. They're training today!"

  Natsume checked the school's website and noticed that a rainer Academy" had beeablished in the southern campus. Among its programs, "Pokémon Battle" and "Pokémon Care" were listed as top-tier majors. However, these had little to do with Natsume, who was maj in finance.

  Although a few Pokémoed elective courses had been added to his schedule, the core tent of his major-specific courses hadn't ged much.

  "Good thing I still have time to review, or my schorship for this semester would be in jeopardy," Natsume muttered to himself.

  Indeed, Natsume was not only a game streamer but also a top student. He sistently ranked withiop three in his department, and he had a pete for a national schorship in the sed half of the year. Despite being a freshman, his good looks and excellent grades made him popur across all grades.

  The first elective css of the m was "Sinnoh Pokémon History." When Natsume arrived at the lecture hall, it was already packed.

  "Natsume, over here!"

  Kazuya, Natsume's roommate who was double-maj in w and puter sce, waved at him. Despite his buzz cut, Kazuya's reg hairline in the shape of an "M" betrayed his age, making people think, "This guy is a powerhouse!"

  Natsume quietly sat down in the seat Kazuya had saved for him and whispered, "Why are there so many people today? The professor doesn't even take attendance."

  Kazuya chuckled, "Didn't you check the group chat? Today's css is being taught by a guest lecturer, a Pokémon Professor!"

  Natsume was slightly surprised, "A Pokémon Professor? From where?"

  "The Sinnion—Professor Rowan!"

  The lecture hall erupted in appuse, and a few reporters with cameras even squeezed in from the back. A stern-looking elderly man with a mustache walked in slowly, carrying a briefcase. His gray hair was slicked back with gel, and he wore a gray overcoat with a blue velvet vest and a tie. After clearing his throat, he greeted the css in English:

  "I am Rowan from the Sinnion. Today, I will be yuest lecturer."

  The buzzed with excitement.

  Kazuya, trying to tain his excitement, whispered, "Professor Rowan is an expert in Pokémon Evolution and is sidered the top schor in the Sinnion!"

  Natsume's expression was plicated. "I know him."

  "You know him?"

  Of course, Natsume knew him. Wasn't this the same Pokémon Professor from the Sinnion who gave out the starter Pokémon trio to rainers?

  Despite the initial excitement, the students quickly settled down and began to listen attentively. Although the lecture was entirely in English, Professor Rowan's expnations were clear and engaging, drawing everyone in.

  "The history of Sinnoh Pokémon dates back to the mythical era and be seen as a mi of the world's Pokémon history."

  "In the legends, the singurity formed after the Big Bang gave birth to the oldest creatioy, Arceus."

  "Subsequently, Arceus created deities g time, space, and antimatter... Ohird day, Arceus bestowed emotions, will, and knowledge upon living beings..."

  Just as everyone was engrossed in the lecture, Professor Rowan suddenly tapped the bckboard and said sternly:

  "Perhaps many of you will never enter this Pokémon histain in your lives."

  "But history is a rare treasure for humanity, and it is equally valuable for you."

  Tokyo Metropolitan Uy's key disciplines were in the humanities, which was likely why the school had invited Professor Rowan to lecture.

  As Natsume was deep in thought, Kazuya nervously elbowed him.

  Professor Rowan tinued, "Does anyone here know the names of the Pokémon from these mythical epics?"

  The atmosphere in the grew tense. After all, few people would bother memorizing such obscure names. In a parallel world, it would be like trying to recall the names of heroes from the "Homeric Epics"—even FGO pyers might not get them all right.

  Seeing that no one responded, Professor Rowan stroked his mustache and said, "It's alright if you 't recall them. You also share your thoughts on the perspective of Pokémon history."

  He sed the room and nodded, "The handsome young man in the front row, why don't you give it a try?"

  At the mention of "handsome," all eyes in the turo Natsume.

  Kazuya, trying hard not to ugh, elbowed Natsume again, his eyes almost tearing up from suppressed ughter. If it weren't for his reg hairline, Kazuya could have been a handsome man too.

  "Professor, may I ahe previous question instead?"

  "Of course."

  Professor Rowan nodded in surprise. "The three deities who bestowed emotions, will, and knowledge upon living beings are..."

  "Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie," Natsume answered calmly.

  "Acc to the legends, they reside in Sinnoh's Lake Verity, Lake Valor, and Lake Acuity, respectively."

  The fell silent.

  Kazuya gnced bad saw the girls in the back row staring at Natsume in awe.

  "...Yes, your answer is quite accurate!" Professor Rowan nodded appreciatively and began to cp.

  The erupted in appuse, and the sound of camera shutters clig could be heard from the baatsume, however, looked puzzled.

  That's it?

  Is knowing the names of legendary Pokémon really such a big deal?

  I even know about Ultra Nea. If I mentiohat, it would blow your minds!

  "As expected of Natsume, one of the top three students in his year!"

  "Hey, are you crushing on him?"

  "Stop it!"

  Kazuya, hearing the teasing from the back row, expressionlessly pulled out a copy of "Java Programming Language" from his bag.

  Only through tinuous learning one bee stronger!

  After css, the students respectfully filed past Professor Rowan, who nodded solemnly. A group of teachers surrounded him, and Natsume was about to leave when he was suddenly called back.

  "Natsume, excuse me, do you have any pns for this afternoon?"

  Professor Rowan had specifically called out Natsume.

  Natsume was slightly taken aback. Uhe envious gazes of those around him, Kazuya nudged him forward.

  "Hello, Professor. I don't have any other csses this afternoon."

  Professor Rowan's expression softened. "I have a few specialized courses this afternoon. I would like you to apany me as an interpreter."

  A wave of low murmurs of envy spread through the room.

  Thnized as Pokémon Professors were undoubtedly leaders in their respective academic fields. The opportunity to apany one was a dream e true for many.

  And now, Professor Rowan had personally invited Natsume.

  Clearly, this was a sign of Professor Rowan's favor, Natsume a ce to gain practical experience!