Chapter 141: New Equipment, Pokémon Move into the Outpost (4K)
Although turning monsters into Pokémon-style creatures and allowing them to multiply in the Pokémon world is a fascinating concept, there are still countless things that need to be done beforehand.
For instance, which monsters should be granted visas to cross over? Should they be brought in as hatchlings and eggs, or transferred directly as adults?
Issues such as the dietary habits, ecological niches, suitable living environments, reproduction, and coexistence with native Pokémon of these Pokémonized monsters all need to be resolved; these require careful consideration and research.
Such tasks are beyond the capability of Su Yi alone. They will likely require the concerted efforts of numerous professors across the Pokémon world.
Therefore, this will be a long process of exploration, one that cannot be completed in a short span of time.
Moreover, Su Yi has only explored a fraction of the New World, and he has yet to encounter many of the monsters residing there.
Thus, this is merely the inception of Su Yi’s idea. Right now, it is only at the preparation stage, and the path ahead is long and arduous.
Before all that, Professor Oak must be allowed to thoroughly study the exact differences between Pokémonized monsters and native Pokémon so that the plan can be implemented slowly, step by step.
"Professor Oak, there is one more thing I'd like to ask of you." Su Yi released his Honedge.
"In~" The Honedge affectionately nuzzled against Su Yi.
"Oh? This Pokémon?" Professor Oak looked in astonishment at the rusted, nicked Honedge.
After Su Yi explained the detailed background of the Honedge, Professor Oak stroked his chin in thought and said, "Ghost-type Pokémon with such unique life forms have always been a major challenge in the field of Pokémon research. However, I will ask my old friends to join me in studying it."
"Then I'll leave it in your hands, Professor Oak," Su Yi said solemnly.
"Don't mention it. Researching these types of Pokémon is our job to begin with, and furthermore, you've provided the research material. The study of this Pokémon is of great significance to us," Professor Oak said earnestly.
Pokémon research is not limited to the base stats, types, abilities, and moves encountered in battles; it also involves an in-depth study of their life forms and composition, which is essential for a deeper understanding of Pokémon.
Take the current case, for instance: Pokémon born from souls inhabiting inanimate objects—when their physical vessel is damaged, how should it be repaired?
Once this is understood, many similar Pokémon can be studied and treated by extension and analogy.
The same applies to the research on Su Yi's Palamutes and Palicoes: what are the characteristics of their types, abilities, and moves? Can this knowledge be applied by analogy to help in the study of other similar Pokémon?
In short, both parties have mutual needs. Su Yi wants to use Professor Oak's resources to realize his vision, while Professor Oak wants to study Su Yi's companion beasts.
Professor Oak granted Su Yi the right to access the research institute, and Su Yi seized the opportunity to activate an [Outpost], which would allow him to teleport between the research institute and Mustard's dojo.
By this point, Su Yi had established a foothold in both worlds: he had forged an exploratory partnership with the New World Research Commission in the Monster Hunter world, and a research partnership with Professor Oak in the Pokémon world.
The goals of traversing these two worlds were gradually becoming more interesting.
What Su Yi needed to do was continue exploring the New World, capturing monsters, and bringing them back for the Commission and Professor Oak to study.
In the Pokémon world, he needed to challenge tournaments, continuously improve his combat proficiency, and attain sufficient status and standing.
He could even emulate Mustard: after acquiring enough wealth and fame, purchase a large island and build a miniature "New World" within the Pokémon world.
From initially just wanting to adventure and travel between two worlds, to now gradually changing things along the way and bringing about incredible transformations—isn't that fascinating and deeply meaningful?
"The significance of traveling between two worlds, you say?"
Su Yi picked up the golden-fingered volume he called his *Hunting Guide*. The Blue Star on the cover of the book reflected a faint azure light in the sunlight.
"Does the Blue Star that guides the way guide not only humanity, but also monsters, and perhaps even worlds?"
The Pokémon world possesses advanced technology, even boasting many sci-fi-like marvels.
Consequently, the research conducted here can be much more refined and detailed than in the Monster Hunter world. However, researchers here do not possess the rich, generation-after-generation accumulated knowledge of monsters that the Monster Hunter world has.
It is fair to say that each side has its own advantages.
Yet, the prerequisite for everything is that Su Yi is able to capture and tame the monsters; otherwise, all research would be in vain.
Naturally, Su Yi would not put the cart before the horse and halt his adventures and travels for the sake of research.
After having an enthusiastic discussion about research with Professor Oak, Su Yi intended to set off once again, officially heading to the Hoenn region to embark on his challenge journey.
Before leaving, however, Su Yi casually learned through subtle inquiries that Ash had already arrived in Hoenn.
Before Su Yi reached the research institute, Ash had already departed from Professor Birch's lab heading towards the Rustboro Gym, and he was temporarily unreachable.
"So it's this time period? Since I'm here to participate in the Ever Grande Conference, doesn't that mean I'll be competing on the same stage as Ash?" Su Yi muttered to himself.
"Still, we're finally going to meet, Ash!" Su Yi curved his lips into a grin.
Su Yi planned his recent itinerary on his Rotom Phone, then intended to temporarily return to the world of Monster Hunter.
After all, the subjugation operation against the Anjanath and Fulgur Anjanath was approaching, and Su Yi needed to keep a close eye on it and make preparations for the hunt.
As soon as Su Yi returned to Astera, he was informed that the intelligence gathering was complete and the final refinements to the plan were underway.
In the command center, all the key members of the Research Commission were present.
"Su Yi, you're just in time. Take a look and see if anything needs to be added. After all, you'll be the main force dealing with those two thugs," the Commander said, spreading out a stack of intelligence reports.
"Let me see." Su Yi took the reports and began reading them carefully.
The intelligence was extremely detailed. After three days of investigation, the research team had grasped the general behavioral patterns of the Anjanath and Fulgur Anjanath.
This included the timings for activities such as hunting, patrolling their territory, sunbathing, and sleeping.
Next came the general behavioral patterns of the Rathalos and Rathian couple, though these were somewhat more ambiguous.
In short, synthesizing all this intelligence yielded the most suitable time window for the hunt.
During that time window, interference from other monsters could be minimized to the greatest extent, thereby vastly increasing efficiency and safety.
"We will dispatch two teams of hunters. One team will coordinate and hunt alongside you."
"The other team will secure the perimeter to ensure other monsters don't intrude, and stand by to provide backup. All supporting supplies have also been prepared."
The Commander indicated that everything was in readiness.
Ah, now *this* is what you call professional!
Su Yi pulled a pile of items from his backpack and smiled with a chuckle. "The plan is very detailed. I have nothing to add, and I've made some preparations on my end as well."
At that moment, the *Hunting Guide* at Su Yi's waist flashed with a prompt light.
However, right now was not the time to check the [Quest].
"Oh?" The Commander looked at the items Su Yi placed on the table with curiosity in his eyes.
"These are two-way radios with a communication range of about eight kilometers, which is more than enough to cover the combat zone."
If not for a shortage of funds, Su Yi would have bought a high-grade radio communication system. With the technological level of the Pokémon world, covering the entire Ancient Forest might not even be an issue by then.
At that rate, the Commander could even direct hunts directly from the command center in the base.
And the Pokémon world still had plenty of other sci-fi gadgets.
Who was still engaging in traditional hunting at a time like this?
"And this, Aibo, a gift for you—a camera, a voice recorder, a portable photo printer, along with these spare batteries, film rolls, and memory cards."
"These things are..." The Commander picked up a walkie-talkie, turning it over to inspect it from all angles.
Su Yi began to introduce these items one by one, demonstrating their uses individually.
"A device that enables long-distance communication, a machine that records real images and sounds..."
Listening to the introduction and witnessing firsthand what was happening right before his eyes, the Commander could not help but marvel at the precision and magical nature of these machines.
"Items possessing such a high level of technology can give us tremendous assistance. Thank you very much for your support, Su Yi!" the Commander said gratefully.
"However, we cannot accept your things for free."
"From the very beginning, you've been helping us—from providing materials for the Third Fleet's hot air balloon, to tracking the traces of Zorah Magdaros, and all kinds of intelligence..."
"Now, we can't accept these valuable things for nothing," the Commander said in a deep voice.
All they had contributed in return was converting an abandoned training area into a simple shed, alongside some conveniences and intelligence.
"I have no idea what these items are worth to you, so you should name the price."
"Then just give me some materials whenever I need them," Su Yi thought aloud.
These items weren't actually very expensive. In the Pokémon world, the truly valuable things were related to Pokémon, followed by art and genuine high-tech products.
These gadgets didn't cost much, but trading them for some monster materials was fine too.
"Very well. Whenever you need them, just have the Handler take you to collect them," the Commander nodded.
"Aibo, Canteen!"
"What is it?"
"Meow?"
Su Yi and Canteen turned their heads toward the Handler simultaneously.
Click!
The Handler pressed the shutter button, then eagerly held the camera up to Su Yi's face and asked, "How's that? Is this how it's operated? Hehe!"
"With this, let me record every single hunt of ours from now on!" Holding the camera and looking at the clear photo on the screen, the Handler could not put it down.
A new war correspondent was born.
"There might be even more interesting things in the future," Su Yi smiled.
Two different worlds, brimming with all kinds of unknown possibilities.
"What about me? Is there anything for me?" Seeing something so interesting, Aiden could not help stepping forward and asking expectantly.
"As for that..." Su Yi pulled out a few Poké Balls.
"Commander, this is the matter regarding our further cooperation that I wanted to bring up. Come out, everyone!"
Su Yi tossed the Poké Balls, and seven or eight Rookidee and Corvisquire fluttered into the air above the command room.
"These are?"
"They are also Pokémon, belonging to the Corviknight family. They possess thoughts and personalities. Having heard tales of Corviknight's exploits, they wanted to come over and start their own adventurous lives here."
"However, it remains to be seen whether they can adapt to the exploration of the New World. Therefore, I want to let them enter Astera, operate alongside the hunters for a period of time, and then decide for themselves whether to stay here."
"Of course, if a hunter is able to become a Trainer, I will respect the wishes of both parties and let them become official partners."
Once Su Yi finished speaking, the Rookidee and Corvisquire swarmed around him, letting out enthusiastic cries.
"Are they like Palico companions?" the Commander realized.
"That's right, but don't underestimate them, oh." Su Yi took out his Rotom Phone and played a video of the Rookidee evolving all the way into Corviknight.
"This is! The organism rapidly changed amidst a flash of light?!" the director of the Ecological Research Institute said in astonishment.
Su Yi explained, "This is another special characteristic of Pokémon."
"A vast majority of Pokémon will evolve once they have accumulated enough power or met certain conditions, achieving further growth. Their appearance will change in a short span of time, and some of their abilities may alter accordingly."
"These Pokémon called Rookidee are the initial form of Corviknight. They will evolve into Corvisquire, and ultimately into Corviknight."
Su Yi released a Corviknight, then had the Rookidee, Corvisquire, and Corviknight stand side by side.
"Incredible. Evolution usually requires long stretches of time and countless generations to accomplish, yet these creatures can complete it in such a brief period," the director of the Ecological Research Institute adjusted his glasses.
Actually, Pokémon evolution is not "evolution" in the true biological sense—regional forms adapting to various locales fit that concept slightly better, but never mind that.
"In other words, if a hunter cultivates them with care, they can also cause these Pokémon to evolve into something like a Corviknight?"
The Commander felt a stirring of interest. He had once heard that certain regions trained small monsters to serve as hunting partners, such as a certain canine fanged beast.
Moreover, he had witnessed Corviknight's capabilities firsthand: formidable offensive prowess, a carrying and flying capacity far exceeding that of Rixy, and most importantly, the ability to engage in complex communication and interaction.
Was this not a superior hunting partner?
"I am very welcoming of your joining us," the Commander nodded earnestly.
"Chew~"
The Rookidee responded happily.
"Let me make one thing clear beforehand: this place is extremely dangerous. You may choose your own Trainers, but you must obey instructions in the wild; the hunters have much more experience. If you can't adapt, leave—don't push yourselves beyond your limits."
Su Yi repeated in detail everything he had previously admonished them about.
"Chew~" The Rookidee and Corvisquire chorused in unison.
"Commander, I hope they can choose their Trainers according to their own will, so please allow them to move freely around the base. Also, please inform the Commission members in the base not to harm them."
"Furthermore, they are sentient beings, not tools. Therefore, I hope the hunters partnered with these Pokémon are capable of cherishing them and genuinely treating them as companions," Su Yi said with a serious and earnest expression.
While some hunters could form partnerships with Palicoes and care for one another, there were also hunters who hunted solo and disliked having other creatures tag along.
Additionally, imparting knowledge about various Pokémon to the hunters was something Su Yi would need to handle. All in all, this was quite a substantial undertaking.