Diantha had always believed she possessed natural talent.
Her bond with Gardevoir was unquestionably deep.
There was no reason Leon could succeed after just a few attempts while she failed again and again for days.
She had even suspected that the Mega Stone might not belong to Gardevoir—that Devon Corporation had made a mistake.
But Leon had told her that since Gardevoir's body had already emitted Mega Evolution light, the stone had to be correct.
If the light appeared, compatibility wasn't the issue.
Something else was.
For a moment, Diantha had nearly fallen into self-doubt.
Was she the problem?
In the end, following Leon's advice, she decided to consult Chen Shi—the recognized authority on Mega Evolution.
She didn't have his contact information, so she reached out to Steven instead.
Steven happened to be free and, after hearing the situation, brought her here.
Chen Shi stroked his chin and thought for a moment.
"Generally speaking, as long as you have a Key Stone, the correct Mega Stone, and a strong bond, success should come after a few attempts."
He paused meaningfully.
"For example, someone here managed to Mega Evolve two Pokémon consecutively after just one night of practice."
As he spoke, he glanced sideways at Cynthia.
He had not forgotten.
Cynthia sat perfectly still, pretending not to hear him.
Diantha, however, grew anxious.
"Mr. Chen, my bond with Gardevoir is absolutely deep."
"She was my very first Pokémon. I hatched her from an Egg."
"This definitely isn't a bond issue."
She had misunderstood his implication.
Chen Shi nodded calmly.
He had no doubt about the bond between the future Kalos Champion and her ace.
"I'm not saying your bond is insufficient."
"If Gardevoir emitted Mega Evolution light but failed to complete the transformation, then something interfered at the final stage."
"If the bond were lacking, the light wouldn't have appeared at all."
Diantha paused—then nodded slowly.
Steven frowned slightly.
"If it's not the bond, then what could cause failure?"
Chen Shi considered briefly before answering:
"I believe it's a lack of Fairy-type energy."
The room fell silent.
Then realization dawned.
Earlier, Chen Shi had mentioned that Gardevoir was inherently Psychic-type and Fairy-type—but had not yet awakened its Fairy typing.
They hadn't expected that to affect Mega Evolution.
Chen Shi poured tea for everyone before continuing.
"When Miss Diantha won the Mega Stone at the auction, I already suspected this possibility."
"There are three potential outcomes for Gardevoir's Mega Evolution."
"First: she Mega Evolves but remains purely Psychic-type—simply stronger."
"Second: she fully awakens Fairy typing during Mega Evolution. Though this probability is lower."
"And third…"
"She fails to Mega Evolve because her Fairy-type aspect hasn't awakened yet."
"I see…" Steven murmured.
Diantha finally relaxed.
As long as it wasn't her fault.
She had already purchased large quantities of Fairy-type energy cubes when they were released recently.
With consistent training and nourishment, Gardevoir should awaken her Fairy typing soon.
Once that happened, Mega Evolution should succeed.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen," Diantha said, standing and bowing slightly.
Chen Shi waved his hand quickly.
"No need to be so formal."
"And please, don't call me 'Mr. Chen.' We're friends, aren't we?"
Diantha blinked—then smiled warmly.
"In that case, as friends… can you tell me what changes Gardevoir will undergo after Mega Evolution?"
Chen Shi scratched his head.
"Well… she becomes more beautiful. And stronger."
"And her Ability changes to Pixilate."
"Pixilate?" Diantha repeated.
"It converts Normal-type moves into Fairy-type moves—and boosts their power slightly."
"A very solid Ability."
Diantha nodded thoughtfully.
They continued chatting casually over tea.
Then Steven suddenly noticed the small Pokémon sitting in Chen Shi's arms.
"What Pokémon is that?"
"I don't think I've ever seen it before."
As Devon's heir, Steven's knowledge was extensive.
Yet he couldn't identify it.
That intrigued him.
Diantha leaned forward curiously as well.
"I don't recognize it either."
Chen Shi grinned mischievously.
"Steven, take a closer look. It used to sit in your father's collection room."
Steven froze.
Then his eyes widened.
His voice rose several octaves.
"Th-That… that's Jirachi?!"
Chen Shi smiled and nodded.
Jirachi waved cheerfully.
"Yup! I'm Jirachi!"
"It even talks?!" Steven stared, utterly fascinated.
The mythical Pokémon said to grant any wish.
And now it was sitting casually in Chen Shi's arms.
Diantha was equally stunned.
Back at the auction, when Chen Shi declared the meteorite contained Jirachi, she had been skeptical.
The rock looked completely ordinary.
And yet—
It truly had been Jirachi.
She couldn't help but admire Chen Shi's perception.
No wonder he had discovered Mega Evolution and Fairy typing at such a young age.
That insight alone set him apart.
"So, Steven," Chen Shi teased smugly, "was three hundred million worth it?"
Steven shot him an annoyed look.
As if you were the one who paid.
And technically, it had been Woodward's private collection anyway.
If they had known earlier, they wouldn't have needed to spend a single coin.
No.
He couldn't let Chen Shi enjoy this alone.
That would be a loss.
Steven suddenly leaned forward toward Jirachi.
"Jirachi! I wish for a Hisuian Sliggoo!"
Chen Shi: "..."
...
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