Chapter 120: Full Support
Basalt waited in Mr. Shane's office for a strange twenty minutes before being led to an office on the top floor of the main training camp building.
"Director, I've brought Basalt," Mr. Shane said, his usual booming voice noticeably softer, his demeanor almost timid. As close as he was to the Gym Leader level, he wasn't there yet, and the difference in rank was undeniable. Moreover, the man before him, Director Sterling, was the designated successor to the Metro City Gym, a trainer far beyond the level of an ordinary Gym Leader. Even though he was twenty years younger than Shane, he could easily sweep his entire team.
The Director? He's so young, Basalt thought, surprised by the man's handsome appearance.
Director Sterling ignored his surprise and smiled warmly. "You must be Basalt. I've seen the video of your battle. For a Novice-Rank Drilbur to be able to use Sandstorm... it's truly astonishing."
"On behalf of the training camp, I can promise you that from now until the end of the provincial tournament, we will do everything in our power to support you and your Drilbur in getting stronger."
He looked at Basalt as if he were a precious treasure.
The sudden offer was like a bombshell. Basalt was completely stunned. Director Sterling had gone straight for the kill, no beating around the bush. Full support. I give you this promise.
"What... what kind of support?" Basalt's voice trembled. The good news had come so suddenly, he was completely unprepared.
"Primarily resources," Director Sterling said, his expression sincere. "Skills, secret techniques, supplies... whatever you need, you can ask. As long as I can get it approved, I will."
"Secret techniques... too?" Basalt was shocked. Weren't those incredibly valuable?
"Of course," the director nodded. "Metro City has a considerable collection. If you need one, I can apply for you. However... at your current skill level, your foundation isn't solid enough. You probably wouldn't be able to master a high-level or overly complex technique. So if you do need one, try to choose something suitable for your current stage. Otherwise, the application will likely be denied."
Eat only what your stomach can hold. If you were too ambitious and your skills didn't match, the city wouldn't be foolish enough to approve an outrageous request.
"Uh... don't worry, Director. I'm a very down-to-earth person," Basalt said, scratching his head awkwardly. The first thing that had popped into his head was "Swords Dance." Good thing he hadn't said it out loud.
"Good," Director Sterling nodded, satisfied. "I'll have someone compile a list of secret techniques suitable for Novice-Rank Pokémon. You can choose one to study. If you work hard and master the first one, I can help you apply for another."
Basalt's jaw dropped. So... it's not a one-time deal? If I learn fast enough, I can... get a whole bunch of them?
Even Mr. Shane, who was standing to the side, was stunned. In all his years of teaching, he had never seen a trainee receive this level of support. It was as if the city's entire library of secret techniques had been opened to Basalt. As long as he was skilled enough and learned quickly enough, he could have as many as he wanted.
After giving Basalt a moment to process, Director Sterling moved on to the topic of resources. "In addition to what you've already earned, I can give you an extra Rock Gem every week, specifically to help your Drilbur increase the power of its Sandstorm. The strength of the sandstorm is key to its power. You need to focus on that."
"Don't worry, Director. When it comes to sandstorms, I'm serious," Basalt said with a nod, though inwardly he was ecstatic. Another Rock Gem every week! Yes!
"Actually, the best item for boosting a sandstorm is a Smooth Rock," the director continued. "But those are far rarer than attribute gems or even standard type-enhancing items. I'm not sure if we even have one in the city's treasury. But don't worry, I'll find a way to get one for you," he said, his gaze firm.
"Director, uh... are Smooth Rocks really that rare?" Basalt asked.
"Of course they are!" Mr. Shane interjected, unable to contain himself. "They're weather-enhancing items, a rare breed among type-enhancers. The energy they contain is different from and far purer than that of attribute gems."
Basalt shrank back a little. Facing the burly Mr. Shane, he felt a little intimidated. But in truth, he didn't really need a Smooth Rock. His Drilbur had already consumed a Smooth Rock Crystal.
If I do get a Smooth Rock, maybe I can give it to Bronzor, he thought, a happy little plan forming in his mind. Even if it can't learn Sandstorm, it would probably greatly increase its affinity for the Rock type. Not a bad deal.
In addition to the gems, Director Sterling also doubled the rare berry allocation Basalt was receiving. In other words, he would now get one rare berry every week.
At this point, Basalt felt like he was about to burst with joy. Metro City was so generous. A secret technique to start, with more to come, plus an extra gem and berry every week. He was rolling in it. Oh, and a Smooth Rock, eventually.
"Director, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back," Basalt said. With all these new resources, he was eager to get back to training and turn them into real strength. He was also a little worried about Bronzor. After being crushed twice in a row, its morale must be low. He needed to go give it a pep talk.
"Not so fast," Director Sterling said, leaning back in his chair with a smile. "Your good fortune isn't over yet. There's someone else who wants to see you."
Basalt was confused. Mr. Shane's ears perked up, but the director just waved him away. It was clear that whatever was coming next, he wasn't privy to it.
A few minutes after Mr. Shane left, the office door was pushed open, and a stern-faced middle-aged man in a suit and sunglasses walked in, his hair slicked back. He scanned the room, ignored Director Sterling completely, and walked straight to Basalt, extending a hand.
"You must be Basalt," he said warmly. "I'm Agent Zhou, from the Strategic Weather Research Administration. Welcome to the organization."
"What? What organi...zation?" Basalt was completely lost.
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