In the end, due to Gardevoir's objection, Sato did not accept the Mega Stone.
He couldn't use it anyway, and even if he could, Gardevoir didn't want to. So Sato simply let go of the idea.
However, Professor Rowan was far too sincere. If you didn't give him a convincing reason, he'd just think you were being polite or embarrassed.
"Professor Rowan, due to certain complications, my Gardevoir can't undergo Mega Evolution, but thank you for your kindness."
In the end, Sato spoke frankly, not bothering to come up with any other excuse.
"What kind of complications… never mind. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't press," Professor Rowan began to ask but, seeing Sato's disinterest and dimmed expression, decided to drop it.
He was straightforward and honest, but he wasn't stupid. As a Pokémon Professor, his IQ could crush almost anyone.
"In that case, is there anything else you'd particularly want?"
Sato sighed internally. This Professor Rowan was truly too "sincere".
"My companions each received a complete set of Mega Stones. That's already a… huge gift. Thank you, Professor Rowan, but I really don't need anything else."
Sato declined. Rowan had wanted to persuade him a bit more, but just then, a researcher came over to report a new discovery.
Hearing that, Rowan had no choice but to hurriedly instruct someone to give them a tour and quickly returned to the lab, leaving behind one last bold remark:
"Think it over, Sato. I've been doing research for many years. I may not have a lot of treasures, but I definitely don't have few either."
---
"What should we call you?"
On the way through the tour, Joseph struck up a conversation with their guide.
The researcher seemed a bit socially awkward, a little flustered and red-faced, and said, "My name's Norbert Boodifield. You can call me Boodi or Norby."
"Whoa, that's a big difference between those two! Why not Noboodi~?" Mark asked curiously. Only to immediately receive Joseph's death glare.
"Ahem… sorry! Boodi, I didn't mean anything by it!" Mark realized it was inappropriate and quickly apologized.
"Hehe, it's fine. Everyone jokes with me like that. I'm used to it," Boodi replied shyly.
Joseph gave Mark another look to stop him from running his mouth again, then continued chatting with Boodi.
Mark, knowing he was in the wrong, awkwardly smiled and slipped to the back of the group. He pulled out his Mega Stone and started fiddling with it in fascination.
Meanwhile, Sato said nothing, occasionally glancing around at the freely roaming Pokémon in the lab.
"These are wild Electabuzz and Electivire. I once saw an Electabuzz evolve into an Electivire with my own eyes while working under the Professor. But the method behind their evolution has never been accurately studied. It's one of our core research topics here."
Boodi might have been shy, but when he spoke about his field, he radiated confidence and excitement from within.
"These are Magmar and Magmortar. Their case is similar to Electabuzz…
---
And these are Tangrowth and Yanmega. Their evolution methods are quite mysterious. The preliminary conclusion is that by learning the move Ancient Power, they unlock hidden potential in their bodies, which triggers evolution.
Although we've reached some conclusions, we're still missing a lot of supporting data and documentation, so we haven't made anything public yet…
---
"That's Ambipom, its evolution was also triggered by learning Double Hit…"
---
"That's Gliscor… that's Weavile… that's Magnezone and Probopass…"
---
Boodi listed each one like reciting from memory, introducing Pokémon with unique evolution methods and explaining the current progress of their research, his tone full of pride.
Sato listened the whole time without saying a word. Although he already knew all of this, compared to the lab's serious and systematic research, his knowledge from a past life sounded hollow and lacked credibility.
This was also why he never flaunted his knowledge from the first run. Without a proper, step-by-step research process, any claim he made would amount to no more than a hypothesis.
Not only would it yield nothing useful, but it could easily cause misunderstandings in the wrong hands.
That's why Boodi felt comfortable sharing all of their progress and findings with them.
---
After touring the lab's research projects, Boodi brought the group to the Pokémon nursery, which housed a large number of newborn Pokémon.
Among them, three particularly large sections had been specifically designated for raising Sinnoh's starter Pokémon: Piplup, Chimchar, and Turtwig.
The establishment of the lab had greatly benefited Sandgem Town and nearby towns, as it meant several Trainer slots were distributed here every year.
The lucky kids who started with a regional starter had a massive advantage over your average Bug Catcher or Fisherman.
Although in the future, Mega Evolutions for the Sinnoh starters had never been discovered, in terms of potential and ability, they still far outclassed most other Pokémon.
With the tour complete, it was finally time for lunch. Despite being busy, Professor Rowan showed up on time and enthusiastically shared a meal with them. Only after that did he reluctantly agree to let Sato and the others leave.
"If it hadn't been for the sudden emergency at Lake Verity, I wouldn't be so overwhelmed. I apologize for not being a better host," Rowan said with a hint of guilt.
Everyone quickly shook their heads. Honestly, having NoBoodi accompany them was more relaxed. If it had been Rowan, the room probably would've gone silent after two sentences.
"So, Sato, are you really sure you don't want any kind of reward?"
In the very end, Rowan still couldn't help but ask again. The stern look on his face now carried a hint of awkwardness.
Even Mark picked up on something being off… was Professor Rowan hiding something?
Sato blinked, thought for a moment, and asked, "Professor Rowan, is there something you need my help with?"
"Ahem… well, it's a bit embarrassing to admit, but while I've dedicated my life to researching evolution methods for all Pokémon, I know very little about the current hot topic: Mega Evolution.
I've got all these Mega Stones, but very few Trainers are willing to provide me with Mega Evolution data. So… would the three of you be willing to demonstrate your respective Mega Evolutions for me?"
After saying that, Rowan seemed to feel it was a bit too much, so he added, "Don't worry, I wouldn't ask you to help for nothing. I've got plenty of Mega Stones. After you're done, feel free to pick some to take with you. As many as you like!"
The three of them exchanged glances. For a moment, none of them knew how to hide the excitement on their faces.
What did he mean by "plenty of Mega Stones"? And "take some with you, as many as you like"?
At that moment, they all had just four words in their hearts:
"Daaaaamn… cold-blooded!"
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150 PS = Extra Chapter