Sky Secret Kingdom — Pokémon Totem Research Laboratory.
After Ethan made his decision, he took Sandslash to undergo a full check-up at the laboratory.
When examining Sandslash's physical condition, even the staff were shocked: the data showed that its physique was absurdly outstanding!
"This Sandslash is without a doubt the physically strongest one I've ever seen! Not even the Totem Sandslash reaches this level."
"Its physical build is comparable to some Fighting-type Pokémon... how did you train it?" exclaimed a researcher dedicated exclusively to studying Sandslash.
Although Sandslash isn't a particularly powerful species, the Pokémon Researchers Guild assigns specific studies to each line. In the case of Sandshrew and Sandslash, because of their enormous population, Shiny specimens weren't that rare; but a Sandslash with such a monstrous physique... that was unheard of.
Not only that researcher was surprised; even Professor Brown —the one in charge of Totem Pokémon research— and President Beckett showed looks of astonishment.
"Steel-type energy?"
At that moment, Professor Brown seemed to realize something, his eyes shining with interest.
"That's right — Steel-type energy. My Sandslash's diet and training method are based, in part, on Excadrill's training techniques."
Seeing that Professor Brown had identified the reason behind Sandslash's incredible physique, Ethan didn't hide it; after all, he would soon be leaving the Pokémon in their care, so he needed to make things clear.
Besides, the Guild would be the one supplying Sandslash's specialized food, which wasn't cheap at all; for Ethan, that would be a major relief.
"Excadrill, a Ground- and Steel-type Pokémon!"
"You've got guts. If your training method had failed, you probably would've ruined your Sandslash."
Professor Brown shook his head, shocked by Ethan's boldness. He couldn't understand how he could be confident enough to try something like that.
Ethan only smiled. In this world, Alola and Ultra Space had not yet appeared or merged with reality. Therefore, Alolan regional forms were not known.
If Alolan Sandslash existed here and was confirmed to be a Steel-type, Professor Brown wouldn't be nearly as shocked.
But speaking of that... It seemed like the appearance of the Secret Kingdoms followed some kind of pattern. Since arriving in this world, Ethan had always had a vague suspicion.
The Secret Kingdoms began appearing 23 years ago.
And if he remembered correctly... the first Pokémon game was released 23 years ago.
Creepy. Though maybe it was nothing but coincidence. Still... when would Alola appear? And Ultra Space...?
"Training Sandslash using Excadrill's methods..."
President Beckett also shook his head. But recalling Ethan's outrageous training methods for his other Pokémon, he eventually accepted it without much surprise.
The researcher specialized in Sandslash opened his mouth as if wanting to ask for the exact method, but asking directly would be disrespectful. His face reddened with hesitation.
"Ethan, would you be willing to allow the Guild to record the special training method you used on your Sandslash?"
"Of course, you'll receive a reward. If you have any specific request, you may state it as well."
President Beckett had noticed the researcher's expression, and after thinking for a moment, made the proposal to Ethan.
That special method had huge theoretical value: if a Sandslash could strengthen its body by imitating the methods of a Ground-/Steel-type Pokémon, then perhaps that principle could be applied to other species as well.
"No problem."
Ethan answered without hesitation.
During his growth, the Pokémon Researchers Guild had helped him immensely. Compared to that, a single training method was nothing.
But...
"I wonder if President Beckett could give me, in exchange, the method for learning the move Return."
Ethan proposed this after thinking it through. Getting that method was, in fact, one of the main reasons he had come back to the Guild's main headquarters.
"Alright. I need to head to the Emotional Energy Laboratory soon. I'll teach it to you there."
President Beckett accepted without hesitation. By this point, neither of them cared much about the relative value of their methods.
After that, Ethan discussed with President Beckett and Professor Brown the details of Sandslash's training and planned its future regimen.
Once everything was arranged, he left Sandslash in the laboratory. Sandslash watched him leave with obvious reluctance. Ethan mounted Pidgeot and flew toward the Emotional Energy Laboratory.
Once there, he released Kingdra so it could meet its new companions.
Then, accompanied by President Beckett, Ethan toured the entire laboratory. He also released Riolu so it could begin familiarizing itself with emotional energy, forming the foundation for learning the move Return.
However, regarding Riolu's ability to sense emotions through aura... Ethan decided not to mention it for now.
After all, his knowledge of that ability came from memories of his previous life; he couldn't be 100% sure it worked the same way in this reality.
"This is the Riolu with exceptional mental power. You want it to learn the move Return?" President Beckett asked, observing it with interest.
"That's right. I don't know if it's thanks to its innate mental strength, but its perception is incredibly sharp. I want to see if it can use that sensitivity to learn the move Return more quickly." Ethan explained, hinting at part of Riolu's uniqueness.
"I see. A good idea."
After seeing Sandslash's case, President Beckett only nodded slightly. He already knew Ethan always had his own plans.
(End of chapter)