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Three important matters had brought Jacob to the Dragon-type Secret Realm, but the first was by far the most urgent.
After six months of careful nurturing, Jacob's tiny Dreepy had finally reached the critical period for its first evolution. The small Dragon and Ghost-type had been fed a steady diet of A-grade dragon scales and concentrated Ghost-type energy from the mysterious Poison Bottle, bringing it to this crucial developmental milestone.
The first evolution was absolutely vital because the Ghost-type energy from the Poison Bottle was incredibly potent and concentrated. To properly balance the Ghost and Dragon-type energies within Dreepy's developing body, Jacob needed at least an A-grade Dragon-type item to facilitate a successful evolution.
While he still possessed one A-grade dragon scale, Jacob hoped to find something even better – an S-grade item that would allow Dreepy to achieve a truly perfect evolution without any potential complications or imbalances.
Although Dreepy appeared small and relatively weak at the moment, it was actually the Pokémon with the highest potential on Jacob's entire team. Once it evolved into Drakloak and eventually Dragapult, its strength would grow exponentially, and it would inevitably become the powerhouse leader of Jacob's roster.
"Master, the first matter concerns my Dreepy, which is about to evolve," Jacob said, meeting Maximus's gaze directly. "I need to acquire an S-grade Dragon-type item. Is there any way you could help me obtain one?"
"What?" Maximus stared at Jacob in apparent disbelief, his eyebrows rising sharply. "What did you just say?"
"Um..." Seeing Maximus's surprised expression, Jacob cleared his throat nervously. "It's about an S-grade Dragon-type item. If it's not possible to obtain one, then I'll make do with what I have."
"Not that part," Maximus shook his head firmly. "The sentence before that."
"Before that?" Jacob thought for a moment. "My Dreepy is about to evolve?"
"Yes, exactly that statement." Maximus scrutinized Jacob as if he were looking at someone who had completely lost their mind. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Your Dreepy only hatched a few months ago, and you're claiming it's ready to evolve?"
"Look at your Noibat – it's been with you longer than Dreepy has existed, and it hasn't even evolved yet. How could Dreepy possibly be ready for evolution?"
Jacob suddenly realized why Maximus was so incredulous. His mentor was shocked by Dreepy's extraordinary growth rate. When Jacob thought about it objectively, Dreepy's development was indeed almost impossibly rapid – reaching near Gym Leader-level strength in just six months.
Such accelerated growth was virtually unheard of in the Pokémon world.
"Master, I'm completely serious. My Dreepy really is about to evolve," Jacob insisted.
"Come on, stop joking around. What do you actually need?" Maximus smiled, clearly convinced Jacob was playing some kind of prank. But as he studied Jacob's earnest expression, his amusement began to fade. "Wait... you're being completely serious, aren't you?"
"It's absolutely true," Jacob confirmed, reaching for Dreepy's Poké Ball. "Let me show you."
The moment Dreepy materialized in the office, it immediately captured Maximus's full attention. Superficially, it was difficult to assess Dreepy's true strength just by observation – the small Dragon-type appeared healthy and well-developed, but not obviously extraordinary.
However, both Maximus and Nina possessed unusual abilities. As Dragon-type specialists with psychic sensitivity to draconic energy, they could perceive far more than ordinary trainers.
Maximus didn't hesitate to extend his psychic senses, placing his hand gently on Dreepy while allowing his Dragon Power to flow outward. He began a thorough investigation of the small Pokémon's energy levels and developmental status.
The more clearly he perceived Dreepy's true strength, the more serious and amazed his expression became.
It really was on the verge of evolution! Once Dreepy evolved into Drakloak, it would possess strength approaching Gym Leader level – an incredible achievement for such a young Pokémon. Even more astonishing was Dreepy's potential, which seemed to exceed Champion-level capabilities and approach the legendary Master tier.
Maximus felt genuinely awestruck as he looked at his student. Jacob continued to surprise him in ways he never anticipated.
How many more incredible revelations would this remarkable young man provide?
With Dreepy as a foundation, Jacob's future seemed virtually guaranteed. As long as he continued growing steadily and responsibly, he would certainly become a Champion-level trainer. Combined with his groundbreaking scientific research achievements, Jacob was destined to become one of the most influential figures in all of North China.
Maximus couldn't even imagine the ultimate limits of his student's potential.
"I will personally cover the cost of that S-grade Dragon-type item!" Maximus declared with firm resolve, his voice carrying absolute authority. "You focus entirely on your experiments and competitions. Leave this matter to me."
"Master, I couldn't possibly accept such an expensive gift," Jacob protested. "I should pay for it myself."
"Do you think S-grade items are something any random person can simply purchase?" Maximus asked pointedly.
"Then I'll take care of you in your old age to repay the debt," Jacob offered with a grin.
"I have a daughter to care for me in my later years," Maximus replied dryly, giving Jacob a cold look. "Just try to cause me less trouble in the meantime. Now tell me about the other two matters quickly, and stop wasting time on irrelevant flattery."
"The second issue involves a Shiny Gastly I recently caught, which is approaching evolution into Haunter," Jacob began. "This particular Gastly is specialized, with incredibly strong Ghost-type energy but very weak Poison-type energy. It needs at least an S-grade Poison-type item to ensure balanced development and a successful evolution."
As Maximus listened, his expression grew increasingly suspicious. Was Jacob attempting to manipulate him into providing another expensive S-grade item?
Sensing his mentor's increasingly cold gaze, Jacob's voice grew noticeably quieter. "This matter isn't particularly urgent..."
Maximus felt simultaneously annoyed and amused. How had he ended up with such a shameless student? However, he genuinely couldn't provide an S-grade Poison-type item. That didn't mean others couldn't help, though.
"What's your Gastly's potential assessment?" Maximus asked. "Does it have at least Elite Four-level potential? If it doesn't reach that threshold, an S-grade item would be completely wasted."
"It should... have that level of potential?"
"Either it does or it doesn't. What do you mean 'should have'? Have you had its potential professionally evaluated?" Maximus pressed.
"Not exactly," Jacob admitted. "This Gastly came from an egg I found in the Dream Secret Realm. Its strength should be at least Elite Four-level, right?"
"Are you certain of that assessment?"
"I believe so," Jacob replied uncertainly.
"You can be remarkably dense sometimes," Maximus sighed with exasperation. "I'll handle the S-grade Dragon-type item for you. For the S-grade Poison-type item, ask Raya for assistance. She has access to quite a few rare treasures."
"Business partnerships require mutual benefit. Since I'm already providing an S-grade Dragon-type item, she can't expect to contribute nothing in return. You're bold enough to take advantage of me, so why are you hesitant to make a direct request to her? Just ask her directly!"
"You're absolutely right. Why didn't I think of approaching her myself?"
"I'll contact her later on your behalf," Maximus said. "What about the third matter? Continue."
"The third issue is—"
"Wait," Maximus interrupted suddenly. "Let's establish one rule first: if you're planning to request another S-grade item, don't even mention it."
"The third matter is somewhat more complicated than the first two," Jacob explained. "I need to complete a research paper within seven days. I plan to visit my grandfather tomorrow to brief him about the new experimental project. I also need an assistant to help complete the paper, since I don't have sufficient time to write it myself."
"Handle that matter independently," Maximus replied. "I can't assist with experimental research. The S-grade Dragon-type item will be delivered to you by tomorrow. I'll contact Raya immediately and explain the situation. Once she understands the specifics of your experiment, I believe she'll be willing to provide an S-grade Poison-type item."
"Thank you so much, Master," Jacob said with obvious gratitude. "You truly live up to your reputation as the leader of the North China Elite Four. Your vision and perspective far exceed ordinary people. I sincerely hope you'll successfully advance to become North China's Champion in the near future!"
"Stop with the flattery," Maximus said dismissively. "That's enough for today. Do you have accommodations for tonight?"
"I can just stay at a hotel," Jacob replied.
"Hotels aren't secure enough for someone in your position. You can sleep in the guest room in Nina's dormitory."
"Understood!" Jacob agreed quickly, his expression brightening considerably.
Jacob's satisfied smile formed a sharp contrast with Nina's suddenly flushed face as she realized the implications of the arrangement.