August 10th, Lumiose City,
Professor Sycamore's Lab.
After nearly five days of non-stop data testing, Dr. Platanus arrived at an accurate conclusion.
Whether it was Li Wei's Lucario and Metagross, or Steven's Metagross, their base stats were already higher than those of the same level.
After Mega Evolution, due to the quantified amplification of Adaptability and Tough Claws, their increase was also 8-12 percentage points higher than normal.
"But why?"
Dr. Platanus still hadn't found the answer.
This was Steven's guess,
"Perhaps it's related to the dishes, Energy Cubes, and Poffins Li Wei makes."
Steven wasn't just assuming.
Steven helping Dr. Platanus complete the data research was roughly half a year ago.
What needed to be fed to Metagross and what training it needed, Steven had already completed.
As of today, Metagross's strength has entered a slow growth or even stagnation phase.
Has Metagross's strength increased in the past six months?
Yes, very slowly.
But after a trip to the Breeding Center in late July, Metagross's strength saw another increase.
Although the growth wasn't significant and didn't break through, it was definitely a solid step.
Dr. Platanus didn't completely dismiss Steven's speculation.
"This speculation isn't without reason; Elite Siebold can use cooking to increase Pokemon's strength..."
"It just requires some special ingredients, but from what I've observed... Li Wei doesn't seem to use very special ingredients."
Li Wei couldn't explain this matter either.
So he chose to remain silent.
Steven stroked his chin,
"I wonder if this is Li Wei's talent? Just like..."
Steven rattled off many names as if listing dishes.
Just like 'Battle Man' Red, 'Breeding Man' Qinglv, 'Hatching Man' Kohkin...
And like Sabrina and Caitlin who possess Psychic abilities, and Gym Leader Olympia from the Kalos region who can see Future Sight.
These are all talents.
Qinglv believes Li Wei's talent is learning,
Steven believes that making dishes and Pokemon food produce special effects is Li Wei's talent.
Dr. Platanus's eyes lit up, and he snapped his fingers,
"There really is a possibility!"
Dr. Platanus naturally also knew about these geniuses crowned with special titles by Dr. Oak.
He had also heard about the Psychic abilities of Caitlin, Sabrina, and others...
Even Bruno's ability to battle with Pokemon, to some extent, is also a talent.
Dr. Platanus and Steven became more and more excited as they talked...
Li Wei was afraid they would slice him up.
Fortunately, Dr. Platanus didn't have such evil thoughts.
"It's still uncertain; I'll collect more data later."
Steven suggested to Dr. Platanus that he could collect data on Cynthia's Pokemon.
"Qinglv, Lance, Diantha, and Cynthia's Pokemon..."
Although Dr. Platanus might not have Qinglv's data before, it could still be used as a reference.
"Excellent suggestion!"
The current Master League is truly convenient for Dr. Platanus to collect data.
Whether it's Lance, Cynthia, or Diantha, they will all come to Lumiose City to participate in the competition.
Only Qinglv is a bit troublesome.
Dr. Platanus himself could go find Qinglv, but the equipment couldn't be moved.
Steven smiled slightly, "I can do this for you."
Steven wasn't helping for no reason; mainly, he also wanted to answer this question.
If there's a question and he doesn't investigate it thoroughly, that doesn't fit Steven's character.
The data for Lucario and Metagross had been collected, so Li Wei's task was complete.
Knowing that Li Wei and Steven had further plans, Dr. Platanus didn't try to keep them.
Dr. Platanus's face was full of respect,
"Li Wei, Lucario, Metagross, thank you for your cooperation these past few days..."
"The data collected these past few days may allow me to better understand the essence of Mega Evolution. Thank you."
Li Wei smiled and shook hands with Dr. Platanus,
"It's my honor to be able to help you, Doctor, and the same goes for Lucario and Metagross."
"Lucario!"
"Kohkin!"
"Quack! Quack!"
Even though Farfetch'd, Shaymin, and Diancie didn't provide any help, they could be called moral support.
Li Wei temporarily had no plans to showcase Diancie's Mega Evolution.
After all, Li Wei and Diancie had only recently formed their bond, so it wouldn't be too late to show it later.
...
"Chloe, please retrieve all the Mega ite that we have finished testing."
Dr. Platanus truly lived up to his title as a doctor who researches Mega Evolution.
Two researchers each came over, holding a tray with grooves.
Mega ite, which are expensive outside, were served by the tray at Professor Sycamore's Lab.
The Mega ite were laid out on the trays for selection.
There were duplicate Mega ite here, and below them, it was meticulously labeled which Pokemon they belonged to.
Even without Identification, Li Wei could tell.
For the same ite, the internal patterns were identical.
His job was to research which Pokemon an ite belonged to, and then publish the findings.
Dr. Platanus was doing just that.
Dr. Platanus smiled,
"Li Wei, I promised you one before, but you also had Metagross complete the collection, so you can take two."
Looking at the dozens of Mega ite, Li Wei was momentarily stumped.
It was a pity there were no Latias or Latios ite; otherwise, Li Wei wouldn't have to agonize.
"Steven, you pick one too; anyway, these Mega ite are just decorations here with me."
These were all ones Dr. Platanus had finished researching.
The Pokemon were borrowed from other labs and usually sent back after the research was complete.
Dr. Platanus's true Pokemon was Garchomp.
"Then I won't decline."
Steven didn't agonize like Li Wei; he chose a Scizorite, which he didn't have yet.
"I've decided."
Li Wei ultimately chose the Tyranitar ite and Salamence ite.
If he could have gathered both Charizard X and Y here, he might have agonized a bit and taken two Charizard ite.
But there was only one Charizard X ite here.
Looking at Li Wei's Dragapult and Metagross, and then seeing the two he chose.
Dr. Platanus stroked his chin and chuckled, "You seem to have a soft spot for these Pokemon."
"It seems I do."
Li Wei didn't deny this point.
Even if raising a Tyranitar required a lot of ore,
Li Wei could truly afford to raise it.
Li Wei had confidence in himself and in the gradually expanding Zhuqing Breeding Center.
After safely storing their ite, Li Wei and Steven took their leave,
"Then we'll be going."
"Come visit me again when you have time."
"Okay."
Shortly after Li Wei left Professor Sycamore's Lab,
[Ding, I Really Didn't Plan to Be a Streamer — Phase 4 Mission Completed]