Lin Mo's heart stirred, and everything suddenly became clear.
So that was it! How could an industry giant as massive as Devon Corporation rely solely on Steven, the Champion, to uphold its reputation?
It turned out the company had long since quietly connected itself with many powerful Gym Leaders and researchers throughout the Hoenn Region through sponsorships and partnerships.
That was the true foundation that allowed Devon Corporation to gain a firm foothold in the industry and remain at the forefront.
"Our requirements aren't high." Stone continued, addressing Lin Mo. "As for the arrangements for you, they're actually very simple."
Chairman Stone's tone was relaxed, without the slightest hint of pressure:
"You won't need to give up your own Trainer journey, nor will you have to deal with complicated social obligations.
You only need to remotely cooperate with the company in filming a few promotional videos during breaks between challenging Gyms and participating in Pokémon Contests—
It won't be complicated. Just showcase your charm as a Trainer, or occasionally explain the advantages of our Devon Corporation Poké Balls."
Chairman Stone looked at Lin Mo with complete sincerity, his tone earnest:
"A Trainer must ultimately walk their own path. We're merely offering a helping hand from the sidelines. If you can reach an even greater stage in the future, then our investment will have been worthwhile."
Lin Mo took a deep breath and met Chairman Stone's sincere gaze, his voice resolute:
"Chairman Stone, I accept your proposal. It is my honor to receive Devon Corporation's recognition and support."
To Lin Mo, the monthly financial subsidy and discounts on Pokémon items were certainly practical, but what truly moved him was "a means of obtaining Pokémon from other regions."
No matter how wonderful a Trainer's journey might be, an individual's strength was ultimately limited. Traveling through every region and collecting rare Pokémon that inhabited only specific areas was nothing more than a fool's dream.
Yet the vast network Devon Corporation had built through its Poké Ball research business, one that connected Pokémon research professors from every region, had undoubtedly opened a door for him.
"A wise choice."
A satisfied smile immediately bloomed across Chairman Stone's face, and even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes relaxed. He raised a hand and gestured to the secretary nearby.
The secretary promptly stepped forward and respectfully presented Lin Mo with a neatly sealed cooperation agreement that had long been prepared.
"Take a careful look at the agreement first. The terms are all clearly written. If you have any questions or anything you'd like to negotiate, feel free to bring them up directly."
Lin Mo accepted the agreement and quickly read through it. The terms were clear and straightforward. Just as Stone had said, there were not too many restrictions.
The core requirements were nothing more than cooperating with promotions and regularly reporting his training progress.
"I have no objections." After finishing it, Lin Mo signed his name.
"Excellent."
Chairman Stone accepted the signed agreement, gave it a brief review to confirm it, then handed it to the secretary for safekeeping.
His gaze toward Lin Mo was filled with expectation and satisfaction, and his tone was solemn yet gentle:
"From today onward, you are a Trainer whom Devon Corporation will focus on supporting. I hope Devon Corporation can lend further strength to your Trainer journey and help you shine."
After settling the matter, Chairman Stone's smile became even warmer as he said lightly:
"All right, business is done. Go see Steven. He's waiting in his private collection room. Off you go!"
Under the secretary's respectful guidance, Lin Mo took Devon Corporation's private elevator down to the third basement level.
The heavy alloy doors slowly opened to either side, revealing the familiar sight of the collection room.
Rows of custom display shelves were neatly lined with all kinds of rare ores, reflecting a soft yet brilliant luster beneath the warm lighting.
Steven stood before the central workbench, gently rubbing two diamond-shaped stones between his fingertips.
One was the Charizardite Y from before, streaked with orange and crimson, its patterns dancing like flames.
The other was a completely new stone, silver-white throughout, with leaf-shaped patterns of interwoven white and gray embedded in its center.
Lin Mo recognized it at a glance through the system panel. It was an Aggronite.
"You're here."
Hearing him, Steven turned around and gently placed the two stones on the workbench, his tone carrying a hint of eagerness to share:
"After hearing your suggestion last time, I specifically kept an eye out for acquiring these kinds of special stones.
"This silver-white one was transferred to me by a collector. Apparently, a mountaineer had originally dug it up by chance deep in the mountains."
Steven picked up the Aggronite, a trace of confusion passing through his brow:
"My Aggron was especially drawn to it when they saw it and said they really liked the stone's aura. But no matter what we tried, we couldn't trigger the energy sealed within it. It's truly strange."
Looking at the Evolution Stone gleaming with a faint silver light, Lin Mo naturally knew the reason. Mega Evolution could not be triggered without the mutual resonance of a Mega Stone and a Key Stone. Neither could be absent.
But Lin Mo did not reveal it rashly. He simply smiled and said in a somewhat guiding tone, "Perhaps there just aren't enough stones of this kind yet?
"Maybe if you collect more of them and gather additional special stones of the same type, you'll have more samples for comparison."
"True. We've only collected two so far. There are far too few samples."
Steven nodded at his words and no longer dwelled on the Mega Stones.
He carefully placed the two Mega Stones into a storage case and gently set it back onto the display shelf beside the workbench before turning to Lin Mo and asking naturally:
"My father finished speaking with you?"
"Yes, I've already signed the cooperation agreement."
A hearty smile immediately appeared on Steven's face, his eyes full of sincerity and warmth. He raised a hand and gave Lin Mo's shoulder a heavy pat, clearly overjoyed:
"I'm very happy you've joined Devon Corporation! From now on, we're family!
"Don't worry, my father understands Trainers best. He knows our main focus is raising Pokémon and training them.
"He won't bother you with those complicated business matters. Just focus on your own affairs and raise and train your Pokémon properly."
Before his words had even faded, Steven suddenly changed the subject, his tone carrying a touch of emotion:
"Oh, right. Wallace specifically spoke to me about you before he left yesterday. I never expected your views on Pokémon to be like this.
"Through Pokémon Contests, you want everyone to witness how beautiful and lovable Pokémon are. You're especially similar to Wallace back then in that regard.
"Since you've joined Devon Corporation, we should celebrate and give you a proper welcome gift. Just like when you chose a fossil last time, you can pick the gift you like yourself!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Steven turned and walked to one side. With a flick of his hand, he pulled a Poké Ball from the belt at his waist and threw it.
A flash of red light burst forth, and a lively figure quietly appeared before Lin Mo.
Its round little head looked adorably clumsy, with a pair of tiny white protrusions standing on either side. Its pale-blue body was covered in fine scales that shimmered with a moist, lustrous glow beneath the lights.
Its round black eyes were astonishingly bright, filled with newborn clarity and curiosity as it unblinkingly observed everything around it.
[Pokémon: Dratini] [Type: Dragon] [Category: Dragon Pokémon] [Ability: Shed Skin (By shedding its skin, it may sometimes heal status conditions)] [Moves: Wrap, Leer, Twister, Dragon Breath]
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