Chapter Seventy: Opportunity, and the Egg That Finally Trembled!

In the morning, breakfast was prepared by Hop’s mother. After finishing the meal, Hop insisted on coming along as well, so they all set out together.

Outside the small town at dawn, the air was fresh and the grass and trees swayed in the morning breeze. Beneath the clear blue sky, flocks of young titmice chirped as they passed overhead. People began to appear in the fields and pastures, starting a new day alongside their Pokémon.

Here, everything seemed so carefree and peaceful.

“Hehe!” Hop, carrying a backpack with a beaming smile, had the egg of a Rookidee inside.

Su Yi couldn’t help but laugh. “You could just leave it at home and wait for it to hatch—you know it won’t hatch that fast.”

“But I’m really looking forward to seeing it hatch! Maybe if I take it out with me, it’ll hatch a bit sooner?” Hop replied, giggling.

“Hahaha, if you truly care for it and look after it, then I’m sure it will,” Leon said with a laugh.

“I can’t wait to see what kind of Pokémon it is!” Hop dreamed aloud.

Su Yi thought to himself: Silly kid, after seeing my team, you should be able to guess what it is just by its color.

“It’s… mmph! Meow?” Grookey was about to reveal the answer when Su Yi stopped it just in time.

Su Yi smiled and shook his head. This “gift” should be unwrapped by Hop himself.

“By the way, Leon, you’re going the wrong way,” Su Yi reminded, glancing at the Rotom navigation on his phone as Leon started off in the other direction.

“Hahaha, I just thought the scenery over there looked nice,” Leon replied, pretending to admire the view.

...

Postwick was a small rural town—beautiful, peaceful, and tranquil. A short distance outside stood a research institute, much like a botanical garden.

This was the laboratory of Professor Magnolia, the renowned researcher of Dynamax phenomena in the Galar region.

“Over here!” Sonia waved from the door of the institute.

“It’s Sonia!” Hop responded energetically with a wave.

“We’re here,” Leon said, nodding with a smile.

“Meow!”

“Come on in,” Sonia invited.

As soon as they stepped inside, a Yamper bounded over, panting and wagging its tail exuberantly. Grookey boldly reached out to pet Yamper’s head, and the puppy leapt up to play, startling Grookey, who darted away with a mewl.

“So, it’s Champion Leon—this must be your younger brother, Hop. I’ve heard about you.” On the sofa sat an elderly woman in a lab coat, who spoke in a calm tone.

“Hello, Professor Magnolia,” Leon greeted respectfully.

“And you must be Su Yi, the one Sonia mentioned, who owns several undocumented Pokémon,” Professor Magnolia said, turning to Su Yi, her gaze lingering briefly on the adorable calico cat Pokémon.

Su Yi looked over at Sonia, who stuck out her tongue sheepishly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t concern myself with those trivial matters,” Professor Magnolia assured him. “I’ve seen the photos of your Pokémon that Sonia took. I’m merely curious about these undiscovered species—just a personal curiosity, nothing more.”

That was a relief.

Su Yi had been worried the professor might press him for answers or ask him to reveal information about his companions for study.

“Although I won’t press the matter, you will eventually have to present your companions to the public. If you trust me, I could introduce you to Professor Oak. He would certainly be very interested in your Pokémon, and if he finds it appropriate, he’d be willing to support and protect you,” Professor Magnolia added, surprising Su Yi.

Her serene gaze seemed to see right through him.

A trainer suddenly appearing with multiple unknown Pokémon, and associating with a champion like Leon—no matter his intentions, exposure to the League’s attention was inevitable. If he hadn’t thought it through, he wouldn’t be so open about it. Now that he was prepared to reveal them openly, as a professor, she was more than willing to welcome these new creatures into the world.

“Then please introduce me, Professor Magnolia!” Su Yi considered for a moment before nodding resolutely.

She was right—his companions would eventually enter the public eye. Instead of being investigated, it was better to cooperate with reputable professors, especially someone as respected as Professor Oak.

Moreover, Su Yi couldn’t ignore the fact that as his number of companions grew, it would be impossible for them all to stay in his “golden finger” forever. Perhaps entrusting some to the professors for research and care was a good plan—the Monster Hunter world was just too dangerous. While the stronger ones might manage, he’d never feel comfortable leaving the weaker ones there.

Also, given the technological gap between the Monster Hunter world and the Pokémon world, if he wanted a stable and lasting life, the Pokémon world was the better choice. And who’s to say he couldn’t try letting the monsters multiply in the Pokémon world?

Su Yi’s mind whirled with possibilities. In any case, this was a good chance to secure his place in this world, and he was willing to give it a try. If Professor Oak wasn’t as kind and friendly as the anime suggested, he could always develop in the Monster Hunter world instead.

“Alright, I can do that. But not just yet—he’s busy with a symposium with the other professors. Once the conference is over, I’ll have Sonia contact you. For now, take this,” Professor Magnolia said, her tone even.

That was just as well—Su Yi still had some things to take care of.

He accepted the Dynamax Band from her, thanking her sincerely. “Thank you so much, Professor Magnolia.”

“No need for thanks. The future of this world will ultimately belong to you young people,” she replied, glancing over at her granddaughter Sonia, who was still a bit immature.

Sonia blinked, puzzled.

“Well, since you’re here, why not stay for lunch before you go?” Professor Magnolia suggested.

“That would be wonderful, thank—” Su Yi began, but suddenly, the “Hunting Guide” at his waist began to vibrate.

“Is someone calling you?” Leon asked, noticing the commotion.

“Meow?” The cat Pokémon looked puzzled, then seemed to realize something.

“Sorry, please excuse me a moment!” Su Yi hurried outside, opening the “Companion Beasts” page in his Hunting Guide. The single egg there was trembling, signaling the arrival of new life.

Finally!

The day had come!

Su Yi took out the egg, placed it in his backpack, and returned to the room.

“What’s wrong, Su Yi? Something urgent?” Leon asked, noticing his odd behavior.

“It’s nothing—it’s just, a baby’s about to hatch!” Su Yi beamed with joy.

“Oh?” Professor Magnolia’s curiosity was piqued.

“Another Pokémon’s about to hatch? From over there?” Sonia asked in surprise.

Su Yi took out the dragon egg he’d placed in his backpack earlier. “That’s right. This little one is really something special.”

“Such a big Pokémon egg?” Even Professor Magnolia was startled.

With a pop, a Poké Ball at Su Yi’s waist opened, and Larvesta appeared beside the egg, gazing at it intently.

“A Larvesta!” Hop exclaimed in astonishment.

“It’s the hero of the hatching!” Su Yi stroked Larvesta’s fuzzy head affectionately.

“Chirp!” Larvesta watched the egg’s movement with excitement.

The dragon egg trembled, cracks spreading across its shell. Light burst forth, filling the living room, and at last, a crisp, youthful cry shattered the silence.