"Super-Ancient Pokémon… what's that?" Gary was once again blindsided by his lack of knowledge.
First Eternatus, now super-ancient stuff—it was all completely foreign to him.
But judging by the expressions on his grandpa and Professor Elm's faces, it seemed like this really was something legit.
Elm had already lost count of how many times he'd been shocked today. "You… you even know about Super-Ancient Pokémon?! That's classified League info!"
He turned toward Professor Oak.
"I swear I never told him. This is actually the first time we've properly met," Oak replied with a sheepish smile.
Super-Ancient Pokémon had appeared back in the Indigo League era. I remember there was even an ancient inscription…
"When the two forces of world destruction unite, black darkness shrouds the sky, golden eyes disrupt the flow of life, and the gate to the other world opens…"
"That's… that's the inscription!" Elm turned to Oak again. "And you still claim you didn't tell him? Weren't the artifacts from that site stored with you?"
Oak was helpless in the face of his suspicion. "I really didn't tell him."
Four years ago, back when Ash had just started his journey, he encountered an archaeology team that had unearthed some kind of prehistoric relic. Though prehistoric, there were no records of it in any known historical texts.
Still, the fact that a gigantic Gengar and a gigantic Alakazam nearly destroyed the world back then was indisputable. Many regions had felt the impact.
Fortunately, a giant Jigglypuff showed up and resolved the situation.
After that, the League quickly locked down all info on the incident. Only high-ranking officials, regional Champions, or top researchers like Professor Oak were privy to the truth.
So how on earth did Caleb know about it?
Oak didn't dwell too long on the issue.
Instead, he turned his attention back to the massive dragon scale in his hand.
"Indeed, Dynamax in Galar is caused by the overflow of Eternatus' energy, and Alola's Totem aura comes from the local Guardian Deities—but they don't have power on this level… If this is linked to a super-ancient civilization, then those ancient patterns on the scale start to make sense."
"But if it really is a super-ancient civilization, there's no one in the League right now who could…" Elm stopped mid-sentence, then suddenly turned to Caleb.
"Don't tell me—you've studied super-ancient civilizations too?"
…Surely not, right?
"Haha, come on, Professor Elm, I just know a little, that's all…"
Caleb scratched his head awkwardly, smiling politely.
Do they really think that highly of me? I'm not some all-knowing god.
This time, it really is just "a little."
Just a little…
A little!
Suddenly, Professor Oak's eyes lit up like he'd just had an epiphany. He smacked his thigh and exclaimed:
"So that's it! That's it!"
"In that case, I'm leaving this scale to you for research."
!!!
Wait, did I say something wrong just now!?
I clearly said "just a little," so how did this burning-hot potato end up in my lap!?
Elm was once again utterly stunned. You're seriously entrusting something this important to him, and you still claim you two barely know each other?
Come on, just admit it—he's your secret love child. Or at least your secret grandson.
Wait, secret grandson…
Elm suddenly felt like everything was starting to make sense.
Caleb looked at the newly acquired dragon scale in his hands and tried to refuse. "No, Professor, this is far too valuable. I really can't accept it."
"You should think this through. That scale came from that Dragonite—it's packed with massive Dragon-type energy. It's a rare tonic for any Dragon-type Pokémon," Oak said casually.
"But Professor, I don't even have any Dragon-types," Caleb replied firmly.
"You will," Oak said, staring at the young man before him with certainty. "Just think of this as a task I'm entrusting to you. I'll make sure to pay you regularly."
Payment?
Well… it's not like he was short on rice at the moment.
But since the Professor insisted, he had no choice but to accept.
Meanwhile, Gary stood there looking completely bewildered.
What's all this about super-ancient civilizations and world-ending threats? Weren't we talking about a giant Dragonite? Are we even on the same page anymore?
And why did Grandpa hand over the dragon scale to someone he's only met once? I didn't even press the B button—why did we just skip an entire chunk of the plot!?
Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, the morning was over.
Caleb had a hearty meal at Professor Oak's lab… well, instant noodles.
Yep, those instant noodles were surprisingly hearty—loaded with sausage and eggs.
Oak, Pachirisu, and Gastly were all eating like it was the best meal of their lives.
Caleb, on the other hand, had to make do with the beef and potato stew Aunt Delia had sent over.
Instant noodles… he hadn't touched those since crossing over. Guess the first thing people forget when they have money is where they came from.
Just before he left, Professor Elm sneakily pulled Caleb aside.
"Professor Elm, you're a good guy, but if this is about that researcher gig again, I really can't—I have a Gym to run."
Caleb opened with a classic "good guy" rejection card, which left Elm momentarily speechless.
"Uh, actually, that's not what I wanted to say. I actually have a different favor to ask you."
"A favor?" Caleb echoed.
"You're not about to give me an egg, are you? Haha…"
Before he could finish the joke, Elm's eyes widened in shock. "H-How did you know?!"
Caleb: …
Wait, seriously? I was just joking.
Once he'd recovered, Elm's expression turned serious.
"This egg… is a little different from most."
Caleb couldn't help but chuckle and tease, "What's so different about it? Is it gonna jump up and punch me or something?"
"…That's actually a possibility."
Elm looked exhausted, like all the lines he wanted to say had already been stolen from him. What was even left?
Did you peek at my script or something!?
Caleb: …
An egg that can hit people—are you serious?
"I know it sounds absurd, but it really does move. The little guy still hasn't hatched. I wanted to entrust it to a capable trainer…"
Caleb interrupted, "What about Ethan? Didn't Oak call him the 'Breeder'? Shouldn't he be good at this kind of thing?"
"Uh… well… Ethan, he…"
Seeing Elm struggle for words, Caleb immediately nodded. "Say no more, I get it. Please, go on."
"So I'd like to ask you to visit the Day Care Granny when you have time. The egg's being looked after there."
Caleb agreed and set a time with the professor.
After all, his Gym Pokémon might be numerous, but there weren't that many species.
And who says no to a free Pokémon?
Besides, he'd never seen an egg that could move. Even Chansey would probably be thrilled.
As Caleb walked away, Professor Elm murmured under his breath, "He really is Oak's grandson—he said everything I was gonna say."
Then he turned and headed back into the lab.
Only Gary, hiding in the corner and eavesdropping, stood there with his pupils shaking.
Grandpa's grandson?!
He had just wanted to confirm whether Elm was trying to poach Caleb while he was distracted. He never expected to overhear that.
Isn't Grandpa supposed to have only me and Blue as grandsons? When did another one show up?
Gary's mind instantly flashed back to all the unusually warm and familiar gestures his grandpa had shown Caleb that day…
No. I need to tell Blue!