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Chapter 173: Return to the Savanna Province
🕑 Added 2025-09-01 13:29:43 +0000 UTCChapter 173: Return to the Savanna Province
"Hmm?" On the other end of the line, Agent Zhou was momentarily confused. Was that an answer or just a cry of surprise? He couldn't figure out why Basalt's attitude had done a complete 180.
"Uh... Agent Zhou, I'm in. Please, sign me up," Basalt said, all traces of laziness gone from his voice.
He had expected Bronzor's home, its Hidden Land, to take years to manifest in their world. He never would have imagined it would happen in just three or four months. He was surprised, but more than that, he was thrilled.
According to Bronzor, its clan was one of the three dominant powers in the Hidden Land, occupying a massive, rich metallic ore vein. Deep within that vein was a unique, heavy ore that was the key to unlocking their species' true defensive potential. Not only that, but when Bronzor had left, it had been too weak to learn many of its clan's inherited techniques—ancient Tutor Manuals passed down through generations, perfectly suited to the Bronzor line.
"This is my chance," he thought. He couldn't pass this up.
"Are you sure you want to go?" Zhou asked again.
"Absolutely, one hundred percent, without a doubt, yes," Basalt replied, his tone firm. If he missed this opportunity, Bronzor would probably never forgive him. Besides, as Zhou said, the major dangers had been cleared. It was a good chance to gain some real-world experience.
"All the top geniuses from other regions will be there? I can't let the Jiangnan region down," he thought, a competitive fire igniting within him.
"Alright, then. I'll put your name in now. Get to Saffron City as soon as you can. We'll fly to the Savanna Province together."
After telling Bronzor the news, it was ecstatic. Basalt, on the other hand, got an earful from his mom. "You've only been home for a few days, and you're leaving again?" But even though she was unhappy, she knew her son was grown now.
"Something important came up," Basalt said, ducking his head. "I'll be back as soon as it's over."
After placating his parents, Basalt packed his bags and set off once again. He took a bullet train to Saffron City, met up with Agent Zhou, and together they boarded a flight to the Savanna Province. Three hours later, they landed in Crimson City. The familiar airport and environment felt like it was only yesterday he was last here.
"Come on out, Charizard!" Zhou released his Pokémon to serve as their transport. "We'll all be entering the Hidden Land tomorrow. So today, we'll just rest at the hotel and get prepared. Also, I want to introduce you to another one of the Weather Bureau's sponsored talents."
"Someone else from the Bureau is here?"
"Yes. She's a genius scouted by the head of our Central Division. She's a 'Sunny Day' specialist, and very strong. It would be good for you two to get acquainted. You might need to watch each other's backs in the Hidden Land."
The Weather Bureau had divisions all over the country. Zhou was in charge of the southeastern region, but there were also central, northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern divisions, all competing with one another.
"Sure, why not," Basalt shrugged.
At a hotel in Crimson City, Basalt finally met the genius trainer Zhou had mentioned. She was a girl around his age, with a high ponytail, wearing a red top and boots that gave her a sharp, capable look. She had a great figure, and amazing legs.
As Basalt was sizing her up, she was doing the same to him. Their eyes met, and Basalt quickly looked away. It was rude to stare.
"Hi, I'm Summer. It's a pleasure to meet you," the girl said with a smile, extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Basalt," he replied, shaking her hand. "The pleasure's all mine. We're both with the Bureau; we should help each other out."
"Summer, Basalt here is this year's Jiangnan Regional Champion," said the head of the Central Division, a thin, scholarly-looking man named Mr. Archer. "You two should exchange notes on Pokémon training and weather development. It would be beneficial for both of you." As a regional head, Mr. Archer was well-informed and knew that Basalt was a special case.
"Wow! The Jiangnan Champion? That's amazing!" Summer's eyes widened in genuine surprise. The Jiangnan region was one of the most competitive in the country. Becoming its champion was no small feat.
"Basalt, can I get your contact info?" she asked, her large, bright eyes looking at him with a disarming directness that made it impossible for him to refuse.
As the two of them exchanged numbers, Mr. Archer and Agent Zhou exchanged a knowing smile. A perfect match... and it keeps the talent in the family.
"I arrived a few hours before you," Mr. Archer said once they were finished, "so I've already gathered some intel. Since we're all on the same team, I'll share what I know."
"Excellent," Zhou said with a nod.
"The Hidden Land is located within the Dragon's Tooth Oasis. It's a medium-sized realm, about ten thousand square kilometers. It's populated mainly by Steel, Rock, and Ground-type Pokémon. There are three ruling Pokémon 'Titans' in this realm, all at the Gym Leader level. The League sent in a Master-level trainer as soon as it manifested and negotiated a treaty with them. So, any professional-level Pokémon in the realm will be under orders not to attack you. The strongest wild Pokémon you'll face will be at the advanced tier, and your lives won't be in danger. However—"
Here, Mr. Archer's expression turned serious. "Just because your life isn't in danger doesn't mean you can let your guard down. If you're defeated by a wild Pokémon, you will get hurt. And you must not be careless with the other trainers. This expedition is being treated as a wilderness survival trial. As long as you don't physically harm each other, anything goes."
"Anything goes?" Basalt raised an eyebrow, understanding the unspoken implication.
"That's right. It's an undeveloped Hidden Land, a pristine wilderness. There will be valuable resources. You can gather them yourself, or you can... claim them from others. But, and this is the most important rule, you are not to physically harm another person."
This was a perfect simulation of a real expedition. In the treacherous, remote corners of the world, where law and order were non-existent, disputes between trainers were settled by strength.
After realizing the seriousness of the situation, Basalt and Summer both nodded grimly.
"Basalt, let's team up tomorrow," Summer said, moving a little closer to him.
"Alright," he agreed.
"Team up? You wish," Mr. Archer said with a cold laugh. "When you enter the Hidden Land tomorrow, you will all be randomly teleported to different locations. If you two want to team up, you'll have to be lucky enough to find each other first."
Basalt and Summer's faces fell.
"Also," Mr. Archer added, dropping another bombshell, "you can only bring a maximum of three Pokémon with you. As for items, aside from held items for your Pokémon, you're only allowed one Potion, one Full Heal, three empty Poké Balls, and your food and water. Nothing else is permitted."
"That's a lot of restrictions," Summer frowned.
"Agent Zhou, I only have two Pokémon. Won't I be at a disadvantage?" Basalt asked.
"You'll be fine," Zhou said, clapping him on the shoulder. "This place is full of Pokémon that would be a great fit for your Sandstorm team. If you see one you like, you can just catch it. It's not like you're short on cash." He had complete faith in Basalt's ability to handle himself.
"But," he added, his tone serious, "you've never been in a real wilderness battle before. When you're in there, keep a low profile. Know when to back down. Don't take any unnecessary risks."
With that, the meeting was adjourned. The next morning, the group headed for the Dragon's Tooth Oasis.
