The reason Theo was able to suppress the powerful desire in his heart and the urge to claim the Dratini before him, was because of one crucial detail:
The little Dratini playing with its own tail on the floor had the ability Shed Skin,
not the rare hidden ability Marvel Scale.
This discovery instantly calmed the turbulence surging in Theo's chest.
After all, a Dratini's ability would fully transform as it evolved.
Only a Dratini born with the hidden ability Marvel Scale would, upon becoming a Dragonite, undergo that overwhelming metamorphosis into the nearly broken-in-strength ability—Multiscale.
And that ability was precisely what Theo considered to be the most perfect and most powerful form of Dragonite.
But the Dratini in front of him possessed Shed Skin, which would only evolve into the Ability Inner Focus upon becoming a Dragonite.
Inner Focus was by no means weak, it allowed Dragonite to ignore flinching effects during battle, and it prevented its offensive power from being lowered by moves like Intimidate.
It ensured stable output in any combat situation.
But compared to Multiscale, that nearly game-breaking hidden ability which could drastically weaken the first attack Dragonite received when at full HP…
The difference was like heaven and earth.
Of course, even with a normal ability, an evolved Dragonite would still be able to stand among the top-tier battle forces—
a formidable monster capable of dominating the battlefield.
Yet to Theo, something would always feel… just a little lacking.
What mattered most, however, was that Theo already had a thorough plan in place.
And in his plan, he would one day have a genuine opportunity to acquire a Dratini that suited him perfectly.
But that opportunity would only present itself after Tyrunt successfully evolved into Tyrantrum.
It was important to remember:
Real-world Pokémon were nothing like the data-driven creatures of his past life's games.
There were no neatly listed Attack stats, Defense stats, or base values that allowed one to instantly assess a creature's true potential at a glance.
Most trainers judged a Pokémon's strength based on its actual performance after a period of growth—
such as the toughness of its body, the explosive power behind its moves, its reaction speed in battle…
And finally, by gauging the damage it inflicted upon opponents.
Thus the outcomes of battles became the most direct, most concrete evaluation of a Pokémon's true power.
And as for Tyrunt's fossil—
its discovery and revival had not yet become widespread.
In the entire Hoenn region, Theo alone possessed one.
Due to its extreme rarity and lack of sample quantity, proper research data couldn't be established.
Furthermore, Tyrunt was unique, being the only known Pokémon with the dual typing Rock + Dragon.
Such a typing combination was unprecedented, unheard of, and impossibly rare.
Humans had a tendency to judge the unknown by its appearance.
When encountering a species with no established reputation, no recorded data, and no clear background, people naturally formed their first impressions based on its presence, posture, and aura alone.
This fact… played perfectly into Theo's plans.
Currently, Tyrunt still appeared somewhat youthful with its aura not overwhelmingly intimidating and its physique similar enough to other small Dragon-types that it did not stand out too drastically.
But once it evolved into Tyrantrum…
Its transformation would be earth-shaking.
In terms of raw power, Theo wouldn't dare claim that Tyrantrum could utterly crush all other Dragon-types.
But when it came to appearance…
Theo would confidently pound his chest and make a declaration without hesitation:
Among all Dragon-type Pokémon in existence, none, absolutely none could compare to Tyrantrum in terms of visual dominance.
This was because Tyrantrum possessed a unique, deceptive feature.
Its body resembled the legendary tyrannosaurus rex, savage and ferocious. But most striking was the peculiar, ornate, crown-like crest upon its head.
When Tyrunt evolved, those two small, inconspicuous orange horns atop its head would undergo a dramatic transformation.
They would merge and expand, forming a sharp-edged crest with its edges defined with fierce angles, its surface gleaming with a metallic luster—
a golden crown adorning its forehead.
From afar, it looked as though this prehistoric tyrant had been crowned with a regal diadem.
Kingly majesty merged perfectly with primal savagery, producing an aura that was both noble and terrifying.
To trainers unfamiliar with Tyrantrum, the sight of such a beast—its primal ferocity crowned with a golden symbol of kingship—would be overwhelming.
Who could possibly witness such a creature and not feel crushed beneath its oppressive presence?
Theo had long since made his plans:
He would one day travel to the Kanto and Johto.
The Blackthorn clan took pride in Dragon-type Pokémon to the point of obsession, their passion imprinted deeply within their very bloodline.
If they saw Tyrantrum in person—
saw that majestic golden "crown" upon its head—
and then heard Theo subtly imply that this crown represented the mark of a true "King of Dragons…"
How could the Blackthorn Clan resist such temptation?
Would Lance, the so-called Dragon Master, be able to resist it?
At that time, Theo would present an irresistible offer:
A Tyrunt egg as the bargaining chip.
As for how to breed one—well, that could wait until Tyrunt evolved.
Right now Tyrunt was still a child.
Thinking about its "future offspring" this early would be far too indecent.
Moreover, aside from Dratini, if any trainers of other Dragon-type Pokémon were interested in breeding exchanges, Theo could consider using Tyrunt eggs for trades as well.
Of course… this plan would require Tyrunt to put in quite a bit of effort in the future.
But based on Theo's understanding of its personality, Tyrunt would probably be more than happy to help.
If everything proceeded as he envisioned, then not only a Dratini with Marvel Scale—
but even other rare Dragon-type species from various regions—
Theo might very well obtain them all.
These thoughts about Dratini flashed through Theo's mind within a mere moment.
Since Steven had given him the right to choose, then whatever option could be placed side-by-side with Dratini was definitely not something ordinary.
Naturally, Theo would not decide until he understood the second option thoroughly.
Seeing Theo's firm, unwavering attitude, Steven abandoned his playful teasing.
He raised a hand to his belt and drew out two Poké Balls.
With a gentle swing of his wrist, he tossed them forward.
His tone held both solemnity and a faint, irrepressible joy.
"Since you insist, then I'll reveal the second option."
A flash of white burst open in the middle of the collection chamber.
The enormous figure of Steven's shiny Metagross materialized, its silver-white metallic body gleaming brilliantly beneath the lights.
Its dark crimson eyes swept calmly across the room.
The intertwined energies of Steel and Psychic that radiated around its body were far more restrained than when Theo first saw it within the cave—
now reduced to a heavy, tranquil pressure that inspired confidence rather than fear.
Just as Theo wondered why Steven had suddenly released his shiny Metagross,
something small peeked timidly out from behind Metagross' massive metal leg.
It was…
A shiny Beldum.
Its metal body, unlike the typical deep-blue coloration of normal Beldum, was a lustrous silver-white—
as though forged from polished refined steel.
Its surface shimmered faintly under the light, reflecting a delicate, cold brilliance.
Beldum resembled a small limb of Metagross, compact but exuding a sense of indestructible solidity.
Embedded at the top of its body was a small, red gem.
That gem, serving as its single unblinking eye, glowed with a soft crimson hue.
And now, clinging tightly to the huge leg of the shiny Metagross,
its round crimson eye widened in curiosity as it secretly and nervously, peeked at Theo.
(End of Chapter)
TN: Damn… Steven must be crushing pretty hard on Wallace.