Pokémon Researchers Guild.
"There's no mistake, these two Pokémon are called Klink and Meltan."
"Indeed, they are Pokémon that had not yet been discovered, and both are Steel type."
After a series of tests conducted by the guild, the data of the two Pokémon was scanned, and the researchers, after comparing with existing records, determined the most basic information about them.
As a reference, Klink was compared with Magnemite, while Meltan was compared with Mawile.
As for the collection of more detailed data, additional research would be needed to determine everything with certainty.
"Mawile, huh?"
"The base values of both species are around 300–400, so the evaluation of their strength is fairly accurate."
Seeing that the researchers hadn't discovered anything special about Meltan and had simply cataloged it as a common Pokémon, Ethan Black sighed in relief.
Moreover, thanks to Ethan Black's deliberate misinformation, the researchers also considered Meltan the same as Klink: a Pokémon found in abundance, without imagining its true rarity.
After an entire day, the preliminary information on Meltan and Klink was fully recorded.
"You're saying you want us to collaborate with Professor Reynolds for the research?"
Upon hearing Professor Harris's plans regarding the study of both Pokémon, Ethan Black and Alex Baxter were surprised.
They had assumed that Professor Harris would personally investigate the two Pokémon, but to their surprise, he was handing the opportunity to another professor at the school.
"Yes, I would love to research these two Pokémon..." admitted Professor Harris. "But right now I'm busy with the study of the sandstorm climate, and I really don't have any free time."
"Besides, Professor Reynolds is an expert in Steel-type Pokémon; her experience is much deeper than mine in that field, so she's better qualified for this work."
Professor Harris sighed slightly and continued:
"Don't worry, Professor Reynolds and I have been friends for many years. In my research on sandstorms, Professor Reynolds has helped me a lot. I'm sure she will also help you investigate Meltan and Klink."
"And not only that: in addition to studying them, she has promised to help you train them as well."
Hearing this, Ethan Black and Alex Baxter exchanged glances and, somewhat moved, nodded.
It was clear that the supposed lack of time from Professor Harris was just an excuse; his real goal was that Ethan Black and Alex Baxter could benefit more thanks to Professor Reynolds.
It wasn't long before Professor Reynolds arrived in a hurry. To their surprise, she turned out to be a woman of about the same age as Professor Harris.
"These are the two Steel-type Pokémon?" said Professor Reynolds with a smile. "What adorable little ones!"
After exchanging a few words with Ethan Black and Alex Baxter, Professor Reynolds approached Meltan and Klink, clearly delighted.
Then, she took from the satchel at her waist a bottle filled with a silver liquid like mercury and offered it to the two Pokémon.
"Zzzt zzzt zzzt!"
As soon as Meltan saw the liquid, its eye curved like a crescent moon and it drank the entire bottle in one gulp.
Klink, seeing this, offered its own as if it were a treasure; Meltan didn't hesitate and drank that one too, with an expression of full satisfaction.
"Klink, you're a good boy," said Professor Reynolds, stroking it happily.
Professor Harris, without realizing it, touched his head with a slight smile. (Translator's note: Love is in the air, guys)
...
Pokémon University of Ironvale City – Special Research Area
After meeting Professor Reynolds, Professor Harris drove everyone back to the academy's special area.
"Professor Reynolds, I think we should work in my lab; that way we could exchange ideas more easily," proposed Professor Harris.
"No need. I already have my own lab," replied Professor Reynolds without hesitation. "If we need to discuss something, you can come directly; it's not far."
The direct refusal left Professor Harris a bit uncomfortable, scratching his nose.
Ethan Black watched them both, and suddenly his face lit up: "Professors, I have another Pokémon that will surely interest you a lot. Do you want to see it?"
"What Pokémon?" they asked in unison, both showing the typical enthusiasm of obsessive researchers.
"It's a bit strong, so I hope you release your own Pokémon to restrain it," said Ethan Black, taking out Steelix's Poké Ball.
"Don't worry, release it," they replied, and threw their own Poké Balls. A Rhydon and an Aggron appeared.
"Perfect."
Ethan Black released the Poké Ball, and the imposing figure of Steelix emerged before them.
"ROAR!"
No sooner had it appeared than Steelix quickly located Ethan Black and Meltan.
"ROAR!"
With a deafening roar, it charged energy in its mouth and fired Flash Cannon directly at Ethan Black.
"ROAR!"
Rhydon, seeing that the steel colossus intended to attack a human, roared furiously and rushed forward.
With energy accumulating in its arm, it executed Hammer Arm, which not only blocked the Flash Cannon but smashed through it to advance against Steelix.
BOOM!
The blow struck Steelix's jaw head-on, lifting it off the ground and sending it flying.
"Zzzzt..." Meltan, with its eye nearly popping from the screw on its head, stared in disbelief at Rhydon's strength.
"Impressive... I didn't expect less from Professor Harris's Rhydon," thought Ethan Black, astonished. "If Steelix is already at advanced level... then this Rhydon... is terrifying."
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
The earth trembled as Rhydon planted itself next to Steelix, pressing its head into the ground with one hand, leaving it almost unable to breathe.
(End of chapter)