Master Craftsman of the Pokémon World

Having successfully recruited a top-tier talent as a collaborator, Steven's mood grew even brighter. However, he soon noticed Hikaru looking at him strangely.

"I'll personally draft the contract once I return, and—hmm? Is there something on my face?"

"No." Hikaru chuckled. "It's just that I've always heard that the young heir of Devon Corp. is a stone enthusiast who rarely concerns himself with the company's internal affairs. Not to mention, you're also the Champion of Hoenn. Do you plan on inheriting Devon in the future?"

Steven smiled. "My father is getting on in years. To allow me the freedom to collect rare stones, he has taken on all the company's responsibilities. If possible, I do intend to return and inherit the company someday. As for the Champion title, I already have someone in mind as my successor."

"However, I don't plan to retire just yet."

Hikaru nodded in understanding.

Mr. Stone, Steven's father, was one of the most respected and hardworking corporate leaders. From a humble sailor to the founder of a massive mining corporation, his life was a true inspirational story.

What was even more admirable was that despite Devon's enormous success, Mr. Stone still adhered to his original principles. On certain critical research projects, he had the wisdom and courage to halt operations when necessary—a rare quality in business.

Of course, during its competition with the giant Mauve Holding Company in Hoenn, Devon might have used some underhanded tactics, but such things were commonplace in corporate rivalries.

Compared to Silph Co., which also appeared in the games, Devon had a much stronger presence. The only two questionable things Devon had done were attempting to capture Rayquaza and researching infinite energy. But compared to later organizations like the Aether Foundation and Macro Cosmos, Devon was relatively benign.

Hikaru contemplated the idea that even if Devon replicated his tools, the final products would likely be weakened versions—essentially what would be considered "normal" items in the games. After all, his own tools were enhanced versions refined through special craftsmanship.

As he and Steven had discussed earlier—

Some things simply couldn't be replicated through technology!

Modern science still had only a shallow understanding of elemental energy, natural energy, and various mystical forces in the Pokémon world.

Hikaru asked, "So, what's the first thing you plan to replicate? Many of these items aren't easy to study, or… do you plan on buying all of them and taking them back?"

Steven gave a confident smile. "Since I'm here at your workshop, of course, I plan on taking everything back with me—as long as you have enough stock."

Hikaru wasn't about to let such a wealthy client walk away empty-handed. Since he had decided to collaborate with Devon, he needed to show them what he was capable of!

"I mentioned this earlier—I recently acquired a batch of new materials and was planning to craft some new tools. If you're willing to wait a little while, you can buy those as well."

Steven nodded immediately. "Of course! Before coming to Sinnoh, I had already delegated my responsibilities in Hoenn. I also attended a Fossil Research Conference in Pewter City, Kanto. Now that the conference is over, I have no pressing matters—actually, I'd say my time here in Sinnoh is the most important thing right now."

Before Hikaru could reply, a beeping sound came from his computer.

He opened the PokéNet software to check the message.

["If you don't mind, I'd like to visit your workshop soon. Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Cynthia, a mythology researcher from Sinnoh. Through certain channels, I've learned that archaeological teams occasionally visit Johto's ruins from Sinnoh."]

Hikaru's mind went blank for a moment.

Cynthia!

He had already suspected it before—her team's Pokémon lineup was way too familiar—but he hadn't expected his guess to be confirmed so soon!

The Champion of Sinnoh… it made sense!

In HeartGold and SoulSilver, the Johto protagonist encountered Cynthia while investigating the Ruins of Alph with an event-distributed Arceus. That event had led to a special cutscene at Sinjoh Ruins.

Based on Steven's comments about Hoenn's timeline, Hikaru could infer that the events of HeartGold/SoulSilver had just ended, meaning Sinnoh's main story was now in its mid-stage.

If so, Cynthia arriving in Sinnoh at this time was perfectly aligned with the story's timeline!

But unlike in the games, there wouldn't be any "event-distributed Arceus" in real life.

Which meant Johto's protagonist, Ethan (Hibiki in the Japanese version), wouldn't be bringing Arceus to Sinjoh Ruins.

"So, according to the storyline, the person meeting Cynthia at Sinjoh Ruins should be… me, Lance, Grandpa of the Mountain, and his Alakazam?"

Before arriving in Sinnoh, Cynthia had already gathered information about the Three Mythical Stages from ancient records. However, she hadn't yet confirmed Arceus' existence. In the games, she only deduced the truth after Ethan brought Arceus to Sinjoh Ruins and recited an ancient inscription—

"On the Stage of Light, only Arceus shall be worshiped!"

But this time, it looked like he would be the one explaining things to Cynthia.

…But Wataru must never find out about this!

After all, when they were at the Three Mythical Stages, Hikaru had vehemently denied knowing anything about them.

Steven, noticing Hikaru's silence, asked, "Did you just get another order?"

"No." Hikaru chuckled. "More like another client—just like you. She wants to visit my workshop to research mythology. She introduced herself as Cynthia… I think that name sounds familiar."

Steven laughed. "No way! The Champion of Sinnoh?! Your workshop is really popular! Even in Johto and Kanto, scholars are paying close attention to your sculptures.

"When I passed through New Bark Town on my way here, Professor Elm specifically mentioned how grateful he was for your sculptures! They've helped him significantly in his Pokémon Egg research."

Professor Elm's egg research?

Hikaru's mind clicked.

So that Arceus sculpture he sold earlier—one of the buyers was Professor Elm?

And based on Steven's comments, other researchers from different regions had also bought them?

Well, that made sense!

Arceus sculptures had the special effect of Radiant Birth!

Professor Elm was the leading expert on Pokémon breeding—of course, he wouldn't pass up an item like that!

"So, did his research succeed?"

Steven nodded. "Yes. And one of the Pokémon hatched was a Shiny Chikorita! It's also much larger than normal."

A Shiny Alpha Pokémon!

That was incredible luck!

Hikaru stroked his chin, looking impressed. "I didn't expect him to hatch a Shiny Alpha Pokémon on his first try. No wonder he's the leading expert in Pokémon breeding and Egg research!"

New trainers must be thrilled!

Most starter Pokémon were Shiny-locked, and getting an Alpha Pokémon as a starter was nearly impossible.

Even though Chikorita wasn't the easiest choice for Johto's Gyms, a Shiny Alpha would definitely make up for it.

This was the definition of pain and joy!

"Alpha Pokémon?"

Steven caught onto Hikaru's phrasing.

Hikaru realized he had used an unfamiliar term and quickly explained.

"Oh, right. Alpha Pokémon aren't common in the modern world. They're essentially larger, stronger versions of their species. Sometimes, their eyes glow red, and they tend to be more aggressive due to the immense energy they carry."

Hikaru pointed outside. "The Ilex Forest is one of the most ancient and pristine forests in the world. It might be home to Alpha Pokémon, though I haven't confirmed it yet."

"Encounters with Alpha Pokémon are dangerous, so I always carry a Celebi Sculpture when entering the forest. Not long ago, I met Celebi itself and received its blessing, which allows me to move freely through the area."

Steven's expression became serious.

"You've met Celebi?"

"Wait… have you?" Hikaru asked curiously.

Steven hesitated. "Perhaps."

Hikaru's eyes sparkled.

Wait—could it be that this fusion world incorporated elements from Pokémon Adventures?!

Before he could dwell on it, Hikaru changed the topic.

"Speaking of which, before you arrived, I received an unusual order. Steven, as Hoenn's Champion and a renowned gem collector, have you ever heard of a 'White Stone of Gratitude'?"

Steven frowned. "I've never heard of such a stone. But Mossdeep City does have a Wishing Stone—a white stone placed there to pray for the success of space launches."

(End of Chapter)

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