Finally, Carver's gaze settled on the [Aggronite].
He didn't immediately hand this stone to Steven, but asked: "By the way, has your Lairon evolved into Aggron yet?"
Steven shook his head: "Not yet."
Unlike Metagross, Lairon was a Pokémon he had captured when he started his journey this year. There should still be some time before it evolved into Aggron.
"Then have your Lairon and Skarmory come out and see if there are any Mega Stones among these stones that they can use," Carver said.
Metagross wasn't the only Pokémon that could Mega Evolve.
Steven immediately understood what Carver meant.
He didn't refuse and took out Lairon and Skarmory's Poké Balls.
With two flashes of white light, both Pokémon appeared in the main hall.
Following their trainer's instructions, they began carefully searching through the pile of stones for one that resonated with them.
After a moment, Lairon sensed a familiar energy fluctuation.
Without a doubt, it had also found its own Mega Stone.
Skarmory, however, found nothing.
Carver wasn't surprised by this.
Because as far as he knew, Skarmory itself couldn't Mega Evolve.
Seeing that both teammates had their own Mega Stones and could Mega Evolve with their trainer, Skarmory looked somewhat dejected.
"Don't worry, maybe it's just not here. Perhaps you'll encounter one in other places in the future?" Carver said.
After all, even things like [Dragonite Mega Stone] could exist, so it wouldn't be surprising if a Skarmory Mega Stone appeared someday.
Skarmory was comforted.
It immediately didn't feel as dejected as before.
"Skarmory, return for now. I'll take you to search for your evolution stone later," Steven said.
Skarmory nodded its head and obediently returned to its Poké Ball along with Lairon.
Only then did Steven turn to look at Carver.
The Mega Evolution research had been successfully completed.
Next was publishing papers and presenting it to the world.
Although Steven wasn't a professional researcher, one could imagine that once this news spread, it would have enormous impact worldwide.
However, "Mega Evolution" was Carver's research discovery, so all future decisions had to be made by him.
Whether to conceal it or publish papers.
However, this kind of thing couldn't be hidden—unless he didn't use Mega Evolution in Pokémon battles.
As for publishing papers—
Carver was neither a researcher nor a doctor, so publishing papers might require review.
Steven felt that if people from Pokémon research journals witnessed Metagross's Mega Evolution with their own eyes, they would probably immediately approve it.
With just this one research project, Carver's status in the research world could directly advance to professor level.
Just like Professor Birch, who specialized in studying Pokémon ecological data.
Carver would also become a professor specializing in Pokémon Mega Evolution research.
However, regardless, the Stone family would do everything possible to help him.
"What do you plan to do next?" Steven began asking for Carver's opinion.
Carver quickly understood Steven's meaning.
He couldn't help but start thinking.
In the anime, Mega Evolution's emergence was the research achievement of Professor Sycamore from the Kalos region.
The current timeline was still early—Steven had just started his journey, and Ash was probably only five years old. This meant there were probably at least ten years before that day arrived.
Too early—he had crossed over too early.
Now that the timeline had changed, some plots would probably change accordingly. Carver didn't know if this would be good or bad.
After thinking for a moment, he asked: "By the way, when is the Ever Grande Conference held?"
The Ever Grande Conference—a major event in the Hoenn region where trainers from around the world would gather after collecting all eight gym badges from the Hoenn region to engage in fierce battles and compete for the final conference championship.
"October 15th every year," Steven answered.
"That's still over five months away!" Carver said. "In that case, let's wait until after you demonstrate Mega Evolution at the Ever Grande Conference!"
After pausing, Carver continued: "The current Mega Evolution research isn't complete. It's unclear which Pokémon these stones correspond to, and what changes Pokémon undergo after Mega Evolution is also unknown. I want to use the next five months to study this carefully."
Steven was slightly stunned—this was something he hadn't considered thoroughly.
"I understand. If you need help with anything, you can tell me anytime."
Carver smiled. Currently, no one in this world understood Mega Evolution better than he did.
But to keep up appearances, he didn't refuse Steven's help.
Seeing this, Steven thought briefly, then said:
"To be honest, several years ago I had professionals research these stones and analyze the energy inside them. However, the research direction was wrong at the time, so that laboratory has been discontinued, but the equipment inside is still very complete."
"If possible, I'd like to move that laboratory here to make it convenient for your research. Please don't refuse—consider this my thank-you gift and funding!"
Hearing this, Carver was slightly stunned.
"A laboratory?" He thought calmly and said: "It's possible, but there's no spare space in the breeding house right now."
"What about underground?" Steven said. "Build a specialized laboratory underground beneath the breeding house, then install some research machines inside. We could examine Pokémon evolution spectra, analyze genetic data of corresponding Pokémon inside stones, thus identifying which Pokémon each Mega Stone corresponds to."
Carver fell silent.
Steven would provide money and effort, while he only needed to provide himself.
"Wouldn't this be too much trouble?" Carver said.
Steven saw Carver's hesitation and smiled softly: "We'll cooperate—consider it me funding your research. When papers are published later, just give me a small share of any prize money."
With the conversation reaching this point, Carver had no reason to refuse.
Steven didn't lack money—what he valued was Carver himself.
Understanding this point, Carver extended his hand to Steven: "Happy cooperation."
Steven curved his lips: "Happy cooperation."
That afternoon, construction workers dispatched by Steven arrived at the breeding house.
After a thorough survey, they finally chose the underground area beneath the breeding house as the laboratory site.
The group hurriedly began construction.
With Pokémon and professional equipment, in just half a month, this underground laboratory had already taken initial shape.
After finishing a day of business, Carver stood on the main road in front of the breeding house, looking at this inconspicuous little building.
He couldn't help but sigh in his heart: "This place really is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!"
Who could imagine that beneath this small breeding house, there was such an advanced laboratory?