"By the way, Alex," said Ethan Black once satisfied after the meal. "I've been developing a training method for the move Sandstorm and I wanted you to take a look at it. See if you can turn it into a technical manual and sell it."
Clatter!
Just as he finished speaking, the clattering of chopsticks hitting the floor was heard. Ethan Black turned his head and saw Alex Baxter completely stunned, his gaze lost. He hadn't even realized he had dropped his utensils. He looked in total shock!
"Is something wrong...? Is it not possible? If it can't be done, just forget it..."
Ethan Black sighed, feeling a little disappointed. Perhaps he had expected too much.
"Something wrong...? No, or yes... there's a huge problem!"
"Boss, repeat what you just said! What move did you mention?"
Alex Baxter jumped to his feet, completely shaken.
"Sandstorm? Do you mean the weather move Sandstorm?"
When Ethan Black nodded firmly, Alex Baxter's eyes widened so much they looked like they were about to pop out of his face. He collapsed into his chair with an overly dramatic expression.
"I'm impressed! Completely blown away! Boss, you're on another level..."
"HAHAHA! It's a weather move! A weather move, no less! You're incredible!"
Alex Baxter burst out laughing, so loudly that passersby looked at him as if he were drunk.
"So it is possible?" asked Ethan Black with a faint smile, used to his friend's theatrical reactions.
"Come on, let's go right now to the Pokémon Researchers Guild! I need to take you to my professor immediately. A training method for a weather move! This is going to shake the entire academic world!"
Alex Baxter left no room for doubt and dragged Ethan Black straight to the Pokémon Researchers Guild. Ethan Black could only laugh helplessly.
Even so, upon confirming that his training for the move Sandstorm had value, his heart felt lighter. At this moment, that training was the only thing he could think of to earn money.
And if he managed to gather funds, he could buy resources to train Sandshrew better. That would mean a major boost to his strength!
...
The next day.
Both woke up early in the morning. The day before they had gone to the Pokémon Researchers Guild, but Alex Baxter's professor wasn't there. Still, Alex Baxter knew where he would definitely be.
"Boss, come on, let's go!" urged Alex Baxter excitedly. "It's a weather move! I couldn't sleep from the excitement!"
"Let's go," Ethan Black nodded, also somewhat expectant.
How much would his Sandstorm training be worth?
They got into Alex Baxter's sports car and headed toward the outskirts of the city. Half an hour later, they arrived at their destination: the Pokémon University of Ironvale City.
At the entrance, seeing several university girls dressed in fresh, attractive uniforms, Ethan Black's mind began to wander.
If studying didn't involve assignments, classes, or theses... university life wouldn't be bad at all.
After driving around the campus a few times, the car stopped in front of an academic building. There a middle-aged man was waiting, wearing a lab coat and looking clearly eager.
That had to be Professor Harris, the teacher Alex Baxter had mentioned so much. A tenured professor at the Pokémon University of Ironvale City and a high-ranking scholar in the Pokémon Researchers Guild. His prestige in the guild was immense.
"Alex, is this young man the Ethan Black you told me about?"
Professor Harris rubbed his hands with enthusiasm, his gaze so intense that it even gave Ethan Black chills.
"Exactly, Professor Harris. He's the discoverer of the principle of combining the moves: Defense Curl and Rollout," replied Alex Baxter with a proud smile.
"Excellent, excellent! Just as I thought, the minds of the young are an invaluable resource! Come, let's begin the research immediately!"
Professor Harris was clearly an impatient person. Without further ado, he grabbed Ethan Black by the arm and pulled him toward the laboratory.
"Hehe, my professor is like that, a bit hasty. But he's a good guy," Alex Baxter whispered along the way. "Besides, his specialty is rock- and ground-type Pokémon. Maybe he can help you with Sandshrew."
"A specialist in rock- and ground-type Pokémon?"
Ethan Black's eyes lit up.
He absolutely had to establish a good relationship with Professor Harris. All the knowledge and resources he needed to train Sandshrew... could depend on this man!
(End of chapter)