Foster's research subject was the ancient history of Pokémon. Furthermore, he had proposed a theory regarding the origin of marine Pokémon, believing that the source of all life lay in the sea.
"Your big discovery... it wouldn't happen to be a new species of marine Pokémon, would it?" After hearing Foster introduce his research, Misty's eyes suddenly sparkled as she lunged forward! As a devoted lover of Water-type Pokémon, how could she not be excited by such a theory? Misty loved Water Pokémon more than anything!
Chatting as they walked, the group arrived before a set of iron doors marked with a large red 'X'.
"And now, I shall lead you into the world of two million years ago!"
Foster pressed his thumb against the fingerprint scanner. The iron doors slid open, and a cool breeze wafted out from within.
Rare trees and exotic grasses filled the landscape. Suddenly, an Aerodactyl leaped out. Ash had always liked Aerodactyl they were cool, and he hoped to catch one if he ever got the chance! However, the one before him wasn't real.
"This is an Aerodactyl created using the latest data on ancient Pokémon and the most advanced electronic animation technology!" Foster introduced.
It sounded quite high-tech. However, since it wasn't alive, Ash wasn't particularly interested. Molly, on the other hand, was delighted. To her, this was like an amusement park! And an unreleased one at that!
"This is the Prehistoric Pokémon Park, an educational and entertainment space that recreates the living environment of ancient Pokémon. It hasn't been opened to the public yet because the system still requires a lot of calibration time."
Molly hugged Ash's leg. "This is incredible, Big Brother Ash! This place is so much fun! Oh, look, a volcano!"
As she spoke, a virtual volcano in front of them erupted.
Foster introduced it proudly. "As I said, we're recreating that environment. In ancient times, the continents were affected by frequent volcanic activity; land would sometimes sink into the sea or rise out of it!"
"And such fluctuations had a massive impact on the evolution of life!" Ash added, finishing the thought.
He felt Professor Oak pat his shoulder, nodding in approval.
Molly ran over to Foster. "Uncle Foster, are there other ancient Pokémon here besides the Aerodactyl?" A single Aerodactyl certainly wasn't enough to satisfy her!
Looking down at her delicate face, Foster knelt. "Then let me take little Molly to see the most significant discovery here!"
Foster led the group to a small pond. Strangely, the rocks surrounding the water were glowing!
"This is Luminous Moss!" Professor Oak instantly recognized the secret behind the glowing stones.
Foster continued, "Ancient seashores were covered in this stuff. We learned that through fossil analysis."
Molly tugged on Foster's trouser leg. "Uncle Foster, is this your big discovery?" Glowing rocks were cool, but they weren't enough to satisfy Molly's boundless curiosity.
Foster looked at her and smiled. "Molly, you mustn't be impatient! If you just stand here, the big discovery will show itself!"
"Really?" Molly turned around and ran back to Ash's side, staring blankly at the water's surface.
"Hmm?"
Ash's Aura Power seemed to detect something. A look of realization crossed his face. So it was them!
Soon, everyone noticed something approaching the surface of the water.
"Everyone, this area is a perfect replica of a coast from two million years ago." As several shapes began to emerge from the water, Foster acted as a narrator for their debut. "Watch closely now!"
As soon as Foster finished speaking, the figures beneath the surface finally revealed themselves!
They were Pokémon that resembled large snails, carrying massive shells with spiral patterns, with blue tentacles reaching out from within. The Omanyte looked quite cute with their large eyes, but their evolved form, Omastar, was different. Their eyes were somewhat intimidating, and their mouths had become cross-shaped and jagged, giving them a fierce appearance.
"It's Omanyte and Omastar!" Professor Oak identified them.
"They look so real!" Misty recognized them as well and stood there in shock.
"Big Brother Ash, the Omanyte are so cute!" Molly had already cheered and run toward them. As the Omanyte crawled onto the sand, Professor Oak suddenly realized something was wrong!
"Ash, quick, stop Molly! Those Omanyte are..." Professor Oak cried out in alarm. If the little girl approached them recklessly and was attacked, the consequences would be dire!
But it was too late. Molly had already knelt in front of an Omanyte, reaching out a tiny finger to touch one of its tentacles.
Feeling the damp sensation, Molly suddenly understood. "Oh! Big Brother Ash, they're alive!" Like a startled rabbit, she scurried back to Ash and hid behind his legs, clutching his thigh.
"Don't be afraid, Molly. Aren't Omanyte cute?" Ash comforted her with a smile.
Looking at the Omanyte before him, Professor Oak slowly stepped forward and reached out to touch their tentacles, his heart filled with nostalgia.
"I'm so moved. I never expected to encounter actual ancient Pokémon."
"The reason I began studying Pokémon in the first place was because I saw an Omanyte fossil. The shell I saw in the museum had such a beautiful spiral pattern. Seeing them now... it feels like meeting an old friend I've missed dearly!"
"Foster, where did you find these Omanyte and Omastar?" Professor Oak also realized the gravity of the situation. To certain profit-driven individuals, these living fossils would be seen as walking piles of gold.
However, even Foster was unsure. They had already appeared here before he even noticed them.
A light flashed around Ash as he looked at Foster with a serious expression. "Foster, beneath this place, there exists a world that has been preserved for two million years. I suggest you immediately seal off this artificial pond and take measures regarding the source of this water!"
"Ash?"
Misty had never heard Ash speak so solemnly about anything, nor had she ever seen his expression so grave!
As Ash was speaking, several more Omanyte appeared around them without anyone noticing. Now, Foster believed Ash's words.
Beneath this artificial lake and the water source deep within the back mountains, a clan of Omanyte had been thriving for two million years!
"Ash, you really have grown!" Professor Oak looked at Ash, his eyes full of pride.
The rest would be left to the researchers. Since these Omanyte needed protection, Misty despite being a Water-type trainer didn't even think about catching one. She didn't mind at all; keeping their existence a secret was the best way to handle these prehistoric Pokémon.
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