Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 384 - 383: Starting the Job

After taking a general tour of the black market, Cain left immediately. He had already understood the dynamics of power in the Hoenn region and had a preliminary idea of the forces in Rustboro City.

There were eight major factions, with smaller groups clinging to these larger ones. Meanwhile, the League, Devon Corporation, and Rustboro City's wealthy elite remained separate from these groups, maintaining a superior position.

Given the complexity of Rustboro City, Cain knew he wasn't in a position to get involved just yet.

After leaving the black market, he returned to the hotel and had a peaceful night's sleep.

...

The next morning, Cain received a message from Steven, informing him that he was back in Rustboro City.

After having breakfast, Cain headed directly to the Devon Corporation building. Since he had chosen a hotel near the Devon Corporation building, it only took him five minutes to walk there.

At that moment, he saw Steven arriving in a luxurious limousine, dressed in a formal suit. Cain couldn't help but think sarcastically, "What a rich guy."

Steven spotted him and broke into a wide smile as he walked over.

"Cain! I just told you I was back, and you're already here!" Steven said, patting him on the shoulder.

"I got here yesterday. Since I didn't have much to do, I took a walk around Rustboro City and stayed at a nearby hotel," Cain replied, shrugging.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

"You were here yesterday! You should've told me! You could have stayed at my house instead of a hotel," Steven said, slightly annoyed, before adding, "Come, I'll show you around the Devon Corporation building."

Guided by Steven and followed by several people in suits and dark glasses, Cain had an awkward tour of the Devon Corporation facilities.

Finally, they ended up in Steven's office on the top floor. Calling it an "office" didn't do it justice—it was larger than most luxury hotel suites.

It was so spacious that one could train Pokémon inside without any issues.

Sitting on a sofa, Steven broke the silence.

"What do you think?"

"About what?"

"About Devon Corporation. From your perspective, do you have any suggestions?"

"Should I take this as you bragging?" Cain asked resignedly, knowing he didn't have much useful advice as an outsider.

Steven was left speechless.

He genuinely wanted to hear Cain's opinion. Although Devon Corporation was the largest in Hoenn, as its heir, Steven knew he needed to earn respect by achieving his own accomplishments.

He hoped to get some fresh ideas from Cain but didn't expect it to come across as boasting.

"Relax, I'm just kidding. Honestly, a corporation as big as Devon is beyond my expertise. Though, I'd say the work environment seems excellent, but the pace of work feels intense. Maybe adding some recreational facilities or more team activities could improve efficiency," Cain suggested casually.

Steven's eyes lit up.

"Go on, tell me more."

Although Cain lacked personal experience, he had read about such topics in his past life. Recalling the management practices of large corporations on Earth, he started sharing some of those ideas.

Steven listened attentively, enthusiastically taking notes.

Although Devon Corporation was enormous, this was a world where most people dedicated their time to Pokémon, so few focused on business management.

On Earth, however, corporations had developed various management strategies to optimize operations, and Cain was now presenting those ideas.

When he finished, Steven clapped his hands together in excitement.

"Cain! You're a genius—not just in Pokémon training but also in business management. Compared to you, I feel a bit inadequate," Steven said, brimming with excitement, as though he had found someone exceptional.

Cain didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

He was merely sharing what others had researched. Who would've thought no one here had bothered to study these topics?

"I'll take that as a compliment," Cain replied, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Even if he tried to explain, Steven wouldn't believe him.

"Cain, would you be interested in working for the company? You can set your own salary, and your position would be...well, you could start as my chief secretary. What do you say? You'd only report to me, not my father," Steven offered, looking at him expectantly.

"No, no! I was just talking about theory! Do you really think I could handle this? Besides, I want to keep being a trainer," Cain replied, repeatedly declining the offer.

It was a joke! Talking theory was fine, but actually putting it into practice? That would be a disaster!

However, Steven insisted that Cain help him. He wanted Cain to be instrumental in his success at Devon Corporation and solidify his position.

Eventually, Cain relented and agreed to become the "Chief Advisor" to the president of Devon Corporation, which could also be considered Steven's personal consultant.

As for the salary, they settled on ten million Pokédollars a year.

Cain wouldn't need to go to the office daily—he only had to share ideas when he had them and provide inspiration for Steven. Additionally, he'd have access to Devon Corporation's resources and products at a 30% discount.

With those conditions, Cain couldn't resist. He wouldn't have to work much, would earn a generous salary, and gain access to valuable resources. It was an offer he couldn't refuse.

So, he accepted with a smile.

Once again, he had managed to gain an advantage!

However, Steven seemed even happier than Cain. In fact, he got so excited about business management that he postponed their Pokémon discussion to continue talking about management ideas.

Cain started feeling a bit annoyed, but remembering his new salary, he decided to hold back his frustration.

Only when Steven's secretary interrupted to remind them it was time for lunch did the conversation end, and Cain breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, it was over!

He decided that, in the future, he would avoid the Devon Corporation building unless absolutely necessary.

He much preferred talking about Pokémon over business management.

"Come on, Cain, let's eat! After lunch, I'll take you to visit my mine, and you can choose an Aron," Steven said cheerfully.

The secretary, overhearing the conversation, couldn't help but look at Cain in surprise.

Choosing an Aron from the Stone family's mine? That was not a privilege just anyone could have.

(End of Chapter)