Celadon City Pokémon Center.
Sato sat motionless in front of the computer, his right hand rhythmically tapping on the desk as he contemplated the issue of the Mega Stone.
To be honest, before obtaining this Mega Stone, he had never considered using his knowledge to seek out such an item.
He had always believed that Mega Evolution originated from the Kalos region, meaning that both Mega Stones and Key Stones should have also come from there.
Given the current state of limited transportation between regions, traveling to Kalos was unrealistic, so he had never paid much attention to it.
But now, he had personally found a Mega Stone!
This meant that these precious stones could exist in every region... perhaps they had simply remained undiscovered and their wondrous effects unrecognized!
Spending a massive amount of time searching for more Mega Stones and a Key Stone?
Not realistic!
After half an hour of silent contemplation, Sato finally made a decision: To find help!
Collaboration!
If he relied solely on himself, trying to find another Mega Stone or a Key Stone would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
With this in mind, Sato stopped hesitating and directly dialed the number of Johto's head of the Joy family, Haruka Joy.
Ever since he was granted residence in Joy Town, Haruka Joy had given him her contact information.
The phone rang three times before the call connected, and the video feed appeared on the computer screen.
"Well well, if it isn't "little" Sato! What's the occasion today that made you remember to call me?"
"Haruka-auntie, how have you been lately?"
"I'm doing well, still strong as ever. So, tell me, what's the matter? Knowing your personality, you wouldn't call me for no reason."
Her teasing made Sato a little awkward. Without saying much, he directly took out the Mega Stone and held it up to the camera for Haruka Joy to see.
"Haruka-auntie, do you know what this is?"
"A glass marble? It's quite pretty.[1]"
"...I'm being serious."
"Haha, just teasing you! Young people should smile more," she laughed heartily, the crow's feet at the corners of her eyes deepening.
After a moment, she leaned in and examined the Mega Stone carefully.
"Now that I take a closer look, I feel like I've seen something like this before. Wait a moment, I'll call someone over."
Saying that, Haruka Joy picked up the landline and gave brief instructions to someone.
Moments later, a Joy with rimless glasses and neatly trimmed pink bangs rushed in nervously, clutching a thick book in her arms.
"Chief… Chief…"
"No need to be nervous, Lilian. Come take a look at this for me. Do you recognize it?"
"Mm!"
Hearing Haruka's request, the girl named Lilian immediately relaxed, then confidently turned to look at the Mega Stone in Sato's hand through the video feed.
This Joy, full name Lilian Joy, was responsible for daily logistics in Joy Town.
She lacked high-level medical talent, but she had a deep passion for rare items, fossils, and ancient relics.
So, instead of becoming a doctor, she focused on managing logistics for the Joy family, utilizing her expertise to its fullest!
Thus, when Haruka Joy was uncertain, her first thought was to call Lilian Joy.
"I know what this is! An ancient book mentioned that this is a Mega Stone, which allows Pokémon to evolve!"
Sato was startled. Did the Joy family already know about Mega Evolution but kept it a secret for some reason?
"However, I placed the three Mega Stones stored in our warehouse onto different Pokémon, and nothing happened. Now, they're just gathering dust."
Lilian Joy adjusted her glasses with a dissatisfied expression.
She had a strong interest in mysterious items, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't figure out how to activate a Mega Stone!
Seeing this, Sato felt relieved; at least his call wasn't for nothing.
However, since they already knew this stone was used for evolution, he would have to tweak his explanation slightly.
"Auntie, are you aware that I have a special ability?"
"Hm? I know that, but I don't know the specifics," she said, quickly adding an extra explanation, as if worried about misunderstanding.
"Mm, recently, I accidentally obtained this Mega Stone, and it resonated with my special ability," Sato said, carefully choosing his words, half-truths mixed with speculation.
"Before this, I also unexpectedly learned that this thing is a Mega Stone, so I want to ask you, Auntie Haruka, to help me search for more of them. I want to uncover its hidden secrets. If it really allows Pokémon to evolve once more…"
Sato didn't finish speaking, but Haruka naturally understood the immense value of this matter. Just like the Potential Enhancement Serum, the potential for profit was beyond measure.
This could even directly change how a Pokémon was valued in the eyes of trainers!
"Lilian, immediately send the three Mega Stones stored in the warehouse over to Sato. Also, contact the logistics team and have them discreetly collect more. Don't make any rash announcements."
"Understood, Matriarch!"
Upon receiving the order, Joy Lilian straightened up, responding with a serious tone, but her eyes couldn't help but steal a glance at Sato.
She had heard of Sato before, one of the young trainers highly regarded by the Joy family, but she hadn't expected that he could contact the Matriarch directly.
Such recognition was unheard of!
"Thank you, Auntie Haruka!"
"It's not a big deal. In fact, if we make any discoveries, our Joy family stands to gain the most," Haruka shook her head and continued.
"Also, if you ever need anything, just let me know. The sales of the Potential Enhancement Serum have far exceeded our expectations. Like I said before, if you want a pseudo-legendary Pokémon hatchling, it's no problem at all."
"No need. I still prefer capturing my own partners, and I already have plenty of them."
"Suit yourself, stubborn kid! I'll have Lilian handle the details with you. That's all for now."
After saying that, Haruka ended the call.
A short while later, Lilian called Sato's room, informing him that he could now retrieve the three Mega Stones from the Joy at Celadon City's Pokémon Center.
Sato gave silent praise for Haruka's efficiency, but instead of heading straight to Celadon City's Pokémon Center, he made another call... to Lance!
Sato didn't reveal much to Lance, only asking him to help search for similar stones.
At present, Lance was experiencing a period of rapid strength growth. Over the past six months, his Pokémon had advanced one after another, breaking through the Elite stage and reaching Pseudo-Elite Four.
However, Lance was still only Pseudo-Elite Four. Within the massive Dragon Clan, his influence was considerable, but it had its limits.
It was easy to imagine that if the secret of Mega Evolution was truly tied to the prosperity of the Dragon Clan, Lance's authority alone might not be enough.
In contrast, the Joy family, having collaborated multiple times with Sato and holding him in high regard, was the more suitable choice for a partnership.
After calling Lance, Sato contemplated for a moment but ultimately decided against contacting Wester.
"First, let's retrieve those Mega Stones!"
[1] Imagine?