Chapter 93: The Famous Professor Oak

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A violent explosion erupted from underground, and the shockwave surged to the surface, instantly scattering the dust and sand in the room, revealing the aftermath of the battle.

Part of the ground had collapsed, and Onix had coiled its body into a defensive ring, shielding itself from the impact of the explosion.

Deep within the caved-in ground, a Muk and a Voltorb lay motionless, their eyes spinning—clearly, they had lost the battle. The outcome was obvious.

"Return, Muk, Voltorb. You two did well."

Koga, expressionless, stepped toward the collapsed area, took out two PokeBalls, and recalled his defeated Pokémon.

Then, he turned to face Liam.

Liam also walked forward, stopping beside Onix. He patted its tough, rock-like scales and praised, "Well done. You performed exceptionally this time—it proves you've grown even stronger."

Onix's greatest desire was to keep getting stronger, and hearing Liam's affirmation, it let out a triumphant roar of joy.

Afterward, Liam recalled Onix into its PokeBall and turned to look at Koga, who was approaching him. He remained in place, waiting for Koga to speak.

"Hmph. You got lucky this time. Fine, let's just say you won." Koga snorted coldly and pulled out a pink, cherry blossom-shaped badge, tossing it toward Liam. "Here, take the Fuchsia Badge and get out of my sight."

Liam raised his hand and caught the badge, then looked at Koga with amusement.

At first, he had found Koga annoying—arrogant, aloof, and unpleasant to talk to. Not to mention, the guy had tried to intimidate him when they first met, and on top of that, he had built his Gym deep in the mountains, making Liam waste half a day just trying to find it.

To put it simply, Liam had arrived at the Gym challenge already in a bad mood.

But now, his opinion of Koga had changed. The guy had a strong sense of responsibility, raising his young sister on his own, and his strength was undeniable.

If anything, he might actually be a good friend to have.

"Heh, then I won't be polite. I'll gladly accept it," Liam said as he pocketed the Fuchsia Badge. Then, he extended a hand toward Koga with a grin.

"Let's start over. My name is Liam, from Pallet Town. You already know my goal—challenging Gyms across Kanto and aiming for the Pokémon League. I'm going to be the Champion. So, how about becoming friends with the future Champion? That way, you can brag about it later."

Koga looked at Liam's outstretched hand for a moment, then reached out—but instead of shaking it, he smacked Liam's hand away.

"Annoying. If you don't feel like leaving, you can help me fix the floor. Otherwise, get lost."

With that, he turned and walked away with his sister. After taking a few steps, he glanced back over his shoulder and added, "If you want to be my friend, wait until you've actually won the Championship."

Then, without another word, he opened the door and disappeared inside, shutting it behind him.

Liam chuckled at Koga's response, then turned and left the Fuchsia Gym.

Shortly after, the Gym challenge rewards came in.

[Ding!]

[Mission: Kanto Summit! Gym Challenge 7/8 Completed! Fuchsia Badge Obtained.]

[Rewards: 500 Exchange Points, TM Dark Pulse x1]

[Ding!]

[Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Awakening Blood.]

[Defeated the Fuchsia Gym. Fuchsia Gym Fragment x1 obtained. 500 Exchange Points awarded.]

[Current Fragments Collected: Viridian Gym, Pewter Gym, Cerulean Gym, Vermilion Gym, Saffron Gym, Celadon Gym, Fuchsia Gym.]

Before nightfall, Liam returned to Fuchsia City and handed his PokeBalls over to Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center.

He was just about to head to his room to rest when his attention was caught by the large public TV screen in the lobby.

On the screen, a smiling female host was speaking excitedly.

"Hello, everyone! It's time for your daily Pokémon news update! Today, I have some groundbreaking information to share. As you all know, half a month ago, researchers confirmed the existence of new Pokemon type —Dark-type! This discovery has shaken the Pokémon research community and deepened our understanding of Pokémon."

"And today, we are honored to have the man behind this incredible discovery with us—the one and only Professor Oak! Please give him a warm welcome!"

The camera shifted, followed by a round of enthusiastic applause.

On screen, a well-dressed middle-aged man sat with a smile on his face—none other than Professor Oak himself.

"Professor Oak, it's a pleasure to have you here! May I ask what good fortune led to the discovery of this new Pokémon type?" the host asked with a bright smile.

"Haha, I wouldn't exactly call it a stroke of luck," Professor Oak replied with a chuckle. "I've mentioned this before, but I didn't discover the Dark-type alone. In fact, my assistant played a much larger role than I did. He was the first to propose the theory, and after extensive research and verification, we confirmed its existence.

"So I can't take all the credit. If that little rascal found out I was hogging all the spotlight, he'd probably complain to his aunt about me. Hahaha!"

The host blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting Professor Oak to immediately downplay his own contribution. Curious, she asked, "Professor, from the way you speak about your assistant, it almost sounds like you're talking about your own child. Am I imagining things?"

Hearing this, Professor Oak's face lit up with pride.

"Haha, I wouldn't mind it if he were my son. That way, I'd have two exceptional kids! But no, he's my assistant—smart, capable, and my most trusted student. Honestly, he keeps me in check more than I keep him in check… makes me feel like he's the one managing me instead!"

Professor Oak shook his head with an exaggerated sigh, looking like a man who had been thoroughly "supervised."

Liam, watching the broadcast, couldn't help but chuckle. A warm feeling spread in his heart.

He never cared about taking credit for the discovery—Professor Oak could have easily accepted all the recognition without mentioning him, and Liam wouldn't have minded.

But Oak didn't do that. He repeatedly emphasized that the discovery was a joint effort, refusing to take sole credit. That… that was what family felt like.

Back on screen, the host smiled awkwardly but maintained her professionalism.

"Professor Oak, you're too modest. Your humility is something we should all learn from. As the former Kanto Champion, a researcher who obtained his doctorate in just three years, and the man who discovered two of Eevee's evolutionary forms and pioneered the study of Pokémon abilities… And now, with this discovery of Dark-type Pokémon—how do you feel about your incredible achievements?"

Professor Oak pondered for a moment before replying seriously, "My thoughts are simple. There is still so much we don't understand about Pokémon. I believe there are countless mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

"My discoveries are just the tip of the iceberg. If we found Dark-type Pokémon, who's to say there aren't even more types out there? Pokémon are fascinating and full of wonders. I won't let my current success make me complacent—I'll continue exploring, learning, and deepening our understanding of these incredible creatures.

"My hope is that humans and Pokémon will always coexist in harmony, supporting one another. That's all I have to say—thank you."

As soon as Oak finished speaking, Liam was the first to start clapping. Soon, the entire Pokémon Center followed suit, and the applause filled the room.

Later that evening, Liam dialed the Oak residence.

The call connected, and Professor Oak's face appeared on the screen.

"Liam! Haha, saw the broadcast, did you?"

"Of course! Professor, you were amazing!"

"Hah! You say that, but I still think I'm not suited for public interviews… I felt so stiff the whole time!"

"Haha, better get used to it, Professor. You're famous now!"

And so, the night passed in warm conversation between the two.