Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 478 - 477: Professor Birch

Littleroot Town, a small village in the southern part of the Hoenn region.

Originally, it should have been a remote and obscure place, much like Pallet Town. However, due to the presence of one individual, this little town gained significant importance in the Hoenn region.

Professor Birch is one of the few in the Pokémon world to hold a doctorate in Pokémon research. The last one Cain encountered was Professor Oak from Pallet Town in the Kanto region.

However, unlike Professor Oak, who focuses on Pokémon evolution research, Professor Birch studies Pokémon habitats and their distribution.

Earlier, Cain had contacted Professor Birch using the details provided by Professor Oak.

Tropius landed on the outskirts of Littleroot Town, and Cain entered directly.

Unlike Pallet Town, even though Littleroot Town also hosts a Pokémon professor, its status in the League doesn't compare to that of Pallet Town.

While many powerful trainers have emerged from Pallet Town, Littleroot Town's fame is entirely due to Professor Birch.

Dressed in a League trainer's uniform, Cain walked through the village without drawing much attention. Following the signs along the way, he arrived at the entrance of Professor Birch's lab.

At that moment, a man in a white coat was already waiting at the door.

As soon as he saw Cain, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over. "You must be Cain, right? Professor Birch has had me waiting here for quite a while."

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Recognizing Cain immediately was due to the fact that there weren't many trainers in Littleroot Town. With so few, most of them knew one another, so a stranger like Cain was easy to spot.

Cain gave an apologetic smile and said, "I'm very sorry, I got delayed along the way. Thank you for waiting."

The man in the white coat wasn't upset; he waved it off and said, "It's no problem at all. It's just that the professor will need to head out for fieldwork soon, so if you hadn't arrived, it could've complicated his schedule."

Pokémon researchers like the man in the white coat were very similar to scientists from Cain's previous life: results-focused and often lacking emotional intelligence.

Cain nodded, and the two quickly walked into the lab.

Much like Professor Oak's lab, the interior was filled with cluttered scientific instruments.

Perhaps all professors prefer not to concern themselves with such minor details.

Amidst the bustling crowd of white-coated individuals, Cain spotted Professor Birch.

Among a group of slim individuals, Professor Birch stood out with his robust frame. He was tall and sturdy, and if he had chosen to train Fighting-type Pokémon, it would have suited him perfectly.

Curiously, though, he ended up as a Pokémon research professor.

Professor Birch also noticed Cain, and with a smile on his face, he strode over.

"Professor Birch, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I truly apologize for the inconvenience," Cain said quickly, expressing his regret.

Professor Birch clapped Cain on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry about it; it's not an urgent matter. Let's take care of your concerns first."

After dismissing the man who had brought Cain to the lab, Professor Birch motioned for Cain to follow him.

The two headed toward the inner part of the lab.

"Cain, do you mind if I call you that?" asked Professor Birch.

"No problem at all, feel free to use my name," Cain replied.

"Great! I received an email from Professor Oak a few days ago, and I was quite surprised. A mid-level Pokémon breeder at just sixteen years old—that's no small feat!" Professor Birch walked ahead, continuously praising Cain.

While the profession of Pokémon breeder isn't as prominent in the Hoenn region, with the League's expansion, breeders' fame has gradually spread everywhere, and Breeder Guild buildings have been established in many major cities.

It's a very popular profession among trainers, as it provides significant benefits.

Cain scratched his head modestly and said, "Ah, those are just exaggerations. It's not that impressive."

"Haha, no need to be so modest with me! I know your master, Master Matsuda."

As they walked deeper into the lab, they engaged in simple conversation.

Primarily, Professor Birch asked questions, and Cain responded.

It wasn't clear if it was because Professor Birch was in a hurry or if it was just his nature, but he walked at a brisk pace.

Perhaps due to his field research experience, he needed to move quickly to save time. Cain had no trouble keeping up, though he did notice how fast they were moving.

After a few minutes, they arrived at the lab's backyard.

Like many Pokémon professors, Professor Birch's backyard was a vast garden where Pokémon roamed freely.

Specializing in habitat and distribution research, Professor Birch's backyard was different from Professor Oak's. It featured many diverse terrains, such as deserts, rocks, lakes, forests, gardens, and grasslands, each occupying a section of the yard.

Within these terrains lived Pokémon suited to those habitats.

Cain briefly observed the Pokémon in the various terrains and noted many rare ones.

If someone could manage to steal everything here, they'd become rich.

But clearly, no one had the power to do so.

Cain even spotted a Flygon in the desert area.

Although the distance was too great to scan its data, as a Pokémon breeder, Cain could judge from its appearance that this Flygon was at an Elite level of power.

He wasn't sure if it belonged to Professor Birch.

Professor Birch led Cain straight to the central lake.

There was a small artificial waterfall cascading from a rocky mountain, and the lake housed many Water-type Pokémon, from both the Hoenn region and others.

"According to what Professor Oak mentioned, you're planning to establish a Water-type Gym in Leafy Town, so you need a Mudkip as your starter Pokémon," Professor Birch said, stopping by the lake.

Cain nodded. "That's correct."

"Very well. I've been to that little town; it's a relatively underdeveloped place. You're not originally from Hoenn, yet you're working hard to help develop less fortunate areas. That's not easy. If more people in the League were like you, it would be wonderful," Professor Birch said with admiration.

Cain remained silent.

If the League had more people like him, the League would cease to exist, with Team Rocket members everywhere, and Team Rocket would end up replacing the League entirely.

Professor Birch took out a special whistle from his pocket and blew it.

"Fweeeee!"

The sound echoed across the lake.

Several blue heads began to emerge from the water.

Mudkip.

A large number of Mudkip lived in that lake.

(End of Chapter)

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