By the next morning, the trio was already soaking comfortably in the largest hot spring in Lavaridge Town.
Chen Shi, Steven Stone, and Phoebe lounged lazily in the steaming water, surrounded by their relaxed Pokémon.
"Ahhh… this feels amazing~"
"Chyaa~"
"Tchaa-koh~"
Their Pokémon stretched out on the warm rocks, melting into bliss.
Steven Stone let out a regretful sigh.
"This really is a good hot spring. Shame last time I came here for my Gym challenge, I didn't get to enjoy it properly."
Chen Shi waved lazily.
"Well, we're here now. Today we're soaking until we turn into noodles."
"Tchaa-koh~!"
Beside him, Togetic had already forgiven him for being kept in the Poké Ball for so long—
for now.
But the glint in its eye clearly said: Try that again and see.
Super Stones, Super Secrets
Steven Stone suddenly turned toward Chen Shi, brows furrowing.
"So… about that 'power' the village elder mentioned yesterday.
You said you'd teach me. When?*"
The two were close enough now that Steven Stone no longer bothered with formalities.
Chen Shi exhaled.
"Not now. I'll teach you later."
He shot Steven Stone a mildly annoyed look.
"This thing is too big to reveal right away. We need to wait until we're stronger."
He trusted Steven Stone—
trusted him enough to know the boy would hide anything Chen Shi asked him to hide.
Even from Steven Stone's father, even from Professor Carolina, even from anyone else.
But the truth was simple:
Just a rumor of Mega Evolution could get them killed.
And after the Meteor Falls trip, Chen Shi realized something else:
Steven Stone was the PERFECT person to collect Mega Stones.
Because:
Steven Stone was a global-level stone addict
He could walk around with a backpack full of weird rocks and no one would question it
Even carrying twenty Mega Stones, people would say "oh, Steven Stone being Steven Stone"
Meanwhile, Chen Shi's grandparents had to hide even normal stones to avoid attention.
Steven Stone was the ideal cover.
Steven Stone didn't push the issue. If Chen Shi said "later," then later was fine.
But then—
Chen Shi leaned closer, his tone turning serious.
"Do you remember the stone your Aggron dug up?"
Steven Stone froze.
He remembered instantly—
That strange silver-orange stone with the unique pattern.
"Of course I remember. Why?"
Chen Shi lowered his voice.
"Steven Stone… that stone is extremely important.
If you can, collect more stones like that. Quietly."
"Don't tell anyone else. Gather them in secret."
Steven Stone stared, stunned by the gravity of Chen Shi's tone.
He put the pieces together—Meteor Falls, the dragon village, the prophecy—
And his genius brain clicked.
His voice shook.
"Chen Shi… that stone—does it have something to do with the power the Dragon God used to stop the ancient disaster?"
"Is that why the elder thought you were the hero? Because you also have that power?"
He wasn't stupid.
He was very far from stupid.
Why Chen Shi cared only about that one type of stone…
Why he tried so hard to keep it hidden…
Why he picked a "random" stone from the Meteor Tribe's treasure vault…
Steven Stone had solved the puzzle.
Mega Stones.
The power of Mega Evolution—
Rayquaza's power.
The power that once ended a calamity.
Chen Shi slowly nodded.
"Yes. That's why this must remain a secret.
It's too dangerous for the world to know."
"Right now… we're not strong enough to protect it."
Steven Stone swallowed.
He knew exactly what that meant.
Heir to a massive family, he understood better than most—
A treasure invites thieves.
And this treasure could start a war.
Steven Stone's eyes lit with awe.
"Is that power really that strong…?"
Chen Shi nodded.
"Very. It's a complete transformation—inside and out.
Stronger than normal evolution. But temporary."
Steven Stone inhaled sharply.
Temporary or not—
a power that could change even a Legendary Pokémon…
That was enough to change the world.
Chen Shi raised an eyebrow.
"And that's why I told you—Mawile might be a good idea."
Steven Stone instantly understood.
He laughed softly and nodded.
"Then I'll look for a good Mawile when we get back."
The two shared a knowing smile.
Just then—
Phoebe suddenly popped her head between them like an intrusive Magikarp.
"Chen Shi brother… should I also catch a Mawile?"
Both boys froze.
Right.
They had completely forgotten she was here.
Chen Shi pressed a hand to his forehead.
"…No. You already have a Haunter. Focus on that."
"Ohhh."
She nodded seriously—
still completely oblivious to the world-shaking secret floating above her head.
Chen Shi sighed softly.
Let's hope she understood at least half of what he said.
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