Theo opened the metal case, and in an instant, a cold, steely metallic sheen spilled out from within. The ores inside gleamed sharply, especially the piece of iron–nickel alloy wrapped in a deep blue metallic coating.
The surface of that alloy seemed to be layered with countless fine streams of light, slowly revolving and flowing across it, making it stand out at a single glance as something truly special.
Beldum popped out of its Poké Ball and hovered in midair, curiously drifting closer to the pile of ores.
Its body couldn't help but rub against them, and almost immediately, it began swaying excitedly in the air, its entire demeanor screaming impatience—as if it couldn't wait to absorb these "treasures."
Laughing softly, Theo reached out and held it back, speaking in a gentle voice, "Don't rush. Wait until we get back to the hotel, then you can take your time absorbing them."
"Thank you."
Theo closed the case and spoke solemnly to the specialist, "Please help me convey my thanks to the chairman."
"Of course," the specialist replied with a smile and a nod, then added, "By the way, regarding the promotional shoot for the new Poké Ball that was scheduled earlier—everything has been fully calibrated and prepared. Would it be convenient for you to begin now?"
"Of course, no problem at all. Let's do it right away," Theo agreed readily.
Following the specialist, Theo entered the adjacent studio. Inside, a clean yet eye-catching set had already been arranged, with lighting and cameras all in place and ready to go.
This time, the product being promoted was Devon Corporation's newly developed Dive Ball.
The spherical body was a clear, oceanic blue, adorned with delicate wave-like patterns across its surface.
As the lights filtered through the soft panels above the set and shone upon it, they refracted into shimmering ripples of light. At first glance, it looked like a condensed fragment of the sea itself—exquisite, refined, and instantly captivating.
"The internal water habitat inside this Dive Ball fully simulates the natural environment of the deep sea," the specialist explained in detail, pointing at the ball. "The water temperature is kept constantly at the most suitable level for Water-type Pokémon, and it continuously releases gentle, soothing water currents, allowing them to feel as free and comfortable as if they were truly in the ocean.
"Not only does it greatly increase the success rate when capturing wild Water-type Pokémon, but even for your own Water-type Pokémon, living inside it long-term will keep them in a relaxed, comfortable state without any sense of oppression."
Hearing this, Theo immediately took out the Poké Ball containing Feebas from his backpack.
A flash of red light appeared, and Feebas lightly emerged beside Theo, skillfully manipulating the moisture in the air to support its body as it floated gently in midair.
Its round eyes curiously scanned the surrounding studio, and from time to time it flicked its silver tail fin.
When the specialist gently placed the new Dive Ball beside it, the little fellow seemed deeply attracted by the ball's pure, pristine blue color and swam over of its own accord.
It lightly tapped the brand-new Poké Ball with its tail fin, clearly showing great interest.
"Perfect. Let Feebas try switching into it first and see if it likes it," Theo said with a smile as he pressed the switch on the top of the Dive Ball.
A red beam of light instantly and gently enveloped Feebas, drawing it smoothly into the ball.
Just a few seconds later, the Poké Ball gave a slight shake and emitted a crisp click as it locked, indicating a successful capture.
After a short while, Theo gently pressed the switch again and released Feebas, crouching down as he asked softly, "So? Is it comfortable inside?"
Feebas's floating body immediately swayed with excitement. Its small head bobbed up and down repeatedly, and its tail fin happily slapped at the air, making it abundantly clear that it was extremely satisfied with this new living space.
The specialist also picked up the Dive Ball and demonstrated it toward the camera. "Everyone, you can see how well Water-type Pokémon accept the Dive Ball.
"Moreover, the comfortable environment inside allows them to remain in optimal condition at all times. Whether it's for daily rest or during travel, they can live inside with complete peace of mind."
The subsequent filming went extremely smoothly.
Holding Feebas in his arms and the Dive Ball in his hand, Theo smiled at the camera and introduced it. "As Trainers, we all hope that our Pokémon can live comfortably and at ease.
"This Dive Ball from Devon is truly thoughtful. Every detail has been designed with the needs of Water-type Pokémon in mind. It's especially suitable for them, and I sincerely recommend it to everyone who loves Pokémon."
Feebas was very cooperative beside him, occasionally manipulating water vapor to gently lift the Dive Ball into the air.
Using its tail fin, it pushed the ball into rotations and up-and-down floating motions, almost like a juggling performance, vividly demonstrating just how much it liked this new home.
From time to time, the cameraman softly offered guidance from the side. "Mr. Glenwood, please move a little closer to the camera. And Feebas, try to make your movements a bit livelier!"
With seamless coordination between Theo and Feebas, several perfect shots were captured in no time.
After the shoot concluded, the specialist handed Theo an exquisitely packaged blue box. "This is an additional Dive Ball as a gift for you. We hope Feebas will enjoy this exclusive new home."
Theo accepted the box and carefully transferred Feebas from the display Dive Ball into the new one.
From this moment on, this beautifully crafted Dive Ball would be the little fellow's new residence.
When Theo left the Devon Corporation branch in Mauville City, the setting sun was casting a warm golden glow over the vibrant city.
With his backpack on his shoulders and the metal case of ores in hand, Theo walked briskly toward the hotel he had booked in advance.
Inside its Poké Ball, Beldum could no longer hold back, letting out soft ding-ding sounds, clearly unable to forget about the ores inside the case.
As soon as Theo entered the hotel room and set the case down, Beldum shot out of its Poké Ball with a whoosh, like a small silver cannonball flying straight toward the box.
It slammed its head against the edge of the case, its red crystalline eyes wide open, while ringing metallic chimes echoed from within its body—plainly urging, "Hurry up and open it! Hurry up and open it!"
Laughing, Theo entered the combination for the code lock and opened the case. The cold, sharp luster of metal and ore instantly filled the room.
Beldum immediately floated forward in excitement, gently rubbing its body against the ores and metal pieces, occasionally nudging them with its small head, looking utterly impatient to "have a taste."
On the other side, the Dive Ball containing Feebas also shook lightly a few times. Theo placed it on the table and pressed the switch.
A flash of red light appeared, and Feebas used water vapor to support itself as it gently swam out, then found its designated spot—inside the large water tank prepared nearby.
As for Tyrantrum, its nearly three-meter-tall body was obviously far too large to move comfortably inside a hotel room. However, Theo had already made preparations for that.
Earlier, at the Devon branch, he had applied to switch Poké Balls.
This was a specially customized Nest Ball designed by Devon Corporation for large, cave-dwelling Pokémon—the same model used by Steven's Aggron.
This type of Nest Ball had an extremely spacious interior and simulated a rocky cave environment. The temperature and humidity were specially adjusted, allowing Tyrantrum to live inside in exceptional comfort.
The staff explained that it would be transferred from Devon's headquarters and delivered later to the hotel's front desk, and that Theo could simply go and pick it up when it arrived.
"Alright, time to give you some 'extra food,'" Theo said.
He took out various rare metals and ores from the case and arranged them in order according to the cultivation manual Steven had given him.
The manual stated very clearly: first absorb ordinary silver ore; then mithril ore to stabilize the body; afterward, absorb magnet ore to activate Beldum's latent magnetic potential.
Finally, use the rare iron–nickel alloy wrapped in deep blue coating to strengthen its magnetic force, which would allow Beldum's magnetic movement speed to become even faster.
As for the remaining ores, they were mainly meant to supplement the metal minerals required for Beldum's evolutionary division and could be consumed gradually in daily training afterward.
(End of Chapter)