Chapter 162: Professor Sycamore, Heading to Santalune City

On the second day in Lumiose City, Cheng Cheng and Yuko chose to continue exploring the area.

Before doing so, however, Cheng Cheng decided to contact Professor Oak. After waiting for quite a while, Professor Oak finally answered the call.

"Professor Oak."

"Ah, Cheng Cheng. Have you already arrived in the Kalos region?"

"Yes, Yuko and I have safely reached the Kalos region."

"Is that so? How are things over there, then?"

"I've gained a preliminary understanding of the situation here. Research into Mega Evolution in the Kalos region is still in its infancy, and the number of Mega Stones and Keystone discoveries is extremely small. Currently, I've seen a set of Mega Evolution equipment at the local stone museum, but finding suitable experimental subjects for research is still no easy task."

"That's all right. I've also been in touch with Professor Sycamore here in the Kalos region; he is also researching Mega Evolution. You should go to Professor Sycamore's laboratory and coordinate with him first. We intend to collaborate on this research."

"Alright, no problem."

Cheng Cheng hung up the phone.

"Well, Yuko, let's head over to Professor Sycamore's laboratory today."

"Of course, no problem at all! I'd love to learn more about Mega Evolution, too."

Cheng Cheng found the location of Professor Sycamore's laboratory on the map, and then set off for the research facility with Yuko.

Upon entering the laboratory, Cheng Cheng met Professor Sycamore.

"Hello, Professor Sycamore. I am Cheng Cheng."

"Hello, I am Yuko Saito."

"Hello to you both. I've heard about you from Professor Oak. Cheng Cheng, you'll be coordinating the two sides regarding Mega Evolution, correct?"

"Yes, Professor Sycamore."

"Very well, come inside with me first."

"So, Cheng Cheng, how much do you know about Mega Evolution?"

"I don't know an overwhelming amount about Mega Evolution, but I am familiar with a few things."

Cheng Cheng shared with Professor Sycamore what he had previously discussed with Professor Oak.

"Is that so? It seems you actually know quite a lot. Is it a matter concerning genetics? I haven't even researched that aspect yet. It seems Professor Oak was entirely right; you truly are a genius."

"Not at all. It's just that I happen to have a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution myself, which is why I have some understanding of it."

"You have a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution? Professor Oak didn't mention that to me."

"This is my Keystone."

Cheng Cheng handed over his wristband for Professor Sycamore to examine.

"Indeed, that is a Keystone. So, who is your Mega Evolution partner?"

"It's Gardevoir. Come on out, Gardevoir."

"Gardevoir!"

"It's a Gardevoir, just like Diantha's."

"Miss Diantha? The Champion of the Kalos region?"

"Yes, Miss Diantha also has a Gardevoir that can undergo Mega Evolution."

"I see. If the opportunity arises, I would really love to meet her."

"Well, an opportunity is actually coming up. Recently, Miss Diantha is going to hold a public battle in a town near Cyllage City, so we can go watch it then."

"Really? That's wonderful!"

"Alright, let's get back to the matter of Mega Evolution. Cheng Cheng, I wonder if you might lend me your Mega Stone to study?"

Cheng Cheng had anticipated that Professor Sycamore would make this request.

"I'm very sorry, Professor Sycamore. Neither the Mega Stone nor the Keystone can be handed over to you for research. They are the most cherished treasures shared between myself and Gardevoir."

"I see. Well, never mind then."

"Actually, Professor Oak also asked to borrow my Mega Stone for research, and I declined him as well. However, I did promise Professor Oak that if I find any other Mega Stones and Keystones in the Kalos region, I will turn them over to him for study."

"It's indeed extremely difficult to find a complete set of Mega Evolution equipment. I've searched for a long time without finding any."

"I recall seeing a set inside the stone museum, don't you?"

"Yes, but that set is used exclusively for exhibition purposes and cannot be taken out for research."

"Ah, I understand. I will be traveling throughout the Kalos region for a while to see if I can find any other Mega Stones and Keystones."

"Alright then, let's exchange contact information so we can stay in touch."

"No problem."

Cheng Cheng and Professor Sycamore exchanged contact info.

"Since you are representing Professor Oak in conducting research on Mega Evolution here, you should take a look at these materials first."

Professor Sycamore handed a data card to Cheng Cheng.

"Go ahead and study them. Feel free to come find me if you have any questions. In a few days, we'll set off together to watch Miss Diantha's public battle."

"Alright, sounds good."

"By the way, you both have Pokédexes, right? Let me upgrade them for you and add the Kalos region data."

"Thank you for the trouble, Professor."

Cheng Cheng and Yuko handed their Pokédexes to Professor Sycamore. Before long, the upgraded Pokédexes were returned to their hands.

"Then, Professor, we'll take our leave for now."

Cheng Cheng and Yuko left Professor Sycamore's laboratory and headed back toward the Pokémon Center.

"Yuko, I'm sorry. Looks like we can only go sightseeing this afternoon."

"It's fine. It's the same no matter where we go."

"How about this? Why don't we sit down at a café? There's a café in Lumiose City called Sunrise Café, let's go try some coffee there. While enjoying the coffee, I can look over the materials Professor Sycamore gave me."

"Okay!"

Cheng Cheng and Yuko arrived at Sunrise Café and chose a table by the window. Each ordered a cup of coffee. Cheng Cheng took out his computer, inserted the data card, and began browsing the Mega Evolution files.

He had to admit that Professor Sycamore's research on Mega Evolution was much more advanced than his own. Professor Sycamore's research wasn't extremely profound, but it was remarkably broad. He had conducted extensive studies at a foundational level, an area where Cheng Cheng could not compete.

After reading all the materials, Cheng Cheng created a new file. He wrote down everything he knew about Pokémon Mega Evolution, then sent the file to Professor Sycamore.

With the file sent off, Cheng Cheng devoted his attention to enjoying coffee with Yuko.

"Are you done yet?"

"Sorry, I originally promised to keep you company."

"It's okay, I actually really like watching you when you're working."

"Everyone says guys look extremely handsome when they're working hard. It seems that's really true."

"Puh, shameless."

"So, how does the coffee taste here?"

"I don't really like drinking coffee; I prefer fruit juice."

"Is that so? Then let's go get some fruit juice. There's a very famous juice bar around here, too."

"Great!"

Cheng Cheng paid the bill, and the two of them went together to the juice bar.

The juice shop was much larger than Sunrise Café, and even more people had come here for drinks. Cheng Cheng and Yuko found a seat, and a waiter handed them a menu.

"Please give me a Rampaging Iceberg."

"I'll have a Blueberry Burst."

"Alright, no problem, please wait a moment."

Soon, two glasses of juice were served.

Cheng Cheng had chosen the Rampaging Iceberg, though he had no idea what it was made of. Upon tasting it, he discovered it was essentially a glass of tart lemonade. How should he put it? True to its name, drinking it felt incredibly refreshing while also packing an explosive punch. The juice even felt like it was bursting across his palate. Yuko's Blueberry Burst shared similar traits, crafted fundamentally from fresh blueberries.

Cheng Cheng and Yuko swapped juices to taste each other's, only to find they still preferred their own chosen flavors.

After finishing their drinks, Cheng Cheng and Yuko took a stroll through the streets of Lumiose City. Taking a leisurely walk and admiring the city street scenery was truly a wonderful experience.

In the evening, Cheng Cheng had a video call with Professor Sycamore. The two exchanged some further thoughts on Mega Evolution, after which Cheng Cheng decided it was time to leave Lumiose City.

"You're leaving Lumiose City?"

"Yes, Yuko and I have decided to visit other cities first. We can meet up in a town when Miss Diantha's battle takes place."

"Very well then, I wish you both a pleasant journey."

"Thank you, Professor Sycamore."

Cheng Cheng hung up the call, took a bath, meditated, and then drifted off to sleep.

Early the next morning, Cheng Cheng and Yuko departed from Lumiose City and set off toward their next destination.

Cheng Cheng opened the map and checked the locations of Lumiose City and Cyllage City. There were still many cities to pass through along the way from Lumiose City to Cyllage City. Cheng Cheng locked onto his next target: Santalune City.

Cheng Cheng and Yuko traversed Route 5 and finally arrived at Santalune City. Santalune City was a quaint, historic town where most of the architecture was dominated by white and off-white tones.

Naturally, the first place Cheng Cheng and Yuko visited upon arrival was the Pokémon Center. For this trip, Cheng Cheng checked the local points of interest as he always did.

The most iconic landmark in Santalune City was undoubtedly the Santalune Gym, alongside the Roselia statue fountain, clothing boutiques, cafés, and more. There was also a Trainer's School.

Visiting the Santalune Gym right now served no particular purpose. The Roselia statue fountain, however, was worth a look. As for clothing boutiques—that terrifying realm—Cheng Cheng swore to himself he would never set foot in one again this time.

Overall, Santalune City was somewhat smaller than Lumiose City, and its amenities weren't quite as extensive. But Santalune City's scenery felt much closer to nature, making it a great place for living and traveling. The city was imbued with a sense of classical charm and natural flavor.

Cheng Cheng circled the places he wanted to visit on the map and planned his route.

Thus, their sightseeing journey in Santalune City was about to begin. Who knew what kind of events they might encounter this time?