"Whose ace Pokémon is Manectric, anyway?"
Gary was trying to think of a Trainer whose signature Pokémon was Manectric so he could trade the Manectite he'd just found for another Mega Stone.
After a moment, he realized the only notable Trainer who fit the bill was Wattson, the elderly Gym Leader of Mauville City.
Wattson was in his seventies, fabulously wealthy from his engineering career, but—so far as Gary knew—he didn't own any other Mega Stones.
"What about Steven? …No, that probably won't work."
Devon Corporation had certainly begun researching Mega Evolution by now and almost certainly possessed several Mega Stones already.
Steven might pay well if Gary simply wanted to sell the Manectite, but he might refuse a direct trade.
Still, corporations valued research data highly—Devon might be willing to overpay just for the chance to study a new stone.
Sadly, Professor Oak showed little interest in Mega Evolution, so Gary couldn't count on his grandfather to help. In Kanto, the only true expert was Dr. Fuji—his work on Mewtwo's genome was the reason Mewtwo could Mega Evolve, even though Mew could not.
"Forget it, I'll just go to Devon and see what happens."
Gary decided to try his luck in Rustboro City. Even if he took a small loss, the deal might still be worthwhile.
But first, he had to choose the move that came with his recent mission reward. He had been torn between Stealth Rock and Sandstorm, yet real battles weren't like the games—there were many ways to clear hazards or negate weather. He didn't need to rely on either.
"System, I'll take Rock Slide."
[Ding! Choice confirmed. Permanent TM—Rock Slide obtained.]
Rock Slide was a broad-coverage attack that many Pokémon could learn—it was a safe and versatile pick.
After lunch, Gary headed to the Devon Building, headquarters of Devon Corporation and home to its fossil revival lab. Bring a fossil and enough cash, and Devon would resurrect it for you.
While eating, Gary had checked the news: Devon was indeed buying "unusual stones" worldwide—obviously a public front for Mega Stone acquisition. Prices were "negotiable."
At the lobby entrance, a guard stopped him.
"Sorry, sir—only employees past this point."
"I'm here because Devon announced it's purchasing unusual stones. Is that notice no longer valid?" Gary asked.
"Oh, you're a seller? One moment." The guard picked up the phone and called upstairs.
A few minutes later, a woman in a business suit arrived, spoke briefly with the guard, and ushered Gary inside.
"I didn't catch your name," she said as they entered the elevator.
"Gary Oak, from Pallet Town in the Kanto region."
"Kanto? That's quite a trip." Until now, every would-be seller had been from Hoenn.
"I'm here for the Ever Grande Conference, and thought I'd stop by."
The elevator stopped at the top floor, and the secretary led him into an opulent office. Waiting inside were an older gentleman and a handsome young man. Gary recognized them instantly: Mr. Stone, president of Devon Corporation, and his son, Steven Stone.
"So Steven's actually in Rustboro," Gary thought. He had assumed Steven was off digging for rare minerals somewhere.
"Mr. President, Mr. Steven—this Trainer is here to sell an unusual stone," the secretary said before stepping out.
"Please, have a seat," Steven offered warmly.
Gary sat down, taking in the luxurious décor. The office felt more like a five-star suite than a corporate workspace. Steven and his father exchanged a glance—if this youngster's stone was the Mega Stone they needed, perhaps they could acquire it cheaply.
"What did you say your name was?" Steven asked.
"Gary Oak."
"Kanto, huh… Very well, Gary. May we see the stone you brought?"
Gary had expected to meet a researcher—not Steven himself. Clearly, Devon treated Mega Evolution very seriously.
"Of course."
He reached into his bag and placed a brilliant azure gem on the coffee table—Manectite.
Steven and Mr. Stone felt a surge of excitement, though their expressions remained perfectly composed. One was a former League Champion, the other the head of a multinational corporation, neither man revealed emotion easily.