The rewards were truly generous. Eichi calculated that between the 1,000 credits for participation and the 3,000 credits for the victory, plus an additional 3,000 credits for the additional match, he had earned a total of 7,000 credits.
From a single exchange tournament, he had pocketed 7,000 credits.
Furthermore, there was a reward even better than the Stat Boosters: the chance to select a Pokémon.
This reward was more precious than the Stat Boosters themselves. The third and second-year students would have gladly traded their Stat Boosters for a Pokémon with an Outstanding talent grade.
Then there were the Stat Boosters. After two matches, he was eligible to receive six bottles.
Eichi considered his options. With six bottles and three Pokémon, giving two bottles to each felt fair.
After all, they had all worked hard for this.
Once Director Yanagi finished speaking, the reward collection began.
Following the established order, Eichi was the first to select his Stat Boosters.
Eichi walked to the table and looked them over. Each bottle was labeled according to its type.
The green ones were HP Up, pink were Protein, yellow were Iron, blue were Carbos, orange were Calcium, and brown were Zinc.
Eichi thought it through. For Beedrill, speed and attack were its foundation.
Scizor needed attack and defense, while Heracross required attack and special defense.
He quickly made up his mind, taking three bottles of Protein, one bottle of Carbos, one bottle of Iron, and one bottle of Zinc.
Watching Eichi pick his Stat Boosters, Director Yanagi's heart bled. To reward them like this, the academy was truly paying a heavy price.
Beside him, Yuli watched Eichi with envy. For her, both Stat Boosters and Pokémon with Outstanding talent were things she desperately needed.
Unfortunately, she only had the Stat Boosters now.
After Eichi made his selection, a teacher placed the six bottles into a plastic box. Eichi tucked it into his backpack.
Director Yanagi then handed him a certificate of merit. Eichi accepted it and said, "Thank you, Director Yanagi."
"Keep working hard," Director Yanagi nodded.
Eichi nodded and walked back. Sato went next, making his choice without much hesitation.
Then came Konan, Matsumoto, and the others, one by one.
After Tetsu made his selection, he returned to Eichi's side and whispered, "These Stat Boosters are very rare on the outside."
"Even with my family's connections, we can only supply a few Pokémon. Any more than that is impossible."
Once everyone had finished their selections, they were all quite happy.
Seeing everyone in such high spirits, Director Yanagi's mood improved significantly as well.
He then announced, "Alright, the third and second-year students should head back to class now. First-year students, follow me to the Pokémon egg vault to select your Pokémon."
As soon as he said this, the second and third-year seniors turned green with envy. It was simply too much.
However, there was nothing they could do; their teammates hadn't been quite strong enough.
They said their goodbyes to Director Yanagi and headed back one by one.
Eventually, only Eichi's group, Director Yanagi, and a few teachers remained in the conference room.
Tetsu and the others were visibly excited. Who wouldn't be thrilled about picking out a Pokémon?
Their hearts throbbed with excitement. The most excited of all was Kosei; her family was ordinary, so she had no way of obtaining a Pokémon with Outstanding talent.
This would likely be her very first Outstanding-grade Pokémon.
Tetsu rubbed his hands together excitedly and asked, "Eichi, we're about to pick Pokémon eggs. What kind of Pokémon egg do you think I should choose?"
Suppressing his own excitement, Eichi replied, "Whatever you want. Just pick the one you like."
"Alright, I'll take your word for it," Tetsu laughed. "I'll take a good look in a bit."
Director Yanagi spoke briefly with a teacher and then walked over. "Let's go. I'll take you all to the Pokémon incubation room."
"Director, I can't wait!" Tetsu shouted.
Seeing the expectant looks in everyone's eyes, Director Yanagi didn't waste any more words. "Let's go."
He was the first to leave the conference room, and the others hurried to follow.
The Pokémon incubation room was built next to the Logistics Department, quite close to the breeding garden.
If one exchanged for a Pokémon egg at the Logistics Department, they would go to the Pokémon egg vault to collect it.
The last time Eichi had visited the Logistics Department was months ago.
This time, Director Yanagi was personally leading them.
After a ten-minute walk past the Logistics Department, they arrived at the adjacent Pokémon egg vault.
The building was shaped like a giant egg, colored pink and white on the outside.
Stepping inside, the decor was both cozy and high-tech.
As they entered the lobby, several female staff members came forward to greet them.
They had known Director Yanagi was coming today, so they weren't surprised.
The others were visiting the Pokémon egg vault for the first time and looked around curiously.
The lobby walls were covered with photos of newborn Pokémon, each looking innocently at the camera.
Pure light shone from their eyes; they were full of curiosity about the new world, and every single one was incredibly cute.
"So cute..."
"I want one..."
Tong and Kelly couldn't help but whisper as they looked at the photos.
Looking at these pictures, Eichi felt a stir of emotion in his heart.
Beyond the walls of photos, the sofas and chairs in the lobby were piled with various Pokémon cushions and plush dolls.
It was so warm and welcoming that everyone felt somewhat immersed in the atmosphere.
Director Yanagi didn't rush them, waiting a moment before saying, "Alright, we have serious business to attend to."
His words snapped them back to reality, reminding them they were there to choose Pokémon.
They followed Director Yanagi deeper into the facility, passing through a corridor until they reached a room.
The door to this room was different from the others.
For starters, the door looked exceptionally sturdy, and a digital lock was installed on the front.
A staff member entered a code and pressed a button.
Click.
With a sound, the staff member turned the handle and opened the door.
A wave of warm air rushed out. The group peered inside.
At first glance, they saw countless Pokémon eggs of all colors and patterns.
Eichi and the others followed Director Yanagi inside.
The room was filled with technological marvels, including several different types of machines.
Atop the machines were rows of small pods, each containing a Pokémon egg.
Below each pod was a small screen displaying a string of numbers—the identification code.
Underneath were details about the Pokémon, its egg group, and a bunch of data that was hard to decipher.