"Charmeleon, use [Fmethrower]!"

  "Dodge it, Lairon!"

  "Lairon is unable to battle! Charmeleon wins!"

  ...

  August, Lance, and Steven sat in the VIP spectator area, watching the ongoing friendly battle tournament.

  It was odd—August and Steven had never met before, yet they naturally fell into discussion about the matches below.

  "Lairon was unlucky," Lance commented. "Its level was lower than Charmeleon’s, but if the trainer had been more strategic, there was still a chance to win."

  Steven nodded in agreement. "Charmeleon's trainer has solid command skills and reacts well during battle. It's no surprise he won."

  August, however, had a different focus.

  "Lairon's right hind leg seems injured. There's a 0.2 to 0.3-second dey between the trainer's command and the Pokémon's actual movement. It might not be obvious in casual battles, but against a strong opponent, it's a fatal weakness."

  Both Steven and Lance turned to look at him.

  Meeting their gazes, August expined, "I used to work as a ranger for a while, so I naturally notice these kinds of things."

  Recalling the battle, they realized Lairon had indeed shown slight deys. They had assumed it was due to low trust between the Pokémon and its trainer, but now, it seemed like a physical injury instead.

  By now, Lance was used to August’s keen observations. It barely surprised him anymore.

  But for Steven, who had just met August today—

  Sharp observation skills, plus such strong research abilities…

  Steven’s curiosity about August grew.

  As the battle concluded and the next match was being prepared, August saw an opportunity and turned to Steven.

  "About our deal—I have a proposal."

  Steven shifted his attention to him, signaling for him to continue.

  "Even with Lance vouching for me, I assume Devon Corporation still has some doubts about the effectiveness of the improved Pokéblock formu, right?"

  Steven didn’t deny it. He nodded.

  He trusted Lance, of course, but within Devon Corporation, there were differing opinions.

  The research division, in particur, found it hard to believe that a simple formu adjustment using common ingredients could boost Pokéblock effectiveness so drastically.

  Besides expressing his interest, part of Steven's purpose in coming here was to verify the formu’s authenticity.

  Originally, his pn was to sign a preliminary agreement with August after the tournament. The transaction would only be finalized once the formu was tested and its effects confirmed.

  But now, August was bringing it up himself…

  "What are you suggesting?" Steven asked.

  August didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached into his bag and pulled out a portable Pokéblock-making kit, along with a selection of Berries.

  The moment Steven saw this, he understood August's intention.

  He pnned to demonstrate the formu on the spot—proving its effectiveness firsthand.

  It was the simplest, most direct method. And it showed August’s confidence in his own formu.

  "I'll demonstrate one of the formus I’ve developed," August stated.

  Steven watched as August skillfully processed the Berries and prepared the necessary ingredients for Pokéblock production.

  He pced the first Berry into the device, adjusted the rotation speed, then added the second… the third…

  Each time he added an ingredient, he fine-tuned the speed accordingly.

  According to system expnations, different rotation speeds could cause subtle changes in a Berry’s properties.

  By carefully selecting the types of Berries, their sequence, and adjusting the speed precisely, August could trigger a unique reaction—creating a top-tier Master Pokéblock.

  Watching August’s smooth and precise movements, Steven’s trust in him, which had been at about 70%, quickly rose to 90%.

  Five minutes ter, the Pokéblocks were ready.

  August opened the container and presented a small batch of freshly made Pokéblocks to Steven and Lance.

  Steven picked up one and sniffed it. "I detect a hint of Pecha Berry. Did you leave that in on purpose?"

  August raised his chin slightly. "That’s right—I did it intentionally."

  "I left part of the Berry’s peel intact. I believe preserving some of the natural fvors enhances the overall taste of the Pokéblock, making it feel more organic while also improving its appeal."

  Then, he added, "This specific formu is for a Sweet Pokéblock that enhances the 'Delicious' characteristic. Trainers can eat it too."

  Steven nodded in understanding, then cut off a small piece and put it in his mouth.

  A wave of sweetness spread across his taste buds, but it wasn’t cloying—it was just right.

  He then released his Mawile and offered it a Pokéblock. The Pokémon sniffed it before quickly gobbling it up.

  The moment it ate it, Mawile’s eyes narrowed in delight. Even the massive jaws on the back of its head twitched happily.

  "Both the fvor and the energy infusion are remarkable improvements!" Steven praised.

  This wasn’t just polite fttery—his reaction was entirely genuine.

  Mawile was his pickiest Pokémon when it came to food. Normally, it only used the rge jaws on the back of its head, which cked taste buds, to consume meals purely for nutrition.

  But even it couldn’t resist August’s Pokéblock, choosing to eat it with its front mouth instead.

  "High praise," August responded modestly.

  This is what you call a Master Pokéblock! Tactical head tilt.

  Steven, seeing how much Mawile enjoyed it, handed over the remaining Pokéblocks to his eager Pokémon.

  Even though this was just one of August’s formus, with Lance acting as a witness, Steven had no doubts about the formu’s legitimacy anymore.

  August truly had the skills to back it up.

  Steven pulled out a contract. "My father had this contract drafted. According to these terms, Devon Corporation will offer 500 million for exclusive usage rights to your Pokéblock formu!"

  500 million!

  Hearing that number, August was more than satisfied.

  Devon Corporation would provide the manpower, equipment, and sales channels—while he only had to supply the formu to earn 500 million.

  With this money, once Shelgon evolved into Samence, he wouldn’t have to worry about its enormous food expenses.

  But then—Steven continued, "However, that’s my father’s offer… I pn to make some changes to the contract."

  "?"

  August, who had been celebrating internally, froze.

  What was going on now?

  Lance was also confused and turned to Steven, waiting for an expnation.