Chapter 419: Never-Melt Ice
After entering the off-season, Basalt finally had some rare free time, so he began the process of applying for his passport.
Last time, he had traveled abroad on a military plane to a semi-military zone, so a passport hadn't been necessary. But this time was different; this trip was a personal matter, so he needed both a passport and a visa.
As a Prince of the Saudi Alliance, Abdullah would undoubtedly handle the visa issue without Basalt needing to worry. However, Basalt had to handle the passport himself. Fortunately, the application process wasn't complicated. After uploading all the necessary materials, it would only take a few working days to process. The efficiency was quite high.
Just then, Basalt's Pokédex rang.
"Hello, Basalt. Your Never-Melt Ice has arrived. Are you coming to pick it up yourself, or should I send someone to deliver it to you?"
On the other end of the line, the majestic voice of Director Mori rang out.
Basalt's wave of fame from winning the Second Division MVP had also boosted the reputation of the Weather Bureau among the many direct bureaus. Now, when high-ranking officials from other bureaus lectured their juniors, they loved to use Basalt as an example.
Consequently, not only Akira (Shen Tuming), but geniuses cultivated by other direct bureaus were also stressed to the point of exhaustion by Basalt's success.
"Director, the Never-Melt Ice is here?"
Basalt's face lit up with joy.
Six months ago, after Basalt shared his concepts of gravitational pull and repulsion with Master Zhao, the Master's actions within the Alliance's higher management attracted a lot of attention.
Upon learning that Basalt had developed such a high-level secret technique, Director Mori immediately contacted Basalt, hoping he would record the concept and training methods to enrich the Alliance's Secret Technique Library.
In a world where "Trainer" was the mainstream profession, the development of skills was valued by the Alliance just as inventions and creations were on Earth. After Basalt recorded the training method, anyone who wanted to learn this secret technique in the future would have to pay a certain price to exchange for it. As the creator, Basalt would earn a considerable fortune annually just from intellectual property fees.
Not only that, but for developing a high-level secret technique, Basalt was also entitled to a one-time reward from the Alliance: a high-grade type-enhancing item or an equivalent treasure.
Ultimately, Basalt chose a high-grade Never-Melt Ice, colloquially known as "Thousand-Year Ice."
This item was typically only found in the polar regions and was extremely rare and precious. According to Director Mori, this piece of Never-Melt Ice was exchanged during a trade agreement with the Russian Alliance a few years ago. After all, the Russian Alliance was located in the extreme north and had easier access to such resources.
As for this Never-Melt Ice, Basalt naturally intended to use it for Swampert. Even back when it was a Mudkip, Swampert had displayed astonishing talent for Ice-type moves; Basalt couldn't let that talent go to waste.
Thinking about his limited vacation time and the need to go home to visit his parents, Basalt said, "Director, how about you send someone to deliver it to me? It's quite a hassle for me to make a trip to the Capital City."
Hearing this, Director Mori grunted and retorted, "Speaking of which, can't you kid come to the Capital City for once? You've joined the Bureau for so long, yet you haven't visited even once. It's a bit improper!"
"Director, isn't it because I'm busy? I just finished the league, and now I have to prepare to go abroad. I'm busy getting my passport!" Basalt laughed, trying to gloss over it. "Next time for sure! Next time for sure!"
"Wait a minute! You're going abroad?" Director Mori was stunned.
"Yeah, I'm planning to make a trip to the Saudi Alliance!"
Basalt's relationship with Director Mori was quite deep, and he trusted the old man very much, so he revealed the matter of the Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon without holding anything back.
"The Prince of the Saudi Alliance? An heir to the throne?" Director Mori chuckled. However, Basalt could hear a hint of disdain in his tone.
"Basalt, if you go to the Saudi Alliance, you will almost certainly get sucked into the Royal Family's power struggle."
"Royal power struggle?"
Basalt raised an eyebrow, stunned. He just wanted to go pick out a Pseudo-Legendary; why did things suddenly get so complicated?
Sensing Basalt's confusion, Director Mori explained, "The current head of the Saudi Alliance is advanced in years and in poor health; his abdication is imminent. He has thirty-six sons, six of whom are in the prime of their lives and capable."
"Excluding the vast majority who lack the strength to ascend the throne, there are five Princes left as contenders. That Abdullah you mentioned is one of them. By taking you back this time, he's partly trying to recruit you, and partly using your presence to intimidate his competitors."
"After all, we are the Huaxia Alliance. We carry weight internationally, even if you are just an insignificant small fry."
Hearing this, Basalt's mouth twitched slightly.
Mr. Director, saying I'm "insignificant" right to my face... isn't that a little bit excessive?
"Then... should I still go?"
Basalt hesitated. As far as he knew, royal power struggles were extremely cruel. If his small arms and legs got caught in the machinery, wouldn't it be dangerous?
"You should still go. After all, it's a Pseudo-Legendary!"
Director Mori sighed. "Although our Alliance is vast and rich in resources with a large population, the population is too large. When it comes to top-tier resources, there are too many monks and too little porridge. Unless you become a Master, applying for a Pseudo-Legendary to raise is incredibly difficult; the waiting list is endless."
The Alliance had many absolute resources, ranking top in the world, but the average was the killer. Because of the massive population, once averaged out, it dropped from top-tier to below the world average. It was frustrating!
"For your trip abroad this time, I estimate there won't be major dangers, but there might be plenty of minor troubles. However, this will be a decent trial for you, beneficial for your growth. So go ahead boldly!"
After saying this, Director Mori's tone suddenly became serious. "But remember one thing: when you are outside, you represent the face of the Alliance. Do not embarrass us. If you get into trouble, I'll cover for you. But if you lose face for the Alliance, see how I'll deal with you!!!"
"Don't worry, Director, I absolutely won't shame the Alliance!" Basalt tensed up and quickly patted his chest to guarantee.
After hanging up the phone, Basalt booked a hotel and drank until he was thoroughly drunk with his comrades from the Saints Club. This was both a celebration of Basalt winning the MVP title and a farewell drink.
Although they were reluctant to see Basalt go, his colleagues at the club knew that Basalt had a great future ahead of him. The Saints Club was too small a temple to house a great god like Basalt. The bond formed over half a year was genuine; everything was in the wine.
At noon the next day, Basalt packed his bags, silently climbed onto Bronzong, and headed towards Tai City.
"Drinking really messes things up. I definitely won't drink again next time."
Basalt recalled the scene last night where he almost passed out after just two bottles of beer, feeling extremely embarrassed. Sure enough, he belonged at the kids' table!
Speaking of wine, Basalt involuntarily thought of Rehan (Reyihan). The girl had been admitted to South River University for a few months now, but Basalt, as her senior, hadn't hosted her due to his packed league schedule, which was slightly awkward.
"Forget it, a few months have already passed; another ten days or half a month won't matter. I'll treat her properly when I get back!"
Basalt shook his head, feeling that going home was more important. He hadn't been home in half a year; his mom was probably ready to kill him.
In mid-air, Bronzong was flying rapidly. Below was the deep blue East Sea. Departing from Saffron City, he just needed to fly south along the coastline to reach Tai City; he didn't even need GPS.
Just as Basalt passed a nameless island, the world in his eyes suddenly changed color. It was as if he had fallen into a three-dimensional wormhole. His vision was filled with dazzling, brilliant colors, but he couldn't distinguish north, south, east, or west at all.
Bronzong was pale with shock.
With its current psychic power, even an illusion created by a Gym Leader-level Pokémon would reveal flaws to it. But for the illusion before them, it hadn't noticed any anomalies beforehand and had plunged headfirst into it.
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