The silhouette of Pidgeot moved swiftly across the sky.
In the distance, the imposing headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild began to take shape before their eyes.
The building resembled a massive palace; upon the vast plaza, several flying mounts could be seen at rest, as if it were a scene taken straight from a Western fantasy world.
"We have arrived. Welcome to the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild!" President Hamilton announced solemnly, standing before the plaza as he once again presented the place to Ethan Black and Alex Baxter.
"So this is the sanctuary of Pokémon Researchers!" exclaimed Alex Baxter, his eyes filled with longing and his determination renewed to become a Master Pokémon Researcher.
"Come on, let's go in together."
Seeing the eager expression on both of their faces, President Hamilton smiled in satisfaction.
With Ethan Black's thesis in his arms, he led them inside the majestic palace.
After passing through the enormous building, they soon arrived before the office of the Grand President of the Pokémon Researchers Guild, symbol of the Guild's highest authority.
"Come in."
At the sound of the knocks on the door, a calm voice resonated from within.
The door opened slowly, revealing a figure that looked surprisingly young. At his side, a Gardevoir was preparing tea; the gentle aroma filled the entire room.
"This is the Grand President of our Pokémon Researchers Guild, Andrew Beckett, Champion-level Trainer and elite Master Researcher," introduced Professor Harris with respect. Although Grand President Beckett was younger than him, he had already reached the highest possible achievements in this world.
"Champion-level Trainer?" repeated Ethan Black, eyes wide open.
In the League, Trainers are classified mainly into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels; above them are the Elite-level Trainers, and at the very top, the Champion-level Trainers.
A Champion-level Trainer is already the strongest in the world; beyond that, only the unreachable legends exist.
"Grand President, please take a look at this thesis," said President Hamilton, handing Grand President Beckett the work titled "A New Direction in Pokémon Evolution" by Ethan Black.
"This is...?"
"A new direction in Pokémon evolution!"
Even Grand President Beckett, with all his experience, revealed a trace of surprise upon reading the title.
He sat down to examine it carefully, and after watching the video of an Onix successfully evolving into Steelix, his gaze intensified.
"How many people have read this thesis?" he asked, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them sharply with great seriousness.
"Only us. As soon as I saw it, I came directly to deliver it to you," replied President Hamilton, nodding firmly.
"You've done very well."
"This matter is of utmost importance. If its authenticity is confirmed, it could have an incalculable impact on the development of the League."
Grand President Beckett looked at those present with gravity: "For now, without my authorization, no one is to speak of this."
Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds exchanged a glance and nodded; the importance of the matter had escalated to the level of League security, enough for the Grand President to act cautiously.
"Gardevoir, go and close the entrance to the Secret Kingdom."
"President Hamilton, find a laboratory and bring several Onix for testing."
The orders followed one after another quickly, clearly showing the importance Grand President Beckett gave to the matter.
Soon, President Hamilton prepared the laboratory. The Grand President led everyone into the sealed room, closed the doors, and assigned Pokémon to guard it.
He released five Onix and brought out all the Metal Coats from the headquarters' inventory: there were only eight in total. Even for such a powerful organization, these items were rare.
"Let's begin. Open the Spatial Gate," ordered Grand President Beckett.
After placing the Metal Coats on the Onix, Grand President Beckett nodded at President Hamilton. A gate rose in the center of the room, gathering energy until it formed an iridescent veil, like a mirror into a magical world.
The Spatial Gate was a device used to investigate evolutions related to space.
The Onix began to cross it, one by one. The first crossed... but came out the same as it had entered: without evolving.
"It seems that, just like with evolutionary stones, the Pokémon needs a certain level of strength," observed Grand President Beckett.
The second Onix, stronger, still did not manage to evolve.
When the third passed through, its rocky body glowed as it resonated with the Metal Coat, but it still did not complete the transformation: it was close to the requirement, but not enough.
"It seems this method does work..." murmured Grand President Beckett, turning his gaze to the fourth Onix.
Boom!
An intense light enveloped it, its silhouette changing as it passed through the Spatial Gate.
When it emerged, the light dissipated, and before them appeared a Steelix nearly ten meters long.
"Evolution achieved!" exclaimed President Hamilton, normally so composed.
"So the Metal Coat really can act as an evolutionary stone..." Grand President Beckett observed the item with fascination, unable to hide the gleam in his eyes.
"You are Ethan Black, right? This is an extraordinary discovery. If this method can be applied to other Pokémon, your name will be recorded in history."
Grand President Andrew Beckett looked at him with open admiration.
(End of chapter)