Once Silas returned to his room, he closed the door behind him, pulled out his Pokédex, and returned the missed video call.
After a few seconds, the screen lit up and a cheerful pink face appeared on the other side.
"Big brother!"
A delighted voice rang from the device, and Silas's expression softened slightly. He smiled, his tone warm and teasing.
"May, huh? What made you call me all of a sudden? Feeling bored staying home again?"
On the screen, May's bright eyes curved into crescents, her grin glowing with joy.
"No, big brother! It's Dad-he wanted to talk to you! But he's still busy with a Gym battle right now!"
A trace of annoyance colored her voice.
May had always been frustrated with her father, Norman-the ever-dutiful Gym Leader of Petalburg City. He was so busy with challengers that she barely got to spend time with him.
Big brother's much better than Dad anyway~
Her gaze drifted toward the Star-patterned Bloom sitting beside her bed, and she couldn't help but smile sweetly.
Silas chuckled. "Haha, you sound just like before. Anyway, you'll like this-my latest journey's been quite something."
He began telling her stories about his travels-edited, of course. The lighthearted version. Full of wonder, adventure, and sunshine.
The grim truths about the fights against Team Aqua and Magma, the blood-soaked tunnels, and his ventures through the black market-were all left out.
Still, to May, who had rarely left home, every word sounded magical.
And in her heart, her fondness for her big brother grew once more.
Big brother is amazing…
Just as Silas finished his tale, Norman's voice finally came through from the other end of the call.
"Alright, May-hand the Pokédex over to Dad. I need to discuss something important with your big brother."
"Ehh… fine," May pouted, puffing her cheeks, though her usual cuteness didn't work this time.
She handed the Pokédex off with a reluctant little "Blehh~," pulling a funny face as she did.
Silas quickly straightened his posture and spoke respectfully.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Norman!"
The Petalburg Gym Leader smiled faintly on the other end. After a few casual words, he got to the point.
"Silas, I received the news from Rustboro. I didn't expect you to already earn your Junior Breeder's License. You've done well! I knew you weren't just a Magikarp in the pond-you're a rising dragon."
Word of Silas's achievements had spread fast through the Breeders' Guild in Rustboro City.
Ordinary trainers might not care but Gym Leaders and League officials like Norman certainly did.
Silas felt a flicker of pride but kept his tone modest.
"You flatter me, Mr. Norman. It was your guidance that helped me get here. Without your support, I'd probably still be lost in the crowd."
He struck that perfect balance-humble, yet confident enough to earn respect. Norman's smile widened, clearly pleased.
"Hahaha, good-very good. I'm glad to see you have such insight, Silas."
After a brief exchange, Norman's tone shifted to business.
"I called mainly to discuss your sponsorship. After a professional assessment, Petalburg Gym has decided to increase its investment in your training."
He paused for emphasis.
"The annual funding will rise from ₽500,000 to ₽1,500,000 Pokédollars and you'll also be granted a choice of one Technical Disc as part of the benefit."
Silas's lips curved into a small, genuine smile, eyes gleaming.
"Thank you very much for your trust, Mr. Norman."
He had half-expected this outcome. After all, the Joy family's recent investment in him had been enormous-not just because of their wealth, but because of his growing reputation and skill as a breeder.
In that light, there was no way the first sponsor-Petalburg Gym-would sit still.
After a few more pleasantries, Silas said his farewells. May's reluctant expression was the last thing he saw before ending the call.
He lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, a grin tugging at his lips.
"I can't believe he actually agreed to send me a 'Rain Dance' TM just because I mentioned it casually…"
The smile broke free completely.
Even the wealthy Joy family hadn't splurged on a move that rare for him.
Among TMs, the most expensive were always the power-boosting ones-like Swords Dance and Dragon Dance and the field-setting moves such as Grassy Terrain and Psychic Terrain.
Next came the weather-control skills: Rain Dance, Sunny Day, and Sandstorm.
TMs like these were priceless, often going for millions on the black market and even then, usually out of stock. Money alone couldn't always buy them.
Silas smirked. "Guess being on good terms with May helped too. Norman really is a doting father."
Chuckling to himself, he rose to feed his Pokémon, then made his way to the Pokémon Center restaurant for dinner.
This time, he skipped the free League meal plan.
"I'll take a fish burger, a bowl of curry noodles, and a bottle of Soda Pop, please."
In a rare, relaxed moment, Silas enjoyed his food, easing the mental strain of the past few days.
The black market hadn't worn him out physically but mentally, it had been exhausting. Always on edge, always cautious.
He knew balance was key. Push too hard, and even steel would snap.
Sure enough, just as he finished eating, his Pokédex beeped.
An electronic contract had arrived from the League. After scanning it, Silas signed without hesitation.
The next day, a package arrived at the Pokémon Center-a gleaming blue Technical Disc labeled Rain Dance.
Silas turned it over in his hands, a satisfied grin forming.
"Crawdaunt, looks like fortune's smiling on you."
He could already imagine it-
Crawdaunt under pouring rain, executing Dragon Dance before striking with Crabhammer.
Dragon Dance + Rain + Adaptability + STAB + 100 base power + critical chance.
If it landed a critical hit, the force would be catastrophic.
Silas stared at his proud partner and smiled quietly.
The day to unleash that power couldn't come soon enough.
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(Bonus chapter for holloween)
(End of chapter)