Placing first in both events... even Sato hadn't expected this result. Was he really that strong, or was the test just too easy?
However, upon seeing everyone else's scores, he realized the truth…
He was too strong!
Pokémon knowledge and expertise:
*2nd Place: Norman – Score: 8.2
…
Political and ideological alignment:
*2nd Place: Winona – Score: 9.3
…
*6th Place: Clair – Score: 8.9
*7th Place: Norman – Score: 8.8
…
Looking at it this way, the differences in political and ideological alignment scores weren't huge. However, in Pokémon knowledge and expertise, he had outscored 2nd place by 1.7 points!
And that exam had a maximum score of only 10!
"Sato, I knew you'd do great!" Joseph clapped him on the shoulder.
This wasn't just "doing great". Placing first in both categories was beyond impressive.
"Hmph, practical combat is what really matters. Don't mess up when it counts!"
Clair, frustrated by her 6th place, grumbled in annoyance.
"Let's get some rest. Tomorrow is the Combat evaluation."
Sato interrupted before Winona could start an argument, effectively ending the conversation.
With the upcoming battle exam, neither Clair nor Winona had the energy to continue bickering.
As Gym Leader successors, they enjoyed privileges, but at the same time, they were also under immense scrutiny.
Tomorrow, who knows how many veteran Trainers would try to defeat them to make a name for themselves?
Even if they failed to establish a Gym, just boasting about beating a Gym Leader successor would be enough to gain recognition.
Because of this, Clair and Winona were under even greater pressure than Sato and Norman.
---
Once everyone returned to their rooms, Sato contacted Lilian Joy for an update on the Mega Stones.
"We've collected two more recently, though one of them is the same as before."
Lilian Joy appeared ready to sleep, her pink hair untied and draped over her shoulders. She wore a matching pink one-piece pajama set, looking relaxed as she lazily lifted a small box and opened it to show Sato.
"A Key Stone!"
Sato's eyes lit up. The Joy family's efficiency had far exceeded his expectations. Another Key Stone in such a short time?
This meant he could finally reveal the secret of Mega Evolution to them!
"A key? This just looks like a rock."
Lilian rested her head on her right hand, looking adorably confused.
"Lilian, is Matriarch Haruka still awake?"
Ignoring her question, Sato shifted the conversation.
"Hmm? It's only 9:30 PM... probably not. She's always busy with League affairs."
Lilian yawned lazily, still half-drowsy.
"Lilian, let's contact Haruka now. I've figured out Mega Evolution!"
Thud!
"WHAT?! You figured it out?!"
Lilian jumped to her feet, her sleepiness instantly vanishing. In her rush, she even bumped her head on the dressing table but didn't care.
"Yes, my Houndoom can now Mega Evolve!"
"Got it! I'll call her right now!"
Lilian, still in her pajamas, didn't hesitate. She immediately dialed Haruka.
Within seconds, the call connected. Haruka was still in her office, working overtime.
"Lilian, it's late. What's the matter?"
"Matriarch Haruka, it's me!"
"Sato? What's going on?"
A warm smile appeared on Haruka's face as she addressed him.
"I've figured out how to use Mega Stones. My Houndoom can Mega Evolve right now!"
"Really?"
Haruka was genuinely surprised, though she remained far more composed than Lilian.
"Yes! Let me show you first, then I'll explain. Come out, Houndoom!"
"Awoo~"
"Mega Evolution!"
Sato revealed both the Key Stone necklace and Houndoom's Mega Stone. Taking his stance, he activated Mega Evolution!
A radiant burst of multicolored light erupted as Sato and Houndoom connected through the energy beam.
As the blinding light gradually faded, a towering Mega Houndoom stood proudly, its head nearly brushing the ceiling!
There was no denying it: Mega Houndoom looked far more intimidating than before.
Even though the video call couldn't capture the sheer power increase, everyone could tell…
Its strength had undoubtedly grown exponentially!
----
After letting them observe Mega Houndoom for a few seconds, Sato deactivated Mega Evolution since there was no battle taking place.
"This type of evolution is temporary?" Haruka asked an important question.
"Yes. However, after Mega Evolution, my Houndoom went from Mid Elite to Low Pseudo-Elite Four!"
Lilian and Haruka were stunned. Even if the boost was temporary, such an immense increase in power could change everything!
"I'm going to tell you everything I've learned about Mega Evolution. Now that you've found both Key Stones and Mega Stones, you can start testing them one by one. First, each Mega Stone corresponds to only one specific Pokémon, while the Key Stone must be carried by the Trainer…"
Sato didn't hold back, sharing his knowledge about Mega Evolution.
However, he deliberately left out which Pokémon could Mega Evolve. That was a secret he couldn't afford to reveal.
Throughout the explanation, both Lilian and Haruka remained in a state of shock and excitement.
With Sato's permission, they saved the entire conversation, afraid they might miss any crucial details.
Sato also made it clear during the call that he intended to keep his Key Stone.
Haruka agreed without hesitation. The fact that they had already discovered multiple Mega Stones proved that Houndoom wasn't the only Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution.
If anyone stood to gain the most from this discovery, it was undoubtedly the Joy family!
At this moment, Haruka looked at Sato as if he were a divine blessing, a lucky star, and a walking treasure trove!
"Mega Evolution was originally discovered in Kalos. If you send someone to investigate the region, you might make some major breakthroughs."
Sato casually added this suggestion.
At the same time, he couldn't help but think: if the Joy family really expanded their research into Kalos, it might actually help Joseph find a way back home.
"Sato, I've written down everything you said. I never expected you to give the Joy family another great gift in such a short amount of time!"
Haruka's expression turned serious. After a moment of thought, she continued, "Very well. As the leader of the Joy family, I will now make you a promise. Among all the Pokémon you currently own, if we discover that any of them can Mega Evolve, the Joy family will personally find its Mega Stone for you!"
"Alright, thank you!"
Sato was ecstatic. Everything he had carefully planned and acted out had been for this moment!
Haruka was a sharp woman. She knew that not all Pokémon could Mega Evolve.
Even with the full power of the Joy family, they had only managed to acquire seven or eight Mega Stones, a clear sign of their extreme rarity.
However, Sato already knew!
Aside from Houndoom, his team included Sharpedo, Gengar, and the soon-to-evolve Tyranitar... all of which could Mega Evolve!