The next day.
With the help of Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds, Ethan Black finally finished the article titled "A New Direction in Pokémon Evolution," a highly significant work in the academic world.
After writing the thesis, Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds took Ethan Black and Alex Baxter to the Pokémon Researchers Guild.
"Wow... Advanced-level Researcher..." said Alex Baxter in the car, looking at Ethan Black with an envious expression. "I really envy you, so much!"
One must know that he had already spent several years in the field of Pokémon Research, and up until now had barely managed to earn the Beginner-level Researcher certificate.
But Ethan Black, who didn't even count as a Beginner-level Researcher, was about to become an Advanced-level Researcher!
"Suddenly I'm going to become an Advanced-level Researcher... just thinking about it makes me a bit excited," replied Ethan Black with a smile, finally feeling in a tangible way the value of being a traveler between worlds.
The truth was that, with the knowledge he had about Pokémon, an Advanced-level Researcher title suited him perfectly.
Alex Baxter rolled his eyes; it seemed like all the good things happened to Ethan Black. How was it that he himself hadn't seen the enormous Onix right in the middle of evolving?
Even so, Ethan Black was a loyal guy, he always kept him in mind for everything. That was fine... better to stick with Ethan in the future.
The car moved quickly. Professor Harris's vehicle entered directly into the backyard of the Pokémon Researchers Guild without any obstacles.
There, the elderly president of the Pokémon Researchers Guild, Robert Hamilton, was already waiting, his gaze fixed on the distance. As soon as he saw Professor Harris's car enter, his face lit up with surprise and joy.
After getting out of the car, President Hamilton led the four of them toward the meeting room.
"Come out, Mr. Mime. Build a barrier here to isolate the sound," he ordered after locking the door.
The seriousness of the situation left Ethan Black and Alex Baxter dumbfounded. Clearly, they had underestimated the value of the thesis "A New Direction in Pokémon Evolution."
"Old Jonathan, is what you said about a new discovery in Pokémon evolution true?" asked President Hamilton impatiently.
"It's true. And this is the discoverer of the new direction in Pokémon evolution," said Professor Harris, pointing at Ethan Black with a serious expression.
"President Hamilton, here is the thesis. Please take a look," said Ethan Black, stepping forward to hand him the document.
President Hamilton took it in a hurry and began reading it eagerly.
"Onix carrying a Metal Coat and subjected to a spatial stimulus... to complete evolution!" murmured the old president as he read.
As he continued reading the explanation and the hypothesis about this new evolutionary path, his expression shifted from surprise to disbelief.
Then, he took the video Ethan Black handed him. When he saw Onix truly evolving into Steelix through this method, disbelief transformed into jubilation.
"Old Jonathan, did your Onix really evolve?" asked President Hamilton, still with some doubt.
"That doesn't need you to doubt it, President. If you want, I can release Steelix right now so you can see," said Professor Harris with an amused smile.
"Yes, this is extremely important," replied President Hamilton very seriously.
"Then, everyone please step back," warned Professor Harris before releasing the imposing Steelix into the room.
"Just as it's described in the thesis... a new kind of Pokémon, and none other than the evolution of Onix," exclaimed President Hamilton, relaxing his expression. Then he added: "You four, come with me to the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild."
The four nodded. Professor Harris recalled Steelix, and they followed President Hamilton to the backyard.
There, three Pidgeot were standing, each equipped with a saddle for passengers.
Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds smiled and greeted the Pokémon, clearly accustomed to seeing them.
President Hamilton, Professor Harris, and Professor Reynolds each mounted a Pidgeot. Ethan Black rode along with President Hamilton, while Alex Baxter went with Professor Harris.
The three Pidgeot took flight in unison, soaring firmly into the sky among the clouds.
Ethan Black gripped the handles of his seat, watching the ground grow more and more distant. A sense of freedom in flying filled his chest.
"Looks like the time has come to raise a Flying-type Pokémon..." thought Ethan Black with excitement. "This feeling of flying is really incredible!"
He closed his eyes with pleasure, thinking about what kind of Pokémon he could capture.
"If it's for riding, Charizard would be a good option, super stylish... but maybe it wouldn't fit well with my Sandstorm team."
"For such a team, Flygon would be the best choice. With its Levitate ability, flying must be really comfortable. Also, being Ground/Dragon type, it has great endurance and is an excellent defensive member."
While he pondered, the Pidgeot had already reached the height of the clouds.
"Ethan, hold on tight," warned President Hamilton.
Ethan Black was momentarily puzzled, but then immediately saw the Pidgeot dive headfirst into the interior of a cloud. His heart tightened and he gripped the handles harder.
The mist completely surrounded him. He forced his eyes open and saw a ray of sunlight slipping through the clouds, becoming brighter and brighter, until he had to squint.
When the intense light faded, he discovered that below his feet stretched a mountain range, and atop the highest peak stood a majestic building that resembled a palace.
"This place is... a Secret Kingdom?" asked Ethan Black, looking at the sun in the sky and then at the landscape he had never seen before.
"Exactly. This is the Sky Secret Kingdom. Welcome to the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild," replied President Hamilton, smiling.
"The Sky Secret Kingdom!" thought Ethan Black, his eyes shining. Secret Kingdoms were incredible places... there was even one floating above the clouds!
(End of chapter)