In that instant, Theo's heart stirred, and everything suddenly became clear.
So that was how it was! How could a colossal industry titan like Devon Corporation possibly rely solely on Champion Steven Stone to uphold its reputation?
As it turned out, the company had long been quietly connecting itself with the most powerful Gym Leaders and prominent researchers throughout the Hoenn region through sponsorships and cooperative projects.
This was the true foundation that allowed Devon to remain firmly established and continue leading the industry from the front.
"Our requirements aren't high," Chairman Joseph continued, speaking to Theo with a relaxed and amiable tone that carried absolutely no pressure.
"As for what we expect from you, it's actually very simple."
Joseph spoke as though they were merely discussing something casual over tea:
"You don't need to abandon your journey as a trainer, nor do you need to trouble yourself with complicated social engagements.
All we ask is that during your breaks between Gym challenges and Contest performances, you remotely record a few promotional videos for the company—
Nothing complicated. Just show your presence as a trainer, demonstrate your style, or occasionally explain the advantages of our Devon Poké Balls."
Chairman Joseph looked at Theo with unfeigned sincerity, his tone gentle yet earnest:
"A trainer's path must ultimately be walked by oneself. We're merely providing you with a support to lean on. If you can someday reach a higher stage, then everything we invest in you will be worth it."
Theo took a deep breath and met Chairman Joseph's earnest gaze, speaking firmly:
"Chairman, I accept your offer. Being recognized and supported by Devon Corporation is my honor."
The monthly financial stipend and item discounts were certainly practical, but what truly tempted him was the channel to acquire Pokémon from other regions.
No matter how wonderful the journey of a trainer was, an individual's strength would always be limited.
Traveling across every region, attempting to collect rare Pokémon that only lived in specific habitats—such a goal bordered on fantasy.
Yet through its Poké Ball research network, Devon had established long-term partnerships with Pokémon Professors in multiple regions.
To Theo, this vast network opened a door he could not otherwise reach.
"A wise decision."
A satisfied smile immediately bloomed on Chairman Joseph's face, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes softening.
He raised a hand and gestured lightly toward his secretary.
The secretary stepped forward promptly, presenting a neatly prepared cooperation agreement to Theo with respectful hands.
"Please take your time reviewing the terms. Everything is written clearly. If you have any questions or wish to negotiate any clauses, feel free to bring them up."
Theo took the agreement and quickly scanned through it.
The terms were straightforward, just as Joseph had said—no excessive restrictions.
The core requirements were simply cooperating with promotional activities and reporting training progress periodically.
"I have no objections," Theo said, signing his name at the end.
"Excellent."
After briefly checking the document, Joseph passed it to the secretary for storage.
He then looked at Theo with thoughtful warmth, his tone formal and gentle:
"From today onward, you will be one of Devon Corporation's key sponsored trainers.
We hope our assistance can add another spark of brilliance to your journey."
With business concluded, the smile on Chairman Joseph's face grew even warmer. His tone lightened considerably:
"All right, now that everything is settled, go see Steven. He's waiting for you in his private collection room. Off you go!"
Under the respectful guidance of the secretary, Theo entered Devon's exclusive elevator, descending all the way to B3.
The heavy alloy doors slid open slowly, revealing a familiar sight:
Rows of custom-made shelves lined with rare ores, each piece reflecting warm, gentle light that shimmered with brilliance.
Steven stood at the central workbench, gently rubbing two diamond-shaped stones between his fingers.
One was the orange-red, flame-patterned Charizardite Y, its surface resembling blazing fire frozen in time.
The other stone gleamed with a soft silver-white luster, a leaf-like pattern of interwoven white and gray embedded at its center.
Theo recognized it instantly through his system panel—
the Mega Aggronite, the Mega Stone for Aggron's evolution.
"You're here," Steven said as he turned around, setting the two stones down on the table with a hint of excitement in his tone.
"After hearing your suggestion last time, I've been keeping an eye out for special stones like these.
This silver one was sold to me by a collector, apparently a mountain climber dug it up deep in the mountains by chance."
Steven lifted the Mega Aggronite, a light crease of confusion forming between his brows:
"My Aggron is unusually fond of it and says it really likes the stone's aura, but no matter what we try, we can't activate the energy inside. It's quite strange."
Theo looked at the stone's faint silver glow and naturally understood the reason—
Mega Evolution required the simultaneous resonance of the Mega Stone and the Key Stone. One alone was insufficient.
But he didn't reveal this. Instead, he simply smiled and hinted lightly:
"Maybe you just don't have enough of these stones yet.
If you gather more of the same type, having more samples might help you compare and figure out their patterns."
"That's true. I've only collected two so far—far too few samples," Steven agreed, dropping the matter.
He carefully placed both Mega Stones back into the storage box, returning them to the display rack before turning back to Theo.
"My father finished speaking with you?"
"Mm, the contract has been signed."
Steven broke into a bright, hearty smile, his gaze warm and familiar.
He slapped Theo's shoulder firmly—a gesture filled with genuine joy:
"I'm really glad you're joining Devon! From now on, we're family!
Don't worry—my father understands trainers better than anyone.
He knows our priority is raising and training our Pokémon.
He won't burden you with business affairs. You just focus on doing what you need to do—training your partners well."
Before Theo could reply, Steven suddenly shifted topics, his tone carrying a hint of emotion:
"Oh, right. Before leaving yesterday, Wallace specifically talked to me about you.
He didn't expect your understanding of Pokémon to be so refined.
Using Contests to show everyone the beauty and charm of Pokémon…
You resemble the Wallace of those years quite a bit."
Steven grinned, then lifted his chin proudly:
"Since you're one of us now, we ought to celebrate properly.
As before, just like choosing fossils last time, I'll let you pick your own gift!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Steven turned and drew a Poké Ball from his belt, tossing it gracefully.
A flash of red light spilled forth—
and a small, graceful figure slowly appeared before Theo.
Its round head was adorably plump, with a pair of tiny white bumps standing on either side.
Its light-blue, scale-covered body shimmered under the warm lights, reflecting a soft watery glow.
Its eyes, large, round, and jet-black, sparkled with newborn purity and curiosity as it stared unblinkingly at its surroundings.
[Pokémon: Dratini]
Type: Dragon
Category: Dragon Pokémon
Ability: Shed Skin (occasionally heals status conditions by shedding its skin)
Moves: Wrap, Leer, Twister, Dragon Breath
(End of Chapter)
TN: Damn, a Dratini as a gift?
He gonna become more a Dragon type specialist if he catch a Trapinch too.