Noticing this change, Terrance froze for a long time before his heart suddenly gave a violent thump.
It wasn't that he had never considered this possibility, it was just that the odds were so astronomically low that Terrance hadn't dared to think about it.
Carbink mutation, a mutant form, Diancie.
There might be fewer than three Diancie left in the entire world; their numbers were so scarce that they could rival those of Legendary Pokémon.
Moreover, Diancie's abilities were extremely powerful. Because of this, Diancie, like Mew and Celebi, was classified as a Mythical Pokémon.
Diancie's power might not match the level of Mew or Celebi, but it certainly surpassed that of Mythical Pokémon like Darkrai.
Terrance also knew that Diancie was capable of Mega Evolution. According to descriptions from the future Ash, a Diancie princess who previously had no combat ability at all could, after self–Mega Evolution, create a Heart Diamond powerful enough to defend against attacks from Yveltal, the Destruction Pokémon, whose status is equal to Xerneas in the Kalos region. This alone showed how strong Mega Diancie was.
Although a single casual clash couldn't prove that Mega Diancie's strength rivaled Yveltal's, in terms of potential, Diancie was definitely someone whom ordinary Pokémon couldn't compare to.
"Can a Carbink really mutate into a Diancie?"
Terrance's heart gave another fierce thump. Though he hadn't dared to imagine it before, when his own Carbink began to change, this thought lingered persistently in his mind.
In the future Ash's account, the Diancie princess was strengthened by Xerneas's Fairy Aura, which allowed her to achieve self–Mega Evolution, gain the ability to create Heart Diamond, and greatly increase her strength.
Recalling future Ash's words, Terrance felt the two situations growing more and more similar.
Wasn't his Carbink at this very moment being strengthened by Altaria's Fairy Aura?
"If this change is truly a bodily mutation, then it makes sense that the Fairy Aura's initial boost to Carbink's power wasn't as apparent as it was for Kirlia and the others…"
"The strengthening effect of the Fairy Aura might be subtly transforming Carbink's body. Once it has absorbed enough Fairy energy, Carbink could undergo mutation."
"Countless Professors have failed to fully understand how Carbink evolves into Diancie. Perhaps this secret is connected to Fairy Aura. It's worth investigating."
Once the idea that Carbink might mutate into Diancie took root, Terrance altered his plans immediately and applied to the Indigo League to rent a laboratory located in Pewter City.
With an official researcher's status, he could make use of public laboratories.
As an International Researcher, Terrance's status was even higher, so the rental process should have been easier. However, it seemed that every laboratory in Pewter City and the nearby cities was already booked, with no vacancies available for the time being, something that left Terrance quite frustrated.
Compared to the Kalos region, Kanto had far more research facilities, but also far more researchers. As a result, Terrance found himself in the awkward situation of wanting to rent a laboratory but finding none available.
Fortunately, after some negotiation, the staff of the research organization under the Indigo League gave Terrance a reply he could accept.
"Mr. Terrance, after some adjustment, Researcher Nero, who is currently researching Electric-type Pokémon, has agreed to temporarily give you the rights to use the laboratory."
"Share one between the two of us?"
"Yes, but he also left a message: if you mind, he's willing to leave for a while."
"A researcher studying Electric-type Pokémon? Never mind, it's fine, I just need to borrow a few instruments," Terrance replied.
It wouldn't feel right to occupy someone else's space and then drive them out.
After the arrangements were settled, Terrance finally obtained permission to use a laboratory as he had hoped.
He planned to borrow some equipment to observe Carbink's transformation process. At the same time, Terrance contacted Fallarbor Gym and asked Kotoko to have someone send over the Rotom Pokédex to assist with the research.
…
…
"Researcher Terrance, I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time."
In the northern district of Pewter City, a white-haired young man wearing glasses approached, face full of excitement, and enthusiastically shook Terrance's hand.
"Researcher Nero, there's no need for formalities."
Upon seeing Terrance, this Researcher Nero seemed genuinely delighted—almost like a fervent fan—which made Terrance feel somewhat uneasy.
Since when had he become so famous? Or was this just how the man was…
With mild puzzlement, Terrance followed his host's lead into the laboratory.
Since Nero was the user of this laboratory, he was already very familiar with it. Under Nero's introduction, Terrance quickly gained a general understanding of the entire facility.
The basic instruments weren't much different from those in the laboratory he had rented in Kalos, though it was a bit behind the independent lab he maintained at Fallarbor Gym.
Still, for simple testing, the available facilities were sufficient.
"I really don't know how to thank you for your help, Researcher Nero."
After Nero finished showing him around, Terrance thanked him.
"No need for that, haha. I'm currently in a bit of a research slump. The lab lease hasn't expired yet, and leaving it idle would be a waste."
Nero replied cheerfully.
Beyond his initial impression, Nero's behaviour was actually quite pleasant. After thanking him once more, Terrance was left to work independently, with Nero even freeing up a rest room for him.
…
…
Afterward, Terrance once again checked over the instruments on his own.
When he saw one of them—the energy detector—Terrance paused and began planning his short-term goals.
Researching Carbink's mutation process and its potential to evolve into Diancie wouldn't take too long, so he intended to make good use of his remaining time.
For instance, investigating Altaria's Flame of Life.
Training Gallade to master the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and possibly even more types of its slash moves.
Further refining Castform's lava-and-steam combo move.
Terrance also needed to formulate a gene medicine for Arcanine to awaken the move Morning Sun, based on notes left by Master Victor.
At the same time, he still had to find a solution for Kirlia's inability to express emotions.
Beyond the usual training routines, all these were additional tasks on Terrance's plate. So, he wasn't idle in the slightest. These piled-up tasks rmade him busier than he'd ever been, dozens of times more so than during exam week in his previous life.
"While observing Carbink's changes over the next few days, I should start with the easier tasks," Terrance thought to himself.
Since he was too busy to participate in Pokémon Contests, he would have to design a new, more intensive training plan for Vulpix.
As for the other matters, Terrance decided to refine those plans once the Rotom Pokédex returned.
Thinking of the Rotom Pokédex made Terrance frown slightly as he suddenly remembered something. He contacted Kotoko at Fallarbor Gym again, asking her to also mail him the Light Ball he had left there. The same Light Ball he had bought at the Lumiose City auction in the Kalos region, his only successful bid.
"Since Mr. Nero studies Electric-type Pokémon, maybe I can consult him about it. That settles it. Over the next two weeks, I'll focus on Gallade's type training, Carbink's mutation research, and the Light Ball."
With his mind made up, Terrance immediately began organizing his plans. Though these three would be his main priorities, he intended to allocate some time for the other tasks as well, carrying them out in parallel to maximize efficiency.
He also made sure to reserve time for rest, self-study, and physical exercise. Otherwise, even with his excellent physique, this relentless pace would eventually drain him dry.
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