Seeing Eichi ask, Director Yanagi picked up the Key Stone in his hand and began to explain, "You mean this? I don't actually know what it's called. Everyone just calls them glass marbles."
"I got these from the Logistics Department."
"I saw them there and asked what they were for. A girl named Tong told me that people in the Academy are researching them because they found a special energy inside. However, they haven't been able to figure it out, so most people gave up, and they ended up in Logistics. I thought they looked pretty and there were quite a few of them, so I exchanged some credits for them. It only cost a few points," he said, handing the glass marble to Eichi for a closer look.
Eichi brought the Key Stone to his eyes and examined it carefully, using his Bug Force to sense it. Within the Key Stone, there was indeed a special energy, full of vigorous life force, but it was all hidden away.
He handed the Key Stone back to Director Yanagi. The Director noticed Eichi's longing for it and asked, "What, you want one?"
Eichi nodded. "Yes."
Seeing this, Director Yanagi said, "Fine. However many you can find, you can keep. Whatever you find belongs to you."
"Really?" Eichi asked.
"Really," Director Yanagi confirmed.
You said it, so they're all going to be mine now, Eichi thought silently. Thinking this, he added aloud, "Then I'll be going, Director."
"Go ahead, Eichi. I'm looking forward to you finding the first glass marble," Director Yanagi said.
With that, Eichi turned and set off. Watching Eichi's back gradually disappear, Director Yanagi picked up the glass marble in his hand. "They really are beautiful. I should find a chance to exchange for the rest of them later."
However, Director Yanagi did not notice a small flicker of cyan energy on the surface of the Key Stone.
Eichi was the last to depart. By the time he entered the forest, the others had long since vanished. He wasn't in a hurry to find the Key Stones and walked slowly.
After walking for about an hour, Eichi noticed that this part of the forest was different from the previous area; Pokémon weren't constantly coming over to attack. Only a few would initiate a fight upon seeing him. Most Pokémon simply went about their business.
Eichi guessed that Director Yanagi and the others might have made arrangements beforehand, provided the students didn't provoke them. Furthermore, he discovered there were no teachers protecting him in the shadows. It was quite strange. Do they think these Pokémon won't pose a threat?
This stage was likely a comprehensive test of strength, luck, and ability. Eichi pondered for a moment before continuing to wander through the forest. Another hour passed. He still found no sign of any hidden teachers. Now certain, Eichi began to take action.
He mobilized the Bug Force within his body. Earlier, when he touched the Key Stone, he had secretly tampered with it. By simulating the energy fluctuations of the Key Stone he had handled, he could locate others within the forest.
The reason Eichi wanted to confirm the absence of teachers was that he didn't want them to see his process for finding the Key Stones. If they saw how he was doing it, they would certainly become suspicious.
This time, Director Yanagi had hidden a total of 10 Key Stones in the forest. It was roughly one per person, but the Director hadn't said a person could only take one. Therefore, Eichi planned to exploit this loophole. He intended to take several—it would be a waste not to, since they were effectively free.
Currently, no one knew the purpose of Key Stones, which is why they were left in the Logistics Department like common glass marbles. Moreover, based on Director Yanagi's demeanor, exchanging for them didn't cost many credits. He had to grab as many as possible now. In a few years, once they realized what Key Stones were for, the price would skyrocket. Even if they weren't as valuable as Mega Stones, the price would certainly not be low.
However, he couldn't take too many. He felt that five was just right—not too few, and not too many.
With this in mind, Eichi began to release his Bug Force. Inside his body, liquid Bug Force could already be seen within various organs. As he released the energy, it covered a radius of 50 meters. If a Key Stone appeared within that range, he would sense it and determine its approximate location. He was like a radar searching for a target.
Eichi walked slowly, but the Bug Force around him gave no reaction. The trees here were very lush. Aside from a dirt path in the center trodden down by people, the rest of the area was covered in weeds. After ten minutes of walking, a surge of energy fluctuation suddenly appeared in his perception, resonating with the energy he was simulating.
Found one!?
Eichi intensified his sensing, and the signal immediately became clearer. It was to his right. He changed direction, following the trail of the Key Stone.
As he got closer, the weeds became more abundant. Ahead of him, several trees stood in a circular formation. In the center was a giant tree with its base completely hollowed out. From 20 meters away, he could see a massive Ursaring lying at the entrance of the hollow.
Sure enough, the Key Stone was likely placed inside that Ursaring's tree hollow. It was currently the season for Ursaring to have cubs, making them extremely irritable. Looking with his Eye of the Bug Emperor, he saw this Ursaring's level was at the peak of Elite rank, just a step away from Gym Leader rank. Its talent was Excellent. Its strength was likely terrifying, and there was probably another Ursaring inside the hollow.
Forcing his way in would end badly, so obtaining the Key Stone would normally be very difficult. However, while it might be hard for others, it wasn't as difficult for Eichi.
Eichi walked straight out of the woods. When he was five meters away from the Ursaring, it seemed to sense something and opened its eyes. It spotted Eichi instantly and habitually stood up, assuming a combat stance.
Eichi stopped and said, "Hello, I mean no harm."
Fortunately, his Bug Force took effect, increasing his affinity with Pokémon. Although the Ursaring still looked at him warily, it didn't attack.
Seeing that it wasn't attacking, Eichi spoke again, "Ursaring, I've come to make a deal with you."
He took a large bag of Pokémon food from his backpack, then pulled out a notebook and a pen and began to draw. A minute later, Eichi held up the notebook for the Ursaring to see. He pointed his right finger at the drawing of the Key Stone. "Do you have this item here? If you do, I'll trade this bag of food for it."
He then released his Heracross. To make the Ursaring believe him, Eichi tore open the bag and grabbed a handful for Heracross to eat. Once Heracross had eaten, the Ursaring began to understand. To fully earn its trust, Eichi walked forward and placed a handful of Pokémon food on the ground.