"Well, that's not something we need to worry about. Let's leave it to Professor Harris," said Alex Baxter. "In fact, I just wanted to talk to you about something. Let's go to the cafeteria, I'll explain while we eat."
Once in the cafeteria, Alex Baxter enthusiastically pulled out a poster and placed it in front of Ethan Black.
Ethan Black took it and glanced at it. On the cover of the poster, large words could be read: "Autumn Festival Sun and Moon New Challengers Tournament."
"New Challengers Tournament? And what do you want with me?" asked Ethan Black, somewhat puzzled. "I'm not even a student at the university."
"Hehe, this Sun and Moon Tournament is a doubles tournament, and I thought we could participate together," replied Alex Baxter, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "With your Sandshrew, we'll dominate for sure!"
"But I already told you I'm not a student at this university." Ethan Black rolled his eyes.
"Who says you're not!? With the secondary card Professor Harris gave you, who would dare say otherwise!" insisted Alex Baxter. "Besides, you're only 18 years old, you fit perfectly within the requirements for a novice trainer. I'm sure there won't be a problem!"
"Even so... I think we'd better leave it," said Ethan Black with doubt. He was worried this might get Professor Harris into trouble.
"Wait, wait! Don't say no just yet. Look at the first-place prize before you decide," said Alex Baxter, flipping the poster over and pointing at it excitedly.
"The prize...?" Ethan Black froze for a moment, but when he saw what was written, his eyes widened more and more.
"Hahahaha! I knew you'd be interested!" laughed Alex Baxter at his reaction.
Ethan Black barely managed to tear his eyes away from the poster, swallowed hard, and nodded firmly.
Because the tournament prize was none other than a Moon Stone and a Sun Stone.
Yes! Those extremely rare evolutionary stones, which allow Pokémon like Nidorina, Nidorino, or Clefairy to evolve with the Moon Stone, and Pokémon like Gloom, Sunkern, or Petilil to evolve with the Sun Stone.
Strategic resources of extremely high value that aren't even available for sale on the market!
Ethan Black couldn't help but admire the wealth and generosity of the university. Just to motivate and cultivate new students, they were willing to offer such resources as prizes.
"A Moon Stone, huh...?" murmured Ethan Black, as countless ideas began to pile up in his mind.
Now that Sandshrew was already capable of creating sandstorms through special methods, his idea of forming a sandstorm-centered team was no longer just an illusion.
And within such a lineup, Nidoqueen or Nidoking were undoubtedly excellent options. Especially with their hidden ability Sheer Force and the extensive move pool that the Nido family can learn. They could easily become a fearsome attacker.
"Hahahaha! You want to join now, don't you? I knew it!" shouted Alex Baxter, laughing heartily.
"Well... the truth is I am interested," admitted Ethan Black. "But I still don't like the idea. At the end of the day, I'm not a real university student."
"And what are you so worried about?" protested Alex Baxter.
"You've got Professor Harris's secondary card, your data is already registered in the university system! Technically you're already part of the university. Even if you're not a student, you're Professor Harris's assistant, and that already makes you one of us."
"Even so... I think the best thing would be to ask Professor Harris for permission first," said Ethan Black, gritting his teeth.
Because yes! He desperately wanted those evolutionary stones.
"No problem," said Professor Harris when Ethan Black went to ask him. "You can participate in the tournament. I'll notify the administration later."
To Ethan Black's surprise, Professor Harris agreed immediately and even offered to inform the university staff himself.
"That said, during the battle, make sure to use the move Sandstorm as much as possible," added Professor Harris. "I want to observe its performance in a real fight. Maybe that will help us in our research."
Ah, of course. No wonder he supported it so enthusiastically.
The professor wanted to use the battle as an experimental test for his study on the move Sandstorm.
In any case, with Professor Harris's permission secured, Ethan Black and Alex Baxter couldn't have been happier, and they immediately headed to the registration desk to sign up for the tournament.
(End of chapter)