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Steven was quite surprised by Sato's answer. After all, his hobby was rather unconventional, and in most cases, the response he got from others was simply, "No need."
"Is that so? Then come take a look. These are all rare treasures I've dug up from different places recently."
Seeing that Sato not only showed interest but also seemed knowledgeable about stones, Steven's eyes lit up at once. He immediately lifted the bamboo basket and brought it over to Sato, speaking excitedly.
Because his interests differed from most people's, Steven rarely found friends who shared common topics with him, and he often felt lonely because of it.
Now that he had finally encountered someone who might truly understand and appreciate stones, he naturally wasn't going to let the opportunity slip by. He had to get to know Sato properly.
Of course, that depended on whether Sato genuinely understood stones. The basket of stones he brought over now was precisely a test for him.
Steven had heard of Goldenrod Academy. As the highest academic institution in the Johto region, its library collection was undoubtedly world-class. This young man calling himself Tyler, a student from Goldenrod Academy, might really recognize the precious stones he had carefully collected.
"If he truly has real knowledge, I'll give him a stone as a reward. Maybe I'll even gain another like-minded friend."
As Steven watched Sato bend down with curiosity to examine the stones in the basket, he thought to himself.
"Wow, such a large piece of emerald jade—and it's completely green throughout. You can tell at a glance it's top-grade. But if I remember correctly, there isn't currently a mine producing emerald jade in the Hoenn region. For you to find such a large, high-quality piece is truly impressive, Mr. Steven."
"This is a high-grade ice jade. Just like the books describe—it's incredibly cold. Simply holding it already makes it hard to endure."
"Heavens, isn't this Thunder Stone? The books say it forms from rocks that have been struck by lightning for many years, but that mutation process takes at least a thousand years. Mr. Steven, where did you find this? That's amazing."
Seeing that Steven was deliberately testing him, Sato couldn't help but feel a little amused. Soon enough, to Steven's delight, Sato began rattling off the origins and information of many of the stones in the basket as if reciting from memory, all while generously flattering Steven.
Of course, to avoid arousing suspicion, Sato deliberately held back a little, pretending not to recognize a few of the stones in the basket.
"Incredible, Mr. Tyler. You recognize so many stones, and with such deep insight. Every stone here was carefully selected—most people wouldn't even recognize a single one."
Even though Sato had intentionally concealed some of his knowledge, Steven was still deeply shocked by how thoroughly Sato explained the majority of the stones. He looked at Sato with excitement as he spoke.
"You flatter me, Mr. Steven. I only learned these things from books. I just happen to have a good memory and memorized them."
Hearing Steven address him as "Mr. Tyler," Sato felt a surge of joy. He knew his performance had already left a strong positive impression, so he maintained his humble attitude as he replied.
"That's still not easy at all. Anyone who understands stones this deeply must truly appreciate them. How about this—pick one stone from the basket to keep as a collection piece. Collecting stones is quite fascinating."
Seeing Sato's modesty, Steven grew even more fond of him. Having made up his mind to draw Sato into the world of stone enthusiasts, he smiled knowingly and spoke warmly.
"Oh, I really couldn't. These stones are all very valuable, and you worked hard to find them. I can't take one."
How could Sato not see that Steven was trying to recruit him into the circle of stone lovers? He was secretly delighted, but on the surface he put on an expression of desire mixed with embarrassment, shaking his head repeatedly.
"Do I look like someone short on money? Come on, pick one. Don't be polite with me."
Since Steven had decided to pull Sato in, he naturally spared no effort. Seeing Sato's hesitant yet eager expression, he immediately pressed the advantage and insisted again.
In the end, under Steven's firm insistence, Sato accepted with a delighted expression and took a stone he had set his eyes on from the basket.
"As expected of the son of Hoenn's largest financial conglomerate—truly extravagant. To give away such a precious Groudon Companion Stone without even blinking an eye."
Holding a crimson stone etched with mysterious patterns, Sato felt genuinely pleased.
To be honest, every stone Steven valued was indeed a treasure. Some were even more valuable than the mutated Supreme Blue Water Stone and mutated Supreme Sky Splitting Stone that Sato already possessed.
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Groudon Companion Stone – Item Data
Item: Groudon Companion Stone
Effects:
i) When the holder is standing on the ground, they receive the earth's protection, increasing physical defense and special defense by 1 stage.ii) When the holder is standing on the ground, they receive the earth's support, increasing physical attack and special attack by 1 stage.
Restriction: Only Ground-type Pokémon can activate its effects while standing on the ground.
Description: A peculiar stone formed within Groudon after it consumed massive amounts of magma. Having accompanied Groudon for countless ages deep underground, immersed in pure Ground-type energy, it gradually gained unimaginable power.
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Ignoring the restriction, the effects alone made this Groudon Companion Stone terrifyingly powerful.
Although it only boosted physical defense, special defense, physical attack, and special attack by one stage each, it was still dream equipment for any warrior-type Pokémon.
However, its usage restriction significantly reduced its value. Not only could only Ground-type Pokémon use it, but once the holder left the ground, all effects would immediately disappear—a particularly fatal drawback.
"Boosting both offense and defense by one stage, but only when a Ground-type Pokémon is standing on the ground… The restrictions are strict, but Nidoking and Swampert are both perfectly suited for it. Not bad—this stone is very useful to me."
After weighing the pros and cons, Sato felt genuinely satisfied.
"Oh, right—Tyler, what are you doing here anyway? Don't tell me you came here to mine stones too?"
At the same time, Steven glanced at the stone Sato had chosen, feeling a twinge of heartache yet also genuine happiness, before asking Sato about his purpose for coming here.