Chapter 68: Charmander, Totodile, Torchic, Turtwig, and Snivy!
"What a magnificent battle! It is a pity that my research focus is not Mega Evolution; otherwise, no matter what, I would have loved to thoroughly study your Sceptile, Ash!"
Upon hearing Professor Birch's words, Zhang Feng simply smiled.
In truth, Zhang Feng was not entirely fond of having his Pokémon subjected to a researcher's scrutiny, but Professor Birch was, after all, a benefactor who had helped him in the past.
To refuse outright would be somewhat inappropriate. Since Professor Birch had no intention of delving too deeply into Mega Evolution himself, it worked out for the best!
At that moment, Professor Oak stepped in and could not help asking, "Ash, how on earth did you enable Sceptile to undergo Mega Evolution? We have only ever heard rumors about this phenomenon. Professor Sycamore of the Kalos Region is actually the one conducting deep research into it!"
Following Professor Oak's inquiry, Professor Birch, Professor Rowan, Professor Ivy, Professor Elm, and even Professor Juniper all wore eager expressions on their faces!
They were hoping to get an explanation from Zhang Feng!
Similarly, Ash, Gary, Morrison, Tyson, Brock, May, Iris, Masamune, and the others all revealed a glimmer of hopeful anticipation.
After all, if they could learn the secret of Mega Evolution from Zhang Feng's lips, could their own Pokémon potentially undergo Mega Evolution as well?
"That's right, Zhang Feng, tell us quickly! I really want to know too!"
Facing everyone's bewilderment, Zhang Feng gently patted Mega Sceptile and said with a smile, "Speaking of which, it was purely a matter of fate. One day, while traveling with Sceptile, I discovered a set of stones. At the very instant our hearts beat as one, it successfully triggered the emergence of Mega Evolution!"
"Because it is an evolution that surpasses ordinary limits, I named this phenomenon Mega Evolution!"
Well, with the introduction of Zhang Feng's theory, Professor Sycamore was instantly left crying in the restroom. Would his research paper, when published later, be treated as mere plagiarism?
If so, how could he possibly hold his head high in front of Professor Birch as a regional professor?
Who could blame him when Zhang Feng was currently explaining the principles of Mega Evolution right in front of a gathering of regional professors?
If a newcomer like Sycamore said the exact same thing later, wouldn't it simply be stealing Zhang Feng's theory?
Did they really think these regional professors were dead and wouldn't notice?
"Therefore, I surmise that every single Pokémon, provided one can find their corresponding Mega Stone and the matching Keystone, should theoretically be capable of undergoing Mega Evolution!"
"However, this is merely a theory in the end. As for how it will truly turn out, countless trainers will still need to test it through practice before we can know for sure!"
Hearing this, Morrison eagerly chimed in, "Does that mean my Blaziken can definitely undergo Mega Evolution too, as long as I can find Blaziken's exclusive Mega Stone?"
Faced with Morrison's question, Zhang Feng smiled and nodded.
"Then my Swampert can do it too!"
As for Tyson, a brilliant flash of light crossed his eyes. If Zhang Feng's Sceptile could achieve Mega Evolution, his own Sceptile undoubtedly could as well!
That was a given.
Thus, making sure to pull out his phone to snap a photo of Mega Sceptile's Mega Stone, Tyson wore a satisfied smile.
"Ash, you took first place this time. Since the rewards were agreed upon beforehand, why don't you tell the professors which starter Pokémon you would like?"
"I can offer you a starter from the Hoenn Region right here. Would you like one?"
Hearing Professor Birch's offer, Zhang Feng could not help but smile at him.
As expected of Professor Birch! Just as Zhang Feng was wondering how to bring up the subject himself, Professor Birch had presented him with the opportunity. What a fantastic assist!
"Yes, of course I want one! I must thank the professors in advance for their kindness!"
In truth, Zhang Feng already had a clear plan regarding his lineup of starter Pokémon.
First and foremost, the primary choice should naturally be the Fire-type starters!
This was because Fire-type starter Pokémon were by far the rarest in the wild. Grass-type Pokémon like Treecko and Bulbasaur could still be spotted in the wild, sometimes even forming entire communities.
Mudkip and Squirtle also had a certain probability of appearing if one specifically searched in bodies of water, but Charmander and Torchic were truly creatures one never encountered out in the wild!
Moreover, since Professor Birch had proactively offered him a starter, he would obviously choose the Fire-type Torchic!
Swampert was exceptionally powerful, but there was still a relatively high chance of acquiring one in the wild later on, so he might as well choose the powerful and dashing Blaziken!
As for the Kanto Region's trio, although Zhang Feng was quite fond of both Blastoise and Venusaur, considering how exceedingly rare Charmander was—and that one still could not capture Pokémon freely within Charizific Valley—he had no choice but to pick Charmander!
Not to mention, if he really wanted to capture a Blastoise or Venusaur in the future, Ash seemed to have encountered both of those species in the original storyline anyway.
There would be plenty of opportunities!
When it came to the Johto Region's starters, if he had to choose, Zhang Feng's absolute favorite was Feraligatr!
Typhlosion and Meganium were a bit lacking in aesthetic appeal, and Zhang Feng was someone who deeply appreciated good looks.
Did they not notice that all the Pokémon he held in his hands were both fiercely strong and breathtakingly handsome?
For the Sinnoh Region, since he already possessed an Infernape, the logical choice next was undoubtedly Turtwig. After all, that penguin looked rather ordinary, whereas Turtwig's final evolution, Torterra, was quite impressive!
As for the three from the Unova Region, if Zhang Feng had to choose, his favorite remained Serperior. If its Ability happened to be Contrary, it could single-handedly sweep through battles—virtually no different from using cheats!
"Professor, does that mean I can choose one starter from every single region?"
Perhaps because of the formidable strength Zhang Feng had displayed, causing all the regional professors to consciously or subconsciously want to build a good relationship with him—or perhaps simply out of the appreciation of seniors for a promising junior—Professor Elm of the Johto Region also expressed his willingness to offer a starter Pokémon.
In the end, all the professors were willing to present Zhang Feng with a regional starter.
As for Gary, he only took two, while Morrison and Tyson each took one.
"Professor, I would like Kanto's Charmander, Johto's Totodile, Hoenn's Torchic, Sinnoh's Turtwig, and Unova's Snivy!"
Listing the five starter Pokémon as easily as reading dishes off a menu, Zhang Feng received the professors' immediate agreement.
Professor Oak could not help laughing and said, "Zhang Feng, I never realized you had such a profound understanding of Pokémon. If you weren't already so exceptionally brilliant on the path of a trainer, based solely on your research into Mega Evolution, I would be tempted to pull you onto the path of a researcher myself!"
Seeing Professor Oak take an interest in Zhang Feng, Professor Birch instantly panicked.
"Hey, hey, hey! Oak, your grandson has already chosen the path of a researcher; don't go trying to recruit the person I've got my eye on!"
For a moment, merry laughter echoed throughout the quiet little town of scientists.
Just at that moment, a hearty voice rang out from the distance.
"It seems everyone is full of energy! Young ones, hahahahaha..."
Hearing this voice, everyone turned their heads to look and discovered an elderly man clad in a sea captain's outfit, riding atop a magnificent Salamence as he flew at high speed toward the town of scientists!
Who else could this person be, if not Drake, the head of the Hoenn Region's Elite Four?