Hearing this, Serene couldn't help but ask curiously, "So you've changed your mind now?"
Nathan nodded and said, "That's right. I hope we can establish a deeper cooperation."
"I can supply you with a small amount of genuine high-quality Pokéblocks. They're not quite Champion-level, but definitely good enough for your use."
"In return, I want you to fully leverage your influence and also take responsibility for the studio's security."
As Nathan spoke confidently, a trace of envy flashed in Evelyn's seemingly aloof eyes.
Maybe the status of a Mist family heiress really couldn't be higher.
But sometimes, Evelyn also dreamed of achieving something big on her own—something that would make her family take notice.
Of course, that was just wishful thinking.
Even the 50 million pokecoins funding Nathan's studio technically came from the corporation.
It's just that on paper, both the investor and the beneficiary were listed under Evelyn's name alone.
Meanwhile, on Serene's side—
After thinking it over for a moment, she nodded and said, "Alright. If the Pokéblocks are of the same quality as the ones from yesterday, it's definitely worth it."
With that simple sentence, the partnership was sealed.
And the result was even better than Nathan had expected!
As for those high-quality Pokéblocks?
Perfect—Volcarona and the others always had leftovers anyway.
Why not recycle them? What a win-win!
Of course, it wasn't like Nathan was being stingy.
After all, if the Pokéblocks were good enough to feed to his own Pokémon, that meant they were the best ones he had.
Aside from Rainbow and Prism blocks, they could definitely be considered luxury-tier.
"Nathan, can I use those high-quality Pokéblocks you mentioned?"
After a brief hesitation, Evelyn suddenly asked Nathan.
Her usually cold eyes held a hint of longing.
Even rich heiresses have ambitions—especially someone like Evelyn, who didn't have the temperament of a spoiled princess or a delinquent socialite. She was a rare breed.
But Nathan didn't hesitate at all. He shook his head and said, "Those Pokéblocks are specially formulated for Volcarona."
"For Pokémon below the Elite level, they're not only ineffective—they could even cause over-nutrition."
It was only then that the group of bodyguards suddenly remembered that Nathan had an Elite-level Pokémon.
They couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
…
Having an Elite-level Pokémon is never something common, no matter who the trainer is.
These bodyguards' own Pokémon were, at best, Gym level—some of them might only have one.
"That's really a shame," Evelyn said, visibly disappointed after hearing Nathan's explanation.
After all, she had experienced firsthand the benefits of Pokéblocks.
Opponents who used to be evenly matched were now easily overwhelmed!
Suddenly remembering something, Evelyn looked at Nathan again and said, "In that case, how about we battle right now?"
"With our newly captured Pokémon!"
Clearly, she still hadn't gotten over losing to Nathan during the Trial Tournament.
After all, Nathan was the first person her age to completely outmatch her—even with far fewer resources.
"Alright. I need to buy some equipment this afternoon anyway, so let's make it quick."
Nodding, Nathan pulled out Zeraora's Poké Ball.
He didn't know which of Evelyn's Pokémon was new.
But as a rich heiress, her Pokémon's level wouldn't be too high.
That was kind of a common flaw among the wealthy.
They rarely battled extensively in the wild on their own.
Most of their Pokémon's strength and levels were built up through scientific training and heaps of resources.
While they had some battle experience, they definitely lacked the wild edge you could never get in a city.
Like the difference between a domesticated pet and a wild animal.
Of course, not all rich kids were like that.
Some outliers did enjoy wild battles, but none could compare to Nathan—who had been adventuring with Volcarona in the wilderness since he was young.
At the hotel's private battle arena—
Since it was just a friendly match, there was no referee, and the only spectators were Wendy, Serene, and a few bodyguards.
"Let me show you my new Pokémon! Come out—Jolteon!"
Standing across from Nathan, Evelyn threw out a Poké Ball, and a flash of yellow burst forth.
It was one of Eevee's many evolutions—Jolteon!
Though not within Nathan's preferred lineup of Electric-types, it was still a solid choice.
More importantly, this Jolteon looked unusually large—nearly a full size bigger than normal!
'Tch, don't tell me it evolved using some kind of premium Evolution Stone?'
Seeing this, Nathan's eyes flashed with a bit of envy and frustration.
But just a moment later, he returned to his usual calm and tossed his own Poké Ball.
"Let them see the results of your training—Zeraora!"
With Nathan's command, a golden, feline Pokémon appeared—standing upright and radiating power.
If Jolteon had sacrificed cuteness for strength...
Then Zeraora was the full package—absolutely maxed out in looks and power!
Its golden fur was flawless, its electric-blue accents unmarred, and its dark markings crackled with sparks.
There was only one word to describe this Pokémon: cool.
"What... what kind of Pokémon is that?"
Mouths slightly agape, both Wendy and Evelyn spoke at the same time.
They had never seen such an incredibly stylish Pokémon.
Even the bodyguards didn't recognize Nathan's Zeraora.
But that didn't stop them from staring blankly, completely stunned.
Only Serene, ever knowledgeable, looked on with admiration and murmured, "As expected of the genius who raised an Elite-level Volcarona from humble beginnings…"
"This Zeraora… it's far better than the one I've seen before!"
That's right—Serene had once seen someone use a Zeraora.
Because of its sleek design and powerful presence, she had even tried to buy or catch a baby one.
But even after scouring the entire city, she found nothing.
There weren't just no sellers—there were barely even people who knew what it was.
And Nathan's Zeraora? Just from its appearance alone, it was clearly far beyond ordinary.
"Hmph, I'm not going down without a fight! Jolteon, use Agility, then look for an opening to strike with Quick Attack!"
Biting her lip, Evelyn issued the command.
There was still hope!
Even without Viridian Power, she could tell that her Jolteon was stronger than the opponent!
"Tch, trying to win in one go just because your level's higher?"
"Zeraora, go! From the six o'clock angle—interrupt her strategy with Quick Attack!"
Nathan instantly saw through Evelyn's plan and issued a precise command.
Thanks to their training in the Wandering Mountains, Zeraora and Nathan had developed a deep mutual understanding.
The moment he heard Nathan's command, Zeraora didn't even need to think—its body moved on instinct!
"Zorr!"
With a low growl, Zeraora launched into Quick Attack, transforming into a golden bolt of lightning and appearing at Jolteon's side in an instant!
From this angle, Zeraora could've just reached out and hit it—
But instead, it kicked Jolteon, sending it flying!
"It's a shame Zeraora can't use Shave—otherwise its speed could go even higher!"
Watching Zeraora gain the upper hand in an instant, Nathan couldn't help but sigh.
Zeraora didn't have organs that could store electricity—it relied entirely on the electric pads on its hands and feet.
If it tried to learn Shave, a skill that's basically inhuman, it could end up seriously and irreversibly injured.
But while Nathan was lamenting that fact, Wendy, Serene, and the bodyguards were completely stunned.
"Just now… did he read Evelyn's entire attack strategy and predict it perfectly?"
Wendy's face was flushed with excitement as she spoke, though still unsure.
Serene nodded, confirming it without hesitation. "You're absolutely right. Nathan saw through the strategy and attack path in an instant!"
"Not only that, he even predicted where Jolteon would land after its movement!"
"If not for that, there's no way Zeraora could've taken the upper hand against a Jolteon with a clear level advantage!"
As she spoke, her eyes shimmered with awe.
Back when Nathan challenged her Gym, he hadn't used such near-superhuman tactics.
Instead, he had relied on his deep understanding and training of his Pokémon—
And defeated her Rapidash fair and square.
Hearing Wendy and Serene's comments, the previously stoic bodyguards finally "broke character."
This… this is impossible!
"This level of trainer… hasn't he already surpassed most theoretical Masters?"
One of the bodyguards muttered in a coarse, gender-neutral voice.
In theory, most Masters were all talk—keyboard warriors with expertise only in theory.
But today, what had they witnessed?
A so-called "keyboard warrior" had become the real deal—the strongest of them all!
And he was still just a teenager who hadn't even been to college.