August 10, Lumiose City.
Sycamore Pokémon Lab.
After nearly five days of testing data with barely a break to eat or sleep,
Professor Sycamore reached a firm conclusion.
Whether it was Li Wei's Lucario and Metagross,
or Steven's Metagross,
their base stats were already higher than those of others at the same level.
After Mega Evolution, the quantified boosts from Adaptability and Tough Claws were also eight to twelve percentage points higher than normal.
"But why?"
Professor Sycamore still had no answer.
Steven had a theory.
"Perhaps it has something to do with Li Wei's cooking, Pokéblocks, and Poffins."
Steven wasn't simply making assumptions.
It had only been about six months since Steven helped Professor Sycamore with his data research.
Steven had long since given Metagross all the food and training it needed.
By now, Metagross's strength had entered a period of slow growth, if not stagnation.
Had Metagross grown stronger over the past six months?
Yes, but very slowly.
Yet after a visit to the Breeding Center in late July, Metagross had grown stronger once again.
Although the improvement wasn't large and it hadn't made a breakthrough, it was definitely a solid step forward.
Professor Sycamore didn't entirely dismiss Steven's theory.
"That theory isn't without merit. Elite Four member Siebold can strengthen Pokémon through his cooking..."
"However, he needs certain special ingredients. From what I've observed... Li Wei doesn't seem to use any particularly unusual ingredients."
Li Wei couldn't explain it either.
So he chose to remain silent.
Steven rubbed his chin.
"I wonder if this could be Li Wei's talent? Just like..."
Steven rattled off names as though he were listing dishes on a menu.
There were Red the "Fighter," Blue the "Breeder," Akin the "Hatcher"...
Then there were Sabrina and Caitlin, who possessed psychic powers, and Olympia,