Chapter 128: Theoretical Conjecture
Professor Oak took the notebook Xiu offered, flipping through the pages filled with Xiu's somewhat scrawled but densely packed handwriting and diagrams. As he read, Oak's initial casual curiosity shifted, his expression growing more focused, more intense. He quickly disregarded the messy handwriting, his entire attention captivated by the content.
He read for a long time, occasionally pausing to reread a section, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. Finally, he looked up from the first few pages, his gaze sharp, questioning. "This model you're proposing… this transformation process… are you certain about this observation?"
"Reasonably certain, Professor," Xiu nodded, meeting Oak's intense gaze. He proceeded to explain his hypothesis, born from the unique, direct experience of being mentally linked with Scyther during the chaotic peak of its transformation.
"It wasn't just absorbing the metal," Xiu elaborated, trying to articulate the complex sensations he'd perceived. "It felt like… Scyther was extracting something from the metallic elements. Condensing it. A specific type of energy, perhaps? This energy then permeated its body, initiating the transformation, acting as the catalyst. The excess metallic material, the parts not converted into energy, were then deposited onto the exoskeleton – the shell, the claws – reinforcing it, changing its properties."
He pointed towards the notebook. "The visible 'metalization'… I believe it's a byproduct of the transformation, not the primary cause of the evolution itself. The shell and claws act as storage sites, maybe even grounding points, for this excess material and residual energy. The real change, the core of the evolution into Scizor… it's happening internally, fueled by this extracted metallic energy."
Professor Oak listened intently, cross-referencing Xiu's explanation with the data from the diagnostic scans, with his own vast knowledge base. Xiu's hypothesis… it was radical. It reframed the entire understanding of Scizor's evolution, shifting the focus from simple material absorption to a complex bio-energetic conversion process. Yet, it fit the observed data remarkably well. It explained the anomalous energy signatures, the unique bio-metallic composition, and even Scizor's altered typing.
"So," Oak summarized slowly, testing the implications, "you're suggesting that the true requirement for Scyther's evolution isn't the metal itself, but the specific energy derived from that metal? The type of metal merely influences the properties of the resulting exoskeleton, the 'byproduct'?"
"That's how I understand it, Professor," Xiu confirmed. "Based on what I… experienced."
Professor Oak fell silent again, deeply considering Xiu's words. 'If this hypothesis is correct… it would be revolutionary.' It didn't just overturn the consensus on Scizor; it potentially offered insights into other metallic or evolution-stone triggered evolutions. But before he could explore those implications, Xiu interrupted his thoughts.
"Professor," Xiu said, his expression turning serious again, "while this theory might be academically fascinating… it doesn't change the immediate problem. My Scizor… it's still exhibiting traits, energy signatures, that deviate significantly from the norm. It's still an anomaly."
"Indeed," Oak acknowledged, pulled back to the practical concern. "Your hypothesis, while compelling, requires rigorous verification. Extensive testing and comparison with standard Scizor…" He trailed off, realizing the implication.
"Which," Xiu finished for him, "brings us back to Scizor potentially being treated as a research subject." He looked directly at Oak. "Professor, I understand the scientific value. But…"
"But you discovered this," Oak interrupted, a sudden realization dawning. He looked from the notebook back to Xiu, a strange mix of admiration and perhaps… frustration?… in his eyes. "This entire theoretical framework… it's your insight, born from your unique experience. This isn't just assisting my research; you've essentially proposed an entirely new research direction yourself."
He handed the notebook back to Xiu. "Publish this, Xiu. Properly document your methodology, your observations, your hypothesis. This could be a landmark paper. Make a name for yourself in the academic community!"
Xiu looked down at the notebook, then back at Professor Oak's encouraging expression. He saw the path Oak was offering – academic recognition, fame within the research circles, legitimacy. It was tempting.
However, he shook his head— a faint, wry smile touching his lips. "Professor," he replied gently, "I appreciate the sentiment. Truly. But… I didn't discover this alone. Without your initial analysis, your equipment, your guidance providing the context… my 'experience' would have just been confusing, painful sensations. I wouldn't have been able to formulate any coherent hypothesis."
Oak started to protest, perhaps thinking Xiu was just being modest, but Xiu continued, his tone firm, sincere.
"What I mean, Professor, is that this isn't my achievement to claim. You know my situation. I came here seeking help for my Pokémon. My goal isn't academic glory or personal recognition. This 'discovery', this conjecture… it's meaningless to me personally."
He paused, then added pointedly, "Besides, Professor, Scizor's research… it was your proposed project initially, wasn't it? I merely provided… unique perspectives. How could I possibly take credit for it?"
Hearing Xiu frame it that way, attributing the discovery back to him, while simultaneously downplaying his own crucial role and reiterating his lack of academic ambition… Professor Oak felt a sudden, sharp pang of irritation. He stared at Xiu, trying to discern his true motive. Was this genuine humility? Or some kind of incredibly sophisticated manipulation? Positioning himself as a mere assistant, forcing Oak to take the lead (and the credit) while subtly guiding the research direction?
"Are you trying to make me feel indebted? Give me charity?" Oak almost snapped, feeling strangely… cornered by the boy's unexpected deference.
"Professor, you misunderstand," Xiu quickly interjected, perhaps sensing Oak's misinterpretation through subtle cues, or maybe just clarifying his own stance. "My priorities are different. I have no interest in pursuing a research career. This," he gestured towards the notebook again, "is just a theory. Verifying it would require significant time, resources, and specialized expertise… things I don't possess."
He met Oak's gaze directly. "My focus has to be on Abra, on Happiny, on ensuring Scizor's stability now. I simply don't have the capacity to pursue this line of research myself, even if I wanted to. That's why I shared my thoughts with you, Professor. Hoping you might find it useful, and perhaps incorporate it into your own work."
His explanation, devoid of false modesty or hidden agendas, seemed to finally convince Professor Oak. The irritation faded, replaced by a thoughtful silence. Oak understood now. Xiu wasn't playing games; he was being ruthlessly pragmatic, focused solely on his immediate needs, his Pokémon's well-being. Academic credit genuinely was irrelevant to him.
"I apologize, Xiu," Oak finally said, offering a rare, sincere apology. "I… misinterpreted your intention. Your hypothesis is indeed… groundbreaking. Potentially revolutionary for the entire field of Pokémon evolution studies." He looked genuinely conflicted. The scientific implications were staggering, yet Xiu seemed completely indifferent to them.
'Knowing less truly is a blessing sometimes,' Oak thought wryly. The weight of knowledge, the responsibility… He remembered his own youthful ambitions, the fierce debates with Bao Ba about the ethics of research versus conservation…
"It's alright, Professor," Xiu replied easily. "Just… some casual thoughts."
He knew he had successfully navigated a potentially treacherous conversation. He had shared his crucial insights without claiming ownership, subtly guided the research direction towards verifying his theory, and reaffirmed his position as a dedicated partner focused solely on his Pokémon's health.
"Well," Oak finally said, shaking his head slightly as if clearing it. "Regardless of the theoretical implications… we still need to proceed cautiously." He stood up. "Let's head back downstairs. It's getting late."
Xiu followed him out of the lab, relieved that the immediate crisis seemed averted, though the underlying problems remained unsolved.
As they walked back towards the living area, Oak paused, seemingly struck by another thought. "You know," he mused, "this energy transformation model you proposed… it might have implications beyond just Scizor…" He trailed off, lost in thought again.
Xiu just nodded silently, letting the Professor ponder the universe's mysteries. His own focus remained firmly on the present, on the next immediate step.