Theo leaned against the cold stone wall, the hoarse voice from earlier and the scenes from the murals echoing repeatedly in his mind.
"The Draconid people… a thousand-year seal… Mega Evolution is not betrayal… it is rebirth…"
He murmured softly to himself.
Combining those words with the image of the Draconid people surrounding and attacking Mega Altaria in the mural, the pieces slowly began to fall into place.
Altaria was originally a dual Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon, but after Mega Evolution, its Flying-type would change into Fairy-type.
It would become a Dragon and Fairy-type Pokémon.
And Fairy-type was precisely the natural counter to Dragon-type.
Dragon-type moves had absolutely no effect on Fairy-types.
Perhaps in the eyes of the people called the Draconids in the mural, this kind of evolution that could suppress its own kind was itself a form of "betrayal."
They feared this unknown power, and thus regarded the evolved Altaria as a traitor, launching a coordinated attack against it.
"But if it's a traitor, then the one sealed shouldn't be Altaria. Why is it Flygon instead?"
Theo frowned as he thought.
Perhaps Flygon had been sealed…
because the Draconids feared that it might follow the same "evolutionary path" as Altaria, worried that another existence capable of threatening Dragon-types would appear.
So they used the power of that green scale, which likely came from Rayquaza, to imprison it here.
Of course, these were only Theo's speculations.
Unfortunately, he could not decipher the ancient text on the murals. The real reason would have to wait until he could consult experts later.
Just as Theo was deep in thought, Metang beside him suddenly let out an excited hum.
Theo looked up and saw ripples forming in the space next to Metang.
Like a stone dropped into water, layers of distortion spread outward.
Soon after, the air at the center of the ripples twisted and folded, and a familiar figure appeared along with a powerful surge of Psychic energy.
It was Steven Stone.
Beside him stood his silver-colored Metagross and the many-eyed Claydol.
"Mr. Steven!"
Theo was both surprised and delighted. He had not expected Steven to arrive so quickly, and the tension in his body immediately eased.
The moment Metang saw the shiny Metagross, it rushed forward like a child who had been wronged.
It pressed affectionately against Metagross's face, emitting a low humming sound, its red eyes filled with dependence.
At the same time, it used its psychic power to relay its recent dangerous experience in fragmented bursts, even gesturing toward the depths of the cave with its metal limbs.
At this moment, Metang seemed to have reverted to its earlier Beldum-like personality, like a child complaining to its guardian.
The shiny Metagross lowered its head and looked at Metang gently, extending one of its metallic limbs to lightly tap Metang's head.
Then its gaze shifted toward the direction of the passage Theo had just fled from.
A trace of anger flashed in its red eyes, and a powerful aura spread from its body.
Clearly, it had received Metang's message and learned what had just happened, triggering a protective instinct.
It looked as though it might charge into the cave at any moment to drag out that mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon and hold it accountable.
Steven noticed this and shook his head slightly before turning to Theo.
"It seems you really did run into quite a bit of trouble just now."
He paused, his expression becoming serious.
"Tell me everything again, from beginning to end. Do not leave out a single detail."
Theo nodded.
He recounted everything, from Larvesta's strange reaction, to the discovery of the cave, the murals, and the appearance of the mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon.
During this, Theo also released Larvesta from its Poké Ball.
The little chubby Pokémon had already recovered after resting and was now curiously observing Claydol with its many eyes.
Claydol, in turn, used its psychic power to gently lift Larvesta, its numerous eyes blinking as it studied the unfamiliar Pokémon.
It was as if it were examining a completely new specimen.
After listening, Steven unconsciously rubbed his chin, a thoughtful glint appearing in his eyes.
"I see… Meteor Falls… the Draconid people…
I have been to Meteor Falls several times before.
I have mined quite a few minerals in the caves here and am fairly familiar with the terrain, yet I never noticed this cave at all.
That green scale you mentioned is very likely a scale shed from Rayquaza. Otherwise, it would not have been able to block the perception of my Metagross and Claydol.
If not for your Larvesta sensing Rayquaza's aura, this hidden cave might have remained undiscovered forever."
Larvesta seemed to understand that it was being praised. It proudly raised its head.
All five of its antennae flickered with small flames, showing its excitement.
Claydol's many eyes immediately lit up, staring intently at Larvesta's antennae.
Being watched by so many eyes made Larvesta uneasy. It quickly used its thread to retreat back onto Tyrantrum.
Seeing this, Claydol swayed slightly and instantly shifted position, floating above Tyrantrum's back.
Its numerous eyes continued to observe both Larvesta and Tyrantrum, like a scientist deep in thought.
Seeing Claydol's old habit resurface, Steven immediately spoke.
"Alright, Claydol, do not scare the little one.
Larvesta, do not be afraid. Claydol is just curious about unfamiliar things. It will not harm you."
After reassuring Larvesta, Steven patted Theo's shoulder.
"Let's go. Take me to see that mysterious Pokémon. With Metagross and Claydol here, you do not need to worry about safety."
The shiny Metagross immediately stepped forward, its massive body taking the lead and giving off a strong sense of security.
Metang, meanwhile, climbed onto Metagross's body, waving its metal limbs excitedly as it pointed toward the direction of the mysterious Pokémon deep within the cave.
It looked as though it was saying, "I will lead the way. It is over there."
Theo and Steven exchanged a glance, both seeing a trace of amusement in each other's eyes. With Steven backing him up, Theo felt much more at ease.
As they stepped once again into the passage leading to the main cavern, the cold air remained biting.
But this time, Milotic did not need to expend energy to counter it.
Claydol, floating behind Tyrantrum, released a powerful wave of psychic energy.
A large blue barrier formed around Theo and Steven's group.
Like a solid shield, it completely blocked out the freezing air, leaving them unaffected.
Metang excitedly waved its metal limbs atop Metagross, guiding it forward.
The two Pokémon took the lead, quickly advancing toward the depths of the cavern.
...
When Theo stepped into that enormous cavern once again, his gaze was still irresistibly drawn to the murals on the stone walls, deeply shaken by their presence.
Those murals that recorded the legend of Mega Evolution and Rayquaza were just as awe-inspiring upon a second viewing.
Under the blue glow emitted by Claydol's psychic power, the murals appeared even clearer, as though silently narrating the passage of a thousand years.
On the distant altar, the mysterious Pokémon resembling Flygon had already opened its eyes. The ring-like wings behind it fluttered faintly.
Its crimson gaze was firmly locked onto Theo and his group, and the energy fluctuations around it were even more intense than before.
Seeing this, the shiny Metagross immediately used its psychic power to lift Metang off its back and send it safely back to Theo's side.
Then it strode forward heavily, advancing toward the altar.
Metagross slammed its four powerful metallic limbs against the ground, using the rebound force to launch itself forward like an arrow released from a bow.
Its speed formed a strange contrast with its massive body.
A low roar echoed.
The mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon did not hesitate. It opened its mouth and unleashed another Dragon Breath filled with terrifying power, aimed directly at Metagross.
The orange-red dragon energy surged forward like molten lava, even stronger than when it had attacked Theo earlier.
But this time, the situation was completely different.
Steven's Metagross did not dodge at all. Its entire body shone with a silver metallic luster, as though it were clad in an indestructible suit of armor.
It charged straight into the Dragon Breath.
When the attack struck its body, it was like a stone sinking into the sea, leaving not even the slightest trace.
In the blink of an eye, Metagross had already reached the mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon. One of its metallic arms rose high before swinging down with tremendous force.
Behind it, the illusion of a massive meteor appeared, carrying overwhelming pressure.
It was Metagross's signature move.
Meteor Mash.
At the same time, a striking red glow lit up on Metagross's body, as if some kind of enhancement had been triggered, doubling the power of this strike.
A dull, heavy impact echoed.
The punch landed solidly on the mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon.
Its body trembled violently, and the faint glow surrounding it dimmed significantly, clearly having taken considerable damage.
In pain, the Pokémon's eyes flashed with intense anger.
It let out a furious screech as a violent red light erupted from its body, its energy surging rapidly. It was clearly preparing to unleash a powerful move.
At that moment, streams of data-like light flashed within Metagross's eyes.
A powerful wave of psychic energy surged forth like a tide, crashing directly into the mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon.
The mental attack struck its consciousness like a heavy hammer, causing its body to freeze instantly.
Its gathering of energy was forcibly interrupted, and confusion and pain flickered across its eyes.
Seizing this opportunity, two more massive meteor-like projections appeared behind Metagross, their momentum even more overwhelming than before.
A double Meteor Mash was unleashed.
Two successive flashes of red light lit up on Metagross's body, causing its already massive form to swell even further.
This time, the mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon could no longer withstand the assault.
Its body shattered like fragile glass, breaking apart into countless fragments that transformed into specks of red light.
The remaining force of the Meteor Mash continued forward, striking the altar and instantly smashing it into pieces, sending debris flying everywhere.
At the very moment the mysterious Pokémon's form completely dissipated, that hoarse and ethereal voice echoed once more within the cavern.
This time, its tone carried a sense of release and relief.
"Thank you… Altaria's evolution… the fear of the Draconid people… made us bear the name of 'traitors' for a thousand years… today, through your power, the shackles have been broken… the secret of Mega Evolution… is no longer a taboo… the future of dragonkind… lies in accepting all forms…"
The voice gradually faded away.
The last remnants of red light condensed into two objects before falling to the ground.
One was a wristband, identical to those worn by the Draconid people in the murals, with a multicolored gemstone embedded in it.
The other was a cracked, earth-yellow round stone, resembling the Mega stone Theo had previously obtained in exchange with Steelix at Steel Gorge.
Through the system panel in his mind, Theo quickly learned the information about these items.
[Keystone: A key item that resonates with Mega Stones, allowing certain Pokémon to Mega Evolve.]
[Flygontite Mega Stone: Allows Flygon to Mega Evolve under the guidance of a trainer holding a Keystone. Incomplete, damaged, failed, unfinished product.]
But that was not all.
As the altar collapsed, three stone pillars suddenly rose from the ground.
Each pillar was engraved with a different Pokémon.
They depicted Salamence, Garchomp, and Altaria, along with their respective Mega Evolution forms.
At the top of each pillar rested a wristband and a brightly colored, shining orb.
These items also appeared within Theo's system panel, revealing their identities.
They were Keystones and the Mega Stones of Salamence, Garchomp, and Altaria.
Seeing these rare items appear, Metang immediately used its psychic power to carefully lift them.
It floated them one by one in front of Theo and Steven for inspection.
Steven had already possessed a Mega Stone for Charizard, and under Theo's subtle guidance, had also obtained one for Aggron.
Now, comparing them with the murals, he could roughly understand what these items were.
Without hesitation, Steven took out a round metallic device from his pocket and quickly operated it with his fingers.
Moments later, a holographic projection appeared above the device.
An elderly man with white hair and beard, wearing simple pajamas, appeared before Theo and Steven.
This person was the highest authority across the regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, the Chairman of the Pokémon League:
Charles Goodshow.
The old man yawned and rubbed his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.
"Steven, what are you doing? It is already eight in the evening. Do you not know that old people go to bed early? You and Wallace are both equally troublesome. I still have to worry about the affairs of the Hoenn League at my age. This device was given to you for remote video conferences, not for disturbing my sleep in the middle of the night."
"Chairman, please take a look at this first."
Steven ignored Chairman Goodshow's complaints and stepped aside, allowing the murals around them and the floating items to come fully into view in the projection.
Charles Goodshow had just lowered his hand from rubbing his eyes. He had originally intended to ask who the half grown boy standing beside Steven was, but the moment he saw the image of Rayquaza on the mural, all traces of sleepiness vanished. His eyes widened instantly.
"This is…?"
As Steven calmly explained everything, from Theo discovering the cave, to the contents of the murals, to the appearance and defeat of the mysterious Flygon-like Pokémon, and even the suspected items related to a new form of evolution, Goodshow's expression gradually changed from shock to seriousness, and finally to deep contemplation.
After a moment of silence, he spoke to Steven.
"Wait a moment. I will notify the others."
With that, his holographic projection disappeared.
Taking advantage of the pause, Steven turned to Theo and explained,
"This is a special cross regional remote projection communication device made by the League. It is only used when handling major League affairs or holding emergency meetings. Wallace and I are often busy outside, so we usually attend meetings remotely through this device. It looks like this time it is finally being put to proper use."
As soon as he finished speaking, the device in Steven's hand emitted a series of crackling sounds.
Goodshow's holographic figure reappeared, and soon after, several more illusory figures materialized within the cavern.
They were Wallace, Professor Birch, Professor Oak from Kanto, Professor Elm from Johto, Professor Rowan from Sinnoh, and Steven's father, the president of the Devon Corporation, Joseph Stone.
"What is so urgent at this hour? Chairman, why are you calling everyone up in the middle of the night? Do you not know that lack of sleep is bad for the skin? Oh, well well, Theo and Steven, how did you two end up together?"
Wallace's voice rang out first.
Even dressed in sleepwear, he maintained his elegant demeanor, and upon seeing Steven and Theo, he could not help but tease them with a smile.
Chairman Goodshow shot him a glare.
"Enough, Wallace. Stop interrupting. Only a few of you have been notified so far. Quickly take a look at the surroundings."
All the figures present turned their attention toward the murals and the floating items.
For a moment, no one spoke.
It was clear that they were all deeply shocked by what they saw.
Steven once again carefully recounted the entire sequence of events, ensuring that everyone fully understood the situation.
After confirming that everyone was up to speed, Charles Goodshow stroked his beard and said,
"Alright, since everyone now understands the general situation, I will begin assigning tasks.
Mr. Stone, arrange for Devon Corporation personnel to come here as soon as possible. Have them take complete rubbings of all the murals and texts and preserve them properly. After that, we will convene a League meeting to discuss this matter in detail."
President Stone nodded immediately.
"No problem. I will contact the team right away and have them bring professional equipment. They will set out immediately and should arrive before dawn."
"Professor Birch, can you recognize the writing on these murals?"
Goodshow turned to ask.
Professor Birch shook his head, his tone careful and professional.
"No, this is not my area of expertise. You would need to ask Professor Cozmo or Professor Eve. They are the real experts in this field." Charles Goodshow
"My student, Researcher Foster, can also help. He has a unique understanding of ancient ruin texts."
Professor Oak added at the right moment.
[Professor Cozmo: History lecturer at Rustboro Pokémon Academy and a leading authority on meteorite research, nicknamed "the heretical professor who studies rocks instead of Pokémon."]
[Professor Eve: A "ArchaeologistProdigy" who deciphered ancient scripts at the age of six, specializing in research on super-ancient civilizations and Pokémon writing systems.]
[Researcher Foster: Solved the puzzle at the entrance of the Ruins of Alph, triggering the appearance of a swarm of Unown, and established the connection between the Ruins, the Unown and the Ancient Scripts.]
Charles Goodshow nodded.
"I see. Then we will have to wait until the murals are copied before inviting them to participate in deciphering during the League meeting. But just from the content of the murals, it seems these stones can allow Pokémon to achieve a new form of evolution. This is truly astonishing."
"It really is," Wallace continued.
"Unfortunately, the exact method is still unknown. We will have to wait until the text is deciphered to understand how it works."
The professors' gazes shifted again to the items floating before Theo and Steven, their eyes filled with curiosity and a strong desire to research them. Their discussion grew even more animated.
Once the conversation quieted slightly, Chairman Goodshow cleared his throat and turned his gentle gaze toward Theo.
"You must be Theo, correct?"
"Yes, Chairman," Theo replied respectfully.
Goodshow smiled, his eyes filled with approval.
"I have heard Steven and Wallace mention you before. They both praised you highly. I did not expect to meet you in person today.
There is something I would like to discuss with you.
You were the first to discover this ruin. According to the rules, these spoils should belong to you and Steven.
However, judging from these murals, this seems to involve an entirely new evolutionary path for Pokémon, something of great significance to the entire Pokémon world."
He paused, looking directly into Theo's eyes before continuing,
"So, would you be willing to lend these items to the League for research for a period of time? Of course…"
Before he could finish, Theo immediately spoke up.
"Chairman, you are too polite. This discovery was only possible because of Steven's help and protection. I simply happened to find the clue.
If these items can contribute to the League's research, I am more than happy.
After all, I am a member of the Hoenn League. Contributing to its development is something I should do."
Hearing this, Chairman Goodshow broke into a wide smile.
"Hahaha, good lad, very sensible. Do not worry, the League will never treat those who make contributions unfairly.
I can promise you right now that once there are any research results, you will be informed immediately.
If this kind of evolution can truly be realized, then all the items and resources required for your Pokémon to Mega Evolve in the future will be provided by the League.
Consider this our way of thanking you for your significant discovery."
Steven, Wallace, President Joseph Stone, and the professors all watched the exchange between Theo and Chairman Goodshow, their eyes showing appreciation and approval.
At that moment, Steven seemed to suddenly think of something and spoke to the Chairman.
"Chairman, this research might take quite some time. Theo currently only has four Pokémon in his team, and he has not yet met the requirements to participate in the Ever Grande Conference. So…"
(End of Chapter)