Cain noticed the tension in the room and quickly responded, "Three conditions are required for Mega Evolution. I already showed you the Key Stone, which is the easiest to obtain."
"The second is the most important: the Mega Stone."
"Unlike the Key Stone, which works for all Pokémon, the Mega Stone must correspond to a specific Pokémon."
Salamence stepped forward and raised its head, revealing an ornament around its neck.
At the center was a shining stone similar to the Key Stone.
That was the Mega Stone.
Cain had already decided to reveal this, so he had even designed accessories for his Pokémon with these stones embedded in them.
"This is Salamence's Mega Stone. Only Salamence can use it. Other Pokémon, such as Blaziken or Gengar, have their own as well."
Everyone fixed their gaze on the small stone, fascinated.
"The third condition is the bond between trainer and Pokémon," he added. "The affinity between the two."
Steven and Drake nodded, but not everyone shared that view.
Some treated their Pokémon as tools, and that was reflected in their uncomfortable expressions.
For them, this "simple requirement" was actually the greatest obstacle.
Many trainers constantly changed their Pokémon or acquired ones that had already been trained, weakening that bond.
And, ironically, those were the very people who would most easily be able to obtain Mega Stones in the future.
Therefore, even if they acquired them, it did not necessarily mean they would be able to use them.
Finally, Cain added, "As additional information: just as some normal evolutions change abilities or types, Mega Evolution does as well."
"For example, my Salamence has the ability Intimidate, but after Mega Evolving it gains a new ability called Aerilate. In the case of Steven's Mawile, its ability changes to Huge Power."
Cain did not explain his own ability... but he had no problem exposing Steven's.
At first, everyone had been listening attentively as Cain explained the characteristics of Mega Evolution, but unexpectedly, he ended up talking about Steven... and revealing his secrets.
Steven was completely stunned as he stared at Cain.
He had seen people betray their companions... but never like this.
Everyone's gaze turned once again toward Steven.
From the first time Cain mentioned him, there had already been doubts, but now that he brought it up again, someone finally could not hold back.
So it turned out that Cain was not the only one capable of using Mega Evolution?
The first to stare intensely at him was his own father, Joseph Stone. In his eyes were mixed doubt, anger, and a new way of evaluating his son.
Everything else mattered less, but the anger came from the fact that Steven, knowing about Mega Evolution, had not revealed it immediately. With more than a month's advantage, how much benefit could the Stone family have obtained?
Steven could only show a bitter and helpless smile. He could not say much at that moment, so he merely gave his father a look that said, "We'll talk when we get back."
The elder responded with an expression that clearly meant: "I'll settle this with you later."
As a result, Steven's gaze toward Cain became even more resentful.
This time, he had been sold out without any prior warning.
Originally, he, together with Lance and the others, had promised Cain not to reveal anything about Mega Evolution. They never showed it in public, because once they did, it would no longer be up to them to decide whether to speak or not.
But he never expected Cain to expose him in this way...
He was definitely in for a rough time when he returned.
In contrast, Cain's face once again showed a playful expression; seeing Steven's discomfort had clearly improved his mood.
"Ahem, ahem... in general, that's all. In reality, I only understand part of Mega Evolution. To fully understand the rest, it will require the League's scholars to research it further," Cain said, feeling that he had already said enough. Saying more would not bring benefits, only trouble.
Sometimes, knowing too much only complicates things.
After his conclusion, the room fell silent. Each person was immersed in their own thoughts.
Those thinking the most were undoubtedly the leaders of the Joy and Jenny families. These families extended throughout the entire world; if they knew something, it meant that all the Joys and Jennys in the world would soon know as well.
With their capabilities, in three days they could obtain enormous benefits.
And they were not the only ones thinking that.
Juan's expression became serious. Although this was something good for the Hoenn region, if not handled properly, it could bring disastrous consequences.
"Gentlemen! I know what you are thinking, but as president of the Hoenn League, I must say this clearly."
"The matter of Mega Evolution is of the utmost importance. I order you not to reveal this information prematurely. The consequences... all of you can imagine them."
Juan was no longer speaking in a suggestive tone, but as a direct order.
His attention was especially focused on the leaders of the Jenny and Joy families.
Upon hearing his words, everyone abruptly emerged from their fantasies. They felt a chill, as if they had suddenly awakened... even with sweat on their backs.
Even the leaders of both families reacted the same way.
For a moment, everyone had been carried away by the idea of the enormous benefits of Mega Evolution.
Although its appearance could change the landscape of the Pokémon world, that mainly applied to families and local forces. For an entity like the League, the impact would not be so great.
The League's dominance would not truly be threatened.
But if any of them acted rashly, mobilizing resources to collect Key Stones and Mega Stones, such a move would not go unnoticed.
At such a sensitive moment, those who accumulated too many stones would become targets for everyone.
And if the Hoenn League stopped protecting them, the temptation of those stones would cause many forces to be willing to risk everything.
At that point, it would not be an advantage... but a catastrophe.
Even for families like the Jennys and the Joys, which were divided by regions, local loyalty weighed more than global loyalty.
Losing their foundation in Hoenn for a few stones would not be worth it.
Moreover, they trusted that, even competing on equal terms, their global reach would give them the advantage.
There was no need to make enemies of Juan, of Cain, or of the entire Hoenn League.
Upon understanding this, everyone calmed down.
Juan, noticing the change in their expressions, sighed in relief internally.
Then he looked at Cain again.
"Cain, according to what we saw in the live broadcast... your current level..."
Here it comes!
Upon hearing that question, Cain's heart tightened.
At last, the most important moment for him had arrived.
(End of Chapter)