"Then what changes does that form of Charizard undergo?" Leon asked eagerly.
He wanted to understand both Mega Evolution forms. Even if he didn't end up using them himself, it was better to know than not.
After all—I don't have to have it, but I absolutely need to understand it.
Chen Shi thought for a moment, then replied,
"As for Mega Charizard Y, it mainly strengthens Special Attack. Its typing doesn't change, but its Ability becomes Drought."
"In simple terms, Charizard's two Mega forms split cleanly into paths—one is suited for physical offense, the other for special offense."
"The Mega Stone being auctioned tonight is Charizardite X."
"If you manage to win it, you'll need to adjust your battle style after Mega Evolving—focus more on physical attacks."
Back when Chen Shi first obtained Charizardite X from his grandfather, he'd deliberately trained Charizard's physical side after catching Charmander, precisely to match Mega Evolution's changes.
But now, that was no longer an issue.
Earlier, Steven had already handed him a Charizardite Y, which meant his Charizard could freely choose either route.
Leon fell silent in thought.
After hearing Chen Shi's explanation, he found himself more interested in Mega Charizard Y—his own Charizard excelled at special attacks.
Still, Mega Stones weren't something you could simply pick and choose. Having Charizardite X at all was already a huge win.
He could take it first and look for Charizardite Y later.
Before coming here, Chairman Rose had already allocated Leon a massive budget specifically for Mega Stones.
At that moment, Steven asked curiously,
"Chen Shi, is Charizard the only Pokémon with two Mega Evolution forms? Are there any others?"
As soon as he asked, everyone's gaze turned toward Chen Shi.
Chen Shi's expression turned slightly strange.
Other Pokémon with two Mega Evolutions?
Of course there was.
The king of plot twists himself—Mewtwo.
It also had X and Y forms.
But considering the current timeline… Mewtwo might not even exist yet.
So bringing it up would be pointless.
He shook his head.
"Probably not. At least for now, Charizard is the only Pokémon known to have two Mega Evolution forms."
No one seemed disappointed.
After all, their own ace Pokémon could Mega Evolve—that alone was already incredible. Expecting more would just be greed.
They'd asked out of curiosity, nothing more.
Still… a tiny spark of hope lingered.
After all, dreams were free.
Time passed quickly.
Before they knew it, night had fallen.
Darkness spread across the sky like a massive black curtain, stars scattered above like countless gems embedded in the heavens.
Steven led the group into Devon Corporation's auction hall in Rustboro City—not through the main entrance, but via a private passage at the back.
Chen Shi could only sigh internally.
So this is what it feels like to go through the back door.
Some people might ask—does a backstage entrance to an auction even count as a "back door"?
Chen Shi firmly believed it did.
A back door was still a back door.
Along the way, they didn't encounter any guests—only staff members rushing about.
After exchanging brief greetings, Steven took the four of them straight up to the third floor, into a luxurious private suite marked Room 1.
A massive one-way glass wall dominated the front.
From inside, they could clearly see the auction floor below—but from outside, the room was completely invisible.
Down in the main hall, voices overlapped in a rising hum as the seats gradually filled with invited guests.
More private suites lined the surrounding floors, likely occupied by distinguished attendees.
Once everyone was seated, Steven spoke calmly,
"The auction will begin in five minutes. Please wait a bit longer."
"The Mega Stones will be the final items of the night. Before that, there are several other lots."
The others nodded—this was expected.
A major auction like this naturally involved many items. If it were only Mega Stones, it'd be ridiculous.
At that point, Steven might as well post an online listing and let people bid in the comments—highest bidder pays, and Steven ships it out.
Why bother with an auction at all?
"This time," Steven added with a faint smile,
"Devon really went all out. We've prepared quite a few impressive items."
"If anything catches your eye, feel free to bid."
Chen Shi raised an eyebrow.
"Care to be more specific?"
He hadn't come in with high expectations. Devon's public endorsement was the main reason he showed up—to give Steven face and see how valuable Mega Stones truly were.
But now Steven had piqued his interest.
If even Devon Corporation considered something worth bleeding for, it couldn't possibly be mediocre.
Steven spread his hands.
"Where's the fun if I spoil it?"
"The auction's about to start anyway. Why not wait and see? Who knows—you might get a pleasant surprise."
Chen Shi glanced at him silently.
He suddenly felt that Steven hadn't just been influenced by Phoebe… he'd been influenced by him too.
Dangling bait, teasing suspense—weren't these his usual tricks?
Steven used to be so straightforward. Back then, a simple "Let's be friends" would've moved him to tears.
So how had he turned into this?
Chen Shi fell into brief self-reflection.
Did I… teach him badly?
The thought barely formed before he dismissed it.
No—this was clearly Steven's own fault. He was just too easily influenced.
Especially by Phoebe's childishness.
Yes. That must be it.
Definitely not my fault.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Cynthia's gentle voice suddenly pulled him back.
Chen Shi paused, then smiled.
"I was thinking… if the two of us see something we really like tonight, how we might convince my dear brother here to happily foot the bill."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted—very naturally—toward Steven.
Three people laughed.
One person absolutely did not.
Steven's refined, aristocratic composure almost cracked.
Convince me to happily pay?
Take a good look at me—do I resemble a walking sucker?
And the worst part?
You alone isn't enough? It's "the two of you" now?
So not only do I have to bankroll your shopping spree—
I also have to sponsor your romance?!
"You really are my best brother," Steven said, teeth clenched, forcing the words out.
Chen Shi clenched a fist and thumped his chest solemnly.
"Brothers forever—in our hearts!"
...
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