Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice

Of course, the world's number one Incineroar sounds a bit unrealistic in the real world.

After all, the stats and tactics in games can only serve as a reference—they can't truly be applied to real-life battles. Let me give you an example.

Take Regieleki and Slowbro as Pokémon. When it comes to speed, they're undoubtedly worlds apart. But even with such a wide speed gap, in the game, it's still turn-based: you hit me once, I hit you once.

But in a real-life battle, could something like that happen? While Slowbro is preparing one move, Regieleki could probably unleash ten in the same amount of time!

That said, Stephen still doesn't deny that Incineroar is an incredibly excellent and promising Pokémon.

Karen, who was being pointed at by Stephen, froze for a moment before pouting and muttering:

 "This guy…"

"Hey, hey, hey! That's not fair! Why don't you give me a new Pokémon too?" Will shouted dramatically.

Stephen couldn't be bothered with this clown and instead turned to Kukui.

 "Is it okay, Professor? I'm willing to pay for it."

"Uh… no problem, no problem. Indeed, Litten's current state isn't suitable for a novice trainer to raise. It's much better if it goes to a suitable trainer," Kukui said warmly, agreeing immediately.

Kukui was a kind-hearted man, and besides, he was now certain that the so-called Move Machine invention was created by the young man in front of him. This boy was destined to become a figure who would shake the entire Pokémon world.

Earning his favor was a deal with no downsides.

When Stephen took the Pokéball containing Litten from Kukui and handed it to Karen, she pouted and said:

 "Trying to win me over, huh?"

"Because you're my companion," Stephen retorted with a playful tap on her head.

Whether you end up as a member of the Elite Four or something else, don't think for a second you can act high and mighty around this Professor Stephen.

"Win you over"? Stephen never plays the simp!

From all the novels he'd read in his previous lives, the protagonists who groveled at the feet of female characters were the ones he looked down on the most.

"Alright, Chairwoman Lusamine has now seen the effects of the TM twice. What are your thoughts?"

Stephen sat back down, locking eyes with Lusamine again.

"A genius design—just like Pokéballs. Once it becomes available, it will undoubtedly revolutionize the entire Pokémon world," Lusamine said without hesitation, offering the highest praise.

She felt even that wasn't enough.

"But… Stephen, you didn't go through all the trouble of meeting me just to show off, did you?" Lusamine propped her chin on one hand, exuding the grace and charm of a mature woman.

"I'm a scientist. I'm very interested in the Ultra Beasts that have been appearing frequently across Alola in recent years," Stephen replied, getting straight to the point.

"I know that the Aether Foundation, under your leadership, is cooperating with Professor Kukui's Space Research Lab to study Ultra Beasts. I'd like to obtain all related data. In exchange, I'm willing to offer the development plans for the TM."

The moment he said this, everyone present was stunned.

Whether it was Lusamine and her Aether Foundation team, Kukui and Burnet, or even Stephen's companions Karen and Will, their expressions all changed dramatically.

It wasn't surprising that Stephen was interested in Ultra Beasts. As a genius scientist capable of inventing the Move Machine, it was only natural for him to be curious about such mysterious creatures.

But exchanging the Move Machine for this information? That was far too generous!

The two things weren't even remotely equivalent!

It was like trading a Latias for a Rattata—utter madness!

"Excuse me, I need to have a word with this guy!"

Karen grabbed Stephen by the arm and dragged him outside. Will let out a nervous laugh and hurriedly followed.

The members of the Aether Foundation and the Space Research Institute were left staring at each other in stunned silence.

...

Karen dragged Stephen to the backyard.

"What's gotten into you!?"

Karen scolded him harshly.

"What's wrong?" Stephen asked, a bit helplessly.

"Why would you trade off the patent for the TM? Do you even know how valuable it is? If you handed it over to a company, that company could instantly rival giants like Silph Co. or Devon Corp!"

"Their research can help Umbreon break through her limit," Stephen explained. "Besides, I don't have any other inventions at hand that are suitable for a trade right now."

"This...!"

Karen didn't know how to respond for a moment.

To be honest, she admired Stephen's dedication to the Pokémon, but... wasn't the price too steep?

Will scratched his head awkwardly, unsure how to interject. He couldn't very well say, "This invention could be traded for hundreds of high-quality Eevees," could he? That would get him beaten to death by Stephen.

Meanwhile, Umbreon in the Pokéball on Stephen's belt had tears welling up in her eyes.

It's all for me... Master is doing all this for me...

Karen thought for a long time before finally snapping:

"Fine. You keep quiet and let me handle the negotiations."

Stephen and Will followed behind Karen like lackeys.

Will whispered, "She seems angrier than yesterday when you confessed to Madam Lusamine."

Stephen made a "shut up" gesture. Now was not the time for chatter.

When they returned to the living room and sat down before anyone else could speak, Karen immediately launched a verbal barrage like a rapid-fire cannon:

"The patent for the TM must remain in our hands, and all sales must clearly state, 'All rights of interpretation are reserved by Stephen.' Additionally, 70% of the revenue must go to us. And of course, we'll need access to all research materials relating to the Ultra Beasts."

As the daughter of a businessman, Karen had learned a thing or two. At the very least, she was better at this than Stephen.

"Seventy percent? Isn't that a bit too much, little miss?" Faba protested, clearly dissatisfied.

Karen scoffed, "What contributions did you make to the development process? At the end of the day, all you're offering is a sales platform and a mass-production facility, yet you want to reap the rewards of our invention. A 30% share is already generous. If you don't agree, I'm sure Silph Co. in Kanto, Devon Corp. in Hoenn, and Macro Cosmos in Galar would be very interested."

Stephen gave her a silent thumbs-up.

To be honest, Stephen could only cooperate with the Aether Foundation because the data on the Type: Null Pokémon—the key to helping Umbreon break through her limit—was in their hands.

But right now, Karen was deliberately putting on a front: "I have plenty of options, but you can only choose me."

This instantly shifted the balance of power in their favor.

"This..."

Sure enough, Karen's words left even the sharp-tongued Faba momentarily speechless.

"Not willing? Fine, we're leaving!"

Karen struck a domineering pose, rising to her feet and motioning for her two underlings to follow her out.

Her stance was exactly like a haggling mother who, after failing to get a discount, declares, "We're not buying it, let's go to the next shop!"

"Wait, please!"

Lusamine's anxious voice called out from behind them.

Through her sunglasses, Karen gave Stephen a wink as if to say, "See?"

This time, Stephen gave her an actual thumbs-up.