Chapter 202: First Time in the Qaidam Desert
"That's right. In a Hidden Land within the Qaidam Desert of the Qinghai region, a pair of Tyranitar recently laid two eggs. Once they hatch, you can choose one of them to raise," Director of the Weather Bureau said, a hint of pride in his voice. This pair of Tyranitar was incredibly powerful, and he had pulled a lot of strings to secure this opportunity. It was only because Basalt's revival of Lileep had brought so much prestige to the Weather Bureau that he had been willing to cash in his personal favors.
He could almost picture Basalt's tearful, grateful expression.
But to his surprise, Basalt was not grateful. He was... confused.
"Director, do I have to wait until they hatch? Can't I just choose one of the eggs?"
"Choose an egg?" The Director was completely baffled. "Basalt, you're not a Pokémon Breeder. Do you know how to tell a Pokémon's potential from the shape of its egg?"
"Well... no," Basalt admitted.
"Then what are you talking about?" the Director said, trying to reason with him. "I know you're anxious to get your new Pokémon, but this is not a decision to be made lightly. It's best to wait until they've hatched. Then we can choose based on their physical condition, abilities, and moves. That will give us the best chance of getting the optimal result. Do you understand?"
But the Director didn't know that Basalt had a secret plan. He still had one last Smooth Rock Crystal in his bag. Not only could it teach a Pokémon Sandstorm, but it could also improve its physical constitution and enhance its affinity for the Rock-type. The earlier this process was started, the better. And what could be earlier than starting from the egg?
He had a theory that if he had the unhatched Pokémon absorb the energy from the crystal, it would alter its very being from birth. It would hatch already possessing a certain level of combat strength. But more importantly, it would enhance its innate talent.
But he couldn't tell the Director any of this.
"Director," he said, trying to come up with a plausible excuse, "I want it to see me the moment it hatches. I think that will help us form a stronger bond."
"A bond?" The Director frowned, but he didn't argue. The concept of "friendship" between a trainer and a Pokémon was a relatively new one in the scientific community, but it was gaining widespread acceptance. The higher a trainer's level, the more they valued the bond with their Pokémon. For a pseudo-legendary, which Basalt would undoubtedly raise as his ace, this was a valid concern.
"Basalt, my original plan was to have you go and choose your Larvitar after it had hatched. But if you've really thought this through, I can arrange for you to go now." The Director knew Basalt was an unconventional kid, and he respected his choices. After all, his unexpected actions often led to "big surprises," like the revival of Lileep and the super-sized Bronzong.
"I've made up my mind, Director. I want to get the Larvitar egg as soon as possible," Basalt said, his voice firm.
"Alright, then. I'll make the arrangements. I'll let you know when it's time to go."
"I'm finally getting a Larvitar," Basalt thought, his heart pounding. The egg of the Desert Tyrant, Tyranitar. This was a major step in his career as a trainer. Although Excadrill could use Sandstorm, a Sandstorm team just didn't feel complete without the Tyrant itself. Now, the final piece of the puzzle was about to be put in place.
Three days later, Basalt landed at the airport in the Qinghai region. Accompanying him was none other than the Director of the Weather Bureau himself, who had cleared his busy schedule to make the trip. Basalt was incredibly grateful.
"Director, welcome to Qinghai," a tall, powerfully built man with a wide face and tanned, rugged skin greeted them, his voice booming like Master Martel's. This was the renowned Qinghai region Gym Leader, the Ground-type Master, Axel.
The Hidden Land they were going to was a national-level breeding sanctuary, a perfect environment for Sandstorm Pokémon. Without a Master-level trainer to guide them, it would be a very dangerous place.
"Axel, my old friend. Thank you for this," the Director said, shaking his hand warmly.
"So this is your Weather Bureau's new prodigy," Axel said, looking Basalt up and down. "Impressive. So young, and already qualified to receive a pseudo-legendary. He's much more promising than my own boy. The future of our nation rests on your shoulders, son. Keep up the good work."
"I won't let you down, Master Axel," Basalt said, puffing out his chest.
With his remaining thirty million, he was confident he could raise the Larvitar without any financial worries for the next year or two. And once he reached the professional level, he would join the national pro league. With his looks and skill, he was sure he could land endorsement deals worth tens of millions a year.
Axel had wanted them to rest for a bit before heading to the Hidden Land, but the Director was a busy man. After a brief chat, they set off for the desert.
Two streaks of light shot across the sky. Basalt and the Director were riding a green, dragon-like Pokémon with a cluster of banana-like fruit hanging from its neck. It was a Tropius, a dual Grass/Flying-type. It was the Director's Pokémon, and though it had a gentle demeanor, Basalt could sense its immense power.
"I wonder who's stronger, this Tropius or the Mega Venusaur?" he thought.
Axel's mount was a giant, golem-like Pokémon made of clay, with strange, spiral patterns on its body. It was a Golurk, a dual Ground/Ghost-type. Though it didn't have the Flying type, it could retract its legs into its body and use them as rocket thrusters, allowing it to fly at mach speeds.
With their powerful mounts, the journey from the provincial capital to the Qaidam Desert took just over an hour.
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