Su Feng arrived at Cheng Meng's office and knocked, but no one answered. Peeking inside, he found it empty. Of course—if she were free, she'd have replied to my texts.
At the reception desk, the receptionist jumped to her feet. "Mr. Su! How can I help?"
"Where's Cheng Meng?"
"Professor Cheng is in a meeting. Should I notify her?"
"No need. Just point me there."
"Conference Room Two."
"Thanks."
Outside the conference room, Cheng Meng's voice carried through the door:
"These Pokémon exhibit a crystalline transformation, resembling cut gemstones. Their heads develop crown-like gems colored to match specific elemental attributes..."
Terastalization? Su Feng leaned against the door to listen.
Thud!
Cheng Meng yanked the door open, nearly sending Su Feng tumbling. He caught himself on the doorframe.
"Phew. Close call."
Cheng Meng raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"
"Uh… came to invite you to something."
She gestured for him to enter. Inside, a dozen young researchers in lab coats sat rapt. One beside Su Feng vibrated with barely contained fangirl energy.
Cheng Meng resumed her presentation, dark circles under her eyes betraying exhaustion:
"Despite their crystalline appearance, their physical hardness remains unchanged—texture akin to gelatin. Temperaments stay consistent, and the phenomenon is region-locked."
She paused, locking eyes with Su Feng. "Mr. Su, any insights?"
All heads turned.
Clearing his throat, Su Feng slipped into "livestream mode":
"This is Terastal Phenomenon. It's tied to underground Tera Jewels that leak elemental energy, altering a Pokémon's type temporarily. The crown gem's color reveals its new Tera Type. For example, a Fire-type could become Water—or even gain wings!"
Murmurs erupted. "He's insane!" "How does he know this!?"
Cheng Meng nodded. His explanation matched weeks of their data. "Dismissed. Submit reports on Terastalization by Friday."
After the room cleared, Cheng Meng slumped into a chair. "What's this invitation?"
"A livestreamed Pokémon Academy. Your sister's already in."
"No time. Too much research—"
"Exclusive insights. No reruns."
Cheng Meng sighed. "Fine. Where?"
"Y City's southern region—where the Tera Jewels are."
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you—"
"Trade secret~" Su Feng winked. "See you there, Professor."