"Devon Corporation has gone bankrupt!!"

Devon Corporation was a massive conglomerate representing the Hoenn region. Originally a small company focused on rock mining and metal processing, it grew to a scale rivaling Silph Co. by creating a succession of innovative technologies in various fields, including the PokéNav, Devon Scope, Poké Balls, and fossil resurrection technology. President Stone was its manager, and Steven, as his son, possessed immense wealth and social status.

However, a certain incident brought Devon's past to light. In the past, Devon had provided technical cooperation for a Rayquaza capture operation conducted by the Pokémon Association. During that operation, Aster, a Lorekeeper of the Draconid people who tried to protect Rayquaza, lost her life, and Devon had kept that fact hidden for many years.

As the investigation progressed, it was also discovered that Devon had failed to fully disclose information regarding safety and accidents in past Groudon/Kyogre countermeasures and Rayquaza-related research. Despite the fact that Devon had not directly conspired with Team Magma or Team Aqua, the reality that a giant corporation producing "technology to save the world" had hidden the dangers associated with that technology and its past responsibilities sent a massive shock through Hoenn society.

Claims for compensation poured in from all over, and government agencies and business partners terminated their contracts with Devon one after another. Research facilities were closed, and the company's assets were sold off to pay for compensation and debts. Ultimately, Devon fell into de facto bankruptcy, and most of the assets owned by the Stone family were lost in the attempt to rebuild the company and pay reparations.

As a result, Steven, once known to everyone as the "Scion of Devon Corporation," lost not only his fortune but also his home, his connection to the company, his social standing, and his position as the "Devon Heir." Even though he himself did not cause the scandal, he was forced to shoulder the past of the giant corporation and the responsibility of his family, leading to his isolation from society.

Thus, Steven, once the scion of one of Hoenn's most prominent families, has fallen into a state of literally having nothing.