The silence in the office stretched, heavy with the weight of unspoken thoughts. Then Joseph Stone rose from his seat, his presence towering, though his tone carried warmth beneath the authority.
"Albert Hugo Deford," he said firmly, his gaze steady as he raised his right hand. "Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Joseph Stone, Chairman of Devon Corporation, and one of the many hands that have shaped Ironforge City into what you see today."
Albert inclined his head slightly, a small but respectful gesture, as he shook his hand.
Joseph gestured to the boy seated at his side. "And this is my son, Steven. He is your age, though he's not a little genius like you. Still, I believe my son is talented in other ways than in academics."
Steven's blue eyes lingered on Albert's amethyst gaze. His earlier awe had quieted into something more focused: curiosity. "Hello," he said simply, voice soft, a bit unsure, but sincere.
Albert hesitated only a moment before responding, "Hello, Steven." His tone was equally calm, though there was a faint blush from his earlier embarrassment still lingering at the edges of his cheeks.
Joseph observed the brief exchange, then seated himself again, fingers steepled. His voice dropped into the cadence of business. "Now, Albert… You've captured the attention of many with your intellect and talent. But I must ask you directly: what is it that you really seek to achieve?"
Albert paused. The question was not unexpected, but hearing it posed so plainly, from such a man, demanded honesty.
"I have two goals," Albert said at last, his voice steady. "First, I want knowledge. Not just to wield power as a trainer, but to understand — Pokémon, their biology, their psychology, their place in this world alongside humanity. I want to research, to discover truths not yet written in any book. Second…" He drew a quiet breath, amethyst eyes glinting. "I want to test myself as a trainer. To grow, to stand at the summit, not because of luck, but because I earned it. Both paths—research and training—lead to the same end. To leave something lasting, something that makes a difference."
Joseph studied him carefully. The boy's words were measured, deliberate, yet brimming with ambition.
"And how," Joseph asked, "do you believe I—or Devon Corporation—might assist you in these pursuits?"
Albert was surprised and flattered at the suggestion, but he knew this was not the time to flinch. "Opportunity," he answered simply. "Resources. Access to knowledge I cannot reach alone. Places and projects where I can learn through experience, not just books. Guidance, perhaps, when it comes to navigating a world as vast and dangerous as this."
His lips curved faintly, almost wryly. "But I need freedom, at least, to a certain extent. I will never grow if I'm only sheltered. I need room to make mistakes, learn, and adapt, by myself if need be."
For the first time in many minutes, Joseph Stone smiled. It was not a patronizing smile, nor the hollow one of politics, but one of genuine approval. "Asking not for safety, but for independence… Admirable. Arrogant, perhaps. But admirable, nevertheless."
Steven, quiet until now, spoke suddenly. "And if you mess up? If you fail?"
Albert turned his gaze on him, expression unreadable for a moment before softening. "Then I try again. That is what makes my dream worth achieveing."
The two boys held each other's eyes, one blue, the other amethyst, and for an instant Joseph saw something unspoken between them—the spark of recognition between peers destined to walk alongside, whether as rivals, peers, or perhaps…something else entirely.
Joseph leaned back, satisfied. "Then perhaps Devon has much to offer you after all. But be warned, Albert: in reaching for such heights, you will earn both allies and enemies. Which you gain more of will depend not on your power, but on your character."
Albert gave a single nod. "I understand."
Then, after a moment's silence, Joseph leaned forward. "In that case, Albert, allow me to make this plain. Devon Corporation wishes to sponsor your endeavors. Whatever path you choose—research, breeding, medicine, or as a trainer—you will have our resources at your beck and call. I have seen enough to know that investing in you is not purely a gamble, but a high probable win."
Albert blinked, caught off guard despite himself. He lowered his gaze briefly, then met Joseph's eyes again, firm but respectful. "If that is the case, then I should be clear about what I want to do. I want to qualify as a researcher, breeder, and doctor for now, before I'm able to become a Pokémon Trainer when I'm of legal age at 16. I've already completed the academic requirements and necessary preparations. All that remains is to sit for the elementary exams for each profession. They'll be held next month, here in Ironforge City. After that, I'll probably start doing research projects and maybe go to college too."
Steven straightened slightly in his seat, surprise flashing across his face. "All of those? At once?"
Albert's expression was calm, but the faint glimmer in his amethyst eyes betrayed his determination. "I have no intention of prioritizing one path over the others. To understand the world fully, I must study it from every angle. That includes how Pokémon live, how they grow, and how they stay strong. It may be hard, but I believe I can do it. I know I can."
Joseph's brows lifted, but rather than disapproval, there was a gleam of pride in his gaze. "Ambition balanced with clarity. Very well, Albert. Devon will see to it that you have access to the resources and facilities needed to prepare for these exams. But remember: my sponsorship is not a hand to carry you—it is a ladder. You will climb it yourself."
Albert bowed his head slightly. "That is all I ask of you, Mr. Stone."
Steven remained quiet, still staring at Albert as though trying to reconcile what he had just heard with the boy sitting across from him. At five years old, he had already felt like an oddity among his peers—and yet here was Albert, standing on a level that felt impossibly distant.
The two boys locked eyes once more. Blue and amethyst. A silent understanding passed between them.
Joseph leaned back, satisfied once again. "Then let us begin."