Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
Maximus leaned back against the comfortable sofa, a lit cigarette between his fingers as he studied Jacob thoughtfully. In truth, if Jacob were to become his son-in-law someday, Maximus would be quite pleased with the match. However, matters of the heart couldn't be forced or rushed.
Several concerns weighed on his mind. First, Nina was a few years older than Jacob. Even if they developed a relationship, they would need to wait until Jacob graduated from university before considering marriage. By then, Nina would be thirty while Jacob would still be in his early twenties.
Second, university would expose Jacob to many new people and experiences. If their relationship encountered unexpected problems during that time, Jacob would still be young with plenty of opportunities ahead. But Nina would have invested her prime years, potentially limiting her future prospects.
Finally, Jacob was remarkably clever and strategic. Given Nina's straightforward personality, Maximus worried she might find herself at a disadvantage in such a relationship.
Maximus's expression remained complex as he considered these thoughts. Such delicate matters could only be handled one step at a time. Forbidding them from dating would be unrealistic and counterproductive. He could only try not to dwell on these troubling possibilities.
"We've successfully collected the gems you requested," Maximus said, shifting to business matters. "Raya has also acquired the first batch from overseas sources."
"She's been incredibly busy recently, preparing for the International Jewelry Expo. It promises to be quite the spectacular event. The expo date has been set for the week after next – about eight or nine days from now. She should have accumulated a substantial collection of gems by then."
Maximus's tone carried a note of curiosity. "So I think it's time you gave us some insight: what exactly are these gems for? You've emphasized their rarity repeatedly, but we're still in the dark about their specific purpose. Moreover, gem prices are skyrocketing, making acquisition increasingly expensive."
Jacob paused to consider his words carefully. He had maintained this secret for months, but the time had finally come to reveal some crucial information.
"Master, let me explain about these gems," Jacob said, meeting Maximus's gaze directly. "Each of these stones is genuinely priceless. After my research becomes public, I estimate most gems will reach values similar to specialized Z-Crystals. However, certain individual gems will be worth far more than any Z-Crystal."
Maximus listened intently, his brow furrowing with obvious skepticism. While he certainly believed his student was a research genius, claiming some gems could exceed Z-Crystal values seemed like an extraordinary exaggeration.
General-purpose Z-Crystals were already incredibly valuable. The idea that some gems could surpass even type-specific Z-Crystals struck him as unrealistic.
Jacob noticed the doubt in Maximus's eyes but wasn't concerned. This was simply a difference in understanding. Once Maximus witnessed Mega Evolution firsthand, Jacob was confident his mentor's perspective would change completely.
A Mega Evolution Stone's value might be slightly less than a Z-Crystal, since each stone worked with only one Pokémon species – similar to specialized Z-Crystals in that regard.
However, the Keystones were genuinely more valuable than Z-Crystals, because Keystones were essential for any Mega Evolution to occur. From the rarity ratios Jacob had observed, Keystones were approximately seven times rarer than individual Mega Stones, reflecting their superior value.
Jacob picked up both types of gems, which gleamed brilliantly under the office lighting.
"Master, these gems can actually be divided into two distinct categories."
"The first category consists of gems with pure black spiral patterns. These are more valuable and significantly rarer – they're our primary collection focus." Jacob presented the Keystone to Maximus. "No matter what happens, we must control these gems, because they function like master keys – the essential tool for unlocking treasure. I call this a Keystone."
He then held up a Mega Stone. "Besides these black-patterned gems, all the other treasures belong to the second category. This type of stone has slightly lower value but remains extremely rare. These gems function like treasure chests themselves. I call this a Mega Stone."
"To open any treasure chest, you must possess the correct key. As long as one key exists, it can unlock any treasure chest. Therefore, if we control all the keys, having treasure chests becomes meaningless for anyone else."
Jacob used this abstract analogy to explain the functions and relative values of both gem types to Maximus.
"Treasure chests and keys?" Maximus stroked his chin thoughtfully, considering Jacob's comparison while examining the Keystone. He had assumed the black-patterned stones were the most common and ordinary specimens, never imagining they were actually the most precious. "Keystone and Mega Stone?"
The names suggested evolution somehow. Could Pokémon possibly evolve beyond their final forms?
"It's just an analogy, but I think you've already guessed the nature of my research after hearing the names Keystone and Mega Stone," Jacob continued.
"As you suspected, Pokémon that have reached their final evolutionary stage can actually evolve once more. I call this process Mega Evolution."
Mega Evolution? How could a Pokémon evolve again after reaching its ultimate form?
The concept seemed like pure fantasy. If anyone else had made such a claim, Maximus would have dismissed it immediately as the work of a con artist. But Jacob's confident tone and assured expression suggested he wasn't joking.
"Of course, Pokémon cannot achieve this evolution using only their natural energy – they require external assistance. This is somewhat similar to Z-Move mechanics."
"A Mega Stone, a Keystone, and a strong bond with the trainer are all absolutely essential components."
"This evolution is temporary, lasting only for a limited period, but the power boost it provides is extraordinary."
Jacob stood before Maximus, meticulously describing Mega Evolution from his research. In his opinion, Mega Evolution represented the most spectacular and visually stunning aspect of Pokémon battles.
"This creates essentially a completely new evolutionary form, and the Pokémon undergoes tremendous changes."
"Everything transforms – appearance, strength, abilities, offensive and defensive capabilities, and more."
"Mega Evolution is far more complex than Z-Moves. Some Pokémon species even have multiple different Mega Evolution forms..."
Maximus and Nina listened with growing fascination as Jacob's description opened up an entirely new world of possibilities. They had never imagined that Pokémon could evolve beyond their final forms.
Although the concept sounded somewhat incredible, Jacob's detailed explanation made it increasingly believable. Maximus found himself staring at the Keystone and Mega Stone in Jacob's hands. If everything Jacob claimed was true, these gems truly possessed immeasurable value.
"Master, I'll contact Raya and move the Jewelry Expo to next Saturday – the day before the Frosthollow Province High School Cup finals."
"I will very likely use Mega Evolution during that championship battle. That stage represents the perfect opportunity to showcase my research results and generate maximum publicity."
Nina listened to Jacob's confident words, watching the assured smile on his face, her eyes sparkling with admiration. She realized Jacob had grown tremendously without her fully noticing. She still remembered their first meeting, when Jacob had an Elite-level Noibat, a newly hatched Charmander, and a Grovyle.
Time had passed so quickly. Nina quietly observed Jacob, her vision filled entirely with him.
"Master, I came here today primarily for three specific reasons," Jacob announced.