Steven

Biodata

Background / History

Steven grew up as the Stone family’s heir, surrounded by people who flattered him for personal gain rather than seeking genuine friendship. His first Pokémon partner, Metagross, understood his loneliness. Steven and his father, Mu Jin, also shared an interest in collecting stones 16.

Before meeting Chen Shi, Steven won the Ever Grande Conference at his father’s request. He considered several opponents decent, but said none had put much pressure on him. He also recognized that talented trainers such as Wallace did not necessarily enter the competition 13 15.

His position as heir carried substantial pressure. When he advocated using Munna’s dream energy for fossil revival, he staked that position on the proposal. Mu Jin initially opposed the idea, but ultimately backed his son and overruled the researchers’ objections 35.

Steven explains that learning company management and how to deal with people leaves him little time for stones, battling, or his Pokémon. He only gained substantial freedom to pursue those interests after beginning his travels the year before. Nevertheless, he accepts those obligations as the responsibility accompanying his inherited advantages 54.

Mu Jin assigns him work to build his experience. After training in the Stone family’s Mystery Realm, Steven returns to a backlog of company business, and his later month-long vacation also ends because Devon Corporation needs him back 81 301.

By the later visit to the World Tree, Steven and his companions are described collectively as Champions or Elite Kings of their respective regions. That passage does not individually specify Steven’s office. Separately, his counterpart in the Dark Matter-overrun parallel world is explicitly identified as Hoenn Champion 526 560.

Appearance

• Silver hair, specifically noted when Chen Shi introduces him to Cynthia 49.
• Described at his first meeting with Chen Shi as a young aristocrat 13.
• Wears a small suit jacket before taking the field against Flint at the Pokémon World Championships 103.

Personality

Steven is courteous and initially formal, greeting Chen Shi with a handshake and exchanging polite compliments. Beneath that composure, he deeply wants genuine companionship: he hesitantly asks whether they count as friends and visibly relaxes when Chen Shi assures him that they already do 13 15.

He has a strong sense of a Trainer’s public responsibility. He immediately helps defend Verdanturf Town, becomes furious at the hunters responsible, and is disturbed by the League’s mistreatment of Yuko. His first response to captured criminals is to suggest handing them over to Officer Jenny 14 15 41.

His enthusiasm for stones can override almost everything else. He digs until evening, excitedly displays his discoveries, and considers continued excavation more appealing than watching an Elite King exhibition match. He is similarly eager to battle talented opponents and willing to reconsider his plans when Chen Shi offers convincing advice 17 36 38 40.

Steven is confident in his ability even against opponents whose types favor them. Before facing Flint, he recognizes the danger posed by a Fire-type specialist but remains certain that he will win. After the difficult battle, he frankly acknowledges that Flint surprised him and accepts Chen Shi’s reminder not to underestimate others 102 105.

As his friendships deepen, he becomes less formal and more playful. He teases Chen Shi about Cynthia, adopts the familiar address “Old Chen,” and begins using the same suspenseful tricks that Chen Shi once used on him 49 54 82 173 174.

He is generous but dislikes being reduced to a source of money. Steven spends his own funds and uses his connections to collect Mega Stones, willingly sharing them with Chen Shi; nevertheless, he reacts irritably when Chen Shi jokes about making him pay for purchases or treating him as the group’s traveling financier 82 174 261.

His attraction to rare Steel- and Rock-type Pokémon is particularly strong. He eagerly seeks a Hisuian Goomy, bitterly regrets overlooking Diancie before her mutation, and immediately focuses on Melmetal’s identity as a Steel-type Mythical Pokémon 199 285 534.

After learning how Dark Matter devastated a parallel world, Steven resolves to set aside company affairs and devote himself to training so that he can offer Chen Shi even a little help. Despite occasional discouragement at the growing gap between their abilities, he continues seeking opportunities to improve 526 527 529 534.

Abilities & Skills

Pokémon Battling

Steven uses feints, restraint, and type-effective attacks rather than relying solely on Metagross’s strength 17.

• Baits Drakloak into approaching by ordering Light Screen, then has Metagross grab it and attempt Ice Punch 17.
• Adapts after Drakloak escapes with U-turn, eventually winning through Confusion and Ice Punch 17.
• Recognizes that Team Magma’s Fire-type expertise places his team at a disadvantage 41.
• Acknowledges that he and Chen Shi cannot directly defeat a Senior Elite King supported by several Pokémon of that rank 41.
• Uses Skarmory’s Icy Wind to defeat Winona’s Altaria at the Pokémon World Championships, then also defeats her Shiny Swellow 98.
• Counters Flint’s Infernape with a head-on Zen Headbutt, then exploits Metagross’s rapid reactions and aerial movement to evade Flame Charge and retaliate with Psychic 104.
• Recognizes an opening when Lt. Surge’s Ampharos tires and chains Zen Headbutt, Ice Punch, and Psychic to prevent it from recovering 113.
• Defeats Wallace only narrowly, relying on Metagross’s exceptional defense and stamina to secure the final advantage 124.

Pokémon Knowledge and Training

Steven recognizes Drakloak from reference material despite information about its evolutionary line not yet being widespread 15.

• Supplies Chen Shi with Beldum’s breeding handbook and a Metagross-raising manual 13 18.
• The manual provides training methods Chen Shi later uses to teach Metang how to gather energy for Meteor Mash 34.
• Favors Steel-type Pokémon, though Mawile initially falls below his standards for a prospective partner 40.
• Searches for talented Mawile and Scyther after Chen Shi’s recommendations; he still has not found a suitable Mawile by his later farm visit 50 61.
• Makes substantial progress by training in the Stone family’s Mystery Realm before the Pokémon World Championships 81.
• Learns that Mega Metagross retains its typing but gains Tough Claws, increasing the power of contact moves by 30% 120.
• Receives Chen Shi’s explanation that Mega Evolution requires understanding a Pokémon’s heart, connecting their bond through a Key Stone, and repeated practice to adjust to the transformation 121.
• Plans to practice Mega Evolution while waiting for Hoenn’s newly discovered Mystery Realm to open 181.

Mineral Prospecting

Steven searches for minerals using Devon Corporation equipment and Aggron’s digging strength 37.

• Excavates deep within Meteor Falls and identifies valuable Evolution stones among his finds 37 38 40.
• Initially prizes attractive stones more than the unfamiliar stones Chen Shi identifies as Mega Stones 38.
• Deduces that those stones are connected to the Dragon God’s power by comparing Chen Shi’s collecting habits, treasury choices, and advice about Mawile 48.
• Unearths five Mega Stones during several weeks at Meteor Falls, including a Heracross Mega Stone on the twenty-fourth day of the stay 54.
• Expands his collection through outside contacts, using his own money and connections to acquire stones before Mega Evolution becomes publicly known 54 82.

Corporate Management and Research Support

Steven’s work at Devon Corporation includes management training, company assignments, and hosting visitors in his office at its Rustboro headquarters 54 81 170.

• Helps turn Chen Shi’s fossil-revival advice into an operational research project, obtaining his father’s support despite researchers’ objections 35.
• Understands Chen Shi’s suggestion to use the Mega Stone auction to build goodwill with promising Trainers such as Leon 149.
• Offers to prepare a Gardevoir Mega Stone and Key Stone for Diantha’s bidding, while making clear that Devon cannot openly guarantee her victory at the auction 150.
• Proposes a profit split favoring Chen Shi in their partnership; Chen Shi instead insists on equal shares because he supplies the knowledge while Devon supplies labor and resources 156.
• Is approached to lend researchers for Chen Shi’s sensitive institute project and to contact respected professors from every region 461.
• Is asked to mobilize Devon’s resources to obtain as much ready-to-heat food as possible within a day 470.

Power Progression

Steven’s documented progress is primarily represented through his Pokémon. The Dark Matter-era feats of the parallel-world Steven are distinguished from the original-world Steven’s training record.

Pokémon

Metagross’s documented moves include Psychic, Confusion, Flash Cannon, Meteor Mash, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, Earthquake, Protect, Reflect, and Light Screen. Steven also commands Encore during his battle with Drakloak 15 17.

Its initial full assessment additionally lists Tackle, Metal Claw, Bullet Punch, Zen Headbutt, Hammer Arm, Take Down, Magnet Rise, Iron Defense, Agility, Hone Claws, Bulldoze, and Rock Slide. Steven later commands Psyshock against Flint’s Infernape 15 104.

• Mawile and Scyther/Scizor prospects — Steven searches for suitable Mawile and Scyther after Chen Shi’s advice. Possession of their corresponding Mega Stones is confirmed, but the cited search and stone discussions do not by themselves establish when he catches either Pokémon 50 61 120.
• Hisuian Goomy interest — Steven tries to request one from Jirachi and remains excited about Hisuian Goodra after seeing its Steel/Dragon typing in the ruins’ murals. Chen Shi later promises him a Hisuian local specialty, without that passage identifying a completed acquisition for Steven 199 420 425.

The parallel-world Steven’s Pokémon and their Dark Matter battle outcomes are documented separately under Parallel-World Counterpart and Dark Matter 500 510 514 526.

Equipment / Items

• Devon Corporation mineral detector — The company’s latest detector, intended to locate different minerals precisely. It detects a top-grade Moon Stone at the spot Togetic points toward 37.
• Aggronite — Found by Aggron in Meteor Falls. Steven initially treats it as an unremarkable addition to a collection that already contains similar stones. Chen Shi later explicitly identifies it as Aggron’s Mega Stone 38 120.
• Mawile Mega Stone — Unearthed alongside a high-grade Moon Stone; its discovery prompts Chen Shi to recommend catching Mawile. Its species association is later explicitly explained to Steven 40 120.
• Stone collection — Includes numerous unusual stones at home and stones recovered from Team Magma’s excavation. Chen Shi accepts Steven’s help with fossil revival in exchange for letting him keep the remaining recovered stones 38 42.
• Heracross Mega Stone — One of five Mega Stones Steven excavates during the extended Meteor Falls stay; Chen Shi advises him to keep it for future use 54.
• Metagross and Scizor Mega Stones — Two stones Chen Shi gives back to Steven after a delivery from his collection efforts. Steven later learns their identities and is particularly excited about the Metagross stone 120.
• Key Stone collection — Steven recognizes Chen Shi’s Key Stone and says that his family already has several similar stones at home. He agrees to collect more before the championships make their value rise 81.
• Private plane — Transports Steven, Chen Shi, and Pheobe to Silver Town for the Pokémon World Championships; later carries Steven, Chen Shi, Cynthia, and Pheobe back to Devon’s private airport in Rustboro City 84 159.
• Office and company transport — Receives Chen Shi and Cynthia in a luxurious Devon office accessible through the president’s private elevator, and travels in a stretch limousine after returning from the championships 159 170.

Relationships

• Chen Shi — His first genuine friend, battle rival, and trusted adviser. Steven risks his inheritance position on Chen Shi’s fossil-revival advice and later agrees to keep the unusual stones’ significance confidential. He also reassures Chen Shi that he and the Stone family will help if Chen Shi encounters trouble, supports his research through Devon connections, and eventually resolves to train harder so that he can assist him against greater threats 15 16 35 48 54 461 527.
• Mu Jin — His father and Devon Corporation’s chairman. Despite initial doubts, Mu Jin supports Steven’s dream-energy research proposal and assigns researchers to pursue it. Mu Jin also serves as vice chairman of the Hoenn League, gives Steven company assignments, and approves Steven’s proposed sharing of collected Mega Stones with Chen Shi 35 54 81 124.
• Metagross — His first Pokémon partner, who understands his loneliness and is visibly relieved when he befriends Chen Shi. Their close coordination is demonstrated by Metagross’s immediate aerial response to Steven’s commands against Flint 16 104.
• Pheobe — Steven arranges a scam against her at Chen Shi’s request, after being told that her guardians approve the lesson. They later meet in Lavaridge Town, where Steven and Chen Shi privately dispute responsibility for what happened. She accompanies him to the Pokémon World Championships and cheers him on before his match against Lt. Surge 36 47 84 113.
• Ada and the Grandmother-in-Chief — Draconid contacts who welcome him after he helps recover five stolen Bagon. He agrees to return if the prophesied disaster occurs 43 44 46.
• Cynthia — Introduced through Chen Shi at Steven’s booked hot spring. Steven welcomes the chance to make another friend and recognizes her reputation as the Battle Goddess. They later travel together, and Steven remains concerned for her welfare during Chen Shi’s prolonged absence, checking whether she is eating while she refuses to leave the World Tree 49 107 295 560.
• Wallace — A talented Trainer Steven recognizes even before meeting him in tournament competition. Their Pokémon World Championships battle ends in Steven’s narrow victory and leaves him openly acknowledging Wallace’s strength 15 124.
• Lance and Lorelei — Fellow talented Trainers introduced during the Lavaridge exhibition gathering. Steven recognizes Lance’s standing as the League’s youngest Senior Investigator 51 53.
• Leon — A fellow tournament competitor and later traveling companion. Steven understands the value of building a relationship with him through Devon’s Mega Stone auction, and Leon’s invitation later helps motivate the group’s proposed Galar trip 149 174 260 534.
• Diantha — An auction guest, fellow Mystery Realm participant, and traveling companion. Steven arranges the opportunity for her to bid on a Gardevoir Mega Stone and Key Stone; they later find one another after being stranded separately over the Mystery Realm’s ocean 150 223 261.
• Diancie — Steven initially overlooks her while she is still an unusual Carbink. Learning that she has become a Rock/Fairy Mythical Pokémon leaves him deeply regretful, though Chen Shi explains her importance to the Carbink colony 285.
• Jirachi — Steven recognizes Jirachi as the Pokémon formerly associated with his father’s collection room. He eagerly attempts to ask it for a Hisuian Goomy, but Chen Shi refuses because Jirachi cannot grant wishes yet 198 199.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Stone Family Trade and Verdanturf Town

• Steven visits the Chen family to complete their exchange for information about Big Root Valley. He delivers a Shiny Beldum, its breeding handbook, two top-grade Shiny Stones, and a Togepi Egg; minerals for Beldum’s growth are arranged for later delivery 13.
• He explains that the valley is valuable to Devon Corporation’s stalled fossil-revival research 13.
• When an Aggron herd attacks Verdanturf Town, Steven joins Chen Shi in subduing it. They learn that Pokémon hunters stole the leader’s child and numerous Aron 14.
• The pair guard the herd while its stolen youngsters are retrieved, and their conversation develops into Steven’s first genuine friendship 15 16.
• Back at the farm, Steven’s Metagross defeats Drakloak. Both Trainers promise a rematch after Drakloak reaches its final evolution 17.

Fossil Revival Breakthrough

• Chen Shi tells Steven that revival requires Munna’s dream energy, not the life energy researchers have been using 16.
• Steven persuades his family to pursue the lead despite widespread disbelief. The researchers successfully revive an Aerodactyl—the world’s first revived Fossil Pokémon 35.
• Their initial energy-conversion device explodes, leaving further development necessary. Steven credits Chen Shi’s advice and his father’s support for the breakthrough 35.
• During the same visit, he explains the Pokémon World Championships’ rewards: exceptional Pokémon Eggs and ranked access to the League’s treasure vault for the top sixteen 35.
• After the championships, Steven invites Chen Shi to meet Mu Jin. His father thanks Chen Shi for the decisive fossil-revival information and offers to fund a research institute with the best available equipment 144.

Meteor Falls and Team Magma

• Steven invites Chen Shi to watch Sidney battle Mura in Lavaridge Town. They first travel to Meteor Falls to search for stones, finding both Evolution stones and Mega Stones 36 37 38 40.
• Two Team Magma members break into Steven’s tunnel while searching for a meteorite. Steven and Chen Shi capture them and obtain information about executive Firetree’s nearby base 40.
• After hearing about League corruption, Steven agrees to Chen Shi’s appeal that he become Champion and work to reform it 41.
• Rather than confront Firetree directly, they rely on Drakloak to infiltrate the base and retrieve discarded stones 41 42.
• With Ada’s assistance, they raid the base and recover five stolen Bagon. Metagross and Drakloak prevent Camerupt from using Earthquake, avoiding a potential cave collapse 43.

Draconid Prophecy and Mega Stone Secrecy

• The Grandmother-in-Chief tells Steven and Chen Shi about a returning disaster and a hero destined to awaken the Dragon God. Chen Shi tries to nominate Steven, citing his strength, wealth, and sense of justice 44 45.
• Chen Shi offers to teach Steven the relevant power. Both receive access to the Draconids’ treasury and agree to return if the disaster strikes 45 46.
• In Lavaridge Town, Chen Shi postpones teaching the power until they are stronger. He nevertheless confirms that the unusual stones enable a powerful temporary transformation capable of lasting through a battle 48.
• Steven agrees to collect the stones discreetly and keep their importance secret. Understanding Chen Shi’s earlier hints, he decides to search for a suitable Mawile 48.
• Following the exhibition gathering, he persuades Chen Shi to return to Meteor Falls. During their extended stay, Steven finds five more Mega Stones and arranges additional collecting through outside contacts 53 54.
• He initially shares half his collected stones with Chen Shi as recognition for the information that made the search possible. Chen Shi later establishes that this arrangement ends at the championships, refusing an ongoing share of Steven’s future acquisitions 82 124.
• Once Mega Evolution is publicly demonstrated, Chen Shi tells Steven to inform Mu Jin because the Stone family’s stockpile is likely to attract envy and pressure 121.

Meeting Cynthia

• Steven welcomes Cynthia to the hot spring and teases Chen Shi about their apparent romantic connection 49.
• He learns that Chen Shi is the researcher behind the “Severe Indecisiveness” identity. Chen Shi also recommends Scyther because of its newly discovered Bug/Steel evolution 50.
• When Chen Shi gives Cynthia an important stone, Steven responds with a reproachful look; Chen Shi points out that Steven already has two and more at home 50.
• Later, Steven joins Cynthia and Pheobe in inviting Chen Shi to explore Silver Town. The group disguises itself with hats and masks after attracting Cynthia’s fans, and Steven witnesses Chen Shi and Cynthia intertwine their fingers 107.
• During the later Kalos travels, Steven tells Professor Oak that the group encountered not only Celebi but also Chen Shi and Cynthia’s future daughter 301.

Pokémon World Championships

• On October 16, Steven meets Chen Shi and Pheobe at Devon Corporation in Rustboro City and offers them passage to Silver Town on his private plane. He explains that registration begins October 18, preliminaries begin October 19, and the single-elimination opening stage reduces the field to 128 competitors 84.
• In the round of sixty-four, his Skarmory defeats Winona’s Altaria and Shiny Swellow 98.
• Against Flint, Steven brings out his mid-stage Senior Elite King Shiny Metagross. He wins despite Infernape’s remarkable endurance and powerful Heat Wave, with Flint’s Rapidash also contributing to Metagross’s injuries 103 104 105.
• Metagross requires Nurse Joy’s treatment, but Steven is told that a day’s rest will leave it fit for the next match 105.
• In the round of sixteen, Metagross defeats Lt. Surge’s Ampharos and Raichu. Steven then sends Aggron against Jolteon; Aggron remains standing after a fierce, injury-heavy battle, securing Steven’s quarterfinal advancement 113.
• Steven narrowly defeats Wallace in the quarterfinals, crediting Metagross’s defense and stamina for the victory 124.
• He learns which species match his existing Mega Stones and watches Chen Shi’s Mega Metagross with intense interest 120 128.
• After Cynthia’s semifinal loss, he asks why Mega Swampert was so fast and learns about Swift Swim. He and Pheobe withdraw when Cynthia begins questioning Chen Shi about his concealed Mega Evolution knowledge 131.
• During Chen Shi’s final, Steven becomes concerned that repeated Mega Evolution could overwhelm his friend’s stamina, remembering Cynthia’s earlier collapse 138.
• After the competition, he informs Pheobe that all top-thirty-two finishers will receive rewards and arranges Chen Shi’s meeting with Mu Jin 144.

Devon Auction and Hoenn’s Returning Disaster

• Steven helps arrange Devon’s auction of Mega Stone and Key Stone pairs, including opportunities for Leon to obtain a Charizard stone and Diantha to obtain a Gardevoir stone 149 150.
• Back in Rustboro City, he welcomes Chen Shi and Cynthia to his office. Learning that Team Magma and Team Aqua have stolen the orbs associated with Groudon and Kyogre, he fears that the Draconid prophecy is coming true 170.
• He worries about the destruction a clash between the two Legendary Pokémon could inflict on Hoenn. Chen Shi reassures him that he will consult the Draconids and tells Steven to concentrate on the auction 171.
• Steven escorts the group through a private auction entrance into a third-floor room, explains that the Mega Stone is the final lot, and tolerates Chen Shi’s jokes about making him pay for their purchases 174.
• Before the Mystery Realm expedition, Steven announces that it will open in ten days and that invited participants will assemble in Sootopolis City 199.
• Inside the realm, he and Metagross spend a day flying over open ocean before finding a small island. Diantha, similarly stranded, reaches the same island on Hawlucha 223.
• As the group tends injured stolen Pokémon, Steven learns from Chen Shi about Urshifu’s forms and the possibility of catching Legendary Pokémon by earning their recognition or friendship 239.
• When Rayquaza appears above Sootopolis City, Chen Shi produces the Draconids’ green orb and rebukes Steven for leaving him to fulfill their request 248.

Kalos Travels and Diancie

• After the Mystery Realm expedition ends early because of Groudon and Kyogre, Steven has unexpected free time because he completed company work in advance. He chooses to accompany Chen Shi to Kalos, declaring that encounters with Legendary Pokémon are more exciting than digging for stones 261.
• Steven shares the group’s discussion of the pressures attached to their public reputations, comparing his own obligations as Devon’s heir with Leon’s burdens 260.
• During the Carbink colony’s crisis, he begins to suspect that Chen Shi knows more about the unusual Carbink than he has admitted 285.
• Chen Shi identifies the transformed Diancie as a Rock/Fairy Mythical Pokémon. Steven regrets failing to befriend her earlier, while Chen Shi explains that she is essential to the colony’s future 285.
• After Diancie later chooses to travel with Chen Shi in search of a way to create a Sacred Diamond, Jirachi teleports Steven, Chen Shi, Cynthia, and Diancie back to Lumiose City 295.
• Steven’s vacation eventually ends after a month, requiring him to return to Devon Corporation’s outstanding business 301.

Hisui Return and Sensitive Research

• In the ruins discovered by Professor Carolina, Steven admires murals documenting Chen Shi’s Hisui exploits and envies his association with numerous Steel/Dragon-type Hisuian Goodra 420.
• Steven is present when Chen Shi returns through the Space-Time Passage after more than three months away. Excited about the Hisuian Pokémon Chen Shi has brought, he is promised a local specialty after Chen Shi first presents Cynthia’s betrothal gifts 425.
• He hears Chen Shi distinguish the righteous ancient Team Galactic of Hisui from its modern successor, whose leader intends to destroy and remake the world 430.
• During later sightseeing in Eindoak Town, Steven remarks on how Chen Shi has changed following his experiences with Legendary Pokémon and Hisui 437.
• Chen Shi asks him to lend Devon researchers for a secret project concerning a possible world-destroying threat connected to Eternatus. Steven can provide only a few, so Chen Shi asks him instead to invite the most respected professors from every region to the institute in three days 461.
• Before another urgent departure, Chen Shi asks Steven to use Devon’s resources to gather the largest possible quantity of ready-to-heat food within one day 470.

Parallel-World Counterpart and Dark Matter

The Steven of the Dark Matter-overrun parallel world is already Hoenn Champion. Despite that status and his family’s wealth, he lives among survivors forced into hiding and frequently lacking food 526.

• After Lorelei and Lance are presumed dead outside the Shelter, Steven and the others restrain Leon when he attempts suicide over his Pokémon’s role in their apparent deaths 491.
• Grief and resentment drive Steven to seize Chen Shi and blame him for not resolving the food crisis or saving the pair. Chen Shi strikes him, has Mew knock Shiny Metagross into a wall, and rejects the claim that helping humanity is an obligation 491 492.
• Steven knows that Chen Shi did not directly cause the disaster, but cannot initially control his anger at losing two close friends. Diantha apologizes to Chen Shi on his behalf 492.
• He later admits that he acted impulsively and promises to apologize to “Miracle,” the name associated with Chen Shi in the survivors’ struggle 497.
• Steven proposes redistributing Lance and Lorelei’s guard duties. Cynthia suggests that the remaining Trainers defend one direction each around the clock, and Leon rejoins their defensive effort 497.
• While defending the southern side, Steven sees the attacking Shadow Pokémon withdraw after a disturbance in the east. He prepares to ride Mega Shiny Metagross to assist and initially refuses Tate and Minami’s transport offer because of the danger 500.
• Against Cobalion, Skarmory is struck down and assimilated by Dark Matter. Mega Metagross retaliates with Metal Burst and is identified as a pseudo-Second-Class Deity without comprehension of laws 510.
• Cobalion subsequently overwhelms Steven’s other four Pokémon, leaving only Mega Metagross able to fight. The contaminated partners are too badly injured to join the enemy’s assault 514.
• Steven is stunned when Chen Shi arrives with more than thirty cooperating Legendary Pokémon, particularly by the sight of Groudon riding on Kyogre 516.

Renewed Training and the World Tree

• After returning from the parallel world, Chen Shi tells the original-world Steven that his counterpart became Champion but was reduced to hiding underground and going hungry. Steven is shaken by the account of a world reduced to roughly twenty thousand uncorrupted humans and fifty thousand Pokémon 526.
• Recognizing Chen Shi as the person best qualified to save them, Steven silently resolves to put company work aside and train so that he can contribute to his friend’s efforts 527.
• Seeing further demonstrations of Chen Shi’s Pokémon’s power, he asks Cynthia whether they still have a chance to catch up. Her response—that she has no reason to compete with Chen Shi—leaves him remembering their relationship and abandoning the comparison 529.
• During an outing lasting less than two hours, Steven’s Metagross and other Pokémon reach peak Elite King and approach Champion level, with substantial perceived potential improvements. The results persuade him to suggest continuing to Galar rather than returning home 534.
• At the World Tree, he meets the five guardian beasts placed under Chen Shi’s command: Regirock, Urshifu, Melmetal, Zeraora, and Wellspring Mask Ogerpon. Melmetal’s Steel-type Mythical identity particularly captures his attention 534.
• He also hears Chen Shi explain Ogerpon’s changing typings and Ivy Cudgel’s high critical-hit rate 535.
• During Chen Shi’s later prolonged absence, Steven visits the World Tree area and asks an Investigator from the Jenny family about Cynthia. He is relieved that she is eating regularly, although she still refuses to leave the tree 560.

Notable Quotes

“Any proper trainer would step in when faced with something like this.” 14

“Your beauty surpasses even the finest Shiny Stone.” — Greeting Cynthia 49

“Since I've enjoyed the advantages of being the Stone family's heir, I have to shoulder the responsibilities that come with it.” 54

“Besides, we're friends, aren't we? If something happened to you, do you think I wouldn't help?” — Reassuring Chen Shi 54

“How could digging up rocks compare to tagging along with you? You keep running into Legendary Pokémon and all that. It's so exciting!” 261

---