The reason Lionel was able to resist the covetous desire for the Dratini was that the one currently playing with its tail on the ground had the Ability—Shed Skin.
Instead of the rare Hidden Ability Marvel Scale.
This discovery instantly calmed the surging excitement in Lionel's heart. It must be known that Dratini's Ability changes in sync with its evolution:
Only a Dratini with the Hidden Ability Marvel Scale will evolve into a Dragonite with the almost overpowered Multiscale Ability.
And this was the most perfect and strongest form of Dragonite in Lionel's mind.
The Shed Skin Ability of this Dratini will only transform into Inner Focus upon evolution.
Although this Ability isn't weak—it allows Dragonite to be immune to the Flinching status in battle and prevents interference from Intimidate moves, ensuring stable output—
compared to the almost game-breaking Hidden Ability Multiscale, it is undoubtedly far inferior.
Although a Dragonite with a standard Ability can still rank among the top fighting forces and become a fearsome presence on the battlefield, Lionel always felt it was slightly lacking.
More importantly, Lionel already had a detailed plan in mind; he knew he would have the opportunity to select his desired Dratini in the future.
But this hidden opportunity would only truly appear after Tyrunt successfully evolved into Tyrantrum.
You must understand that real Pokémon are not like the games of his previous life, where there are clear values like Attack and Defense Base Stats for reference, allowing one to instantly discern a Pokémon's full strengths and weaknesses.
Most people judge a Pokémon's strength based on its actual state after growth, such as its physical toughness, the explosive power of its move execution, its reaction speed in battle, etc. ... combined with a comprehensive assessment of the damage dealt to opponents in actual combat, the final victory or defeat is the most direct and hardcore judgment of a Pokémon's strength.
As for Tyrunt fossils, they have not been widely discovered, excavated, and revived. In the Hoenn region, there is only the one currently held by Lionel.
Due to the lack of sufficient numbers, it is currently difficult to establish systematic research data on it. Furthermore, Tyrunt is a unique Pokémon possessing the Rock-type + Dragon-type combination.
This type combination is currently unheard of, and its rarity is incomparable.
People often judge the strength of Pokémon they have never seen or know little about based on their appearance and aura—and this played right into Lionel's intentions.
Tyrunt is fine at this stage; it only displays a slight dominance, and its appearance doesn't differ too strikingly from other Dragon-type Pokémon.
But once it evolves into Tyrantrum, its appearance will undergo an earth-shattering transformation.
In terms of strength, Lionel wouldn't dare claim it could crush all Dragon-type Pokémon, but regarding appearance, he could absolutely guarantee:
If judged purely on visual intensity, absolutely no Dragon-type Pokémon can compare to Tyrantrum!—Because Tyrantrum possesses a highly deceptive characteristic.
Tyrantrum's physique and appearance resemble the legendary Tyrannosaurus Rex; its brutality and ferocity go without saying. But the most crucial element is a strange keratinous ornament on Tyrantrum's head.
When Tyrunt evolves into Tyrantrum, the two inconspicuous orange spikes originally on its head will undergo a miraculous and radical transformation:
It ultimately condenses on its forehead into a keratinous protrusion shaped like a golden-yellow crown, with sharp edges and a subtle metallic sheen.
From afar, it looks as if this prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex-like Pokémon has been custom-fitted with an exclusive Imperial Crown. The imposing royal might rushes forth, carrying a noble sense of oppression amidst the savage aura, captivating the soul.
In the eyes of Trainers unfamiliar with Tyrantrum, when it displays its domineering posture full of primal savagery, complemented by the golden "crown" symbolizing kingship atop its head.
Who could fail to be awed by its crown-wearing appearance?
Lionel already had a plan: he would definitely travel to the Kanto Region in the future.
As the local Dragon-type Trainer Family, the Dragonite Family's obsession with Dragon-type Pokémon runs deep.
If they personally saw the golden "crown" symbolizing kingship atop Tyrantrum's head, and he subtly hinted that it was the "Exclusive Mark of the Dragon King Pokémon," could the Dragonite Family resist this temptation?
Could Elite Lance withstand this temptation?
At that time, Lionel would present a bargaining chip full of sincerity:
using a Tyrunt Pokémon Egg as the lure.
As for how to breed and successfully produce a Pokémon Egg, Lionel planned to study it thoroughly after Tyrunt evolved.
After all, Tyrunt is still young now; considering offspring matters at this point would be too much.
Furthermore, besides Dratini, if there were other Dragon-type Trainers who wanted to exchange offspring, Lionel could also consider using a Tyrunt Pokémon Egg for the trade.
To fully realize this idea, Tyrunt would have to work hard, but according to Lionel's vision, Tyrunt would likely be willing to cooperate.
By then, let alone a Dratini with Marvel Scale, Lionel might even be able to acquire various other rare Dragon-type Pokémon.
All these thoughts about Dratini flowed through Lionel's mind in an instant.
Since Steven gave him a choice, the alternative comparable to Dratini must also be extraordinary.
Naturally, Lionel firmly decided to first understand what the next option was before making a proper decision.
Seeing Lionel's determined and unwavering attitude, Steven put away his previous teasing thoughts, swept his fingers across his waist, and pulled out two Poké Balls.
He flicked his wrist, tossing the Poké Balls out, his tone carrying both solemnity and a hint of joy:
"Since you insist, I shall reveal the other choice."
A flash of white light exploded in the center of the Collection Room, and the massive figure of the shiny Metagross appeared, its silver-white metallic body gleaming under the lights.
A pair of dark red eyes calmly scanned the surroundings. The Steel-type and Psychic-type energy surrounding it wove into an invisible aura, much more restrained than it was in the cave, leaving only a reassuring sense of profound stability.
Just as Lionel was wondering why Steven suddenly released the shiny Metagross, a small head timidly poked out from beside the shiny Metagross's thick metallic foot.
It was,
a shiny Beldum.
It had a silver-white metallic body completely different from a regular blue Beldum, as if it were finely tempered steel, shimmering with a delicate, cool luster under the light.
Beldum's appearance resembles one of Metagross's large feet—small yet conveying an indestructible texture. A small red crystal is embedded on the top of its body—that is its eye.
It was currently nestled right beside the shiny Metagross's large foot, its eye, a red crystal, wide open, quietly and curiously observing Lionel.
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