Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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Time flew by swiftly, and the weather had turned slightly chilly. The cool autumn breeze swept across the land, bringing a refreshing reprieve from the scorching heat of summer.

Three months had passed since Max's departure. 

Once again, the Oak family was in a celebratory mood. A lavish dinner spread adorned the table as Aunt Fumiko, Liam, and Delia sat quietly, awaiting Professor Oak's return with some good news.

The familiar sound of a car pulling up broke the silence, followed by hurried footsteps. The door burst open, and Professor Oak, dressed in formal attire, entered with an excited expression.

Aunt Fumiko, noticing his demeanor, finally relaxed a little and got up to greet him. Liam and Delia also stood up, with Liam clapping enthusiastically, quickly followed by Delia joining in.

"Congratulations! It seems that from today onward, we can rightfully call you Professor Oak. Ah, it feels so natural to say that! I'm genuinely moved—it's finally official!" Liam exclaimed with a grin.

Professor Oak laughed heartily at Liam's exaggerated expression. He solemnly retrieved a certificate from his bag, carefully opened it, and held it to his chest. 

His steadfast face displayed a mix of excitement, emotion, and wistfulness.

"I owe this recognition to all of you. Liam's contributions were invaluable, to say the least, and Fumiko and Delia worked tirelessly. You've all done so much for me, and I don't know how to express my gratitude, except to say…"

"Everyone! Thank you for your support and hard work!"

Professor Oak stood straight and bowed deeply to the three of them, his heartfelt gratitude beyond words.

This certification was granted thanks to his research and detailed analysis on Leafeon and Glaceon. When the Pokémon League confirmed the existence of two additional Eeveelutions, they decisively approved his application for a doctorate—six months earlier than in the original timeline.

The research had caused quite the stir among the researchers community and the higher ups in the league. 

Seeing Professor Oak's gratitude, Liam hurriedly stepped forward to support him, laughing as he guided him to his seat. For Liam, Professor Oak was genuinely like an elder and like a family member. He didn't need such thanks from him. 

Eating dinner together was far more important.

Everyone sat down. Delia picked up a drumstick and teased the little Gible by her side. The Pokémon leaped to bite it but missed each time as Delia playfully moved it away. 

Gible eventually gave up in frustration, making everyone burst into laughter.

Over the past three months, Delia had frequently visited the Oak household to accompany Aunt Fumiko. Her dedication ensured that Aunt Fumiko remained her kind and gentle self, even during Max's absence, rather than becoming consumed by worry.

Because of this, Liam would escort Delia home every evening. 

This led to the Ketchums looking at Liam with the eyes of potential in-laws, embarrassing both him and Delia. 

Meanwhile, Aunt Fumiko had grown so fond of Delia that she now looked at her as if she were her own daughter—though this dynamic occasionally felt a little strange.

The lively dinner brought immense joy to the Oak household, which hadn't shared such laughter in a long time. They polished off every dish on the table, and Gible lay in Delia's arms, its belly round and full. 

Satisfied, it let out a small burp before falling asleep.

Sometimes, Liam couldn't help but think that Gible might not truly belong to the Land Shark species. It was either too lazy—or overly energetic and a handful or utterly immovable. It was like a small celebrity in the household!

Delia handed Gible over to Liam and accompanied Aunt Fumiko to the kitchen to clean up. Meanwhile, Liam and Professor Oak sat on the sofa, deep in conversation.

As they chatted, a familiar "ding" sounded in Liam's mind.

[Task complete: Samuel Oak's Path to Professorhood!]

[Reward granted: 1,000 exchange points, Personal storage space unlocked.]

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[New Task Issued: Kanto Summit!]

[Task Details: Six months remain until the Kanto League registration deadline. Within this period, meet the requirements to register and claim first place in the final League battles]

[Task Rewards: Each Gym Badge earns 500 exchange points and a random TM. Winning the Kanto League grants 2,000 exchange points, one Pokémon lottery ticket, and three random held items.]

[Task Penalty: Depending on completion progress, one to three system functions will be randomly and permanently disabled.]

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Hearing the system notification, Liam fell silent. He sighed inwardly, realizing it was time to leave. 

Initially, he had hoped to stay with the Oak family even after Professor Oak's certification as this was beginning to feel like home, but the system's punitive task made it clear—it was time for him to venture out.

Professor Oak noticed Liam's unusual demeanor and asked curiously, "What's wrong, Liam? Is something bothering you?"

Liam looked up with a bitter smile, unsure of how to explain.

Seeing Liam's hesitation, Professor Oak seemed to understand. A faint smile appeared as he spoke in a slightly somber tone, "It seems like you've grown up as well. You want to explore the world, don't you? I understand that look in your eyes and your feelings."

Liam could only smile softly. He hadn't even said anything, and yet Professor Oak had figured it out.

A sudden clatter of breaking plates came from the kitchen. 

The room fell silent for a moment before Delia emerged, flustered and hurriedly removing her apron. She avoided Liam's gaze, bowed slightly, and stammered, "I-I need to go home now. Professor Oak, thank you for everything. I'll take my leave."

Before anyone could respond, she turned and left in a rush.

Seeing Delia like this, Liam felt a pang of guilt but didn't know how to address it.

"What are you standing there for? Go after her!" Professor Oak urged.

Startled, Liam placed the little Gible on the sofa—where it rolled a few times before stopping—and sprinted out.

He saw Delia turning the corner just as the moonlight illuminated her figure. Something glistened at the edge of her cheek—it must have been tears.

"Delia! Wait! Please let me explain!" Liam called out, chasing after her.

"Delia! Wait! Let me explain!" Liam called out anxiously, running toward her. Before he could get far, her slightly trembling voice reached him from a distance.

"Don't come any closer! I'm fine—I just need some time alone. Please, let me be."

Liam stopped in his tracks, watching her silhouette disappear into the distance. A heavy sense of helplessness settled over him. He stood there for a long time, lost in thought, until Professor Oak emerged from the house.

"I won't pry into the affairs of you young folks," the professor said with a sigh. "But Liam, if you've decided to venture out into the world, all I can do is wish you well, just as I did for Max. So... get in the car. I have something to give you."

Professor Oak started the car and gestured toward the passenger seat. 

Professor Oak gestured toward the passenger seat of his car, and Liam, shaking his head with a wry smile, got in. With a press of the accelerator, the car sped toward the lab, with Prof. Oak deliberately avoiding the route past Delia's house. 

He didn't want the two to face any more unexpected encounters that night.