This situation is somewhat different from the regional forms of Pokemon. Aside from different attributes, regional forms have other appearance differences besides color, but the Crystal Onix is like a shiny Pokemon with altered attributes.
Except for its color and attributes, its appearance is exactly the same.
Professor Oak hasn't figured out how exactly this structure formed.
"Yo, Ash, you're back." Hearing noises from the entrance, Professor Oak raised his head and, upon seeing Ash, greeted him with a smile.
"Professor Oak, you're still researching the Crystal Onix!"
"Yes, the research shows that the mysteries surrounding the Crystal Onix are even more than I imagined. It's something I can't wrap up in just three days and nights!" Professor Oak said with a sigh.
"Then research it later, check out this GS Ball first." Ash said, handing the GS Ball and Dr. Nemu's USB data to Professor Oak.
Dr. Nemu had only investigated the GS Ball's composition with machines. In terms of professional level, Professor Oak is more specialized.
Professor Oak took the GS Ball and the data from Ash and placed them aside, sighing, "Thank you so much, Ash, for everything."
What he meant by hard work was not only Ash bringing the GS Ball back and forth but also the hardship of Ash's journey.
Professor Oak was one of the few who knew why Ash went to the Orange Archipelago and what happened there. With his connections to the Elite Four and the league, knowing such things was a breeze.
Even for this seasoned champion, the danger level of this incident made him marvel at how perilous it was.
Adding Mewtwo to Ash's team, a battle involving five Divine Domain-level combats is a conflict even the best human trainers can hardly intervene in!
Even the world's second-ranked Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia, could only stand by helplessly. Divine Domain-level is still too distant for humans.
Knowing her limitations, it's said Cynthia has started searching for ways to enhance her strength.
To avoid being a mere spectator in such situations again, Cynthia has begun actively seeking divine powers. Her personality and abilities suggest a high possibility of success.
To gain divine powers, it's not just about defeating the Legendary Beast head-on but also earning its recognition for temporary use of its power.
For Legendary Beasts, staying with humans for a lifetime is but a fleeting moment. A human's hundred-year lifespan means nothing to them, so it's possible for a Legendary Beast to acknowledge and stay with a human until they age.
Historically, it seems this has happened before.
However, whether such history is true cannot be verified, but Professor believes with Cynthia's abilities, gaining recognition from a Legendary Beast wouldn't be too challenging if she truly finds one.
"It wasn't that hard actually; the battle was a valuable experience for both Mewtwo and me. Mewtwo also grew stronger from it. As for danger... it wasn't that dangerous." Ash said, scratching his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
To Professor Oak, this might seem like Ash being modest, but he genuinely felt embarrassed!
Because indeed, the battle posed almost no risks. If Champion Ash stepped in, as long as it wasn't the Creator God Arceus, there was no threat, so when Ash said it wasn't very hard, he really meant it!
Strategy and tactics aren't as reliable as sheer stats!
Champion Ash + Mewtwo represents the highest stats beneath Arceus in the Pokemon Realm!
Only MEGA-evolved Rayquaza with divine powers could possibly rival Mewtwo.
Therefore, even facing the darkened Lugia posed no threat. Not to mention, the darkened Lugia was weaker than its normal state. Even when Yveltal's power completely consumed Lugia, it barely reached a weakened normal state, still incomparable to Lugia's peak.
Moreover, Lugia didn't utilize divine powers. In its darkened state, Team Galactic hadn't found a way to enable Legendary Beasts to use divine powers. Otherwise, just facing the Three Divine Birds with divine powers would be a huge trouble.
In conclusion, what could have been a perilous journey turned into a growth experience thanks to the top-tier booster.
It's just that Professor Oak wasn't aware of this detail.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head out first. I've scheduled a battle with Gary." After handing over everything to Professor Oak, there wasn't much left for him to do, so he took this free time to battle with Gary.
He's curious about what Gary experienced in the past month and why he's changed so much. All these questions will be answered in their battle.
"Gary? Oh right, Gary mentioned he'd be back today. I forgot, go ahead. I don't know where he went for the past month. I thought he went to Johto for the Silver Conference to collect badges. But he didn't call me once in a month; even when I called, his phone was off. If he hadn't called yesterday, I'd have reported him missing." Professor Oak responded after realizing his grandson Gary returned today too.
Unlike Ash, who was clear about heading to the Orange Archipelago, Professor Oak had no idea where Gary went. Initially, he thought Gary was attending the Silver Conference in Johto.
Typically, Gary would text or call every seven days. With mobile phones now, it's easier to check in, but Gary didn't contact him at all for a month, and when Professor Oak called, there was no answer.
Eventually, Gary's phone was completely off.
If Gary had delayed contacting him any longer, Professor Oak truly would've filed a police report; in the past, not connecting for a month or two was fine. But with mobile phones now, not hearing for ten days to two weeks is concerning.
Where Gary went and why he didn't answer calls is covered in one phrase – he went into seclusion.
Gary didn't reveal much more, and Professor Oak didn't press further. As long as Gary is safe, that's enough.
Even after Gary returned today, Professor hadn't seen him yet but saw Ash first.
"Not hearing for a month, that serious? Where on earth did he go for seclusion?" Ash exclaimed with amazement.
"Who knows, as long as he's back safely. If you're going to battle, remember to have Mewtwo set up a barrier. Otherwise, just the aftermath could blow up my research institute." Professor Oak earnestly reminded them.
Both Ash and Gary are Gym-level trainers with Gym-level Pokemon. The aftermath of such battles isn't a joke. Even Professional-level power could directly wreck the research institute.
So preventive measures are essential during battles, as he doesn't wish to rebuild Oak's Research Institute.
"Got it, got it!" Ash ran off with Pikachu without looking back, leaving Professor Oak shaking his head helplessly.
...
Outside Oak's Research Institute, Ash and Gary stood facing each other on an open field, with Mewtwo levitating between them.
'The match rules are one-on-one. If there are no issues, summon your Pokemon.' Mewtwo's voice echoed in their minds, showing a slightly quirky expression.
Who would've thought, even a Divine Domain-level Pokemon like her would have days like these as a referee.