"Trust? Weren't you the one who made me suspicious first?" Carl spread his hands with a hint of exasperation.
"So, what do you suggest we do?"
"Simple. Transfer it to me now."
"Now?"
"Yes, immediately."
"But I don't have it with me right now."
"Get one of your lab assistants to handle it." Carl glanced at his watch. "If I don't receive it in a minute, I'll share the intel with Lorelei and personally visit Pallet Town to retrieve it."
The implication was clear: the longer the delay, the less chance Professor Oak would have to study the Ice-Steel Onix. In Lorelei's hands, would he even get a look in?
"Wait! I'll arrange it right now!" Professor Oak didn't dare to stall any longer and quickly contacted his assistant.
Standing nearby, Lorelei felt tempted. If she could intercept, the intel would be hers. The allure of an Ice-Type Onix capable of MEGA evolving was undeniable. But she held back, knowing Carl was watching closely. Blocking his plans would only cut off her own path.
Bruno, meanwhile, was left on the sidelines, feeling rather sidelined.
"Carl, it's sent." Oak signaled with a thumbs-up in less than half a minute.
"Finally," Carl remarked, pulling out his Rotom Dex to verify the transfer. Sure enough, the notification was there. Unlike a regular Pokédex that could only temporarily store excess Pokémon, the Rotom Dex could be used as a direct transfer device.
With practiced ease, Carl manipulated the Rotom Dex. A high-end Poké Ball, black and yellow in color, materialized slowly. These luxurious balls offered spacious and comfortable living quarters, akin to a deluxe apartment for Pokémon.
"Quite generous of you," Carl quipped, raising an eyebrow at Professor Oak.
The professor just responded with a genial smile. Carl didn't dwell on it, pressing the release button to unleash the Pokémon. With a thunderous roar, an enormous Onix appeared on the open ground. Composed of massive boulders, it sported a prominent horn and a distinctive scar beneath its right eye.
Everyone was taken aback by the colossal creature. Watching through video, even Lance and the others were equally astonished, prompting Bruno to inquire about its specifics.
"It's over three times the length of a regular Onix, and nearly thrice as robust, with over fifty percent more defensive power," Professor Oak explained in detail.
Bruno was secretly impressed by the Onix's exceptional attributes, even considering a trade. But seeing the Onix greet Carl affectionately, he quickly shelved that thought.
"Finally, we meet," the Onix rumbled in a deep voice.
"Yes, if not for a certain old man meddling, we would have met sooner," Carl chuckled, throwing a pointed glance at Professor Oak.
The Onix raised its head, letting out another low growl, clearly stating its stance: to follow Carl's lead, he needed to prove his worth. Otherwise, it would only offer protection, not obedience.
"No problem," Carl agreed readily, a confident smile playing on his lips.
Before the words had barely left his mouth, Lucario sprang into action. It swiftly formed an energy ball and hurled it at the Onix. The resulting explosion left the Onix sprawling on the ground.
The Onix was utterly bewildered. It hadn't anticipated such a sudden attack, nor the sheer strength of Lucario. The overwhelming power it sensed left it grappling with the realization: it stood no chance.
Carl took advantage of the moment to examine the Onix's stats. Though not yet evolved, it boasted mid-tier elite strength, explaining its leadership status. Sadly, it was no match for Lucario.
Its talents were indeed impressive, with a practical disposition sacrificing less-used special attack power to bolster its special defense. Carl was particularly thrilled by its abilities, perfectly suited for a frontline fighter.
Yet, upon seeing its inherited skills, Carl wore a perplexed expression. Typically, these skills were passed from the father, while species traits came from the mother.
Pokémon egg characteristics determine offspring types, with moves inherited from the father. This Onix had mastered Dragon Tail, indicating its father was likely a Steelix.
"Ah, so it has Steelix lineage," Carl mused, rubbing his chin. It seemed Mount Silver held more secrets. He silently noted this discovery for future exploration.
After recalling the Onix, Carl turned to Lorelei. "The Crystal Onix resides deep within a crystal cave near Tangelo Island, hiding beneath a lake."
"Thanks for the tip," Lorelei nodded slightly. "I'll remember this favor."
Professor Oak looked puzzled. "Carl, you..."
"I never said I'd tell only you." Carl responded assertively, subtly punishing Professor Oak for delayed compensation.
Oak caught on quickly and proposed to Lorelei, "How about I study it for a month, then you can capture it?"
"The professor is willing to give up capture rights?" Lorelei questioned.
"I'm a researcher now, not interested in capturing," Oak assured confidently.
"Deal." Lorelei agreed readily. Trading a month's study for Oak's withdrawal was worthwhile.
"Hey, have you all forgotten about me?" Bruno interjected, disgruntled. "I'm interested in that Onix too. If I succeed in capturing it, I'll remember your help, Carl."
Carl didn't mind Bruno's enthusiasm, knowing Bruno wouldn't forcefully take it.
"Bruno, you..." Lorelei began, ready to argue again, but Carl interrupted, "That Onix isn't suitable for you. If you're serious, how about trading with Professor Oak for his massive Onix?"
Oak looked exasperated, wondering why he was dragged into this again.
"A massive Onix?" Bruno perked up. "Is it like the one we just saw?"
"Not quite as large," Carl clarified. "It's about twice the size of a regular Onix."
Bruno felt a twinge of disappointment but deemed it acceptable. While it lacked the strategic value of an Ice-Type Onix, he was drawn to the imposing presence of such a large Pokémon.
"Professor, name your price. I want to buy that massive Onix," Bruno said eagerly, eyeing Oak.
Oak felt a bit resigned; another potential ride Pokémon slipping away, and the Ice-Type one only available for a month. All this over delayed compensation—Carl's retribution was swift. Reluctantly, Oak agreed, "Fine, come to Pallet Town to pick it up." Though not thrilled, he couldn't refuse Bruno's request.
Bruno grinned widely, "Then I won't compete for the Ice-Type Onix." He turned to Carl, "My friend, I'll remember this favor. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."
Oak felt bemused, wondering how the favor shifted to Carl when he was the one making the concession.
"Rest assured, I won't be shy," Carl replied, appreciating Bruno's straightforward nature. They exchanged contact details through the video call.
Finally, Carl made a request to Professor Oak, "Professor, could you give me Bill's contact info? I need to discuss something with him."
"You can talk directly with Cynthia," Oak suggested, flipping through his contacts.
Everyone then recalled the original reason for the call, exchanging glances with a hint of sheepishness.
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