Alex, who was enjoying his quiet evening with his Pokémon, suddenly heard a sound. It was the message notification sound from his TRH device.

After he picked up his TRH device, he saw that the message was from Steven. ​​

Steven: "Alex, call me if you have time. I have something important to discuss with you."

Alex started typing Steven's number into his TRH device in the next moment.

After talking and chatting with Steven for several months, Alex knew how to improve Steven's character a bit. He knows that Steven writes a message like this only when he really wants to discuss something important. Especially since it has been a long time since Alex received such a message from Steven.

"Alex? It's good that you called back so quickly. I have something important to talk about. Do you have time right now?"

"No problem Steven. What's the matter? Why are you so excited?"

"Alex, I finally convinced my father to let me become a trainer. Although there is one condition, I am finally allowed to pursue my dream."

Steven Stones is the son of the president of the Devon Corporation, Joseph Stone. Thus he is the successor of one of the largest industrial chains.

Devon Corporation is the largest industrial chain in all of Hoenn. So the president of Devon Corporation obviously has similar powers to an Elite 4 member. This makes the chairman one of the highest-ranked persons in the Alliance (Hoenn Alliance).

Although this position is longed by many, it is different for Steven. Steven has always liked Pokémon, so he wanted to be a trainer while he still has a chance. If he takes over the position now, he will not have enough time to train his Pokémon to become strong. So Steven refuses to take this position. Although he is not opposed to taking over the Devon Corporation several years later, he first wants to become a strong trainer.

Unfortunately, Joseph Stone refuses to acknowledge the dream of his son. He continues to raise Steven as his successor and teach him how to run a company. Although he allowed Steven to have Pokémon as a hobby, he doesn't want Steven to be a trainer.

Alex wasn't really surprised that Steven was allowed to become a trainer because he knows that Steven will become the future Hoenn Champion. Of course, he could not show that he was not surprised.

"Ahh! Really? That is great news, Steven. But what made your father change his mind?"

"He hasn't really changed his mind. He still thinks that it would be better for me to take over the company. But he admits that a having certain position is not bad (Champion's positions)."

Steven went on to say in a very excited voice, "I suggested a bet that would be a win-win for both parties. If I don't become Hoenn Champion within 10 years, I will give up becoming a trainer and take over the company. Of course, there are still small goals that I will have to meet. So when I suggested a bet to him, he accepted it almost immediately."

Alex could now understand why Steven's Father accepted this bet. No matter what happens, he profits nonetheless.

"That's really great, Steven. I'm glad for you that you can follow your dream."

"Thanks, Alex. Haha, I thought you would laugh at me since I made such a ridiculous bet. You know that there are not many Champions who have made it under the age of 30."

"No, Steven, I've seen your strength. If you spend all of your time in training, I believe you have the chance to achieve this goal."

"Thanks, Alex. It's good to have a friend like you."

"Haha! Don't say things like that. By the way, what are these little goals that you talked about?"

"Ohh!! There are lots of small goals that I have to achieve. Otherwise, I will lose the bet too. The first small goal is to win the Hoenn Rookie Tournament that will be starting in 2 months."

Alex, who heard how this was a small goal, suddenly felt that Steven really played in another league. Though he had felt that Steven was overestimating himself a bit.

"Steven, this may sound arrogant, but I still want to warn you. Although your strength is very good for your age, you are not invincible. Even I can defeat you with a good strategy if you are not careful, so you should take this competition seriously. "

"Haha! Thanks, Alex, for warning me. You are really a good friend. Don't worry, I know that there are many strong trainers who can defeat me. The reason why I called it a small goal is that it is nothing compared to my main goal of becoming the Champion. If I have the potential to become a Champion, I shouldn't fail in this tournament."

Alex understood that Steven was confident but not arrogant. He could see the characteristics of a future Champion.

"Hmm, I seemed to worry unnecessarily. You already have the right attitude for this."

"Alex, I haven't yet said why I wanted to speak to you. Though one reason was to tell you the good news directly. I want to ask for your help."

"Oh! And what is it?"

"I need a good practice partner for the tournament, so I immediately thought of you. I know it is very sudden, but can you help me?"

"Haha! No problem, my friend. I won't lose the chance to help the future Champion. I'll be arriving in Rustboro City in the next few days. We'll meet there."

Steven felt thought that Alex was trying to encourage him further. Even though Steven had lots of friends, he felt any real kind of friendship only from Alex. Alex is not afraid to tell him what he thinks. Together with that, Alex is a direct person that makes it very pleasant for Steven to talk with Alex.

"Thank you, Alex. I owe you a favor."

Alex would coldly try to squeeze out most of this situation a few months ago. But after talking and chatting with Steven for several months, he couldn't help but admit that he really likes Steven's personality. Alex has the feeling that he can build a genuine friendship with Steven. So he stopped seeing Steven as a business friend and started seeing Steven as a real friend with whom he can slowly build trust. He's not sure if he'll regret this decision but has decided to stick with it.

Steven and Alex talked a bit before after that before ending the call.

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