Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
The cooperation proposal presented by Raya caused Jacob to fall into deep contemplation, weighing the potential benefits against the obvious risks. Meanwhile, Rory and Zoe remained respectfully silent, choosing not to make any decisions on their son's behalf. Instead, they granted him the autonomy to choose his own path forward.
If this had been a straightforward matter concerning the Grass-Bug Secret Realm partnership, Rory would have felt comfortable making executive decisions based on his experience and business judgment. However, it was abundantly clear that Raya had little interest in their modest secret realm operations. Her true motivation for the share exchange and cooperative agreements centered entirely around establishing a relationship with his younger son.
Contemplating this realization, Rory experienced a complex mixture of self-deprecating humor and paternal pride. When exactly had his younger son become such a sought-after commodity in the elite circles of the Pokemon world? The transformation seemed to have occurred almost overnight, yet the evidence was undeniable.
Jacob carefully analyzed every aspect of the cooperation proposal that Raya had presented. He was forced to acknowledge that the compensation she was offering reached extraordinary levels that would be difficult to find elsewhere. The sheer monetary value of her gesture was staggering by any reasonable measure.
Beyond the collection of valuable Technical Machines, the dozen or so Mega Evolution Stones alone represented wealth that most people couldn't even conceptualize. These weren't items that could be purchased through normal commercial channels—they were priceless artifacts that existed in extremely limited quantities worldwide.
Most significantly, Jacob's trained eye had identified three specific stones among the collection that held particular importance for his future plans: Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Salamencite. These three Mega Evolution Stones alone represented capabilities that could transform his competitive prospects completely.
Jacob found himself unable to refuse these three stones regardless of any other considerations. From every practical angle he could examine, agreeing to cooperate with Raya appeared to be the only rational decision available to him.
Jacob's gaze shifted repeatedly between Raya's confident expression and the glittering Evolution Stones displayed in the briefcase. After extensive internal deliberation, he finally reached his conclusion: cooperation was inevitable and necessary.
He was a grown man with considerable capabilities and resources at his disposal—what reason did he have to fear working with a woman, regardless of her reputation for cunning? Jacob refused to be perceived as a coward who backed down from challenging situations simply because they involved complex personalities.
After making the decision to cooperate with Raya, Jacob suddenly felt a tremendous weight lift from his shoulders. The anxiety and uncertainty that had been plaguing him throughout the meeting began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of clarity and purpose.
Since cooperation appeared unavoidable given the circumstances, he should approach the partnership with genuine commitment and professionalism. Moreover, Raya was the party actively seeking his cooperation, which meant he possessed more leverage in the relationship than his initial nervousness had suggested. Additionally, he now had Iron Valiant supporting him—a Pokemon with genuine Champion-level strength that provided him with security and confidence that few trainers his age could claim.
After working through these logical considerations, Jacob found his demeanor becoming noticeably more relaxed and self-assured. His gaze became less guarded and more appreciative as he studied the woman across from him, occasionally glancing toward areas that perhaps warranted more discretion.
It was undeniable that Raya represented the epitome of feminine perfection in virtually every measurable category. She possessed stunning physical beauty, an elegant figure, sophisticated temperament, and unlimited financial resources. Her only potential flaw was her married status and existing family obligations... although for certain individuals, such circumstances might actually be considered advantageous rather than problematic.
Jacob suddenly realized that his thoughts were wandering into inappropriate territory and quickly attempted to refocus his attention. He had been trying to build confidence and overcome his intimidation regarding Raya's formidable reputation, but somehow he had accidentally shifted into overly bold territory. Such arrogance was unseemly and needed to be controlled immediately.
However, Raya's physical attributes were genuinely impressive and difficult to ignore completely. Perhaps just one final, discrete glance would be acceptable before returning to proper business deportment.
Raya, who had been patiently waiting for Jacob's response throughout his internal deliberations, possessed the keen observational skills that came naturally to someone in her position. She immediately noticed the subtle changes in Jacob's attention and the direction of his occasional glances.
Women possessed an innate sensitivity regarding such matters that rarely failed them in social situations. Raya was certainly aware of her own considerable appeal and understood exactly how attractive she appeared to young men like Jacob who lacked extensive experience with sophisticated women.
However, facing Jacob's furtive looks, she couldn't help but recall the embarrassing note that Zion had secretly retrieved from Jacob's bedroom during their previous intelligence gathering. Remembering the contents of that particular document, Raya's emotions became complicated, and she silently criticized him as having perverted tendencies.
She began experiencing some regret about her previous enthusiasm for this partnership. Perhaps her daughter wasn't particularly well-suited for someone with Jacob's apparent proclivities after all.
"Heavenly King Raya," Jacob began, since he had committed to cooperation, he naturally wanted to establish clear parameters and expectations from the beginning. Professional relationships functioned best when both parties understood their obligations and limitations clearly. "I can agree to work with you, but the specific details of our cooperation will require thorough discussion and negotiation."
"Excellent," Raya responded, her face breaking into a genuinely charming smile that inadvertently displayed her captivating appeal. Her expression was simultaneously bright and enchanting, radiating the kind of natural charisma that made her so effective in political and business circles.
She thoroughly approved of Jacob's methodical approach to partnership negotiations. Cooperation was indeed cooperation, and every aspect should be handled according to formal contractual agreements that protected both parties' interests.
"I've prepared a preliminary contract draft for your review," Raya announced after finishing her statement. Zion immediately stepped forward to present the document. "Both Scott and Maximus have already examined the terms and provided their signatures. You're the final party whose approval we need to proceed."
Jacob accepted the contract and began reading through its contents carefully. He had to acknowledge that compared to his previous visit to the Xiao Family estate, this current presentation demonstrated considerably more sincerity and genuine commitment to fair partnership terms.
The subsequent discussion of cooperation details consumed nearly an hour as both parties worked through various clauses, expectations, and contingency provisions. Eventually, they reached a preliminary verbal agreement that satisfied both sides' primary concerns and objectives.
"I'll have my legal team draft a comprehensive final contract and send it to you for review," Raya explained. "There's no immediate rush—you should focus your attention on preparing for the upcoming tournament competition first. Business matters can wait until after your academic obligations are fulfilled."
"That sounds perfectly reasonable," Jacob agreed with a nod of appreciation for her consideration of his priorities.
"Compared to our business cooperation, I find myself much more curious about what you intend to do with these items that the Long Family has been collecting on your behalf," Raya commented after the formal negotiations concluded. She appeared noticeably more relaxed now, leaning back slightly in her chair in a languid posture while her expressive eyes remained fixed on Jacob with obvious interest.
Jacob remained silent for several moments, studying Raya's face carefully as he weighed his response options. The question touched on information that could prove extremely valuable or dangerous depending on how it was handled.
"If you prefer not to discuss the matter, that's perfectly acceptable," Raya continued when Jacob hesitated to respond immediately. "My previous promise remains valid regardless of your decision to share additional information. I stated that these items are yours, and I meant exactly that. However, if you develop new experimental projects or achieve significant research results, I would appreciate priority consideration for my Family's involvement."
Apparently sensing Jacob's internal conflict about disclosure, Raya demonstrated exceptional grace by not pressing the issue further. Her good mood following Jacob's agreement to cooperate was evident in her generous and patient approach to his concerns.
Jacob continued weighing the pros and cons of revelation in his mind, considering the potential consequences of sharing such sensitive information. Mega Evolution represented something fundamentally different from Z-Moves in terms of its implications and potential impact.
Z-Moves had been discoveries derived from existing phenomena that were already partially understood by the scientific community. Mega Evolution, however, represented a completely novel discovery that would undoubtedly cause worldwide sensations once announced publicly.
Jacob understood that he could never hope to monopolize the Mega Evolution phenomenon entirely through his own resources alone. Finding trustworthy partners was not just advisable—it was absolutely essential for maximizing the discovery's potential while maintaining some degree of control over its development and distribution.
Originally, Jacob's strategy had involved cooperating exclusively with the Long Family while accepting a modest portion of the overall benefits that Mega Evolution would eventually generate. However, as his personal strength had grown and his ambitions had expanded accordingly, Jacob had begun developing much more comprehensive plans.
Including the Xiao Family in his cooperation network would allow him to claim a substantially larger share of the eventual profits while simultaneously enabling the collection of significantly more Evolution Keystones and Mega Evolution Stones from global markets.
Furthermore, Jacob had begun developing his own ulterior motives for the discovery. He wanted to integrate Mega Evolution capabilities into his long-term plan for establishing a powerful organization of loyal followers and allies.
Mega Evolution could serve dual purposes in this regard. It could help individuals like Amelia, who trusted him completely but currently lacked sufficient strength to be truly useful, to dramatically increase their combat capabilities. Additionally, it could function as an incredibly effective tool for winning hearts and minds among potential recruits.
By leveraging Mega Evolution's transformative power, Jacob was confident that any organization he established could quickly gain a solid foothold in the competitive landscape of elite Pokemon training and political influence.
"Heavenly King Raya..." After extensive consideration, Jacob suddenly addressed her directly, then shifted his gaze meaningfully toward Zion and his sister, who remained standing attentively nearby.
"Don't worry about them—they're absolutely trustworthy in all matters," Raya immediately understood the implication behind Jacob's glance. Based on his demeanor and obvious concern about privacy, she was beginning to suspect that these mysterious gems might be considerably more important than she had initially imagined.
Jacob remained silent, his expression clearly indicating that he wasn't satisfied with her assurance. Mega Evolution was simply too significant a discovery to risk exposure through individuals he didn't know personally and trust completely.
"Zion, both of you step outside for a few minutes. Make sure no one else enters this room while we're discussing private matters," Raya instructed when she recognized Jacob's firm stance on the issue. The two parties had just reached a cooperation agreement, and there was no benefit in creating conflict over relatively minor procedural concerns.
Rory, who had been quietly observing his son engaging in sophisticated negotiations with an Heavenly King as though they were equals, suddenly felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity. His younger son had developed capabilities and confidence that seemed to have emerged almost overnight.
Perhaps it really was time for him to consider retirement and focus on the prospect of spending time with future grandchildren rather than continuing to manage business affairs that his sons were clearly better equipped to handle.
"These gems..." Jacob began, preparing to explain once Zion and his sister had departed.
"Wait a moment," Rory interrupted suddenly. "Jacob, you two take your time with this discussion. Your mother and I are going to step out for some fresh air and a brief walk around the area."
Rory clearly understood that whatever Jacob and Raya were about to discuss involved matters of extreme importance that were better handled without parental oversight or interference. He diplomatically found an excuse to provide them with complete privacy.
"Dad..." Jacob started to object, feeling somewhat uncomfortable about excluding his parents from such significant conversations.
"You're perfectly capable of handling these decisions independently from now on. Listening to complex business negotiations just gives me headaches anyway," Rory replied with a warm smile that conveyed both confidence in his son's judgment and relief at transferring such responsibilities. "And remember to show proper respect to Heavenly King Raya—she's your senior in both age and professional standing."
With that gentle guidance, Rory took Zoe's arm and guided her toward the exit. His departing figure carried a mixture of melancholy and liberation—the bittersweet emotions of a parent watching his children achieve independence.
His two sons were growing into capable adults with each passing day, developing skills and responsibilities that exceeded his own capabilities in many areas.
But as parents inevitably discovered, watching children mature meant accepting their own gradual transition toward old age and reduced relevance in their children's most important decisions.