Theo received the Jaw Fossil with both hands. The moment his fingertips brushed the fossil's surface, he faintly sensed a subtle tremor, as if some ancient heartbeat had stirred. He cupped the fossil more securely in his palms, his gaze filled with anticipation.
"Thank you, Mr. Steven."
"You're welcome."
Steven closed the glass cabinet door and turned toward the exit of the collection room.
"Come with me. The revival laboratory is on the second floor of the Devon Corporation. I guarantee this ancient Pokémon will be awakened in the best possible condition."
Leaving the collection room, the two of them took the elevator up to the second floor. The moment the elevator doors slid open, a wave of cool, pristine air washed over them.
They walked down a long corridor.
On both sides of the corridor hung various posters and documents related to fossil Pokémon research—restoration illustrations of ancient ecological environments, excavation site records of different fossils, and more.
As they walked, Steven introduced the place with a tone full of confidence in his company:
"The entire second floor is designated as a special research area. Besides fossil revival, we also conduct other development projects—such as machines that allow communication with Pokémon, devices that can observe Pokémon dreams, and so on… Of course, these are still incomplete and currently under development."
Theo listened intently, occasionally glancing at the signs posted along the walls.
There were almost no other staff present in the corridor, only a few researchers who occasionally hurried past intersections. Each wore a clean white uniform with an ID badge hanging from their chest.
Whenever they saw Steven, they paused to nod respectfully before continuing on their way. The entire area radiated an atmosphere of efficiency and focused dedication.
After turning a corner, a heavy metal door appeared ahead. Embedded in the door was an electronic screen that continuously displayed the message:
"Fossil Revival Laboratory — Unauthorized Personnel Prohibited."
Steven pressed his palm against the sensor again. A string of complex codes appeared on the screen, and with a soft beep, the door slowly slid open to both sides.
Behind it was a spacious and brightly lit antechamber. In the center stood a display platform with a transparent glass case, inside of which was a complete skeletal model of an Aerodactyl.
Its wings stretched nearly three meters wide, the curvature of the bones perfectly recreating the ancient predator soaring through prehistoric skies. Even as a model, it radiated a commanding and awe-inspiring presence.
Passing through the antechamber, they entered the true core area of the revival facility.
Before them sprawled an enormous laboratory. From the ceiling hung numerous bright shadowless lamps, illuminating the entire space like daylight.
All sorts of intricate instruments filled the lab. Some emitted a soft humming sound, while others displayed complex graphs and data on their screens.
Several researchers in white coats were busy at their stations. Their focus and precision gave the entire lab an atmosphere of strict professionalism.
Noticing Steven's arrival, an elderly researcher with graying hair and thick glasses quickly approached and greeted him respectfully:
"Young Master Steven, you're here."
"Mm."
Steven nodded, then gestured at the Jaw Fossil in Theo's hands.
"This is Theo Glenwood. The fossil he's holding is a newly unearthed one I just excavated. Follow the highest revival protocol and handle it with utmost care. Ensure it is brought back to life as safely as possible."
The old researcher's gaze fell upon the Jaw Fossil. He adjusted his glasses, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
"A brand-new fossil?"
"Yes," Steven replied. "Which means we need to be even more careful. Make sure nothing goes wrong during the revival process."
"Rest assured, Young Master Steven. We will give it our all."
The old researcher answered solemnly, then extended his hand.
"Mr. Glenwood, please hand me the fossil. We will begin preparations immediately."
Theo carefully passed the Jaw Fossil to him.
The old researcher inspected it closely for a moment, then instructed several assistants standing nearby:
"Activate Revival Chamber No. 3 immediately. Prepare gene sequence analyzers and the cell culture solution. Follow the revival procedure for unidentified fossils."
He then continued speaking while placing the fossil onto the diagnostic platform:
"Young Master Steven, in the past three years we've made significant breakthroughs in gene extraction and cellular proliferation technologies."
"Previously, reviving an unidentified fossil required a great deal of time—reconstructing the genetic sequence alone could take ages.
But with our new technology, we can extract a complete DNA chain within two hours. Combined with our improved cell proliferation methods, half a day is enough for an ancient Pokémon to be reborn."
"Incredible…"
Theo couldn't help but sigh sincerely.
He had seen videos of the early fossil revival methods—processes that often required weeks or even months. To think that now it could be done in mere hours… The advancement of technology was truly astounding.
Steven patted his shoulder.
"The revival process will take a few hours. In the meantime, I'll show you around the Devon Corporation and let you see some of our other research achievements."
Theo naturally had no reason to decline. He adjusted his grip on the inflatable tank holding his Feebas and followed Steven out of the revival lab.
Steven brought Theo to the display area of the Poké Ball Development Center.
Unlike the precise, sterile laboratories from before, this place resembled a creatively designed exhibition hall.
Transparent display cases showcased various types of Poké Balls, while screens beside them looped explanations of their mechanisms and testing footage.
Steven first approached a display labeled "Nest Ball." He pressed a button beside it.
The Nest Ball in the case opened, revealing not the usual empty interior, but a miniature cave environment.
The rocky walls had small indented hollows, the ground was covered in fine gravel, and smooth round stones were placed in the corners—an ideal habitat for cave-dwelling Pokémon.
"This Poké Ball is specifically made for Pokémon like Aron, Rhyhorn, Diglett… those who prefer burrowing or living underground.
Aside from increasing the capture rate, it provides them with a more familiar living environment. The more comfortable they feel, the stronger their sense of security.
For newly caught Pokémon, having a cozy space greatly reduces their stress and wariness from being captured and it also helps them bond with their trainer more easily."
Next, Steven guided Theo to the display for the Net Ball.
This Poké Ball already had a distinctive appearance—dark green with fine net-like patterns on its shell.
"This one is developed especially for capturing Bug-type Pokémon. The screen here explains its special mechanism."
He tapped the display, and the video restarted.
A Wurmple sat perched on a branch. When the Net Ball was thrown, before it could even react, a web-like soft mesh rapidly unfolded from within the ball, like a gentle trap wrapped in clouds—swiftly enclosing the Wurmple.
"This isn't a real web, it's a bio-engineered artificial web."
Steven explained:
"When activated, the fibers release a pheromone similar to those found in actual spider webs. Bug-type Pokémon are extremely vulnerable to this scent.
The mesh has excellent elasticity and responds to their movements, tightening just enough to restrain them without causing harm.
As you can see, Wurmple struggled a few times, but it soon weakened and calmed down."
The Net Ball then neatly retracted the mesh and restored its form, capturing Wurmple smoothly and effortlessly. Throughout the entire process, the Pokémon didn't struggle again—everything was calm and controlled.
Steven eagerly continued showing Theo other Poké Ball designs, and Theo listened with fascination.
He had always thought Poké Balls were simply tools for capturing and carrying Pokémon—he never expected there to be such deep thought and engineering behind them.
Devon Corporation not only focused on functionality but also on nurturing the emotional bond between trainer and Pokémon.
No wonder they were able to break Silph Co.'s long-held monopoly and rise rapidly to become the new titan of the Poké Ball manufacturing industry.
…
Time passed quietly as Theo toured the Devon Corporation. Soon, Steven's communicator vibrated—an incoming message from the revival laboratory:
"Young Master Steven, the fossil awakening procedure is complete. We may begin the final activation at any time."
"It seems our tour ends here." Steven smiled as he put away his communicator. "Your new partner is already eager to meet you."
(End of Chapter)