"So what can we do? Oh, I don't know what's going on up there, why suddenly restart the frozen Taile Plan and move the entire base to the Area Zero Research Institute..."
The man wanted to say something more, but Bucky stepped forward and interrupted them:
"Hey! Now is not the time to say such things! The research on Paradox Pokemon is at a critical stage, even if we lose our lives for them, it's worth it! At least we have contributed to the entire Pokemon science community!"
The two quickly shut their mouths and no longer spoke.
Bucky sat back down, grinned at Naoki and said, "Relax, humanity has never stopped exploring, and sacrifices are inevitable in this process. It's because of the sacrifices of our predecessors that we have what we have today, so we must also try to leave something for later generations!"
Naoki nodded, showing understanding on the surface, but secretly pondering:
"No wonder there's not a single researcher in that huge research institute in the game."
Due to an excessive lack of manpower, plus later on, the two professors became distrustful of newly recruited researchers, so they created their own AI to assist with work.
It seems signs are already there now.
Naoki silently finished his meal and, under Bucky's guidance, went to his accommodation—a small silver-colored room, extremely simple for a person.
The room wasn't large, containing a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe, with a bathroom and restroom near the door.
The overall decor style leaned towards a cold-toned technology metal vibe, looking cold and devoid of any homely feel.
After arriving, both Dragonite, Pawmo, and Koraidon showed somewhat drooped expressions, clearly disliking the place.
Seeing this, Naoki helplessly said, "Sorry, I didn't know it would be like this here, but I promise you, once business is finished we'll go home and never come back here again."
His curiosity about the place had been satisfied.
Moreover, the atmosphere at Area Zero Research Institute was quite strange, coupled with the overwhelming Glimmet and Glimmora outside, Naoki felt this place was very eerie, not quite liking it.
Seeing Naoki's expression, the Pokemon all let out gentle growls and nodded in agreement.
Naoki smiled and patted each of them, then said, "Alright, time to rest!"
*
The next morning, Bucky came over and knocked on Naoki's door.
Having washed up and eaten breakfast, Naoki opened the door and went out after hearing the knock.
"Good morning!" Bucky showed a vibrant smile, "The professor wants me to take you to meet her!"
"Okay."
Naoki nodded and followed Bucky out of the room with Koraidon.
After passing through a corridor and turning a corner, they arrived at a laboratory filled with various research instruments.
Professor Sada and Professor Turo, dressed in white lab coats, were there adjusting a machine.
Seeing Naoki approaching, Professor Sada came forward, greeted Naoki, and then said:
"Next, we want to do a body check on Koraidon."
"Gagrr..." Koraidon tilted its head in confusion.
Seeing this, Professor Sada smiled and said, "Don't worry, we're just checking your body to see your health status, it won't hurt you."
Koraidon looked at Naoki.
Naoki nodded to it, "Go on!"
Koraidon then stepped forward and stood on the machine.
Professor Sada stayed in front of Koraidon doing scans while Professor Turo turned to a large computer.
With Professor Sada's scan, Koraidon's body data immediately appeared on the computer screen.
Looking at the content, Professor Turo felt extremely surprised, "This Koraidon individual has very strong energy responses! Its strength definitely far exceeds Koraidon No. 2 and Miraidon!"
"Hmm?" Professor Sada was equally surprised.
"Clearly, this Koraidon has been cared for very well. Based on its muscle density, it's a very strong Koraidon!" Professor Turo looked admiringly at Naoki who took care of Koraidon.
No wonder even the chief champion praises this champion-level Trainer, being able to cultivate even a Pokemon like Koraidon to such an extent!
Naoki: "?"
At this moment, Professor Turo discovered something new, his tone showed considerable excitement: "Indeed, Koraidon is slowly adapting to this world! Its brain is highly active, indicating deeper thought processes! Just like those intelligent modern Pokemon!"
"Are you certain?" Professor Sada hurried forward to inspect it together.
Professor Turo nodded, "Compared to Koraidon No. 2 and Miraidon, that's the case, showing that Paradox Pokemon can indeed gradually adapt to this world and human presence!"
"Great!" Professor Sada seemed excited, "This is truly great!"
Naoki quietly watched the scene.
He began to ponder whether his arrival had changed something.
"No, even without me, the two professors would sooner or later discover this situation."
After all, in the game, they never gave up their dreams until the end of their lives.
Even the AI Professor, inheriting the emotions of the two professors, eventually traveled through the Time Machine to where Paradox Pokemon lived.
At this time, Professor Sada came up in gratitude and expressed heartfelt thanks, "Thank you very much for taking care of Koraidon during this time."
Naoki: "?"
What's the situation? The words seem to imply taking back his Koraidon?
Naoki's heart sank, he absolutely would not allow that to happen.
However, Professor Sada didn't mean that.
She glanced at Koraidon, then at Naoki, and continued, "It seems you've built a deep bond, well, it's about time."
Naoki was taken aback, "What do you mean?"
Professor Sada clapped, and an assistant brought over a black orb about the size of a Poke Ball.
Professor Sada handed the orb to Naoki, explaining, "This is the Tera Orb developed by Turo and me, from now on, it's yours. Through it, you can have Pokemon engage in Terastal battles, I'm sure you've heard of it outside."
"Ah?" Naoki reached out and took the Tera Orb, feeling a bit incredulous, "Really giving it to me?"
"Of course, you are a superb Trainer, qualified to have it." Professor Sada smiled slightly.
Naoki: "..."
Though he isn't, right now he can be.
Then, Professor Sada beckoned Koraidon over.
"Gagrr?"
Koraidon walked straight to Naoki's side.
Looking at the person and Pokemon before her, Professor Sada eagerly said, "Now, let Koraidon undergo Terastal! Turo and I want to witness this moment firsthand!"
Naoki was completely perplexed, he looked at the Tera Orb in his hand, utterly confused.
With both professors watching expectantly for quite a while, he hesitantly raised his head and asked, "How do I use this...?"
Professor Sada: "..."
Professor Turo: "..."
They exchanged smiles, then Professor Turo explained, "Just like you usually throw a Poke Ball, toss it towards the Pokemon, and as it approaches, the Tera Energy inside will automatically merge with the Pokemon."
Upon hearing this, Naoki looked at Koraidon and then attempted to throw the black Tera Orb.
Koraidon's golden eyes fixed intently on the Tera Orb in mid-air.
As the Tera Orb approached directly overhead, it suddenly burst with dazzling Tera Energy, instantly enveloping Koraidon below, morphing into a massive crystal.
The next second, accompanied by a "crack," akin to the sound of glass shattering emanating from the crystal, the massive crystal abruptly shattered, transforming into starlight scattered around.
Within that glow, Koraidon's body immediately emitted a radiance as splendid as gemstones, as if covered in a layer of transparent crystal.
And on Koraidon's head, appeared the Tera Gem resembling a Crown. Above the Gem was a large fist formed from pure Tera Energy.
In the eyes of Professor Sada and Professor Turo was reflected Koraidon's current image.
"Successful! Koraidon can undergo Terastal too!"
"This Koraidon's Tera Type is Fighting Type! In this state, if Koraidon uses Fighting Type moves, the power of these moves will become much stronger, highly suiting Koraidon!"