At this point, the two Beedrill stopped communicating. Eichi's Beedrill was naturally quiet and generally very silent. Teacher Takemoto's Beedrill also seemed to be one that didn't talk much. Consequently, after they stopped chatting, Eichi and Teacher Takemoto recalled both of them into their Poké Balls.
Then, Teacher Takemoto asked, "As I mentioned, I will be going to the Sinnoh region next month. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so you won't be able to see me for a long time. However, if you have any questions, you can call me.
Furthermore, I will introduce you to my assistant. He is also a Silver Academy graduate; you could call him your senior. Like you, he once dreamed of becoming a Bug-type Elite Four member. But later, he discovered the cruelty of reality. After realizing he had no chance of becoming a Bug-type Elite Four, he switched to the research specialty. His hope is to research and develop a potion that can enhance the potential of Bug-type Pokémon. I'll take you to meet him then; I think you two should become good friends. By the way, do you have any other questions for me?"
Eichi considered this. "I actually do have one question."
"Oh, what is it?" Teacher Takemoto asked.
"It's like this, Teacher," Eichi explained. "A few days ago, I exchanged for a Metal Coat at the logistics department. I plan to evolve Scyther soon. Do you have any good suggestions?"
"Release your Scyther and let me take a look," Teacher Takemoto said.
Eichi then released Scyther.
As soon as Scyther appeared, Eichi instructed it, "Scyther, don't be afraid. This is Teacher Takemoto. Let him take a look at you." Scyther nodded without saying anything. Subsequently, Teacher Takemoto began to observe it.
After a few minutes, Teacher Takemoto finished his observation.
"Eichi, this Scyther of yours is extremely well-trained. Although I can't determine its Talent Grade, I can confirm one thing: it is at least the Excellent grade.
Now is indeed the best time for it to evolve. Most other Trainers let their Scyther evolve into Scizor while it is still a Rookie. As your Scyther is already experienced and hasn't evolved into Scizor, honestly, it's not too late. Its talent is excellent, and evolving a little later allows for a better realization of its potential. Conveniently, I have done some research on Scizor. Wait for me."
With that, he stood up and walked to his desk. He pressed a button, and the bookshelf behind him began to move. After the bookshelf rotated completely, it revealed a room inside. It was a high-tech room filled with various kinds of chests. Teacher Takemoto then said, "Come in with me."
Eichi followed Teacher Takemoto into the secret room. As he entered, Teacher Takemoto typed a series of numbers on a keypad near the door, then scanned his fingerprint, and finally scanned his retina. Only then did the transparent door open.
"Teacher, is this a secret room?" Eichi asked.
Teacher Takemoto smiled. "The things in this secret room are quite valuable to some people. It holds some of my research results."
"Then, Teacher," Eichi said. "Is it alright for me to know about it?"
"Why wouldn't it be alright?" Teacher Takemoto responded. "You are not the first person to enter. Almost the entire academy knows about this secret room. People have tried to sneak in, but no one has ever succeeded. So, don't worry about it."
Eichi felt a little awkward. "Oh."
Teacher Takemoto walked in and smoothly went to a container. Every container inside had a label written on it. After finding what he was looking for, he left the secret room with Eichi. He skillfully closed the door, then placed the small box on the desk. This small box was entirely silver, radiating a metallic luster.
There was an electronic screen on the lid of the small box. Teacher Takemoto pressed his palm on it, and a keypad appeared on the screen. He then pressed a few numbers, and the box opened.
As soon as the box was opened, Eichi's gaze immediately went inside. In there, he saw two test tube-like objects resting quietly. They were filled with a red liquid, which was crystal clear and radiated an enticing sheen.
Teacher Takemoto took out the two test tubes and handed them to Eichi. "I specially formulated this. Before Scyther evolves, have it drink this, and then apply the Metal Coat to its body. This substance will be very beneficial for it."
"Teacher," Eichi said. "You're just giving me something so valuable?"
"Yes, I am," Teacher Takemoto said. "Why, don't you want it? If you don't, I'll put it back."
Eichi quickly took the items into his hands and grasped them tightly, worried that Teacher Takemoto would take them back. He smiled. "Of course, I want it! I want it!"
Subsequently, Eichi carefully took the two tubes, placed them in a small box he retrieved from his backpack, and put them away. Seeing how cautious he was, Teacher Takemoto said, "Why are you so careful? The protective layer outside this material is specially made. Even if you forcefully throw it on the ground, it won't break, so there's no need to be so cautious."
"Teacher, why didn't you say that sooner?" Eichi said, speechless.
"Well, you didn't ask," Teacher Takemoto replied.
I stand corrected, I guess.
Seeing that it was late, Teacher Takemoto let Eichi go home.
As Eichi walked towards the dormitory, he thought about going to the cafeteria for dinner.
He had just reached the entrance when he ran into Tetsu.
Tetsu saw Eichi and said, "What a coincidence, are you here for dinner too?"
"That's right," Eichi said. "What about you? Why are you eating so late?"
Tetsu sounded a little troubled. "I was training outside earlier and accidentally went a little too far. I ran into a Heracross. A Heracross! They are rare, you know! When I saw it, it was battling a Houndoom, and its strength was really good. So, I got ambitious."
Hearing "Heracross," Eichi thought of the Heracross in the Viridian Forest and wondered how it was doing now.
Tetsu continued, "After it won the fight, I followed it, hoping to catch it. But do you know what happened?"
"Judging by your expression, you weren't successful," Eichi said.
"Exactly," Tetsu replied. "It was very strong, but it got injured in the previous fight, so it wasn't my match. Unfortunately, it ran away. Its speed was incredibly fast. However, I'm not giving up. Tomorrow, I'm going back to the mountain area to wait for that Heracross."
The encounter with Tetsu was just a small interlude. After Eichi finished eating, he returned to his dormitory. His two Pokémon were eating their dinner, while Eichi sat at his desk, beginning to plan the details of Scyther's evolution.