Another year had brought Double 11.
In the previous Double 11, Ethan had participated in the one-million-voucher competition organized by the Devon Corporation.
But this time, he was taking part in the Daleron League's National Pokémon Club Tournament.
Although the tournament carried the prestigious-sounding name of "the Daleron League"...
In reality, it was just a showcase competition among the League's clubs: an event to display their strength and, at the same time, promote the existence of the clubs.
Because of that, on Double 11, the Club Guild in Daleron's Imperial City was livelier than ever.
This event would last seven days. During that time, clubs would offer free Pokémon training courses, as well as access to many of their newly built training facilities, which attracted a huge number of trainers.
The Club Guild headquarters in Imperial City had very complete facilities. But Ethan, who had already enjoyed the best facilities at the Pokémon Researchers' Guild, wasn't very impressed.
Moreover, these facilities only served for basic training, which no longer provided anything useful to his Pokémon.
However, on the very first day of Double 11, the club gave Ethan such a surprising gift that he opened his eyes wide.
In the middle of the club's grand hall, they had placed a huge machine. Several Magnemite were connected to it, continuously supplying it with electricity.
"This is... a Berry Blender?"
Ethan stared at the machine, eyes wide.
"This is... the Pokéblock-making machine brought from a Secret Kingdom."
The presenter's words confirmed his suspicion.
"I had heard the guild found a machine in a Secret Kingdom capable of producing Pokémon food... looks like it was this Pokéblock machine."
"I heard that too. They say it can mass-produce highly nutritious Pokémon food using only Berries. They call them Pokéblocks."
"Seriously? Pokémon food and nutritious juice require very complex processes... and this machine can mass-produce them?"
"If it's true, then this is a revolutionary machine!"
Within seconds, news about the machine spread across the entire hall, and then beyond the club. The crowd grew enormous, to the point of overflowing the venue.
But the club seemed well prepared; workers soon arrived to maintain order and stabilize the situation.
"That's right, this machine can produce Pokémon food in large quantities."
"We will now begin the demonstration and broadcast it live for everyone to see."
The presenter, energized by the massive audience, explained the machine even more enthusiastically.
"So it really is... the Berry Blender."
The staff's actions and the machine's operation completely confirmed Ethan's assumption.
The workers placed several Berries inside. After the sound of gears turning, multiple Pokéblocks rolled out of a chute.
Ding ding ding.
As the machine continued operating, more Pokéblocks dropped continuously.
The workers collected them and began distributing them to the trainers present.
Some trainers immediately released their Pokémon and had them taste the Pokéblocks. Judging by their reactions, the flavor seemed excellent.
"I see... the recipe is exactly the same. But after passing through this machine, the quality improves enormously."
At that moment, a familiar voice reached Ethan's ears. It was Kyle Miller.
Kyle was crouched next to his Shuckle, carefully examining several Pokéblocks.
"Kyle, you're here too?"
Ethan looked at him curiously.
"As soon as I heard the news, I came right away."
Kyle was extremely serious, his eyes fixed on the machine.
Ethan thought for a moment and understood.
Nutritious-juice production was the economic foundation of Kyle's family. The appearance of this machine was a direct blow to their business.
The machine was far more convenient than juice-making. And worst of all: with the same ingredients, the Pokéblocks seemed to have better quality than nutritious juice.
"Excuse me... can this machine be purchased? How much does it cost?"
A merchant raised his hand, clearly interested in acquiring it.
The staff member hesitated a moment before replying: "These machines come from a Secret Kingdom and have not been fully studied yet. For now, they are not for sale."
The trainers were disappointed. If the machine were available in large quantities, they might have access to Pokéblock production. But if there were only a few, things became difficult.
Hoo...
Upon hearing this, Kyle let out a relieved sigh.
If only a few machines existed, the damage to his family's industry wouldn't be as devastating.
"But..." the staff member added, "although we can't sell them, we will be placing some in certain Pokémon clubs."
"With just a usage fee, you'll be able to produce Pokéblocks."
Hearing this made many trainers smile again.
Pokéblocks could be carried in large quantities, much more convenient than juices.
So if they could periodically come to the club and produce a good supply, the issue of their Pokémon's food would be practically solved.
"So that's how it is..."
Ethan understood the club's intention.
In the anime, the Berry Blender was closely tied to Pokémon Contests.
Here, the club wanted to use a similar method to increase its popularity.
(End of chapter)