Pokémon: When the World Changed

Chapter 585 580: Dark League Attacks Again

The next day.

Exit of the Secret Kingdom of the Dragon Valley.

"Keep it up, Hakamo-o!" Ethan said with a smile as he looked at the dark Hakamo-o who had come to see him off.

"Hakkammo!" The dark Hakamo-o roared, full of confidence.

"Don't worry. From time to time I'll come to see you. During this period I'll help you gather all kinds of combat techniques. I firmly believe that all effort has its reward; you will definitely be able to complete your training."

Ethan smiled as he encouraged it. During all that time, he had witnessed the enormous effort of the dark Hakamo-o.

In terms of talent and dedication, it lacked neither.

Although relying solely on Hakamo-o's form to defeat Garchomp was extremely difficult, with the help of various combat techniques, the dark Hakamo-o was not without possibilities of victory.

Moreover, under the intense nourishment of the Dragon-type energy of the Dragon Valley, the physical condition of the dark Hakamo-o could also improve much faster.

On the other hand, regarding the training of the dark Hakamo-o, Ethan had already requested help from Master Morland. Without a doubt, growing in the Dragon Valley, its progress would be even faster.

"Hakkammo!" The dark Hakamo-o nodded solemnly.

It indicated that it would complete its training as soon as possible and then go to find Ethan.

After explaining once again the key points of training for that period, and under the farewell of the dark Hakamo-o, Ethan released Charizard and left the Dragon Valley.

...

"The trip to the Dragon Valley has come to an end. Next, I'll prepare for the professional Pokémon Hunter examination."

Ethan rode on Charizard while reviewing his schedule.

There was less than a month left before the professional Pokémon Hunter examination, so it was already time to begin preparations.

Because the content of the exam consisted of exploring a Secret Kingdom, the level of danger was extremely high.

Fortunately, unlike the Advanced-level exam, the professional-level exam imposed no restrictions: if one wished, they could bring absolutely all of their resources.

"The first thing that must be seriously considered is food. Although I have learned some survival techniques in the wild, it is not certain that there will be resources available to survive. In that case, it will be essential to depend completely on the supplies I carry with me."

Ethan took out the official training manual for the Pokémon Hunter examination and began to read it.

In the book, all the preparations necessary before entering the Secret Kingdom were detailed in a very reasonable way.

In addition to the resources that needed to be brought, the book offered numerous sensible suggestions based on the examinee's strength, the number of Pokémon, their types, and their moves.

"So the optimal number of Pokémon to bring is nine... In that case, the resources recommended in the book can last for a month. As for the team composition, Water-type and Flying-type Pokémon are indispensable, and Pokémon with healing-type moves are equally important."

While reading, Ethan began to reflect on his own Pokémon lineup. At present, he had fourteen Pokémon in total.

If it were possible, he would naturally like to bring them all, but the resources that one person could carry were limited.

In that context, Ethan was not sure whether his provisions would be enough to sustain the consumption of fourteen Pokémon.

Moreover, if food or medicine were to become scarce in the Secret Kingdom, having too many Pokémon could become a burden instead of an advantage.

"Perhaps I should listen to the opinion of the president and the others."

While Ethan was reflecting, Charizard was already very close to the Secret Kingdom of the Sky.

In this trip to the Secret Kingdom of the Sky, his objective was to pick up the Pokémon he had left at the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers' Guild.

"Ethan, you're back!" President Beckett said happily upon seeing him.

Ethan's events in the Dragon Valley had already been reported to the League by Master Morland.

President Beckett, who always closely followed Ethan's movements, learned the news immediately.

When he heard that Ethan had obtained first place in this edition of the Dragon Messengers' Battle, he was stunned for a moment.

Especially Master Morland's description of the final move left everyone present completely dumbfounded.

A mere Vibrava had swept across the entire battlefield!

Even he, as the president of the entire Pokémon Researchers' Guild, could not imagine how Ethan had trained Vibrava. Such talent as a trainer was truly admirable.

"Yes, President, I've already returned," Ethan replied respectfully, and the two began to chat.

"By the way, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," President Beckett suddenly said after a while of conversation.

His hesitant expression gradually made Ethan's face turn serious.

"It has to do with Absol."

"Absol?!"

"What happened to it?"

Ethan's heart immediately tightened, fearing that something had happened to it.

"Don't be nervous, it's not something bad," President Beckett quickly said, anticipating his reaction.

"Not something bad?"

Ethan calmed down a little, although he was still confused.

"In fact, it's like this..."

Very soon, thanks to President Beckett's explanation, Ethan understood what had happened.

"Exchanging Absol... and the Dark League."

It turned out that, after discovering that Absol could perceive the Dark Force, the Pokémon League wanted to exchange Ethan's Absol.

Their intention was to use Absol's sensitivity to the Dark Force to locate the members of the Dark League hidden in the shadows.

"I see... The Dark League has begun to infiltrate the Daleron League?"

Upon hearing that this was the League's decision, Ethan frowned, deeply conflicted inside.

He knew very well that Absol had a restraining effect on the Dark Force, but allowing Absol to directly face the Dark League caused him great concern.

After all, only thanks to recent treatment had Absol managed to completely control the Dark Force inside its body. If it were sent to face the Dark League, there was a high possibility that that Dark Force would once again lose control.

"Ethan, I understand your concerns. In fact, the Pokémon League has long wanted to use Absol against the Dark League."

"It has been our Pokémon Researchers' Guild that, under the pretext of researching the Dark Force, has kept this matter on hold. But now, the Dark Force is spreading more and more recklessly within the League, and we have also made great progress in our research on it."

"Although Absol may face dangers when confronting the Dark League, we will do everything possible to guarantee its safety."

Seeing Ethan's hesitation, President Beckett sighed, with a grave expression, and gave his solemn guarantee.

(End of Chapter)