While the computer analyzed the Mega Stone,
Steven and Professor Sycamore went to the backyard of the research institute.
"Ready. We can start," Professor Sycamore adjusted the instruments, giving Steven an "OK" gesture.
Professor Sycamore's own Garchomp stood beside him, looking serious.
Steven nodded, glancing at the instruments attached to him, which appeared to be electrode wires.
"Go, Metagross."
"Metagross!"
Steven raised his left hand to his chest, his right index and middle fingers lightly touching the surface of the Key Stone.
"The light of the stone, transform into a bond…" Steven said in a deep voice.
The Key Stone in his left hand shone brightly, extending four winding rays of light.
The Mega Stone on Metagross's right arm responded along with Metagross.
The four rays of light met and merged in the air!
"Metagross, Mega Evolve!" Steven raised his left hand high and shouted.
As the light merged into Metagross's body, Metagross emitted a dazzling white glow, and its form gradually changed.
A powerful aura spread in all directions!
Professor Sycamore stared intently at the data on the computer.
The fluctuations between Steven and Metagross were almost identical!
Even the two linear fluctuations could perfectly align!
Whoosh—
The white light on Metagross faded.
A colorful X-shaped pattern flashed across its front, revealing its majestic and imposing Mega form, full of oppressive power!
"Metagross!!!"
"What a powerful presence…" Professor Sycamore looked up, amazed.
"Grrr…" Garchomp felt the same. This power far exceeded its imagination.
Steven suddenly felt that something was off.
This Mega Evolution consumed more energy than before!
Is it because Metagross is now Champion-level, so I need to use more power?
Steven thought to himself.
It seems his physical stamina cannot keep up with Metagross's leveling speed.
He would have to wear that Macho Brace on himself another day.
Looking at the majestic Mega Metagross, Riolu, seeing this scene for the first time, was so shocked that its mouth hung open.
Even the Pokémon living in Professor Sycamore's backyard were scared and panicked, hiding in leaves, bushes, and rivers.
They only dared to peek out with a pair of eyes.
"That's enough, Steven," Professor Sycamore said quickly, seeing the computer display a data recording success message.
If this continued, the Pokémon in his backyard would be terrified.
Steven sighed in relief, withdrawing his power along with Metagross.
He released the Mega Evolution state.
Steven wasn't tired, but he couldn't maintain the state for as long as he could after previous training sessions.
After all, Metagross's strength had greatly increased.
After this, Professor Sycamore and Steven had a deep discussion about the feeling of Mega Evolution.
This indeed moved up the timeline for Professor Sycamore to publish his paper.
"Mr. Steven, thank you," Professor Sycamore said gratefully, shaking Steven's hand excitedly, even using "Mr." in his address.
"Don't be so excited, Professor. It's nothing," Steven replied with a smile, withdrawing his hand after three seconds.
He hoped there wouldn't be news of Steven "cheating" tomorrow.
After all, there was a researcher in the institute who liked to browse online.
"Anyway, you've done me a great favor," Professor Sycamore said.
"It's nothing. I came here to ask the Professor for help anyway."
Professor Sycamore originally had very little data support, only data from Korrina's Mega Lucario and Mega Alakazam.
Korrina is the Gym Leader of Shalour City in the Kalos region, possessing the secret of Mega Evolution.
Professor Sycamore had to consult her on many matters regarding his research on Mega Evolution.
Now with the data from Steven and Metagross's Mega Evolution, the data support for the paper was sufficient.
"Speaking of that…"
Professor Sycamore immediately stood up and walked quickly to the computer.
"Mr. Steven, the data for the Mega Stone you brought is ready."
"Oh?" Although Steven had guessed it, he still wanted to be part of the process.
Steven walked behind Professor Sycamore, looking at the computer screen.
The matching data between the Mega Stone and Steelix was as high as 98%!
The remaining 2% was probably margin for error.
"For Steelix?" Steven pretended to ponder, resting his chin on his hand.
"Mr. Steven, is something wrong?"
"I was just thinking—when I found this Mega Stone, a Steelix lived there."
"And normally, Mega Stones vary in size and shape, right? Most are polished into a round shape for use."
"Yes, that's correct," Professor Sycamore nodded.
After all, Steven remembered very clearly that the Lucarionite that Korrina obtained was very large.
In the end, only a small round stone was used, making him wonder if perhaps breaking off a piece and then polishing it would also work.
For the Lucario legacy, Steven thought that breaking off a part from that large stone could also be used normally.
After all, what matters is whether the energy contained in the stone matches the Pokémon.
Thinking of Riolu in the backyard and Cynthia's Lucario,
Steven would have to visit Korrina.
But getting two inherited items from someone else would probably be harder than finding a needle in a haystack.
Otherwise, he could only hope that Lucarionites existed elsewhere.
The sky had darkened at some point, and Steven stayed at Professor Sycamore's research institute.
Metagross was having a simple sparring match with Professor Sycamore's Garchomp.
Know yourself and your enemy, and you'll never be defeated.
Metagross was just familiarizing itself with Garchomp's move pool.
Even for the same species, the usage of moves can vary.
But there will still be similarities.
"Piplup~(ง •̀_•́)ง"
Go, Big Brother!
Piplup didn't know why, but seeing Metagross dominate Garchomp made it feel so good.
Some of the resentment in its heart seemed to have been released.
It felt much more comfortable, both physically and mentally.
It began to lie lazily on its side on the ground, enjoying the beautiful scene before it.
The scene being the sparring match where Metagross dominated Garchomp.
"Looks like you're quite idle," Steven said, picking up Piplup's head with one hand.
Suddenly losing balance, Piplup flailed its flippers wildly.
"Piplup, Piplup!"
Big Brother, save me!
Oh, it's the Trainer. Then it's fine.
Big Brother is already very kind to me by not helping him.
"Look at Riolu. It just joined the team and is already asking Scizor for guidance," Steven rotated his arm, making Piplup look at Riolu humbly seeking advice from Scizor.
"Piplup… →_→"
Well, there's no one on the team who can use Water Gun…
"That's true," Steven said, looking at Piplup's deadpan expression, and realized the same thing.
"Then you also need to put in some effort, don't you?"
"Piplup, Piplup!"
Alright, alright, put me down!
I'll go, okay!
"How about I get you a toy then?"
"Piplup!"
Understood, Trainer! I'll go train now!
Piplup marched in place, advancing with a serious and earnest expression.
Hehe,
Then I can show off my new toy to my best friend!
By the way, what is a toy?
Is it called that because it's fun?
I'll ask my best friend first!