Lionel's breath suddenly hitched.
Devon Corporation! The Fossil Resurrection Project!
How could he possibly have not heard of it?!
As a tech giant with significant influence in the Hoenn region and even the entire Pokémon world, Devon Corporation's achievements in the field of Pokémon research had always attracted worldwide attention.
And the Fossil Resurrection Project launched the year before last had shocked the entire Pokémon academic community—
This technology could take ancient Pokémon fossils, long extinct and buried underground for tens of millions of years, and bring them back to life through precise gene recombination and biological cultivation techniques, allowing those ancient Pokémon that only existed in fossils to reappear in the world!
Since the birth of this fossil resurrection technology, Devon Corporation had implemented extremely high-level security measures for it.
Looking across the entire Pokémon world, only Devon Corporation's core researchers and a few individuals with special authorization had the opportunity to access the core of the project.
As ancient Pokémon like Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and Omastar appeared one by one, many trainers were willing to spend huge sums of money to acquire Pokémon fossils, just to use Devon Corporation's technology to revive these sleeping ancient Pokémon.
Lionel's heart pounded uncontrollably, and his eyes shimmered with a light of disbelief as he stared intently at Steven, fearing he had misheard.
Seeing him like this, the curve of Steven's lips widened:
"As long as you can successfully pass my test, I will take you to my private collection, and you can choose any one fossil from it."
Steven's tone was firm as he added:
"By the way, it just so happens that while mining in various cave ruins over the past few years, I've also been lucky enough to dig up several different Pokémon fossils, which I'll also add to my private collection for you to choose from.
Once you've made your choice, I will personally arrange for Devon Corporation's top resurrection team to assist you throughout the process. Once the resurrection is successful, that ancient Pokémon will officially belong to you."
Boom—!
These words exploded in Lionel's mind like a clap of thunder, leaving him dazed as if struck by a massive surprise, his head spinning.
A private collection? Choose any Pokémon fossil? Belongs to me after resurrection?
This was simply a stroke of incredible luck! No, it was ten thousand times more precious than any stroke of luck!
One must realize that as the former Hoenn Champion and the heir to Devon Corporation, the fossils in Steven's private collection were bound to be the best of the best;
furthermore, Steven had unearthed several different ones across various regions over the years, some of which might even be fossils that haven't been seen by the world yet!
To be able to choose any one from among them was simply an immense stroke of fortune!
Lionel took a deep breath, trying to calm his frantic heartbeat, his voice trembling with uncontrollable excitement:
"Champion Steven... are you serious?"
"I always keep my word." Steven raised an eyebrow, his tone certain. "But the prerequisite is that you must pass my test."
"I'll take it!"
Lionel nodded immediately without any hesitation, his eyes filled with determination and anticipation:
"Please tell me, what is the test? I will definitely give it my all!"
The Feebas in the inflatable fish tank on Lionel's chest couldn't quite grasp the situation, but it was affected by Lionel's emotions and stopped its leisurely swimming;
instead, it started swimming in circles around the tank, occasionally bumping its head lightly against the glass as if telling Lionel, "I'll work hard with you," using its cute actions to cheer him on.
Meanwhile, the viewers in the livestream had already gone completely wild upon hearing the words "Fossil Resurrection Project" and "ancient Pokémon." The bullet comments surged out like a bursting dam, instantly covering the entire screen so thickly that even the video was completely obscured:
"Holy crap! Holy crap! Holy crap! ancient Pokémon fossils? Did I hear that right?!"
"Champion Steven is way too generous! Choosing anything from his private collection!"
"I'm so jealous my eyes are turning red! What kind of god-tier luck does this streamer have?! First a shiny Feebas, then a chance encounter with Steven, and now a chance to get an ancient Pokémon?!"
"ancient Pokémon, friends! Those are beings that used to only exist in textbooks! Kabuto, Omanyte, Lileep, Anorith, Aerodactyl—the five that have appeared are each stronger than the last!"
"Whatever it is, just being an ancient Pokémon is ridiculous enough! I'll take this test on the streamer's behalf! Even if it means going through fire and water, it's worth it!"
"Streamer, you have to do your best! This is a life-changing opportunity! We all support you!"
"Suddenly curious, what exactly is Champion Steven's test? It wouldn't be making the streamer fight an Aggron, would it? (shivering)"
"It shouldn't be that hard. Champion Steven said it was a small test, maybe it's about Pokémon knowledge or basic battle techniques?"
The guesses in the comments were all over the place. Everyone was excited by this sudden, massive temptation and was also filled with curiosity about the content of the test.
Steven also seemed to sense the restlessness of the viewers in the livestream. He glanced at the floating livestream equipment, then turned his gaze back to Lionel, a mysterious smile on his face as he spoke slowly:
"My test is simple—have a battle with my Metagross. If you can manage to injure it, you pass."
The moment the words fell, the entire cave seemed to fall silent.
The excited smile on Lionel's face froze instantly, and his pupils contracted sharply as if he couldn't believe his ears.
Battle a Metagross? And even injure it?
That was Steven's Metagross! The final evolution of a dual Steel and Psychic-type Pokémon. Whether in physical defense or special defense, it was exceptionally outstanding, standing almost at the top among Pokémon of the same level.
Moreover, Metagross was a partner that had accompanied the Champion through many tournaments; its combat power and experience were by no means comparable to ordinary wild Pokémon or the Pokémon of average trainers!
Steven couldn't be treating me like he treats Wallace, could he?! How am I supposed to fight that? Lionel's heart instantly turned cold.
The only moves Feebas could use right now were Water Pulse and Icy Wind, neither of which had any type advantage against Metagross.
Let alone injuring Metagross, he probably couldn't even make it budge!
Lionel's heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand. The passion that had been ignited by the ancient Pokémon just moments ago cooled down significantly, replaced by an immense pressure and sense of loss.
He wasn't afraid of a challenge, but this nearly impossible task made him feel a deep sense of powerlessness.
"Champion Steven..."
Lionel's voice was a bit dry. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know what to say.
The Feebas in his arms seemed to sense Lionel's dejection. It stopped circling and gently rubbed its little head against the tank wall, making a faint "thump-thump" sound as if comforting him.
Meanwhile, after a brief moment of shock, the viewers in the livestream completely erupted. The tone of the comments shifted instantly from anticipation to shock and confusion:
"??? Did I hear that right? Make a Feebas fight a Metagross? And injure it?"
"Is Champion Steven joking? This isn't a test; it's practically an impossible demand!"
"The streamer must be dazed right now... If it were me, I'd be dazed too! This is completely unwinnable!"
"Could it be that Champion Steven wants to test the streamer's courage? To go for it even knowing he can't win?"
"I don't believe Champion Steven would intentionally make things difficult for a newcomer. Could there be some deeper meaning to this?"
The comments were buzzing with discussion, some feeling it was unfair for Lionel, some questioning the fairness of the test, and a few guessing Steven's true intentions.
Steven watched the changing expressions on Lionel's face. His smile didn't fade, but his gaze became a bit deeper: "What? Afraid to accept?"
"I accept. If I obtain it, it is my good fortune; if I lose it, it is my fate. Being able to receive guidance from your Metagross, Champion Steven, is already enough for Feebas."
Lionel took a deep breath and looked up to meet Steven's gaze. Although there was still some nervousness in his eyes, there was now a bit more determination.
"Please go easy on us, Champion Steven."
"Good." Steven nodded, his tone calm. "Rest assured, Metagross will control its strength and won't hurt your Feebas."