Chapter 12: I Have a Friend in Hoenn
Opportunities to take advantage of League funds didn't come around often, so naturally, Asahi wanted to make the most of it.
As he inquired about the potential subsidy amount, the stats panel for Bagon popped up before him.
[Pokémon: Bagon (♂)]
Type: Dragon
Ability: Rock Head
Friendship: Friendly
Level: LV5 (Beginner)
Moves: Leer, Ember, Bite, Dragon Rush
Held Item: None
[It inherited Dragon Rush?]
In the games, Salamence could only learn Dragon Rush through breeding.
While the real world wasn't as restrictive—moves could generally be learned through training—having the move inherited saved a lot of effort.
Mood: Excellent!
Noticing Asahi's sudden joy, Lance assumed it was because he mentioned a monthly subsidy of 100,000 Pokédollars.
"So, when do you plan to head out, Asahi?"
"I'll need a day or two to prepare. Why?"
"Since you'll be conducting a covert investigation, it's best to keep your identity a secret," Lance explained. "You should adopt a cover identity."
This was a longstanding tradition within the International Police. Officers often took on secondary professions as a cover.
For example, Lila, the head of the International Police's UB Division, also served as a Frontier Brain. Or "Looker," whose cover was being a detective.
"A cover identity..." Asahi fell into thought.
"How about continuing as a ranger?" Lance suggested.
In Lance's mind, Asahi had done such an excellent job as a ranger that he must have a strong attachment to the role.
"No, thanks." Asahi shook his head quickly.
In the past, he'd been willing to be a ranger because he was young and naive, treating it as a game.
Now? After experiencing the International Police's salary and benefits, all he could say was...
Not even a Growlithe would want to be a ranger.
"So, what do you plan to use as your cover?" Lance asked curiously.
"How about a researcher? I'm pretty interested in research," Asahi replied, thinking about the "master-level Pokéblock recipe" he had obtained.
The Pokéblocks he made with this recipe were not only tastier but also 50% more effective than the premium blocks sold by Devon Corporation.
With some organization, he could write a solid paper, making his researcher identity more convincing.
And maybe he could even patent the recipe and sell it to major corporations for a tidy profit.
After Asahi explained his idea, Lance focused on one particular point:
"Are you saying your Pokéblocks are 50% more effective than those from Devon Corporation?" Lance asked, skeptical.
He had once acquired Devon's custom-made Pokéblocks through a friend in Hoenn. These premium blocks, tailored to individual Pokémon, were made with rare materials and were only 20-30% more effective than the market versions.
If what Asahi claimed was true...
"You can try them for yourself," Asahi said, handing Lance a box of Pokéblocks he had made for Dratini.
Since Dragonair was still recovering, Lance released Dragonite instead.
"Dragonite, try this!" Lance tossed a block to the Pokémon.
Dragonite caught it in its round paws, sniffed it, then popped it into its mouth.
"Woo~!"
Dragonite's eyes lit up as it immediately grabbed another block, savoring it with a delighted expression.
Lance didn't need further proof; Dragonite's reaction said it all.
Turning to Asahi with an astonished look, Lance was clearly impressed.
Efficient investigator, skilled battler, psychic abilities—and now he had developed Pokéblocks superior to those of a major corporation.
Asahi was full of surprises.
"If these blocks really work as you say, using only common berries to achieve such results, then Devon Corporation's Pokéblock business might be in trouble," Lance remarked.
"Not necessarily," Asahi said, waving his hand modestly.
"Devon is a massive corporation. Their Pokéblock business isn't just about selling blocks—they make a fortune selling block-making devices and offering maintenance services. Compared to that, direct retail is a minor revenue stream."
Most trainers couldn't afford to buy pre-made blocks regularly. They'd save up berries and rent block-making machines to craft their own.
"That's not exactly small change," Lance replied.
As an Elite Four member with close ties to Hoenn, Lance knew much more about this than Asahi.
After organizing his thoughts, Lance suggested, "Would you mind if I shared this information? That friend of mine in Hoenn might be willing to buy the patent for your recipe."
Asahi wasn't surprised. From Lance's earlier mention of his Hoenn friend, he had already guessed their identity.
"Your Hoenn friend... is their last name Stone, by any chance?"
"You figured it out?"
"Who else but Steven Stone could casually give away a pseudo-legendary Pokémon?" Asahi quipped.
Of all the Champions, none were as wealthy as Steven, the heir to Devon Corporation.
The only trainers wealthier didn't have Steven's strength, and the stronger trainers... well, they were too busy modeling cloaks with sponsorship logos.
As for Lance's suggestion to disclose the recipe...
"Of course, I don't mind." Asahi was eager for someone to buy the patent.
The recipe was just sitting idle in his hands. Selling the patent wouldn't only benefit trainers but also earn him a significant profit.
Lance smiled, happy to help both Asahi and Steven.
"I'll contact him and let you know!"
"Sure!"
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