The Exchange

After returning several Water-type Pokémon to the Ecopark, Yuga took a moment to check on the saplings of various Berry trees that had been growing there.

After all the careful nurturing they had received over a considerable period, the differences in the growth of these saplings were finally becoming evident.

Under the same growth conditions, it was clear that the Jaboca Berry, Salac Berry, and Kebia Berry saplings were growing more robustly, with more branches and leaves.

Although these berry trees were still too young to bear fruit, Yuga could now confidently conclude that the special meteorite had an influence on the growth of Rock, Ground, and Steel-type Pokémon.

If it affected the berry trees, it should be effective for Pokémon too.

A researcher in the Pokémon world had long established that a Pokémon's life force directly influenced its potential.

This explained why higher-level Pokémon were more likely to produce offspring with high potential. As a Pokémon's level increased, not only did its strength improve, but there was also a change in its life stage, which affected its life force and subsequently influenced its offspring.

However, artificially altering a Pokémon's life force was exceedingly difficult. Currently, there were no effective methods to enhance a Pokémon's life force without adverse side effects.

Life force was extremely complex and fundamental to an organism's existence. Yuga realized that the task of Razor Fangs was the most intricate and challenging of all the tasks he had undertaken.

But Yuga had no intention of giving up!

"I need more research material!" he thought.

The gigantic meteorite in his system backpack didn't belong to him; it was stored there by Deoxys. Stealing a small portion for experimentation might not raise any issues, but using it excessively could potentially lead to trouble with Deoxys in the future.

With this in mind, Yuga decided to collect some meteorites himself.

When it came to collecting stones, Yuga knew no one better than Steven. Not only Steven, but to Yuga's knowledge, Steven's father was also an avid stone collector. It seemed like a family tradition!

Of course, Yuga wouldn't let Steven help without compensation. He had a batch of Aggron armor pieces in his possession, which he had obtained from an underground maze in the Arus Empire. They had been sitting unused in his system backpack.

Since Yuga didn't have any Steel-type Pokémon, and there were none in the Ecopark, these Aggron armor pieces were collecting dust without any practical use. Steven would likely be interested in them.

Back at the store, Yuga dialed Steven's number, and he quickly answered.

"What brings the big shot to call me out of the blue?" Steven, who had been extremely busy since joining the Prosecutor Bureau, was now accustomed to missions that kept him out of town. Just when he had finally enjoyed a two-day break, he received Yuga's call.

"Why do I feel like you're mocking me?" Ever since Yuga had rejected the Prosecutor Bureau's invitation to join their team, Steven had been teasing Yuga by calling him a "big shot."

Steven grinned and replied, "Oh, I wouldn't dare. After all, you're considered an outstanding talent in our organization!"

Yuga playfully retorted, "Hey, don't say that! I've heard that someone recently got promoted. Hearing such praise from the rising star of the Prosecutor Bureau makes me feel a bit overwhelmed!"

Ever since Steven joined the Prosecutor Bureau, his exceptional abilities had led to one achievement after another. In a short period of time, he had risen several ranks, making him a rising star in the Bureau.

Yuga had learned all of this from Robert.

Perhaps embarrassed by Yuga's praise, Steven cleared his throat lightly and asked, "So, what brings you to contact me?"

If Yuga and Steven were on a video call right now, Yuga would notice that Steven's ears had turned red. It seemed that this future champion had thin skin.

"No more joking around, here's the deal..."

Yuga explained his desire to collect meteorites to Steven.

After considering for a moment, Steven said, "Meteorites, huh? I do have some in my collection at home. If you want them, I can give them to you."

Yuga quickly responded, "I'll definitely give you compensation. I won't take advantage of people!"

Steven replied nonchalantly, "No need for compensation. Meteorites don't have much use aside from their collectible value. You can have them."

Well, that's the mindset of a philanthropist!

Yuga chuckled and said, "Is that so? I also have some Aggron armor pieces here that I was planning to give you, but since you don't want them, I'll keep them for myself!"

As he spoke these words, Yuga's tone was filled with playful banter.

Steven exclaimed, "Wait a minute! You really have Aggron armor pieces?"

Steven's attitude immediately changed, and he dropped the topic of refusing compensation.

For Steel-type Pokémon, Aggron armor was nearly as valuable as a treasure. However, obtaining them was quite challenging, as it required capturing and dismantling live Aggron, something Steven would never engage in, considering its ethical and legal implications.

Yuga knew that Steven had wealth, but he was also a man of principles, and he worked for the Pokémon League's Prosecutor Bureau.

"I wouldn't lie to you," Yuga said with a grin.

Steven eagerly asked, "How many of them do you have approximately?"

"Quite a few, around a hundred pairs."

"So many? Where did you get them?" Steven was taken aback.

"They all have legitimate sources, no need to worry," Yuga assured him.

Steven quickly explained, "Please don't misunderstand, I trust you completely!"

"I understand, I understand, no misunderstanding here. So, do you want them?"

Steven hastily replied, "Of course! Why wouldn't I? But these armor pieces are worth much more than meteorites. Just think about what else you might want. As long as it's not too extreme, I'll try to obtain it for you."

Yuga thought for a moment. Indeed, not owing any favors was a good thing, but he also didn't want to be at a disadvantage.

After some contemplation, Yuga couldn't think of anything he needed at the moment.

"Never mind, I can't think of anything right now. I'll let you know once I do!"

"Alright, take your time thinking!" Steven's voice came through the phone.

They chatted for a while longer before ending the call.

Yuga then took out the Aggron armor pieces from his system backpack, ready to send them to Steven.

These items were quite heavy and large, and just the shipping fees alone would likely cost a substantial amount of money. Yuga suddenly felt like he was losing out.

Maybe I'll let Steven cover the shipping fees! Yuga thought.