"Eh, why does this Onix look different?"
Alex Baxter came closer, staring nonstop, and suddenly asked with some doubt.
When they were inside the Secret Kingdom, the situation had been urgent, and he had thought it was simply an Onix.
But now, observing it carefully, he discovered that this Pokémon before him, although it resembled an Onix a lot, actually wasn't one.
"It turns out this is another Pokémon that has not yet been discovered."
"By its appearance, it should be Steel type... and it seems to have some relation to Onix."
Professor Reynolds also came closer to examine Steelix, and immediately ordered her Aggron to strike its body. A clear sound of metal against metal was heard.
"Indeed, it is a Steel-type Pokémon, and it might also be Ground type."
Professor Harris also came to examine Steelix. From his expression, it was obvious it was also his first time seeing one.
"This..."
"Could it be that Steelix has not been discovered before either?"
Ethan Black's eyes lit up. He had thought that Steelix might not be that rare, but he hadn't imagined that, in this world, it had not yet appeared.
"It seems Steelix's evolution is not as simple as I thought."
"To begin with, just as evolutionary stones don't guarantee one hundred percent that a Pokémon will evolve, any form of evolution requires a certain level of power in the Pokémon itself."
"Moreover, the item Metal Coat is not common in nature. In the Secret Kingdoms it can be found thanks to environments such as the metallic cave."
"Lastly, Steelix's evolution, apart from the Metal Coat, needs a stimulus similar to a trade connection to be completed."
"That's why, even if a few Steelix exist in nature, the probability of a Secret Kingdom containing them fusing with the real world and then being discovered by humans... is extremely low."
After thinking it all through, Ethan Black couldn't help his eyes from shining. Could he take advantage of this information to gain some profit?
"Ethan, what Pokémon exactly is this?"
After observing, Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds turned toward him.
"It's called Steelix. It's a Steel/Ground-type Pokémon, the evolution of Onix."
Ethan Black thought for a moment, but he didn't hide anything and revealed the information.
"It really is the evolution of Onix!"
Hearing this, both Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds widened their eyes.
Not even they, being top-level researchers, knew that Onix had an evolution!
"That's right, Steelix evolves from Onix."
"I saw it with my own eyes. At that time, this Steelix nearly cornered us with no escape."
Ethan Black's eyes gleamed faintly. In reality, Steelix had already evolved before, but he said he witnessed it personally to support his future plans.
"Zzzt zzzt zzzt!"
Upon hearing this, Meltan turned its eye and then nodded quickly.
"So it really does evolve from Onix!"
"Ethan, do you know exactly how it evolves?"
Professor Harris's eyes showed a mix of surprise and excitement: not only had they discovered a new Pokémon, but it also meant that his own Onix could reach a new level of power.
"I almost know, but to really test it we need more experiments."
Ethan Black deliberately didn't reveal the method of evolution right away.
"So how does it evolve?"
Professor Reynolds came closer, also excited.
If it was confirmed that Steelix evolved from Onix, the Steel type would gain a very powerful member.
"Well..."
Seeing both of them impatient, Ethan Black got serious, took a deep breath, and said: "Professor Harris, Professor Reynolds, I don't want to directly reveal the method of Steelix's evolution. If possible, I'd like to sell it as a knowledge manual."
"You know my situation. To obtain the resources needed to train my Pokémon, I need a considerable sum. Otherwise, it will be hard for me to keep increasing my strength."
Hearing this, both professors looked at each other with slightly uncomfortable expressions. Information that allowed Onix to evolve into Steelix would have enormous value.
Even for them, renowned researchers, it would be difficult to buy such knowledge.
Seeing the discomfort on their faces, Ethan Black understood the misunderstanding and hurried to clarify: "Professor Harris, Professor Reynolds, I don't mind giving the information to you. What I don't want is for you to hand over the research results to the Pokémon Researchers Guild."
"If possible, I would prefer to sell the method of Steelix's evolution to a large corporation, like the Devon Corporation."
"They, being specialized in Steel-type Pokémon, would surely be very interested."
Fearing they might misunderstand, Ethan Black explained all his plans.
"I see... the Devon Corporation?"
"If it's to them, they would surely pay a high price."
Professor Harris fell into thought. Just as Ethan Black said, if it were delivered to the Pokémon Researchers Guild, apart from fame and academic points, no great resources would be obtained.
It was like when Ethan Black published his research on the ability Overcoat: apart from a certificate of honor, he only received 200,000 Pokédollars as a reward.
In contrast, selling it to the Devon Corporation would mean receiving enormous resources, enough for Ethan Black to have no financial troubles until at least reaching the advanced level.
The comparison made it clear which was the better option.
Especially for a trainer of humble origins like Ethan Black, who wasn't a career researcher. The only thing he sought was resources to train his Pokémon.
(End of chapter)