After receiving Ethan's approval, President Beckett immediately took Absol for a full examination, intending to assess the state of the dark energy within its body.
Ethan was still somewhat worried, so he accompanied them. Only by seeing Absol's medical report with his own eyes could he feel at ease.
While Absol underwent the tests, President Beckett also talked with Ethan about the Dark League, giving him a deeper understanding of how insane that group truly was.
During this time, President Beckett also took Ethan to see the Dark League lackey who had been captured.
Upon seeing him, Ethan was shocked—the man was truly miserable.
Due to the corrosion of the dark energy, all of his skin appeared ulcerated, turning him into something almost inhuman, grotesque.
"This is the price of manipulating the Dark Force. Aside from the pain it inflicts on the soul, it also destroys the body."
"This guy managed to pass the Trial... he's one of the few survivors. Most die outright, devoured by the dark energy. And even so, in this condition... he doesn't have much time left."
President Beckett glanced at the prisoner and let out a mocking smile.
Although the Dark Ball could rapidly turn an ordinary person into a powerful trainer, the price it demanded was extremely cruel.
"So that's how it is..."
"Then, regarding Absol, who still has remnants of dark energy inside..."
Ethan couldn't help worrying.
"Don't worry. Absol, by nature, has a capacity to suppress the Dark Force. We will also help remove it."
Seeing Ethan's unease, President Beckett immediately reassured him.
At that moment, Absol's medical report arrived. Ethan sighed in relief upon seeing that there was no serious damage.
However, the dark energy inside Absol did pose a risk. President Beckett and the others had tried many methods but were unable to completely remove it. It seemed that only by digging deeper into the research could they solve it.
After watching Absol enter the laboratory, Ethan relaxed a little. At the Guild headquarters—where the best researchers of the League gathered—he didn't believe Absol could be in any danger.
Upon leaving the headquarters, Ethan released Vibrava so it could fly him to the lakeside laboratory where Kingdra was.
Now that Absol was under President Beckett's care, the only Pokémon Ethan could ride was Vibrava.
"Maybe I should catch another mount Pokémon..." Ethan thought.
Even when Absol returned, having two mount Pokémon to alternate between would be very convenient.
After the specialized training of the past few days, Vibrava's flight had become extremely stable. With its ability Levitate and its talent for controlling the wind, Ethan felt as if he were traveling on a luxury train—without a single jolt. He was even enjoying it.
Soon, thanks to its rapid flight, Ethan arrived at the lakeside laboratory where Kingdra was.
Inside the laboratory, Alex Baxter and an expert in emotional energies were studying a group of Horsea and Seadra.
Splash!
Sensing Ethan's presence, Kingdra excitedly emerged from the water and swam toward him.
"How have you been these days?"
Ethan gently petted Kingdra's dragon horns with a smile.
Kingdra nodded quickly and then affectionately rubbed its horns against Ethan.
"Ethan, what brings you here?"
Alex, who was organizing data, looked up and greeted him with a smile.
"I'm here to take Kingdra. I want to bring it to a Secret Kingdom."
Ethan explained the reason for his visit.
He had come to pick up Kingdra to head to the Secret Kingdom promised by Rachel Blake.
He had heard from her that the place greatly benefitted Water-type Pokémon, so he planned to bring both Slowking and Kingdra.
"What do you think? Is this a good time?"
"If you're busy, I can wait until you finish."
Ethan stroked Kingdra's scales as he spoke. He noticed that Kingdra seemed even better developed than before. Apparently, President Beckett and the researchers had treated it very well... far better than he had. Free food, professional care... wonderful.
"No problem. Right now our research focuses on Horsea and Seadra, so Kingdra is free."
Alex checked the research schedule and confirmed that there was no issue. Ethan was delighted by the answer.
After saying goodbye to the staff, Ethan took Kingdra's Poké Ball, returned it inside, and left the laboratory, mounting Vibrava again and heading toward Ironvale City.
After flying to the entrance of Ironvale City, Ethan stored the now-exhausted Vibrava and continued on foot toward the Pokémon Nightstar Club.
When he arrived, he found the place packed. Through the long line, he saw that everyone was waiting to enter a VIP room where the pokéblock-producing machine was installed.
"Is this machine really that popular?"
Ethan picked up a promotional flyer and read it.
The cost of using it was really low, and so was the consumption of Berries. Compared to traditional nutritious juices, it was far cheaper.
Ethan shook his head. He had no interest in joining the crowd. Although the machine could improve supplement quality, his Shuckle—with its Grass-type Hidden Power and the ability Gluttony—could do the same, even better.
He walked around the crowd and entered the Pokémon Nightstar Club directly. It was clear the club was much busier than before. Many trainers who had booked a turn to use the machine were spending their waiting time battling here.
Not only the free battle area, but also the training rooms and arenas were at full capacity. The enormous importance of the pokéblock machine was evident... a truly revolutionary invention.
The only question was whether they could replicate it.
(End of chapter)