Chairman Goodshow's gaze swept over the four Pokémon beside Theo, pausing briefly on Metang before he fell into thought for a moment.
"Theo, since you came to the Meteor Falls, I assume you were searching for traces of Salamence, correct?
It just so happens that the League's headquarters breeding base has raised some Bagon. If you are interested, you can have Steven take you there to pick one. Consider it an additional reward in advance."
Theo's heart stirred. His original purpose for coming to the Meteor Falls had been to find a Shelgon.
Now that there were ready Bagon available in the League's breeding base, and he could even choose one himself, it was like being handed a pillow just as he was about to fall asleep.
Just as Theo was about to agree, Steven raised a hand to stop him, signaling with his eyes for him to remain silent for the moment.
"Chairman," Steven said to Goodshow's projection,
"At the recent League meeting, Cynthia agreed to your invitation to personally lead a team to the Unova region to promote interregional cooperation between our Leagues, correct?
If I remember correctly, Cynthia's itinerary is to first visit Professor Juniper, then, under her guidance, visit various Gyms in Unova to conduct Pokémon exchanges and battles.
In the end, she will finalize cross regional cooperation with the Unova League, including opening Pokémon transfer interoperability and Pokédex data sharing.
And she will also bring unique Pokémon from our regions to exchange with Unova. I am not mistaken, am I?"
Charles Goodshow nodded.
"Yes, that is correct. Cynthia and her group will depart in a few days. We already discussed this during the meeting. Why bring it up now?"
Steven continued calmly,
"I have reviewed the information provided by Professor Juniper regarding the Unova League personnel and their Pokémon.
There is a Gym Leader from the Opelucid Gym, also a former Champion of their League, named Drayden. He is extremely powerful.
(TN: Former Champion?)
He possesses a very rare and powerful Dragon type Pokémon unique to their region, Hydreigon, a three headed Dragon and Dark type Pokémon.
I know that the reason Cynthia agreed to lead the team is partly because of Drayden, and partly because you agreed to her request.
Drayden is also the diplomatic representative of Unova's Village of Dragons.
Through him, Cynthia can arrange Pokémon exchanges with the village and explore different methods of raising Dragon type Pokémon.
The League has already transferred some Dratini from Indigo and Gible from Sinnoh, along with our Hoenn Bagon, for Cynthia to bring to Village of Dragons for exchange, correct?"
Charles Goodshow raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement appearing in his eyes.
"That is indeed the case. So what are you suggesting?"
Steven smiled slightly.
"Theo has made a great contribution this time by discovering this cave and its murals, as well as the items related to Mega Evolution. This is of immense significance to the League.
Why not select one Dragon type Pokémon from those obtained through the exchange at Village of Dragons and give it to Theo for training?
The initial form of Hydreigon is called Deino, if I recall correctly. How about that one?
Theo's ability to raise Pokémon is obvious to everyone. Milotic is the best example. What do you think?"
"Deino?"
Theo's heart skipped a beat.
Hydreigon was one of the most iconic Dragon type Pokémon of the Unova region, powerful and possessing both Dragon and Dark typing.
It was a partner that countless trainers dreamed of.
Theo stared intently at Chairman Goodshow, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"I think this is a good idea," Wallace immediately chimed in.
"Theo managed to evolve Feebas into Milotic, which proves his exceptional training ability. In his hands, Deino will surely grow well."
Professor Birch glanced at Theo, then at the Larvesta beside him, smiled, and added,
"I also think this is feasible.
Not long ago, I visited Lavaridge Town and saw Theo's Pokémon. He has raised them all very well, in excellent condition.
Leaving Deino in his care should not be a problem. In any case, the growth and evolution data of these exchanged Pokémon will be compiled on my end, and I have no objections."
The professors from other regions, upon hearing this, all turned their curious gazes toward Theo.
At that moment, President Stone also spoke up in support.
"This child Theo is sensible. Without hesitation, he handed over these suspected Mega Evolution items to the League for research. He clearly has the League's interests at heart. Chairman, we should show some appreciation, should we not?"
Seeing so many people supporting the proposal, and noticing the undisguised expectation in Theo's eyes, Charles Goodshow could not help but smile.
"Very well, we will proceed as you suggested."
At that moment, Theo felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his chest, and excitement surged through him.
He quickly bowed deeply toward Goodshow's projection.
"Thank you, Chairman! Thank you, seniors! I will definitely raise Deino well and will not disappoint everyone's trust!"
"Hahaha, no need to be so formal," Charles Goodshow waved his hand.
"This is what you deserve. Alright, it is getting late. Everyone should get some rest. We will proceed with the follow up matters as planned."
With that, Chairman Goodshow's projection disappeared first, followed by Wallace, the professors, and President Stone.
The cavern returned to silence once more, leaving only Theo, Steven, and their Pokémon.
"Mr. Steven, thank you," Theo said sincerely.
"No need to thank me," Steven replied with a smile.
"It was simply a rare opportunity.
Bagon may be rare, but I have a good relationship with Elite Four Drake. Not long ago, I even helped him exchange for a Dratini from Lance.
He owes me a favor.
If you want a Bagon in the future, when his Salamence breeds again, I can try to ask him for one.
But Deino is different. It is unique to the Unova region.
Our cooperation with Unova has only just begun. This is a rare opportunity, and using your contribution this time to secure it is the best choice."
Theo nodded firmly, warmth filling his heart.
"Mr. Steven, there is no need to trouble yourself over Bagon. The favor Drake owes is yours. If I want one in the future, I will either catch it myself or earn it through contributions to the League. Being able to obtain Deino is already more than enough for me."
"Alright, no need to be so polite with me," Steven waved his hand.
"We will talk about Bagon another time.
Besides, back in my collection room, you were the one who reminded me to gather more of those 'glass beads', saying they might lead to something special.
I collected quite a few after that.
One of them, the one Aggron seemed particularly interested in, might help it evolve. If that really works out someday, I will have to thank you instead."
"Let's not talk about that for now.
Meteor Falls is not far from Rustboro City. For the time being, do not wander around. Stay at the Devon Corporation for a while.
Once I finish handling the matters regarding the cave murals here, and when Cynthia is about to depart for Unova, I will take you to meet her.
As for the matter of Deino, I need to inform her in advance.
After all, it is thanks to her that you have the opportunity to obtain one.
To be honest, it was Cynthia herself who became interested in raising Hydreigon after hearing Professor Juniper describe that peculiar three headed Dragon type Pokémon.
If Chairman Goodshow had not agreed to her request to exchange Pokémon with Village of Dragons, she would not have taken this matter so seriously.
She even paused the special training of her Pokémon in Sinnoh and made a dedicated trip to Unova, putting in considerable effort to promote cooperation between the two Leagues."
Theo nodded and replied,
"No problem, Mr. Steven. I will wait for you at the Devon Corporation. I was already planning to return there after finishing my exploration of Meteor Falls.
I promised the researchers earlier that I would bring Larvesta and Tyrantrum back for testing and data recording, so I can just wait for you there."
Steven nodded.
"Then it is settled. The company's personnel will arrive at dawn. We can leave the rest here to them. Let us head out first."
…
After that, Theo followed Steven back to Rustboro City and temporarily stayed at a manor under Steven's name.
Calling it a manor was actually an understatement. It was more fitting to describe it as a castle.
The residence was built by the sea. Opening the back door led directly to soft sandy beaches and an endless stretch of blue ocean, while the other side was nestled against rolling hills.
This was where Steven's Aggron, Metagross, and Claydol usually rested.
During his stay at the manor, aside from conducting daily training for his Pokémon, Theo mostly let them roam freely and play around the estate.
Milotic was happiest swimming freely in the waters behind the manor, while Tyrantrum, Metang, and Larvesta played in the hills alongside Steven's second Pokémon team.
The days passed peacefully and fulfillingly.
On the first day after returning to Rustboro City, Theo brought Larvesta and Tyrantrum to visit the Devon Corporation.
The elderly researcher had been waiting eagerly and immediately led him to the deepest underground laboratory.
Using the most precise instruments available, they conducted a comprehensive examination of the two Pokémon, meticulously recording their data, abilities, and moves into the Devon Corporation's core database.
In addition, during these free days, Theo also accepted a commission from Devon to help film promotional advertisements for Poké Balls.
He had already become something of a major online celebrity.
Now that he had returned to Rustboro City with all his Pokémon and had some free time, the company's planning department naturally would not miss such a perfect opportunity.
With his stunningly beautiful Milotic, a shiny Metang similar to Steven's own, and the extremely rare Larvesta and Tyrantrum, the entire team became the ideal cast for the advertisement.
On the day of filming, Larvesta faced the camera for the first time and was so excited that it bounced all over the studio, the flames on its five feelers flickering continuously, looking both clumsy and adorable.
Meanwhile, Milotic, Metang, and Tyrantrum, seeing Larvesta's inexperienced behavior, each stepped forward as "teachers."
They enthusiastically guided it on how to pose, how to find the right camera angles, and how to present its best side.
The photography director, on the other hand, was reduced to little more than a tool, constantly pressing the shutter, capturing one shot after another of the Pokémon.
As for Metang, it enjoyed what could only be described as "super VIP treatment" at the Devon Corporation.
Because of Theo's discovery of the Mega Evolution murals, President Stone had personally issued an order that all rare metals and ores in the company's warehouse were to be prioritized for Metang.
During these days, Metang practically immersed itself in piles of ores and metals.
From shimmering meteorites to rare metals containing special energy, it devoured everything without exception.
Its body size visibly increased, and occasionally, it would emit a low humming sound, radiating waves of energy.
It was clear that it was not far from evolving into Metagross.
During this period, Steven also returned to the manor for a night and brought Theo the latest progress on Mega Evolution research.
The decoding team, consisting of Professor Cozmo, Professor Eve, and Researcher Foster, was progressing rapidly.
They had already deciphered a significant amount of key information from the mural texts, especially regarding the origins of Mega Stones and the principles behind the creation of Keystones.
It turned out that some Mega Stones were naturally formed, while others were created by the Draconid people themselves.
Using special energy minerals as a medium, combined with the energy of specific Pokémon, they were able to produce these stones.
The Keystone, on the other hand, served as the core medium that guided the resonance of this energy.
As for the reason behind sealing the Flygon, it had also been uncovered from the murals.
Because the Draconid people primarily used Dragon type Pokémon, their initial experiments focused on the Mega Evolution of Salamence and Garchomp.
Later came Altaria's Mega Evolution, which gained the Fairy type, a type that nullified Dragon type power, causing fear and anxiety among the Draconid people.
They worried that Flygon, upon Mega Evolution, might follow the same path as Altaria and become a so called "traitor" to dragonkind.
As a result, they ordered the research on Flygon's Mega Evolution to be sealed away.
Steven spoke with a hint of excitement,
"Actually, it is fortunate that this incomplete Flygon Mega Stone exists. Because it is only a half finished product, it is easier to compare with the research process shown in the murals.
Through comparative analysis, Professor Birch and the others have already roughly figured out the principles and methods behind creating Mega Stones.
It is very likely that before long, the full secrets of Mega Evolution will be completely uncovered."
What surprised Theo even more was what he learned from Steven.
Cynthia had actually left behind the research team that was accompanying her in Sinnoh and had rushed to Hoenn ahead of schedule, bringing only her Garchomp with her.
After learning about Mega Evolution, Cynthia immediately canceled all her prior arrangements and came specifically to Hoenn to participate in the related research.
After all, when the altar in the cave had shattered, the three stone pillars that rose up were each engraved with the Mega Evolution forms of Garchomp, Salamence, and Altaria.
There was no need to guess what the items obtained from there were. They were clearly the Mega Evolution items for those three Pokémon.
The League had specially mobilized Drake of the Elite Four and Winona, the Gym Leader, to assist with the research. As soon as Cynthia learned of this, she rushed over as well, fully cooperating with every experiment and study.
…
Inside the League's central research facility, within a specially designated testing field, the atmosphere was tense yet filled with anticipation.
Drake stood in the center of the field with his Salamence.
On his wrist was a bracelet identical to those depicted in the murals, the Key Stone for Mega Evolution. Around Salamence's neck hung its corresponding Mega Stone.
Trainer and Pokémon stood side by side.
Drake closed his eyes, placing both hands gently on Salamence's head as he murmured softly. Between them, an invisible bond seemed to form, like a stream of energy connecting their hearts. Their auras gradually synchronized.
Professor Cozmo, who was intently monitoring the data on the computer, suddenly noticed the energy readings spike dramatically. His voice rang out sharply.
"Now!"
Drake's eyes snapped open.
The Key Stone on his wrist and the Mega Stone on Salamence's chest erupted with dazzling light at the same time.
Two beams of light intertwined into a surging torrent of energy, pouring entirely into Salamence's body.
Salamence… Mega Evolved!
"DRAAAA!"
Salamence let out a thunderous roar as its entire body was engulfed in radiant brilliance.
Within the light, its body rapidly expanded, its scales growing darker and more profound in color.
The horn on its head nearly doubled in size, while the edges of its back fins split apart, forming sharp spikes.
Most astonishing of all were its wings.
Originally broad and powerful, they stretched and extended even further, their edges developing fine serrated ridges.
The pair of massive wings now resembled two enormous crescent blades intertwined together, radiating a terrifying sharpness.
As the light gradually faded, the transformation was complete.
Mega Salamence had been born.
With a thunderous boom, it flapped its wings and soared into the sky.
It circled high above, diving, stopping abruptly, changing direction, accelerating and decelerating with incredible precision.
To the naked eye, it appeared only as streaks of crimson light flashing across the sky.
From below, the hovering form of Mega Salamence looked like a blood-red crescent moon suspended in the heavens.
After circling once, it dove downward.
The force of its claws stirred up clouds of dust, yet as it neared Drake, it slowed instantly and came to a perfect stop in front of him, causing no harm at all.
"It worked!"
Professor Oak could not contain his excitement and was the first to applaud.
Professor Elm and Professor Rowan followed, cheering as well. Mega Evolution had finally been successfully achieved.
Winona and Cynthia stood nearby, their gazes locked onto Mega Salamence, their eyes filled with shock.
"So this… is Mega Evolution…"
Winona murmured softly, disbelief evident in her voice.
Beside her, her Altaria fluttered its wings uneasily, clearly sensing the overwhelming pressure emanating from Mega Salamence.
Meanwhile, Cynthia's Garchomp stood tense, its sharp eyes fixed on Salamence.
From its perspective, Salamence, which had once been slightly weaker than itself, now radiated a completely different level of threat, one that carried a deadly sense of oppression.
Drake gently stroked Mega Salamence's neck while wiping the sweat from his forehead, smiling as he spoke.
"It's much harder than I imagined.
This kind of evolution requires not only a deep connection with your Pokémon, understanding its heart and achieving resonance through the Key Stone and Mega Stone…
It also demands sufficient strength to withstand the explosive energy released during evolution. If the Pokémon is not strong enough, the process can fail at any moment."
He turned to Winona and Cynthia, his tone firm.
"Your Altaria and Garchomp are both powerful enough. Once you grasp that sense of resonance, you should be able to achieve it soon."
At that moment, a holographic projection suddenly appeared in the center of the field.
It was Chairman Goodshow.
Looking at the majestic Mega Salamence beside Drake, he beamed with delight.
"Good! Good! Excellent! This is truly incredible! So this is the power of Mega Evolution!
With this power, the strength of the Indigo, Hoenn, and Sinnoh Leagues will rise to an entirely new level.
When we form alliances with other regions in the future, we will firmly hold the dominant position!"
He then turned to the professors, his expression becoming serious.
"Professor Birch, Professor Oak, Professor Elm, Professor Rowan, immediately issue orders to all regional League branches to search for naturally occurring Mega Stones in the wild at full speed.
As for the murals, have Professors Cozmo, Eve, and Foster prioritize deciphering the methods of creating Mega Stones and Key Stones.
With the incomplete Flygon Mega Stone as a reference, combined with the Draconid people's research recorded in the murals, we should soon be able to replicate the process.
Once we fully master Mega Evolution technology, we may even be able to follow their research path and allow more Pokémon to achieve Mega Evolution."
Thinking of this, Chairman Goodshow's mood brightened considerably, and his tone carried clear praise.
"Steven and Wallace, those two unreliable fellows, have finally done something significant by discovering a talent like Theo.
My lifelong dream of unifying the League is finally taking a solid step forward.
With Mega Evolution in our hands, when we negotiate alliances with the Alola League next, let's see how they refuse our proposal!"
Finally, his gaze fell on Cynthia.
"Cynthia, learn from Drake as quickly as possible and master the method of Mega Evolving Garchomp. When you go to Unova, you can use this to demonstrate our League's strength.
Also, when you visit the Village of Dragons to exchange Pokémon, remember to select a Deino with excellent potential for Theo.
That child helped us uncover the secret of Mega Evolution. We must not treat him poorly."
Cynthia nodded calmly.
"Rest assured, Chairman Goodshow. My chance to access Mega Evolution, along with Garchomp, is entirely thanks to Theo's discovery.
Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would still choose the most promising Deino for him."
…
Author's Note
In this story, Mega Stones and Key Stones can be researched and manufactured.
The progress will follow the official game settings. Those that already exist in the official games will soon be developed in the story as well.
As for those that have not appeared in the official games, such as the earlier Flygontite Mega Stone, they will remain incomplete for now and cannot yet be fully developed.
(End of Chapter)