Although Key Stones are not as rare compared to Mega Stones, it is still quite valuable to Aoki at this stage.
For a Pokémon to undergo Mega Evolution, both the Key Stone and the corresponding Mega Stone are indispensable. Of course, cases like Ash achieving it without these are purely the result of protagonist luck.
Aoki reached out and took the Key Stone from the small box. Its colorful exterior was marked with intricate black lines resembling a stylized eye, giving it an almost mystical appearance.
At present, Mega Evolution had yet to be discovered, so the true value of the Key Stone remained unrecognized.
"Thank you, Steven! Though I don't fully understand this stone's purpose, something tells me it will prove invaluable." After inspecting the Key Stone, Aoki carefully placed it back in the box.
Steven waved a hand dismissively. "No need for thanks between us. Even if this stone is unusual, it's nothing compared to the two ancient Pokémon fossils you gave me last time."
While the Key Stone was unique, without a Mega Stone to activate it, it was little more than an ornate trinket. In terms of raw value, the two ancient Pokémon fossils were indeed more significant—though the gap wasn't as vast as Steven assumed.
That said, if it were a Mega Stone, the comparison might have been closer. After all, reviving ancient Pokémon was no small feat.
"Very well. Leave the two Pokémon with me—I'll ensure they're properly trained." Having secured the Key Stone, Aoki agreed to Steven's request.
Two Pokémon, even ancient ones, were manageable. With the system's help—and the breeder data recently acquired from Matsuda—tailoring their training regimens and Pokeblock formulas wouldn't be an issue.
Steven produced two Luxury Balls and set them before Aoki. Inside were the recently revived Anorith and Lileep.
Aoki activated the system and quickly scanned their data.
Pokémon: Anorith (Dark Teal)
Ability: Battle Armor
Egg Moves: Sand Attack, Cross Poison, Water Pulse, Aqua Jet
Basic Moves: Scratch, Harden, Mud Sport, Water Gun, Slash, Rock Blast
Learnt Moves: Bug Bite, Bulldoze
TM Moves: None ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ noⅴelfire.net
Pokémon: Lileep (Cyan)
Ability: Suction Cups
Egg Moves: Recover, Curse, Giga Drain, Ingrain
Basic Moves: Astonish, Constrict, Acid, Mega Drain, Confuse Ray, Ancient Power
Learnt Moves: Seed Bomb, Giga Drain, Synthesis, Earth Power
The two Pokémon's aptitudes exceeded Aoki's expectations—both were high-tier, with Anorith at dark teal and Lileep at cyan.
Given their survival from ancient times, it made sense that they were among the strongest of their kind. Likely, their superior genetics had ensured their preservation, allowing their species a chance at revival.
Steven's luck was undeniable. Resurrecting fossils carried risks, yet he'd succeeded flawlessly.
Anorith's final evolution, Armaldo, and Lileep's evolution, Cradily, were both formidable Pokémon.
Armaldo, a Rock/Bug type, had three key weaknesses—Rock, Steel, and Water—but its natural armor and high Defense made it a durable frontline attacker. Its Battle Armor ability prevented critical hits, ensuring survivability.
Additionally, Armaldo had a hidden advantage in rain due to its swimming capability, though its low Speed held it back. Without knowing its exact traits, Aoki couldn't advise Steven on competitive use yet.
As for Cradily (Rock/Grass), it filled a gap in Steven's team. As a trainer favoring Steel and Rock types, Grass had always been a vulnerability. With Cradily, Steven could cover that weakness—much like Aoki's Floette did for him.
Truthfully, neither Pokémon perfectly suited Steven's team, but personal preference outweighed optimization. Still, Aoki planned to suggest Pokémon that better complemented Steven's lineup — like Ground type Pokemon and other Steel types such as Bastiodon.
Steven's current team—Metagross, Skarmory, Aggron—were imposing, which is able to shock the opponent. The ancient Pokemon fit that theme. In the future he would capture Pokemon like Scizor or Steelix would not only align with his style but also be capable of Mega Evolution.
A steel-specialized Champion, refined by Aoki's guidance, could dominate even legendary trainers.
The thought amused Aoki. If Steven became Champion, it would only benefit him—so long as his own secrets remained hidden.
"Leave them with me for a few days. I'll have a training plan ready soon." Aoki pocketed the two Poké Balls.
"Take your time. I trust your expertise." Steven leaned back, entirely at ease.
"Speaking of which—when are you returning to Devon? You've been gone for over a week. The company's been calling me to find you." Aoki held up his phone, displaying multiple missed calls.
Since Steven's return, Devon's executives had repeatedly contacted Aoki, knowing he was Steven's closest confidant.
Steven groaned. "Ugh. They're relentless. Fine—I'll stay in Verdanturf Town a little longer. Just don't tell them. Once you've finished analyzing these two, I'll head back. No rush."
"Using me as a shield now?" Aoki raised an eyebrow.
"Relax. The family elders are thrilled I'm associating with you. They see you as a bridge to the Hoenn region. They're shrewd like that." Steven sprawled comfortably on the sofa.