Lionel's heart stirred, and he suddenly understood.
So that's it! How could a massive industry giant like Devon Corporation rely solely on Champion Steven to maintain its image?
It turns out the company had long ago quietly forged connections with many powerful Gym Leaders and researchers in the Hoenn region through sponsorship and cooperation.
This was the true underlying strength that allowed Devon Corporation to establish itself and continuously lead the industry.
"Our demands aren't high," Stone continued, addressing Lionel. "As for the arrangements for you, they are actually quite simple."
Chairman Stone's tone was relaxed, giving no sense of pressure at all:
"You don't have to abandon your Trainer journey, nor do you need to deal with complicated social interactions.
You just need to remotely cooperate with the company to shoot a few promotional videos during your travels, such as challenging Gyms or participating in Pokémon Contests—
It's not complicated; just showcase your style as a Trainer or occasionally explain the advantages of our Devon Poké Balls."
Chairman Stone looked at Lionel with sincerity, his tone earnest:
"A Trainer's path must ultimately be walked by themselves; we are merely providing a helping hand. If you can reach a higher stage in the future, then this investment will be worth it for us."
Lionel took a deep breath, met Chairman Stone's sincere gaze, and said with a firm tone:
"Chairman Stone, I accept your proposal. It is an honor to receive recognition and support from Devon Corporation."
For Lionel, the monthly financial subsidy and Pokémon item discounts were certainly practical, but what truly moved him was the "channel to acquire Pokémon from other regions."
Even with the myriad wonders of a Trainer's journey, individual power is ultimately limited. To travel through every region and collect rare Pokémon that only inhabit specific areas would be nothing short of a pipe dream.
However, the vast network of Pokémon research professors across various regions, built by Devon Corporation through its Poké Ball research and development business, undoubtedly opened a big door for him.
"A wise choice."
Chairman Stone's face immediately broke into a satisfied smile, the wrinkles around his eyes smoothing out. He raised a hand to signal to the secretary beside him.
The secretary immediately stepped forward and respectfully handed a neatly prepared and packaged cooperation agreement to Lionel.
"Please read the agreement carefully first. The terms are clearly written, and if you have any questions or need to negotiate anything, you can bring it up directly."
Lionel took the agreement and quickly scanned it. The terms were clear and straightforward, and as Stone had said, they did not impose too many restrictions.
The core points were nothing more than cooperating with promotions and regularly reporting training progress.
"I have no objections," Lionel said after reading, signing his name at the signature line.
"Excellent."
Chairman Stone took the signed agreement, quickly flipped through it to confirm, and then handed it to the secretary for safekeeping.
He looked at Lionel with anticipation and satisfaction, his tone solemn yet gentle:
"From today onwards, you are a Trainer strongly supported by our Devon Corporation. I hope our Devon Corporation can add another boost to your Trainer journey and help you shine."
...After settling the matter, Chairman Stone's smile became even more amiable, and he said cheerfully:
"Alright, the main business is done. Go see Steven; he's waiting in his private collection room. Go on!"
Under the respectful guidance of the secretary, Lionel took the Devon Corporation's exclusive elevator down to the third basement level.
The heavy alloy door slowly opened to both sides, and the familiar sight of the collection room immediately came into view:
Rows of custom shelves neatly displayed various rare ores, reflecting a warm and brilliant luster under the soft, warm light.
Steven was standing at the central workbench, his fingertips gently caressing two rhomboid Stones.
One was the original Charizard Mega Evolution Stone Y, orange and red with patterns like leaping flames.
The other was an entirely silver-white new Stone, with interwoven white and gray leaf-like patterns embedded in its center.
Lionel recognized it at a glance through the system panel: it was indeed the Mega Aggronite.
"You're here."
Steven turned around upon hearing the sound, gently placing the two Stones on the table, his tone carrying a hint of sharing interest:
"After hearing your suggestion, I specifically paid attention to acquiring these special Stones.
This silver-white one was transferred to me by a collector, who reportedly found it by chance in the deep mountains while mountaineering."
Steven picked up the Mega Aggronite, a trace of confusion crossing his brow:
"My Aggron was particularly fond of it when it saw it, saying it loved the Stone's aura, but no matter how we tried, we couldn't draw out the energy contained within. It's truly strange."
Lionel looked at the Evolution Stone, faintly glowing with silver light, naturally knowing the reason: Mega Evolution requires the mutual resonance of an Evolution Stone and a Key Stone; neither can be absent.
But Lionel didn't immediately reveal it. He just smiled and then said with a guiding tone, "Perhaps there aren't enough of these Stones yet?
Maybe by collecting more, gathering more similar special Stones, you'll have more samples for comparison."
"That's true, we've only collected two so far, the sample size is too small."
Steven nodded at his words, no longer dwelling on the Mega Evolution Stone matter.
He carefully placed the two Mega Evolution Stones back into their storage box, gently returning them to the display shelf on the workbench, then turned to Lionel and asked naturally:
"My father finished talking with you?"
"Yes, we've signed the cooperation agreement."
Steven's face immediately broke into a hearty smile, his eyes full of sincerity and closeness. He raised his hand and clapped Lionel heavily on the shoulder, with considerable force, full of joy:
"I'm so happy you've joined our Devon Corporation! From now on, we're family!
Don't worry, my father understands Trainers best; he knows our focus is on Pokémon cultivation and training.
He won't bother you with complicated business matters. Just focus on your own things and train your Pokémon well."
Before his words finished, Steven suddenly changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of emotion:
"Oh, right, Wallace specially talked to me about you before he left yesterday. I didn't expect your views on Pokémon to be like that.
Using Pokémon Contests to let everyone see the beauty and cuteness of Pokémon—that's remarkably similar to Wallace back in the day.
Since you've joined Devon Corporation, we should celebrate and give you a proper welcome gift. How about you choose a gift you like, just like last time with the fossils!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Steven turned and walked aside, drawing a Poké Ball from his waist belt and tossing it.
A red light flashed suddenly, and a nimble figure quietly appeared before Lionel's eyes.
Its round head was endearingly clumsy, with a pair of small white protrusions on either side. Its pale blue body was covered in fine scales, shimmering with a moist luster under the lights.
Its pair of round, black eyes were astonishingly bright, filled with a newborn's clarity and curiosity, unblinkingly observing everything around it.
[Pokémon: Dratini]
[Type: Dragon]
[Category: Dragon Pokémon]
[Ability: Shed Skin (By shedding its skin, it sometimes heals abnormal status conditions)]
[Moves: Wrap, Glare, Twister, Dragon Breath]
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