"This method for making Pokéblocks... if I get the chance, I have to research it thoroughly."
"But it seems that Berrys can only be found in the Secret Kingdoms. In the real world, it's impossible to grow them."
"And to make Pokéblocks, Berrys are absolutely necessary. That can't be substituted."
Ethan Black thought about the feasibility of Pokéblocks and sighed lightly, feeling it wasn't something he could attempt at his current stage.
"Well... the path must be traveled step by step."
He shook his head slowly, stroking the Shuckle in his arms, which closed its eyes in contentment.
However, at one moment when it opened its eyes absentmindedly, it wore an expression of reflection, looking toward the Pokémon training in the field, with a slight spark of envy.
At that moment, an employee opened the laboratory door and handed Ethan Black several books:
"Dark-type Pokémon Breeding Manual"
"Bite Move Training Method"
"Sucker Punch Move Training Method"
"Dark Pulse Move Training Method"
This time, President Hamilton had secured a breeding book and three move-training manuals for Dark-type moves. All were very valuable materials.
Unfortunately, due to how rare Absol was, there was no complete breeding manual for this species.
"Bite, Sucker Punch, and Dark Pulse, huh?"
Ethan Black flipped through the three books and memorized the training methods completely, intending to study them carefully and combine them with the Dark-type breeding manual to perfect Absol's training plan.
Boom, boom, boom!
On the field, battles continued, attacks clashing constantly, and the effects of the training showed in the satisfied expressions of the Pokémon.
...
Ten full days passed.
During that time, President Hamilton finally managed to have Cacturne learn the move Toxic using the energy contained in the Toxic Orb.
Afterward, he also handed Ethan Black the monthly resources for his seven Pokémon.
After saying goodbye to President Hamilton, Ethan Black left the Pokémon Research Guild, but he didn't immediately leave Ironvale City. Instead, he headed to the Pokémon Nightstar Club, intending to consult Rachel Blake about Water-type moves.
"That Blue Horizon Club Pokémon is really too strong. The Pokémon Nightstar Club can't compete with them."
"Yes, even though the Blue Horizon Club was just founded, their ring leaders are outstanding graduates from elite universities. Their level is extremely high."
"The level difference is obvious. It's clear they came with ill intentions, using the Pokémon Nightstar Club as a stepping stone to become famous."
As soon as Ethan Black entered the club, he overheard several conversations about a ring leader competition.
"They challenged the Club?" Ethan Black thought, a bit surprised.
"Ethan!"
An excited voice called. Ethan Black looked up and saw none other than Rachel Blake hurrying toward him.
"Hi, what a coincidence."
"You arrived just in time. Get ready to go out and fight."
Before Ethan Black could react, Rachel Blake grabbed his arm and quickly led him to the third floor, to the arena, entering the resting room directly.
"Ethan!"
As soon as they saw him, several leaders stood up, surprised. The tense expressions relaxed and turned into smiles of relief.
"It's been a while since we last saw each other."
"Enough greetings," interrupted the Electric-type leader. "Our teammate has already been defeated. We only have two challenge opportunities left."
With that, he pulled Ethan Black toward the arena.
"This is going in completely unprepared..." Ethan Black thought, taking a breath and fixing a sharp gaze on the rival leader from the Blue Horizon Club.
"It's Ethan Black!"
"The same one who managed a one-versus-ten in the club competition!"
"And we were just talking about whether Elias Drayton could repeat the feat... and here we have the protagonist himself."
The crowd erupted in exclamations, faces full of excitement.
"You're Ethan Black?" Elias Drayton asked, frowning.
"That's right, I'm Ethan Black." Ethan Black smiled and, with a quick motion, made a Poké Ball appear in his hand.
"I didn't expect you to come back... but perfect, defeating you will make this a complete challenge."
Elias Drayton licked his dry lips with excitement. His Magmar roared, and the flames on its body flared more intensely.
"Then, let's test it."
"If your rival is Magmar, you're the one to face it. Go, Shellder, show what you've learned!"
In a flash of light, Shellder appeared. Its purple shell reflected the stadium lights.
"Shellder!"
"Why didn't he send out Sandslash or Cacturne?"
The leaders of the Pokémon Nightstar Club tensed. This was a crucial battle for their reputation: if their team got wiped out, their prestige in Ironvale City would take a huge hit.
"Don't worry," said the Electric-type leader. "If Ethan chose Shellder, it's because he has confidence. Also, it's a Water type, which gives it an advantage. Remember when he sent out Cacnea against all odds."
The other leaders nodded, though they remained attentive to the battle.
"Shellder?"
"I thought we'd see Cacnea again."
"Cacnea against Magmar? That would be suicide."
"By the way... did you see the crack in Shellder's shell?"
"With that flaw, can it really beat Magmar?"
The crowd began murmuring, but most didn't seem to trust Shellder.
(End of chapter)