Half a month later.
Before the new semester began, Ethan Black finally received the news that he could leave the Secret Kingdom.
In the meeting room of the main headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild, Ethan Black was sitting in front of Grand President Beckett, with Professor Harris and Professor Reynolds at his side.
"Ethan, this is the reward that the Pokémon Researchers Guild will grant you this time."
"However, the value of these resources is very high, so the guild has decided to deliver them to you in several phases."
The president spoke after thinking for a moment, explaining the situation to Ethan Black.
"In phases?"
Ethan Black was thoughtful.
"Come on, kid, don't make that face."
"If we gave you all these resources at once, could you even take them all with you?"
"Besides, these include the food and nutritional juices you requested for your Pokémon; if they're stored for too long, they spoil."
Professor Harris smiled as he added that explanation when he saw Ethan Black remain silent.
Hearing that, Ethan Black felt a little embarrassed and scratched his head.
"Don't worry, we're not going to disadvantage you. Since it will be in phases, of course there will be some extra benefit for you." President Hamilton, who was sitting nearby, smiled and explained: "After discussing it, our idea is to deliver the resources to you once a month."
"At that time, you can come find me at the guild headquarters in Ironvale City. That way I can give you suggestions based on the state of your Pokémon, help you refine your training plan, and organize the allocation of resources for the next month."
Upon hearing this, Ethan Black's eyes lit up. Having an experienced Researcher like President Hamilton guiding him... that "benefit" was quite the gain!
"Then it's decided. But let's agree on something from now: regarding the new evolutionary direction of Pokémon, you cannot reveal it to anyone. If you break this agreement, the guild will cut off the supply of resources."
After defining the details of the allocation, Grand President Beckett spoke seriously.
Ethan Black nodded immediately. What he had gained from all this was already enormous, and he wouldn't be foolish enough to break the deal.
Besides, he suspected this was one of the reasons for paying him in phases: with monthly deliveries, the guild ensured he was kept firmly "tied" to them.
"Perfect."
"This is what corresponds to this month."
Seeing his decisive answer, Grand President Beckett nodded in satisfaction and handed him the resource package.
"Is this... a space backpack?"
Ethan Black opened his eyes wide in surprise at the object in the president's hands.
"Exactly, a space backpack. And it counts as part of all your resources."
Ethan Black took it delighted. Even if they said it was included in the reward, a space backpack was something practically impossible to buy, even with a lot of money.
So, looking at it clearly, he had come out winning.
As soon as he had it, Ethan Black couldn't help but open it. Before his eyes appeared an interior space of about three square meters, where there were large quantities of Pokémon food and nutritional juices, perfectly classified and labeled.
In addition, there were many training tools, all according to his specifications, designed to help his Pokémon perfectly carry out their training plans.
"Apart from these resources, thanks to that article you published, you already have enough points to be recognized as an Advanced-level Pokémon Researcher."
"But, due to confidentiality issues, we haven't reported your information to the world headquarters of the guild. We will temporarily hold back your rank and points."
After handing him everything, Grand President Beckett explained the matter of his Researcher level.
Ethan Black didn't care too much. After all, his goal had always been to become the strongest trainer, not a Researcher.
"President Beckett, you can rest assured."
"I will absolutely keep this a secret!"
Ethan Black once again promised seriously.
"By the way, President Beckett..."
"I want to use my Steelix to exchange it for a Pokémon from the Secret Kingdom, is that possible?"
When everything was said, Ethan Black mentioned the plan he had been considering for a long time.
"Use Steelix to exchange it for a Pokémon from the Secret Kingdom?"
"And which one do you want?"
The president looked at him and asked instead of answering.
"I want to exchange it for a Trapinch."
Ethan Black did not hesitate to say it. And of course, he was referring to the Trapinch from the desert that knew how to use the move Gust.
"A Trapinch?"
Hearing that he wasn't asking for anything excessive, the president relaxed.
If Ethan Black had asked for a Gible, a Dratini, or something equally rare, he would have rejected him immediately.
But a Trapinch wasn't that scarce, so he could consider it.
That said, all the Pokémon of the Secret Sky Kingdom were raised by the Guild for research, so they had excellent talent, and some even possessed very special abilities.
Therefore, although the proposal seemed reasonable, he would first go check the characteristics of that Trapinch number seven that Ethan Black was describing.
If it didn't turn out to be too valuable for their studies, he would be glad to make the exchange.
On one hand, the wild Steelix had great research value. On the other, its evolution required the rare item Metal Coat, so any successful Steelix was already valuable.
Moreover, they didn't want Ethan Black taking it outside. Even if he said nothing, others could deduce the method of Onix's evolution just by seeing it.
So, for several reasons, as long as that Trapinch wasn't an exceptionally important specimen, the decision was already almost made.
Soon, by order of the president, Trapinch number seven was brought to the Guild's headquarters.
(End of chapter)