Chapter 381: Rising Fame
Zheng Tong was the first to notice Basalt, but he was far from the only one.
A score of 96 was simply too dazzling.
So, when Zheng Tong hung up, the name "Basalt" began echoing throughout the hall. Many clubs and agents who didn't know Basalt's background immediately called their support teams, demanding they provide relevant information as quickly as possible.
Only Zhang Shu, the deputy personnel manager of the Divine Club, chewed over the name, finding it unusually familiar but unable to recall immediately where he had heard it.
Seeing his score and hearing everyone discussing him animatedly, Basalt smiled and leisurely exited the hall.
The third stage wouldn't be difficult for him, but he placed great importance on the battle with Zayne Zhang. After all, if he could make a splash and show off his style, Basalt felt his "signing bonus" would definitely increase significantly. That was no small amount of income.
So far, Basalt hadn't revealed his full potential. Taking down Zayne Zhang and building his fame—that was Basalt's plan.
"I won't dream of Senior Bella's hundred-million signing bonus or thirty-million annual salary. But an annual salary of ten million? I'll strive for that."
Walking out of the hall, Basalt looked up at the blue sky and white clouds, setting a small goal for himself.
Ten million annual salary!!!
In terms of potential, Basalt was clearly stronger than Bella Bai. But Bella was a female trainer! In the Professional League, the male-to-female ratio was 8:2, making female trainers naturally more sought after. Not to mention Bella's exceptional beauty, good family background, and strong skills—she was basically a perfect goddess, adored by countless boys domestically and internationally.
Although Basalt was handsome, there were too many handsome male trainers; the competition was fierce. Clubs often valued "commercial value" more when determining signing bonuses and salaries.
Basalt's departure didn't attract much attention.
Three minutes later, Zheng Tong finally received a call from his assistant.
"Basalt, from Jiangnan Province, currently a freshman at Centralis University... A freshman?"
Zheng Tong was stunned, feeling his assistant must have gotten the information wrong. The results list only had names and scores. In his blind guess, he assumed Basalt was likely a college student. Only a college student could burst onto the scene so brilliantly without him knowing. For older trainers who weren't outstanding in their youth, the probability of becoming late bloomers was extremely low.
But a freshman? That was indeed beyond Zheng Tong's expectations.
"Manager Zheng, the information I found confirms this. I'm sending his full file to you now."
"Okay, send it over."
Zheng Tong hung up and swiftly opened Basalt's file.
The first thing that caught his eye was a handsome face with sharp, defined features. Zheng Tong's eyes lit up.
For a club, a trainer's strength was certainly important, as it related to the club's ranking and influence. But often, trainers with the potential to become superstars were also a key focus. Because that related to commercial interests!
Commercial interests, simply put, meant money, which directly impacted the income of club employees. It was a very realistic issue that no one could avoid!
Basalt's image needed almost no deliberate modification. Even if his strength was average, many clubs would likely be willing to pay just to keep him as a "face."
Scrolling down, Zheng Tong saw Basalt's Pokémon data.
"A Shiny Excadrill? A super-sized Bronzong? The Fossil Pokémon Cradily?"
The materials Zheng Tong saw were up to date with the end-of-term ranking match, so Numel and Marshtomp were ignored. As for Pupitar, very few people knew about it, so it was normal for Zheng Tong's assistant not to find out.
Further down, there was detailed information about Basalt's three main Pokémon. For example, Excadrill's Ability was Sand Rush, making it extremely fast when activated, with Drill Run as its signature move, showing exceptional Ground-type talent.
"Specializes in Sandstorm weather? Suspected member of the Weather Bureau?"
The further he read, the more pleasantly surprised Zheng Tong became. This Basalt... his family background seemed quite complex!
The Alliance Professional League valued strength, but top-tier clubs also valued family background and foundation. These factors related to a trainer's growth limit and speed.
Although the file stated Basalt's parents were berry farmers, Zheng Tong just smiled, not taking it to heart. An ordinary family... those who know, know!
It had to be said, a top-tier club was a top-tier club; their information gathering capabilities alone crushed other small clubs.
At the bottom of the file was Basalt's contact number. While others were still asking around for Basalt's information, Zheng Tong had already dialed the number.
Unfortunately, no one answered.
"Looks like he's waiting for the highest bidder, checking the offers from major clubs."
Zheng Tong wasn't surprised. Top geniuses had that capital. To clubs, geniuses were like cabbages—they would pick and choose before deciding whether to buy. But in front of a super genius, the clubs became the cabbages.
"Immediately have someone evaluate Basalt's strength and commercial value. I want it on my desk before 8 AM tomorrow!"
After issuing the order, Zheng Tong left the hall. As for the others, he really didn't care.
Not long after Zheng Tong left, Zhang Shu suddenly slapped his forehead. He finally remembered who Basalt was. The top freshman of Centralis University—their Divine Club's superstar, Bella Bai, often mentioned him.
Coincidentally, Basalt's file arrived in his hands at that moment.
Zhang Shu immediately dialed Basalt's number, but again, no answer.
So, he immediately called Bella Bai. "Bella, can you contact Basalt? I'm very interested in him and want to have a good talk." With Bella as a bridge, the chances of success would be quite high.
"Manager Zhang, you'll have to talk to Basalt yourself about this. I can't help you." After speaking, Bella hung up directly.
Precisely because she didn't want to restrict or influence Basalt, Bella wouldn't intervene. Otherwise, she would have spoken up long ago!
Listening to the dial tone, Zhang Shu's mouth twitched, but he was helpless. Although he was the deputy personnel manager, Bella Bai was someone he couldn't afford to offend.
Top-tier clubs gathered information the fastest, but other clubs weren't slow either. About half an hour later, Basalt's public information had been thoroughly investigated. The managers and agents of numerous clubs sighed, then stopped their actions. Clearly, their temples were too small to house a giant Buddha like Basalt. The remaining people who dared to call were at least from First Division League clubs.
Unfortunately, not a single call went through. Annoyed by the constant ringing, Basalt turned off his Pokédex, found a hotel, ate his fill, and took a nap.
But undeniably, starting today, Basalt's name had stepped onto the stage of the Alliance Professional League. Countless people began to know Basalt from this day forward.
Coincidentally, Zayne Zhang finally received Basalt's file.
"Sandstorm team?"
Zayne frowned slightly. Just from the file, Basalt's strength was not weak at all.
However, limited by his age, Basalt seemed to have only four main Pokémon. Numel was just making up the numbers in Zayne's eyes. As for Basalt's unknown sixth Pokémon, it must also be filler. After all, once a Pokémon's combat power was formed, it was hard to hide the information. You have to battle to grow, right?
Zayne was one year older than Basalt. But that one year represented a solid foundation. Because Zayne's six Pokémon were all Pro-level!
He had waited until now to take the assessment because he also harbored thoughts of becoming famous overnight. That was why he waited until Porygon completed its evolution before making his move.
"I will definitely win this battle!"
Zayne clenched his fist.
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