Steven had spent ten days training in Celestic City.
During that time, both his and Cynthia's Pokémon had made considerable progress. Even the Crawdaunt in the pond had improved significantly, though it had certainly been a challenging ten days for the poor creature.
Now, however, it was time for them to part ways temporarily. Steven still had other destinations on his itinerary that he needed to visit.
"I'm leaving now, Cynthia," Steven said, making last-minute preparations.
"I made plenty of lunch for you. You can heat it up and eat it tonight," he continued, listing off the things he wanted to remind her about. "Grandma Caroline should be back within the next two days."
As he spoke, Steven noticed the reluctance in Cynthia's eyes. He was afraid that if he lingered any longer, he might suddenly lose his resolve to leave.
"The next time you see me will be at the Ever Grande Conference," Steven said with determination.
Cynthia stared into Steven's eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Do you remember what we promised each other when we were kids?"
The Pokémon egg cradled in her arms was gently shaking, but Cynthia didn't notice.
"Of course! Let's see who becomes Champion first!" Steven replied with enthusiasm.
Though, if he were being honest, Steven's chances of winning that race were probably higher.
"Bye-bye, Cynthia!" Steven called out as he climbed onto Metagross, waving at her.
Meanwhile, Garchomp stared intently at Metagross with barely concealed hostility. If it could, it would use Crunch and tear that iron crab apart right then and there.
Just you wait, Iron Crab. Next time I'll definitely smash that metal head of yours!
Metagross, oblivious to the threat, simply maintained its usual expression. (●─●) I came in first after all...
Garchomp's frustration reached its boiling point. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
I can't take it anymore!
That Iron Crab had been muttering that same sentence for ten whole days! Ten days! Did Metagross have any idea how unbearable those ten days had been?
Under Cynthia's reluctant gaze, Steven departed from Celestic City. His next destination was Eterna City, where he would take a train to Sandgem Town. If everything went according to schedule, he would arrive in Sandgem Town early the next morning.
Steven felt that the time he'd spent with Cynthia had passed far too quickly. He really wished time could slow down, if only for a little while longer.
He didn't dare to imagine what challenges would shape Cynthia as she grew older. Would it be the mountain of Champion duties waiting for her? Fortunately, Steven had someone he could eventually pass that heavy responsibility to.
Early the next morning, Steven arrived in Sandgem Town.
After grabbing a quick meal, Steven made his way to the Yukinari Brand Research Institute. He rang the doorbell.
Ding-dong—
Soon after, the institute's door opened, and a familiar face peeked out.
"Oh! Mr. Steven!" It was the same researcher who had previously told Steven about Alan's residence.
"Hello, I've come to visit again," Steven said with a polite nod.
"Please, come in quickly! Professor Rowan is in the backyard," the researcher said, inviting Steven into the institute while rubbing his hands together by the door.
Today, I can have another good meal!
Oh, right! Ingredients! The researcher immediately called his colleague.
"What? Still buying Razor Claws? Quick! Urgently buy some good ingredients instead!" he said into the phone. "Just tell them a great chef has arrived!"
Steven headed to the backyard and found Professor Rowan, who was observing a Sneasel.
"Professor Rowan, hello!" Steven called out.
Professor Rowan heard him, turned around, and looked at Steven with his characteristically stern expression.
Bang—
Piplup ran out and greeted Professor Rowan with its usual energy.
"Piplup! (￣︶￣)♦"
Oi! Old man! Long time no see!
It was probably a good thing that humans generally couldn't fully understand Pokémon language. Otherwise, Steven would really have had to discipline Piplup.
"Steven, what brings you here?" Professor Rowan asked, his tone as serious as always.
"There's something I'd like to ask of you."
"Speak."
Steven directly and frankly told Professor Rowan about his idea.
"I see. You want to develop a new type of Pokédex and a Pokémon game," Professor Rowan said, nodding in approval. "It's a very good idea. I'll help you contact Professor Oak."
"Moreover, I will send you my research conclusions on the field of Pokémon evolution," Professor Rowan continued. "It's good for more Trainers to learn about Pokémon evolution."
Steven was surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected that Professor Rowan would directly share his research results with him.
"Professor, are you sure that's alright?"
"There's nothing wrong with it. We researchers exist to understand Pokémon and to help everyone else understand them too," Professor Rowan said with a serious expression. "I think Professor Oak feels the same way."
"Research results, after all, are meant to be published and made public. There's nothing inappropriate about that."
Steven was delighted. This was truly excellent news.
Some Pokémon had special evolution methods, and with Professor Rowan's research results to assist him, Steven wasn't worried about being unable to complete the Pokémon evolution chain for his project.
"I'll go contact Professor Oak now. Steven, please wait for me in the backyard for a moment."
"Okay!"
Steven watched Professor Rowan's back as he walked into the institute. When he turned his head, he saw Piplup provoking the Sneasel.
"Piplup? ಠ_ಠ"
You look pretty cocky, huh? Want to spar with me?
Which Pokémon in this institute doesn't know my great name, Piplup?
Go ask around!
Steven pressed his hand down on Piplup's round blue head and pulled the troublemaker back to his side.
"The moment I leave you alone, you're already causing trouble," Steven said with mild exasperation.
"Piplup! ╰（‵□′）╯"
Let me go! I need to warn it not to be so cocky!
Whenever Piplup was about to cause mischief for the Pokémon at the institute, Steven would always come to their rescue by grabbing the little blue penguin and pulling it back.
"Mr. Steven, the Professor asked me to call you," a researcher said, walking into the backyard.
"Okay, I'll be right there."
Steven simply carried Piplup under one arm and walked into the institute.
Standing beside Professor Rowan and seeing the familiar elderly man on the video call screen, Steven felt a strong sense of recognition.
This was Professor Oak!
"Oak, this is the Trainer I told you about—Steven," Professor Rowan said, raising his hand to introduce him.
"Professor Oak, hello," Steven said, bowing slightly in greeting.
"Steven, your ideas are excellent—both the Pokédex and the game," Professor Oak said with a kind smile. "May I invite you to Pallet Town in the Kanto Region to discuss this in detail?"
"Of course. I was actually planning to visit Pallet Town to speak with you about this," Steven readily agreed. "Considering Professor Rowan's relationship with you, I came to Sandgem Town to ask Professor Rowan to introduce me."
Steven knew better than to be fooled by Professor Oak's current kind and approachable demeanor. In his youth, the professor had been the Champion of the Kanto Region's Pokémon League!
"Hahaha! I really admire young people with ideas like yours!" Professor Oak said enthusiastically. "When you come to Pallet Town, just come directly to my institute to find me..."
Bang—
Before Professor Oak could finish his sentence, the sound of an explosion came from the other end of the call.
A Venusaur and a Charizard suddenly appeared on the video screen.
"You two! How did you end up fighting in my institute!" Professor Oak exclaimed.
Steven looked at the two teenagers who appeared on the screen, and a smile formed at the corner of his mouth.
"Sorry, Professor, we just accidentally..." Red scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
The current Red was not yet the Red who would become known for his silent demeanor.
The spiky-haired boy beside him was Blue!
These were two future Battle Legends in the making!