Chapter 162: The Taklamakan Project
The Chancellor knew Basalt was waiting for him to sweeten the deal. There was no rule stating that the regional champion had to attend a university in their home region, though it was certainly what the local League and universities hoped for.
"Basalt, if you come to South River University, I will offer you our top-tier package," the Chancellor began. "You can choose any major you wish, pick any professor as your mentor, and I will personally approve you for the university team's reserve squad in your freshman year, allowing you to train with the main team."
Each of these offers was enough to make any high school senior lose sleep with excitement. South River University was one of the top academic institutions in the entire nation.
"Choose any major" was a bit of an empty promise; as a trainer, Basalt would obviously choose the Battle Studies program. But "choose any professor"? That was a serious offer. Every professor at South River University was a renowned expert in their field, like Professor Nina in Life Energy research. In the Battle Studies department, the professors were, at a minimum, Gym Leader-level trainers. Professional-level trainers weren't even qualified to teach practical courses.
And the reserve squad for the university team? That was the holy grail. The university team was composed of the strongest and most promising students, trained by the best professors with the best facilities, a massive investment in talent. Out of the thousands of students in each class, only a handful ever made it onto the team.
But Basalt wasn't an ordinary student. He was the Regional Champion. The Chancellor's offers were, at best, a baseline. To truly win him over, he would need to offer something more.
Seeing Basalt's noncommittal smile, the Chancellor sighed and continued, "If you enroll, I can also grant you a specially raised Pokémon from the university's own breeding program. In the entire Jiangnan region, the quality of our Pokémon is second only to those in the Hidden Land. And if you have a good eye, the Pokémon you choose could even be better."
"Descendants of a Master's Pokémon?" Basalt asked, his interest piqued. Trading a living Pokémon for a fossil had been a calculated risk. If he could get his hands on another top-tier prospect, he would take it in a heartbeat. The depth of a trainer's team was a crucial part of their overall strength.
"Of course," the Chancellor said with a proud smile. South River University had alumni all over the nation, including several Master-level trainers and even a few members of the Elite Four.
"But," he added, "we won't tell you which one it is. You'll have to choose for yourself. It's a matter of fate. That's the rule at our university."
Seeing Basalt's interest, the Chancellor felt a surge of hope, but it quickly faded as Basalt's placid, unconcerned expression returned.
"This kid is a tough negotiator," the League President thought, shaking his head.
The Chancellor had no choice but to up the ante. A private training room? Done. A monthly stipend of resources? Done. Free, unlimited access to all campus facilities? Done.
But none of these perks, which could all be bought with money, truly moved Basalt. He was a rich man now.
Finally, the Chancellor played his trump card. "Our university has a research project in the Taklamakan Desert," he said, his tone serious. "It's led by one of the country's most respected figures, 'Old Man Luo,' and they're studying the principles of 'Shifting Sands' and 'Rapid Desertification.' It's one of our biggest projects, with several PhDs on the team."
"If you agree to enroll at South River University, I can authorize you to join Old Man Luo's project team. You'll have access to their cutting-edge research. For a Sandstorm specialist like you, this project would be immensely beneficial..."
"The Taklamakan Desert? Shifting Sands? Rapid Desertification?" Basalt's heart began to race. This was an offer he couldn't ignore. The Taklamakan was the nation's largest desert, a place constantly shrouded in sandstorms. The Pokémon there were born and raised in the harshest conditions, making them exceptionally strong. And that didn't even account for the numerous Hidden Lands scattered throughout the human-unfriendly region.
But what truly excited Basalt were the two research topics. "Rapid Desertification" was the ultimate tool for boosting a Sandstorm team. Right now, his Excadrill had to use Earthquake to loosen the soil before it could kick up a powerful storm. "Shifting Sands" was even more tantalizing. Basalt had long dreamed of controlling sand like Gaara from the anime, creating shields and massive attacks. But sand, unlike water, had poor fluidity, making it incredibly difficult to manipulate on a large scale. This research... this could be the key.
"Chancellor, I feel your sincerity," Basalt said, standing up, his voice earnest. "But choosing a university is a very important decision. I need to discuss it with my family and mentors. So, I'm sorry, but I can't give you an answer right now. Please give me some time."
Both the President and the Chancellor nodded in understanding. They had one of the staff members bring in Basalt's prizes, and he graciously accepted them. Before he left, he made sure to exchange contact information with both of them.
When Basalt returned to the hotel, Director Sterling was already there, waiting with the rewards from Metro City.
"A 200-square-meter apartment in any high-end residential area in Metro City? With a parking space?" Basalt was stunned. He had expected a prize, but not a house. Real estate in a coastal city like Metro City was incredibly expensive. An apartment like that was worth at least five million.
"Thank you for the League's support, and thank you, Director," Basalt said with a grin, immediately pledging his loyalty. "If Metro City ever needs me, just say the word."
"Keep working hard. You might have a chance to become a Master," Sterling said, clapping him on the shoulder. "It's been a long time since Metro City produced a Master. You have the most potential. A Sandstorm Master... interesting." The thought of a coastal city known for its harmony producing a Master of destructive sandstorms was amusingly ironic.
After the Director left, Basalt took out the Root Fossil and examined it for a moment before calling Agent Zhou.
In his villa in Saffron City, Zhou saw the call and felt a headache coming on. "Is this kid really that impatient? He just won the championship and he's already calling to demand his Larvitar?" But he knew he couldn't ignore the call forever. He sighed and answered.
"Agent Zhou, how have you been?" Basalt's cheerful, almost fawning, voice came through the line.
"Hmm? He's not calling about the Larvitar?" Zhou felt a wave of relief. "Just get to the point," he grumbled.
"Hehe," Basalt laughed. "Agent Zhou, I need to go see someone, but I'm a little worried about my safety. So... I was hoping you could be my bodyguard for a day."
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