I stroked its head. "Great job, partner. You really pulled us through."
Roxanne recalled her fainted Nosepass before stepping toward me, her heels tapping elegantly on the stone tiles. Even after such an intense battle, she still carried herself like a composed instructor—calm eyes, steady movements, and a faint smile that suggested genuine approval.
"You performed wonderfully," she said. "Your Mawile showed remarkable perseverance, and your Wingull demonstrated impressive spatial awareness. You used their natural strengths well—especially their appearances. Mawile's steel body and Wingull's agile flight were used with clarity and control. You overcame the assessment calmly."
I scratched my cheek, feeling a little embarrassed. "Your Nosepass really pushed me, though. The sandstorm, magnetic detection, and the rock obstacles… That puzzle took me a while to crack."
Roxanne's smile widened. "I'm glad it did. A Gym is meant to test not only strength, but adaptability and problem-solving. Many challengers panic the moment I disrupt visibility. But you kept thinking—even when the battle turned against you."
She reached into the inner pocket of her formal uniform and pulled out a polished badge shaped like a sharp, gray stone—the Stone Badge. Sunlight from the rooftop window sparkled off its surface.
"For passing the Rustboro Gym's evaluation, I proudly award you the Stone Badge."
She placed it in my palm. The badge felt cool and heavy, like a real piece of sediment cut into a symbol of progress. I held it up, admiring the clear lines and metallic sheen, and a wave of accomplishment washed through me.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "This means a lot."
Roxanne nodded. "I also received news from my colleague earlier—the situation at the house near Petalburg Woods. It seems you were the key to resolving it. I'm glad your kindness reached both the owner and the resident Pokémon."
I blinked. "You… already heard about that?"
"Of course. Word travels fast when Trainers make responsible decisions." She folded her arms. "Helping a distressed Pokémon and family reconcile—that's something a Gym Leader appreciates."
Hearing that from someone like Roxanne, who took everything so seriously, felt like getting an extra badge.
She continued, "If you plan to pursue the Hoenn Gym challenge further, I recommend heading toward Mauville City, but the path from here goes through Verdanturf Town first. It's a pleasant route, and you'll find useful supplies and facilities there."
I nodded. "So Mauville through Verdanturf. Got it."
"Be cautious," she added, her tone heavier. "Wattson, the Mauville Gym Leader, may seem light-hearted, but he is a formidable opponent. His Electric-type Pokémon fight with both force and mischief. He enjoys creating unpredictable strategies."
I imagined an elderly man laughing while electrocuting challengers with surprise tactics."Sounds… fun," I said, though my voice cracked slightly.
The Pokémon Center was warm, bright, and—thankfully—quiet at this hour. I placed Mawile and Wingull's Poké Balls onto the counter. Nurse Joy received them with a gentle smile.
I sat down while my partners recovered. The moment I relaxed into the chair, exhaustion washed over me—like the sandstorm had followed me inside and settled in my bones. The machine chimed a few minutes later, bright and crisp.
"Your Pokémon are fully healed," Joy said, handing them back. "Take care out there."
"I will," I promised.
When Nurse Joy returned my Pokémon, all fully recovered, I headed straight for Devon Corporation.
The towering building stood proudly in the center of Rustboro, its polished surfaces reflecting the afternoon sun. Inside, a polite receptionist guided me up to President Stone's office.
The door slid open to reveal Mr. Stone, busy reviewing documents but quick to greet me with an energetic wave.
"Ah! You must be the trainer Steven mentioned."
He adjusted his glasses and leaned forward with sincere interest. "Do you have the item he told you to deliver?"
I opened my bag and placed the small wrapped package onto his desk. He inspected it quietly—just enough to confirm authenticity—then nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. That completes Steven's request. He always sends things back with such care."
He paused thoughtfully. "Even if he doesn't fully understand what they are."
I blinked. "So… even Steven isn't told?"
Mr. Stone smiled politely. "Let's just say some projects are confidential, especially to outsiders—even talented ones like my son's friend."
I didn't push further. The mission was complete. That was enough.
Mr. Stone then opened a desk drawer and retrieved a small black box.
"Steven included a personal letter about you," he explained. "He wrote that you showed promise, composure, and a spirit he values deeply. That's why I'd like you to have this."
He opened the box.
Inside lay a Key Stone, gleaming softly like a piece of the night sky.
My heart stuttered.
"For me?" I whispered.
"Yes," he said warmly. "Steven believes in you. And I trust his judgement. Keep this safe—it may guide you to something greater someday."
I accepted the Key Stone with both hands, bowing my head in gratitude.
"Thank you, Mr. Stone. I'll make sure I deserve it."
"I believe you already do," he replied.
Bag slightly heavier, heart significantly lighter, I stepped out of Devon Company with Wingull perched on my shoulder and Mawile's Pokéball warm beside my belt.
My first badge.
A Key Stone entrusted to me.
And a new path awaiting in Verdanturf and Mauville.
I exhaled softly, adjusting my backpack.
"Alright," I murmured to my Pokémon. "Let's head out.
Verdanturf Town is waiting."
Our next chapter had just begun.