"I didn't expect this guy to have a high-quality Dusk Stone," Steven said, gazing at the Dusk Stone in his hand with appreciation.
"Better put it away before someone else sets their sights on it."
Steven placed the Dusk Stone into his backpack and hurried to the Pokémon Center.
After handing Metang and Skarmory over to Nurse Joy, Steven waited quietly in the lobby.
He held his Pokégear in his hand, hesitating repeatedly, but ultimately decided not to mention this incident to his father.
"Maybe it's time to let Metang evolve," Steven contemplated.
Beldum's evolution method was quite unique—to evolve into Metang, a Beldum needed to combine with another Beldum.
And to evolve into Metagross, two more Beldum were required. Fortunately, there was no risk of a shiny Pokémon losing its coloration after evolution.
The primary body after evolution was determined by whichever Beldum was strongest.
The reason Steven hadn't let Metang evolve yet was to use evolution as a breakthrough once it reached a bottleneck in strength.
"But compared to evolving for power, I'd rather keep them safe, even if that's just my selfish desire."
His own experience was still limited, so it was inevitable that there would be vulnerabilities in his judgment, like today's incident.
Having an extra ace in reserve was the smart approach.
Steven stood up and walked to a public videophone at the Pokémon Center.
He dialed a number.
After waiting several minutes, the call finally connected.
"Uncle Neil," Steven said, scanning his surroundings before greeting the elderly man on the screen.
"Steven, is something the matter?" Neil asked with a warm smile.
"Nothing serious. I just wanted you to send over those two Beldum."
"So you've made up your mind then." Neil nodded knowingly, then added, "Give me a moment."
"Okay, thank you, Uncle Neil."
Soon, Neil's figure reappeared on the videophone screen.
"What's the address?"
"Rustboro City Pokémon Center, Machine Number Two." Steven double-checked the machine's identification number.
"Alright, they're on their way."
Immediately after, two Poké Balls materialized next to the videophone through the transfer system.
Steven exchanged a few more pleasantries with Neil before ending the call.
"Long time no see," Steven said with a smile, looking at the two Poké Balls in his hands.
After retrieving the fully healed Metang and Skarmory from the Pokémon Center, Steven headed to the department store in Rustboro City.
He needed items to enhance Metang's strength, then allow Metang to solidify its power before evolving.
During the period of consolidating its strength, he would need to train somewhere secluded.
To avoid attracting more trouble.
This time, he had simply been lucky. If he had encountered a Hunter with multiple powerful Pokémon, he wouldn't have been so fortunate.
Steven revealed his identity to the receptionist, and under her guidance, arrived at the top floor of the department store—the owner's office.
"The owner is inside. If there's nothing else, I'll return to my duties," the receptionist said, her hands clasped in front of her as she bowed slightly to Steven.
"Thank you for your help." Steven nodded and knocked on the door.
"Come in," a deep voice called from inside the office.
Steven entered and closed the door behind him.
He looked up at the middle-aged man with a full beard sitting behind the desk.
"You're Steven, Mr. Stone's son?" The bearded man set down his work and asked in a serious tone.
The receptionist had already requested permission earlier and only brought Steven up after receiving approval.
"Yes, Mr. Ryuuji."
"There's definitely a resemblance. Please, have a seat." Ryuuji gestured toward the chair across from him.
"Thank you."
"Let's get to the point. What brings you here?" Ryuuji asked with genuine curiosity.
"I need a Rare Candy," Steven stated seriously.
Ryuuji frowned upon hearing this and advised cautiously, "Are you certain? You should understand the drawbacks of Rare Candy better than most people."
Indeed, Rare Candy, which could boost a Pokémon's strength, was an extremely scarce item. But its drawbacks were equally significant—it could make a Pokémon's power foundation very unstable.
Moreover, it only provided a temporary strength increase and didn't directly advance a Pokémon to the next major tier.
Few responsible Trainers gave Rare Candy to their Pokémon. Most who used them were unscrupulous individuals, and these drawbacks weren't widely known.
"Unstable foundations can be corrected through rigorous special training—it's just a matter of time and effort," Steven explained. "Besides, I'm not seeking quick power. I simply happen to need one right now."
"Very well. As Mr. Stone's son, I trust your judgment." Ryuuji exhaled, stood up, and retrieved a small box from a cabinet, placing it on the table.
"The price is three million."
"I heard it's only 2.4 million on the black market?" Steven smiled, glancing at the small box on the table.
"You're welcome to purchase it on the black market if you prefer," Ryuuji grinned, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back in his chair.
Steven pulled out his already prepared Trainer Card from his pocket and laughed. "If the black market had a reputation like yours, Mr. Ryuuji, I really would buy it there."
"Mr. Ryuuji, do you accept card payment?"
"It seems your father has told you quite a bit about me, hasn't he? Kid, I like your attitude," Ryuuji laughed heartily, then added, "But there's still no discount."
Everyone maintained a certain formal respect around Ryuuji, but only Mr. Stone would speak to him in such a casual manner, and Ryuuji preferred that approach.
On the surface, he appeared serious and stern, but he found those artificially respectful attitudes nauseating.
Payment processed, item received.
Steven left the office and went to the lower floors to purchase some specialized training equipment.
The Macho Brace was one of his primary targets.
After buying the training equipment and replenishing his supplies, Steven departed from the department store.
He then stopped by a dessert shop and bought a sweet cake.
There was a simple reason—Skarmory had a fondness for sweets.
If a Trainer had spent more than a week with a Pokémon and still didn't know its preferences, they couldn't be considered a competent Trainer.
Of course, Pokémon like Metang were an exception.
Only when it evolved into Metagross would Steven learn what it preferred to eat. Otherwise, under normal circumstances, carrying Metal Coat was sufficient.
As for other foods, Metang couldn't consume them in its current form.
Steven left Rustboro City and headed into the wilderness.
Pop! Pop!
With two sounds, Metang and Skarmory emerged from their Poké Balls.
Steven gently stroked Skarmory's head, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry for using you as a shield for Metang. Don't worry—I'll make sure you become strong enough to hold your own in battle."
"Yo~" Skarmory didn't seem bothered. It was simply happy that her currently limited strength could still be helpful.
"You both worked hard today. Have some cake!"
Steven took out the small cake from his bag—this was his apology to Skarmory.
Watching Skarmory eat contentedly, Steven felt somewhat better.
"Metang, here's some Metal Coat, and it's your reward." Steven pulled out two dark, metallic items that contained far more magnetic properties than a standard Magnet.
Steven carried a Magnet simply because it was convenient to transport.
"You two little ones, come out as well!"
Steven released the two Beldum and gave each of them a Metal Coat as well.
"Rest up tonight, and we'll resume training tomorrow!"
For a moment, several cheerful sounds echoed from somewhere along Route 116.