The president of the League, Charles, glanced at the four Pokémon beside Lionel, lingering for a moment on the Metang, and pondered for a moment:
"Lionel has been wandering around Mount Meteor, presumably to search for Salamence, right?
The League's breeding base happens to be raising a Pokémon. If you're interested, let Drake take you to pick one; consider it an extra reward for you."
Lionel thought to himself that he had originally come to the mountains to find a Shelgon.
Now the League's breeding base actually had a ready-made Pokémon. He could even choose one himself; it was like a godsend.
Lionel was about to happily make a decision when Steven stopped him with a gesture, indicating with a knowing look, "don't speak yet."
"At the alliance meeting a few days ago, didn't Cynthia agree to your request? She is leading a team to the Unova region to promote cross-regional cooperation between our two alliances. I remember Cynthia's itinerary was to first visit Professor Juniper, and then, under her guidance, visit various Gyms in Unova to exchange Pokémon and battle! Finally, it was decided to cooperate with the Unova Alliance to enable Pokémon teleportation interaction and researcher information exchanges."
Furthermore, Cynthia will also bring unique Pokémon from various regions to exchange with Unova.
"If I remember correctly, is that right?" Steven asked.
President Goodshow nodded and said: "Yes, that's right. Cynthia and the others will be starting work in a few days. We already discussed this. Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
Steven replied: "I've seen the information on the Unova League's personnel and Pokémon provided by Professor Juniper. Unova has a legendary Dragon-type lineage and a very loyal following. Their Leader is Drayden, right? He's incredibly strong. He possesses a unique, extremely powerful Dragon-type Pokémon found only in his region, called Hydreigon. It has three heads and can overwhelm opponents with its Dragon-type abilities."
"I know that the reason Cynthia is leading the team there is because of Drayden. Drayden is also a diplomatic representative. Through him, Cynthia can exchange Pokémon with the Dragon Village, exploring different methods of cultivation. The League has already transferred some Dratini and Bagon from the Kanto and Hoenn regions. Why not let Cynthia take Lionel to visit the Dragon Village and exchange for a Pokémon there?"
President Goodshow raised a brow, a playful look in his eyes: "That's right. And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"Lionel has made a great contribution this time, discovering the ruins and an item suspected to be a Key Stone for Mega Evolution. This is of great significance. Why not let him choose a Dragon-type from the Dragon Village in Unova? Hydreigon's initial form is Deino, right? Lionel's ability to train Pokémon is undeniable; his Milotic is the best example. What do you think?"
Lionel's heart skipped a beat.
A Hydreigon! The three-headed "Brutal Pokémon" is one of the most representative and powerful Dragon-types of the Unova region—a dream partner for many trainers.
"I think this idea is feasible," Wallace immediately echoed.
"Lionel even trained a Feebas to evolve into a Milotic, which is enough to prove his ability. A Deino in his hands will definitely grow well."
Professor Birch glanced at Lionel, then at the Larvesta, and smiled.
"I think this is feasible. A while ago, I saw Lionel's Pokémon; they were all in peak condition. I'm confident in his abilities. Besides, the growth and evolution data of the Pokémon he exchanges would be invaluable for our records. I have no objections."
Upon hearing Dr. Birch's words, the others turned their curious gazes toward Lionel.
At this moment, Drake also spoke up: "Lionel is a sensible child. He handed over the evolutionary tools to the Alliance for research without hesitation. Such kindness deserves a reward. Chairman, shouldn't we show some support?"
Mr. Goodshow, seeing so many people supporting this, looked at the poorly concealed expectation on Lionel's face and laughed. He said to Steven, "Alright, as you say."
A huge weight lifted from Lionel's heart. He looked at the screen and bowed.
"Thank you, Chairman! Thank you, everyone! I will definitely nurture Deino well; I won't let everyone down."
"No need to be so polite," Mr. Goodshow waved his hand.
"This is what you deserve. Alright, it's getting late. Everyone should rest, and the investigation will proceed as planned."
After that, the holographic images of Mr. Goodshow, Wallace, the professors, and the others vanished. Tranquility was restored to the cave, leaving only Lionel, Steven, and their Pokémon.
"Mr. Steven, thank you," Lionel said gratefully.
"You're welcome," Steven smiled.
"It's mainly because the opportunity was there. Bagon are rare, but I have a good relationship with Drake. Not long ago, I exchanged a Pokémon with him. If you want a Bagon later, I'll find a way to get one. But Deino is different; it's from the Unova region. We usually have difficulty establishing cooperation with them. This time is a fortunate opportunity."
Lionel nodded vigorously.
"Mr. Steven, there's no need to worry about the Bagon. I'm already very satisfied with the Deino."
"Alright, let's not be too polite," Steven waved his hand.
"Besides, back in the ruins, it was you who reminded me to collect more of those 'stones.' I've collected quite a few, including some that my Metagross is interested in. Maybe they can help it evolve further. Now, don't run around; stay at the Devon Corporation for a while. Once I've dealt with the murals and Cynthia is ready to leave for Unova, I'll take you to see her."
Lionel agreed and followed Steven back to Rustboro City, staying in a manor built by the sea.
During this period, Lionel trained with his Pokémon.
Milotic enjoyed the sea, while Metang, Tyrantrum, and Larvesta played in the gardens.
One day, Lionel brought Larvesta and Metang to the Devon Corporation.
The researchers performed a full-scale scan of his team, recording their data for the company's database.
Lionel also helped film a promotional advertisement for the company.
As a famous internet personality, his Milotic and Tyrantrum were the perfect stars.
On the day of the shoot, Larvesta was so happy facing the camera for the first time that it jumped up and down, its antennae emitting constant flames.
Milotic and Metang acted like "mentors," guiding the larva on how to find the right angles.
Meanwhile, Metang received VIP treatment.
Steven had ordered that all high-quality ores in the warehouse be made available to it.
Metang was almost always immersed in rare metals, from cosmic stones to rare elements. Its size visibly increased, and its body began to emit energy fluctuations.
It was clearly not far from evolving into a Metagross.
During this time, Steven returned with news.
The research team led by Dr. Solano and Dr. White had made rapid progress.
They had deciphered the origins of Mega Evolution Stones.
Some come from nature, while others were crafted by the ancient Draconids using the energy of specific Pokémon.
What surprised Lionel even more was that Cynthia had arrived in the Hoenn region to assist with the research.
After learning about Mega Evolution, she had dropped everything to help.
In the Alliance's research site, Elite Four member Drake stood with his Salamence in the center of a field.
He held a Key Stone, whispering to his partner as an invisible energy flowed between them.
"Now!" Drake exclaimed. The Key Stone and the Salamencite erupted with a dazzling light.
The two beams intertwined, injecting into Salamence.
The dragon emitted a melodious cry as its size increased and its horns transformed into sharp blades. Its wings became a blood-red crescent moon.
"It's a success!" Professor Oak was the first to applaud. Wallace and Cynthia stood to the side, their eyes filled with shock.
"Is this Mega Evolution...?" Wallace murmured.
Drake gently stroked Mega Salamence's neck.
"It's harder than I imagined. It requires a spiritual connection and resonance, plus enough strength to support the energy burst." He turned to Wallace and Cynthia.
"Your Altaria and Garchomp are powerful enough. I believe you can do it soon too."
President Goodshow's holographic projection appeared.
"Excellent! This is the power that will raise our Leagues to a new level!"
He turned to the professors, ordering them to search for naturally occurring Mega Stones and to prioritize deciphering the crafting techniques.
Finally, Mr. Goodshow's gaze fell on Cynthia: "Cynthia, hurry up and master the secrets of Mega Evolution. When we go to Unova, we can showcase our strength! Also, when you go to Dragon Village, remember to pick out a high-potential Deino for Lionel. This kid helped us discover this secret; we can't let him down."
Cynthia nodded. "Don't worry, President. The opportunity for my Garchomp to experience Mega Evolution was thanks to Lionel. I would have chosen the most promising Deino for him regardless."