Professor Oak continued speaking to Theo,
"The next matter is somewhat related to you. Originally, Ash's Charizard had already completed its training and was ready to set off for the Sinnoh region.
But right around that time, you discovered the mural about Mega Evolution in Meteor Falls.
So I asked Ash to stay a while longer, waiting for me to fully study the principles behind Mega Evolution to see if I could enable both his Pikachu and Charizard to undergo Mega Evolution.
Coincidentally, his former traveling companion from the Hoenn region, May, who is the daughter of Gym Leader Norman, is currently in the Johto region challenging Pokémon Contests. So Ash went ahead to reunite with her first.
Originally, with the help of the Mega Stones collected by Steven, we quickly deciphered Charizard Y's Mega Evolution.
Later, not long ago, Blaine discovered a dark blue Mega Stone deep within Cinnabar Volcano. No matter how much we searched, we could not find a Pokémon that matched it.
Unexpectedly, we later discovered that Charizard had a strong reaction to that dark blue Mega Stone.
And so, through these days of research, Charizard's other Mega Evolution form, Mega Charizard X, was born.
In a little while, Charizardite X will also be able to be mass produced. When that time comes, I will have Ash carry both Mega Stones with him, allowing him to switch forms freely depending on the battle situation.
Steven should have already told you about the League's progress in Mega Evolution research. The first stage involves using the various Mega Stones that have already been discovered to study Pokémon Mega Evolution.
After that, we use those Mega Stones as templates to replicate them in the League's laboratories and produce them in batches.
The next second stage of research focuses on those Pokémon for which no Mega Stones have been discovered yet, to see whether we can artificially create Mega Stones and open the path of Mega Evolution for them.
During this period of research, I have also found a direction for Pikachu's Mega Evolution. Right now, I am adjusting the materials and ratios needed to create its Mega Stone.
That is why I asked Ash to stay a bit longer. Once the research on Pikachu's Mega Evolution is complete, I will let him officially set off for Sinnoh."
At this point, Professor Oak smiled slightly.
"You should also be preparing to challenge the Ever Grande Conference and the Grand Festival soon, right? By the time you finish your competitions here, Ash should not have departed yet. You can come to Johto first, and I will arrange for you two to properly meet."
So that was how it was. Theo suddenly understood.
No wonder Ash had not set off for Sinnoh yet. It turned out that it was indirectly connected to his own actions. A butterfly flapping its wings across the ocean could very well cause a storm somewhere else.
"Alright, I will trouble you to introduce us when the time comes, Professor," Theo nodded lightly, a hint of anticipation appearing in his eyes. "I am really looking forward to meeting him."
As Theo and Professor Oak chatted, without realizing it, Dragonite and Pidgeot had already carried them back to the mist-shrouded mountain range.
It was none other than Mt. Pyre.
Pidgeot and Dragonite slowly descended. The moment they landed, they saw Professor Birch and Charizard sitting at the foot of the mountain.
Professor Birch was absentmindedly kicking small stones at his feet, while Charizard was idly stirring volcanic ash on the ground with its tail, clearly having waited for quite some time.
"You finally came back!" Professor Birch walked over, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"If you took any longer, I would have thought you had flown out of Hoenn."
"Hahaha, sorry about that."
Professor Oak jumped down from Pidgeot's back and patted Dragonite's tail.
"These two unreliable fellows flew too far while competing with each other. They are just like children."
When Charizard saw Dragonite and Pidgeot return, it immediately stood up. The flame on its tail flared up with a whoosh, and it let out a few low growls toward them, as if declaring its victory.
Dragonite and Pidgeot were immediately displeased and began protesting loudly.
"Draaa!" (We already reached the finish line earlier. We just overshot it.)
"Geot!" (Exactly. You were clearly the last to arrive. How can you be first?)
Charizard stepped forward, slammed its tail heavily against the ground, sending a cloud of volcanic ash into the air, and argued confidently,
"Char!" (The rule was whoever reaches the finish line first wins. You two overshot it, so it does not count.)
Pidgeot turned to glance at Dragonite and muttered quietly, "Was that really what we said? I remember we were comparing who flies faster."
Dragonite scratched its head in confusion. It could not quite remember what it had said either.
Seeing this, Charizard immediately grew more confident and urged them to accept the result of the bet and stop trying to deny it.
"Alright, alright, stop arguing."
Professor Oak could not help but laugh as he stepped in to stop them.
"When I have time, I will bring a speed measuring device for you. You can compete however you like then. Right now, we have more important matters to attend to."
At the mention of "important matters," the three Pokémon immediately quieted down, their attention shifting to Theo.
Theo took out all of Metagross and the others' Poké Balls and released them.
"Everyone, come out. It is time to witness Larvesta's evolution."
A flash of red light appeared as Milotic, Metagross, Tyrantrum, and Larvesta's crimson cocoon emerged one after another.
Deino immediately ran over to Tyrantrum's side and secretly glared at Charizard. Earlier, it had been glared at, but now that its backer had arrived, it wanted to glare back.
Professor Oak walked to Charizard's side, his expression turning serious.
"Charizard, in a moment I will have you undergo Mega Evolution first.
Larvesta's evolution requires an enormous amount of volcanic energy. You will be responsible for guiding that energy into its cocoon."
He paused, his tone becoming grave.
"During the process, it may trigger volcanic unrest or even an eruption. You must remember… and also…"
At the side, Professor Birch added further details about the conditions and key points required for Larvesta's evolution.
Charizard listened attentively. The flame on its tail burned steadily, no longer carrying any trace of playfulness. It had clearly switched into a battle ready state.
It nodded solemnly, letting out a low rumble from its throat as if promising that nothing would go wrong.
Tyrantrum and Deino also moved closer, pricking up their ears as they listened seriously, nodding from time to time with expressions that seemed to say they understood everything.
After finishing the instructions, Professor Oak took out a fiery red Mega Stone from his pocket and then revealed the Key Stone on his wrist, shouting in a deep voice,
"Are you ready!"
"CHAAR!"
Charizard let out a thunderous dragon cry that echoed through the valley as a dazzling red light burst forth from its body.
The Mega Stone and Key Stone lit up simultaneously, and a massive pillar of energy shot straight into the sky, completely enveloping Charizard.
Within the radiance, Charizard's body began to transform.
Its wings grew broader and more powerful, their edges igniting with a blazing red aura like living flames.
Three sharp horns rose from its head, with the central one rapidly extending, resembling a blade forged for battle.
(End of Chapter)