There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch in This World
Early the next morning.
The group gathered early after enjoying a night of restful sleep in real beds.
"It's so much better sleeping in an actual bed," Maxwell remarked as he stretched, breaking the morning silence.
"The best part is not having to climb through those freezing mountains anymore," Luka replied, rolling his neck in relief.
That comment sparked an animated discussion. Amid laughter and stories, the trainers shared tales of the challenges they faced in the snowy mountains. Maxwell recounted how he nearly startled a Pokemon hidden in the snow, only to have it leap out suddenly. Others shared moments like witnessing Weavile working in coordinated groups to hunt a Piloswine, a scene both thrilling and terrifying.
As the conversation deepened, Maxwell suddenly let out a bitter laugh and muttered, "That trip to the Borealia Mountains was tougher than I expected."
The comment resonated immediately, drawing nods and agreements from everyone around.
Only Bruce and Asher exchanged knowing smiles.
Just then, Colin emerged from behind, his eyes scanning the lively group. With a faint smile, he said, "It seems like you all have a lot to say about the last three days."
"I've seen firsthand how challenging it is to scale those snowy peaks," he added.
Pausing for a moment, he looked at the group and continued, "But judging by your enthusiasm, the rewards must have been worth it."
Hearing this, smiles spread across everyone's faces.
Satisfied with their reactions, Colin's grin widened. "During our initial discussions with Master Westbrook, we agreed that after climbing the snow-capped mountains, your primary Pokemon should feel the opportunity to advance."
"And once you fully complete the third stage of the special training, I hope some of your Pokemon will successfully reach Gym-level strength."
Hearing this, Luka lowered his gaze, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Liam's expression remained unchanged, his calm eyes steady.
"Instructor Bishop, what's the third stage of special training?" Asher asked quietly.
Colin's smile deepened as he replied, "After the first and second stages of training, you've fully adapted to the plateau environment."
"The third stage will test how well you've adapted."
"So the second stage was just preparation..." Maxwell groaned, realizing the extent of the challenge.
"Instructor Bishop sure is playing the long game," Luka quipped with a wry smile.
Colin chuckled but did not elaborate. "The third stage is simple. We'll send you into a secret area within the snow-capped mountains."
"You'll need to stay there for six days."
"During this period, only essential supplies will be provided. Everything else will depend on your resourcefulness."
"Sounds like military field training," Bruce thought to himself, though he knew the difficulty would be far greater.
The secret area they were entering wasn't tailored for beginners but for seasoned trainers ready to face harsh trials.
"This area was recently discovered by the Pokemon Rangers and has been thoroughly examined. The strongest Pokemon inside is at Gym-level, making it suitable for your current abilities," Colin explained.
At the mention of the Pokemon Rangers, Bruce's attention sharpened. His gaze met Colin's briefly, catching a knowing look.
"This secret area hasn't been made public yet and is temporarily designated by the Pokemon Association as a special training ground for you."
"Today, you'll travel to this location, enter tomorrow morning, and remain there until the morning of January 21," Colin concluded.
Everyone nodded in understanding.
"But before that, there's one more thing," Colin added mysteriously.
"What is it?" Maxwell asked impatiently.
"Look outside," Colin replied with a cryptic smile, pointing behind them.
Accompanied by a loud rumbling, three helicopters descended into the open field outside the camp, their blades kicking up powerful gusts of wind.
Several trainers clad in black uniforms stepped out, carrying a large crate. Their serious expressions and military-like demeanor immediately captured the group's attention.
"Rangers!" Luka whispered, narrowing his eyes.
"Come on, your equipment has arrived," Colin said, motioning for everyone to follow him.
A stocky man with a stern face stepped forward to greet Colin, standing at attention.
"Commander Bishop," the man said in a gruff voice.
"Captain Cross, thank you for your hard work," Colin replied with a smile.
Bruce recognized the man immediately—Gabriel Cross, a Gym-level trainer and leader responsible for conducting special operations.
Gabriel and his team stood silently to the side, their disciplined postures unwavering.
Colin and Julian approached the large crate, opened it, and gestured for the group to gather around.
What greeted their eyes were glimmering, crystalline stones that radiated an enchanting glow.
"These are Key Stones and Mega Stones," Julian announced with a grin.
Everyone's eyes widened in astonishment.
"For this competition, to enhance your strength, the two main associations and the Rangers have worked together to gather these Key Stones and Mega Stones," Julian continued.
"I mentioned this briefly during our first online meeting."
Though they had been informed beforehand, no one had expected this. The sight of the actual stones took their breath away.
Instinctively, everyone glanced at Bruce. As the discoverer of Mega Evolution and a member of the influential Bayne family, he undoubtedly had a role in this.
"The fact that we could gather so many Key Stones and Mega Stones in such a short time is largely thanks to King John Bayne. He offered his full support and personally sent a batch of these stones," Julian explained.
"Of course, Mega Stones are exceedingly rare, and most of your Pokemon won't be able to experience Mega Evolution. So, keep that in mind," he added.
Bruce interjected, "Our ongoing research has identified that only about 30 Pokemon species can Mega Evolve. So..."
Before he could finish, Liam spoke up calmly, "It's already a privilege to have access to such resources. My Pokemon may not qualify for Mega Evolution, but this is still a great opportunity."
"Exactly," Maxwell chimed in. "The market value of a single Mega Stone is astronomical—well into the billions—and even then, they're nearly impossible to find."
Satisfied, Colin handed out the Key Stones to everyone first, followed by the limited Mega Stones.
As expected, some trainers received Mega Stones tailored to their Pokemon, while others did not.
When Liam received an Aggronite, he was momentarily surprised but quickly regained his composure.
"King John Bayne has high hopes for you and Jessica," Colin said with a meaningful smile as he handed over the stone.
Liam nodded, understanding the weight of the gesture.
"Please convey my gratitude to King Bayne," Liam said, accepting the Mega Stone.
"I will," Colin replied with a nod.
After the group experimented with their newly acquired Mega Evolution capabilities, they boarded the helicopters, heading toward the secret area in the Borealia Mountains for the third stage of their special training.
This phase would push them to their limits, testing not just their skills but their resolve, until the day before the Spring Festival.
ptreon / Thenamealreadyexis
50 chapters ahead