Steven's Second Choice

Lin Mo's heart stirred, and everything suddenly became clear.

So that was it! How could an industry giant as massive as Devon Corporation possibly rely solely on one famous Trainer like Champion Steven to uphold its reputation?

It turned out the company had long since quietly connected itself with many powerful Gym Leaders and researchers across the Hoenn Region through sponsorships and partnerships.

That was the true foundation that allowed Devon Corporation to establish itself in the industry and remain at the forefront.

"Our requirements aren't demanding." Stone continued, speaking to Lin Mo. "As for the arrangements we have for you, they're actually very simple."

Chairman Stone's tone was relaxed, without the slightest hint of pressure:

"You won't have to give up your own Trainer journey, nor will you need to worry about dealing with complicated social engagements.

You only need to remotely cooperate with the company in filming a few promotional videos during breaks between challenging Gyms, participating in Pokémon Contests, and so on—

"It won't be complicated. Just show off your charm as a Trainer, or occasionally explain the advantages of our Devon Poké Balls."

Chairman Stone looked at Lin Mo with complete sincerity, his voice earnest.

"In the end, a Trainer must walk their own path. We're merely offering a helping hand from the side. 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 tone 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 subsidies and discounts on Pokémon items were certainly useful, but what truly tempted him was a channel through which he could obtain Pokémon from other regions.

A Trainer's journey might be full of wonders, but an individual's strength was ultimately limited. Traveling across every region and collecting rare Pokémon that lived only in specific areas was nothing more than a fool's dream.

Yet the vast network Devon Corporation had built through its Poké Ball research business, connecting Pokémon professors across every region, had undoubtedly opened a door for him.

"A wise choice."

A satisfied smile immediately blossomed across Chairman Stone's face, even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out. He raised a hand and gestured to the secretary nearby.

The secretary promptly stepped forward and respectfully handed Lin Mo a neatly sealed cooperation agreement that had long been prepared.

"Take a careful look at the agreement first. Every clause is clearly written. If you have any questions or terms you'd like to discuss, 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 many restrictions.

The core requirements were simply cooperating with promotions and regularly reporting his training progress.

"I have no objections." After reading it, Lin Mo signed his name at the bottom.

"Very good."

Chairman Stone accepted the signed agreement, gave it a quick look to confirm it, then handed it to the secretary for safekeeping.

His gaze toward Lin Mo was full of expectation and gratification, his tone solemn yet gentle.

"From today onward, you will be a Trainer under Devon Corporation's key support. I hope Devon Corporation can offer another helping hand on 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 finished. Go see Steven now. He's waiting in his private collection room. Go on!"

Under the secretary's respectful guidance, Lin Mo took Devon's private elevator down to the third basement level.

The heavy alloy doors slowly opened to either side, immediately revealing the familiar sight of the collection room.

Rows of custom-made shelves were neatly lined with all kinds of rare ores, reflecting a gentle yet brilliant glow beneath the soft warm lighting.

Steven stood before the central workbench, gently rubbing two diamond-shaped stones with his fingertips.

One was the orange-and-red Charizardite Y from before, its patterns flickering like dancing flames.

The other was an entirely 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 Aggronite.

"You're here."

Hearing him, Steven turned around and gently placed the two stones on the table, his tone carrying a hint of eagerness to share.

"After hearing your suggestion earlier, I made a point of keeping an eye out for and acquiring stones like these.

"This silver-white one was transferred to me by a collector. Apparently, it was originally dug up by a mountaineer in the depths of the mountains."

Steven picked up the Aggronite, a trace of confusion passing through his brows.

"My Aggron felt especially close to it when he saw it and said he really liked the aura of this stone. But no matter what we tried, we couldn't draw out the energy contained within it. It's truly strange."

Looking at the Evolution stone glowing with faint silver light, Lin Mo naturally knew the reason. Mega Evolution could not be triggered without the mutual resonance between an Evolution stone and a Key Stone. Neither could be absent.

But Lin Mo did not reveal it outright. He merely smiled and said in a slightly guiding tone, "Perhaps you simply haven't collected enough stones of this kind yet?

"Maybe if you gather more of these special stones and obtain more samples of the same type for comparison, you'll find something."

"That makes sense. We've only collected two so far. There are simply too few samples."

Steven nodded at that and no longer dwelled on the matter of Mega Stones.

He carefully placed the two Mega Stones into a storage case and gently returned it to the display shelf on the workbench before turning to Lin Mo and asking naturally,

"Has my father finished talking with you?"

"Yes, we've already signed the cooperation agreement."

A hearty smile immediately spread across Steven's face, his eyes full of sincerity and warmth. He raised a hand and gave Lin Mo's shoulder a solid pat, his delight unmistakable.

"I'm really happy you've joined Devon Corporation! From now on, we're family!

"Don't worry, my father understands Trainers best. He knows that our priority is focusing on raising and training Pokémon.

"He won't bother you with all those complicated business matters. Just focus on your own work and raise and train your Pokémon properly."

Before his words had even faded, Steven suddenly changed the subject, his tone carrying a trace of sentiment.

"Oh, right. Wallace spoke to me specifically 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 Pokémon's beauty and cuteness. In that regard, you're especially similar to Wallace back then.

"Since you've joined Devon, 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. He pulled a Poké Ball from the belt at his waist and threw it.

A flash of red light appeared, and a lively figure silently materialized before Lin Mo.

Its round little head looked adorably simple-minded, with a pair of tiny white protrusions standing on either side. Its light-blue body was covered in fine scales, shimmering with a lustrous watery glow beneath the lights.

Its large round black eyes were astonishingly bright, filled with newborn clarity and curiosity as it stared unblinkingly at 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]