A sharp cough echoed from the doorway.
Both Albert and Steven startled, their locked gazes breaking instantly as heat rushed to their cheeks. Joseph Stone stood there, contract folder in hand, one brow arched in quiet amusement at the sight of the two boys scrambling to compose themselves.
"Good," Joseph said smoothly as he strode back to his desk. "It seems you two have found ways to occupy yourselves."
Albert straightened, the faint glow of embarrassment still lingering in his amethyst eyes. He accepted the folder Joseph placed before him.
Inside were neatly typed pages: besides the usual terms and conditions of a partnership contract, it specified the sponsorship agreement, percentage of profit-sharing, and the requirement of yearly impactful discoveries.
With the poise of someone decades older, Albert sat at the desk, carefully reading every line. His expression remained calm, but his eyes flicked sharply over clauses and propositions, his mind already weighing implications
Only after a long moment did he take the offered pen—but before signing, he raised his head.
"One amendment," Albert said calmly.
Joseph arched an eyebrow. "Amendment?"
Albert nodded. "Your condition states one impactful discovery per year, or the agreement dissolves. That is fair for most research. But some discoveries take longer. Some breakthroughs cannot be rushed. If I am forced to prioritize speed over depth, the quality of my work may suffer."
Steven's eyes widened slightly at Albert's audacity.
Albert continued, his tone even and deliberate. "I propose a limit of three years. If I fail to produce anything within that span, the deal dissolves as per the contract. But if a project requires longer than a year, I may 'stack' my results. Two or three major discoveries within three years would prove my worth just as well as one each year. This way, the work can be judged by impact, not by an arbitrary deadline."
For a moment, Joseph was silent. Then, slowly, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You think like a true researcher—cautious of time, but mindful of impact. Very well. We will include this provision. Three years, Albert. No more."
Satisfied, Albert lowered his gaze to the document again, which was quickly altered by Percy, and with deliberate precision, signed his name: Albert Hugo Deford.
"Done," he said, sliding the folder back across the desk.
Joseph examined the signature, nodded once, and closed the folder with finality. "So be it. From this day, you are no longer merely a prodigy of Smeltwick City, but a recognized partner of Devon Corporation. See to it that your first discovery proves this contract worthwhile."
"I will," Albert replied, his tone steady but resolute.
Joseph's gaze lingered a moment longer, then softened slightly as he turned toward his son. "Steven. You may show Albert the facilities. The library and database have already been cleared for him. He has unrestricted access."
Steven blinked. "Unrestricted?"
Joseph nodded. "Most require strict supervision to step foot inside, and even then, only for the most pressing research. But Albert's status is… unique. Consider this another sign of my trust. Do not squander it."
Albert smiled sincerely in gratitude.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The two boys left the office together, with Albert following Steven as he led him through Devon Corp. Headquarters' vast corridors. Without Joseph's presence, the atmosphere lightened, curiosity replacing formality.
"This way," Steven said, his voice softer, but tinged with quiet pride.
They passed laboratories where researchers in white coats examined Pokémon habitats in controlled environments, Pokémon themselves wandering freely under supervision.
Chanseys and Audinos padded through medical wings, while Magnemite buzzed between data terminals. Engineers tinkered with prototype Poké Balls, their designs sleek and unfamiliar, while holographic displays lit up entire rooms with schematics.
But it was the next stop that made Albert pause.
The data room stretched before him, its bookshelves reaching high into the walls, filled with texts on Pokémon biology, medicine, history, and technology. Above, crystalline lights shimmered softly, illuminating the marble floor. At the center of the hall stood rows of terminals—access points into Devon's private database, brimming with the most current knowledge and research of Evergreen Island and beyond.
Steven gestured toward it with a small, proud smile. "Most people never see this room without a dozen supervisors breathing down their necks. I've only been allowed in a handful of times. But you—" he looked at Albert meaningfully, "—you're the only one with free access. No restrictions. My father must really believe in you."
Albert stepped forward, his amethyst eyes glowing faintly as he took it all in. "Incredible… It's everything I've ever wanted in one place."
Steven tilted his head, watching the quiet awe on Albert's face. "So… where will you start?"
Albert exhaled softly, already feeling the weight of possibilities settle in his mind. "Everywhere."