Icy Rock was discovered by an exploration team in the shallow sea caves. Despite being located in the ocean, the cave was as cold as harsh winter, with rocks frozen solid and a pervasive chill in the air.
Smooth Rock came from the largest desert in Hoenn, excavated from an area where sandstorms never ceased. Damp Rock and Heat Rock were also found in similar climate conditions.
Extreme cold, extreme heat, sandstorms, heavy rain – the four rocks were found in these places with abnormal weather. The exploring researchers brought back many local samples, but only a few exhibited strange abilities.
These four rocks, showing strange abilities, were each respectively given these four names. Research revealed that these strange rocks had a remarkable effect corresponding to their respective climates.
The shallow sea caves, bitterly cold with icy rocks everywhere, immediately collapsed and melted once these “Icy Rocks” were removed.
Similar aftermath followed in the other places. After experiments, these strange rocks were determined to amplify or strengthen certain weather and climates.
“The Weather Institute has collected a significant number of these strange rocks from various regions. The findings of their research have also been put into preliminary use in experiments. So, these four rocks and Mystic Water are a token of appreciation from the Weather Institute,” Steven said.
“Rocks that can strengthen the climate…” Terrance mused, then spoke up, “Could this effect extend to Pokémon moves?”
“I see you’ve also thought along those lines. I suppose the reason for these four rocks as gift is your Castform,” Steven remarked.
Castform was quite active at the Weather Institute. After some consideration, researchers felt that giving Terrance something meaningful would show more sincerity. While the four rocks weren’t extremely valuable, their worth lies in their rarity and lack of market availability. Whether it’s excavation or refinement, finding rocks with actual effects is not an easy task.
“Well…” Terrance took the four rocks and Mystic Water, unable to contain his excitement. “These will be really useful for Castform.”
Terrance had been worried about Castform’s growth, thinking he might have no choice but to return to the academy. But these four rocks were even better than the training methods he had devised.
These four rocks were extremely rare items, similar to “Dragon Fang”, “Dragon Orb”, “Evolutionary Stones”, containing unimaginable energy and research value.
The Weather Institute’s main research focus was altering Hoenn’s climate, and most of these rocks have been put to use in this research. But using them solely for Pokémon was something no one had attempted yet.
There was a chance that Terrance would be the first Breeder to use the four rocks to assist in Castform’s training.
“It seems you really like these gifts,” Steven noted. “Honestly, it’s my first time seeing these kinds of rocks. If possible, I must find some to add to my collection.”
Terrance smiled but didn’t reply.
The researchers at the Weather Institute were astute; they had identified Terrance’s weakness directly. Novel items that could help with Pokémon training, especially his Pokémon, were probably the most appealing things to him.
It’s hard to refuse… Such rare rocks, if Terrance misses them, he might never be able to obtain them again. Seeing such a unique item that could greatly benefit Castform slip away, Terrance would undoubtedly feel extremely upset.
“Please thank all the researchers and Professor Lucci for me. If there’s any further research needed on the meteorite that might be useful in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me,” Terrance said.
Steven nodded. He remembered what Professor Lucci had said to him. Terrance was from Crown Academy, and the ten-year-old Breeder also had an inexplicable relationship with the top-level Breeder, Victor. It was better to be on good terms with him.
If Terrance accepted these tokens of gratitude, borrowing the meteorite in the future would be easier. Terrance also understood that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and the relationship between the meteorite and the four rocks is more like an exchange. Although Terrance was willing to lend the meteorite for research as it was a matter concerning all of Hoenn, the other party would certainly feel embarrassed in doing so.
Terrance was a youngster, so the Weather Institute had to show some generosity. With this layer of relationship, they not only thanked Terrance for his help but also indirectly enhanced their friendship with him.
This approach is more reassuring to researchers than relying on emotions.
The research results of the meteorite were valuable as they might be the key to solving the crisis in Hoenn. Terrance had unintentionally done a good deed, but the person involved didn’t care as he started his journey towards Lilycove City.
At this moment, Lilycove City was also bustling with activity. Although it’s one of the basic competitions under the Grand Festival, similar in status to the Verdanturf Conference, various factors such as geographical location have led to a significantly larger number of participants here. This has also increased the difficulty of winning the Ribbon.
“This is it.” A girl with creamy hair found the registration location and took a deep breath to calm herself down.
This was her third Pokémon Contest. The first two times, she successfully advanced to the secondary judging, but Sora understood…that luck played a big part in it. However, this time, the number of Coordinators participating in the Lilycove Conference exceeded her expectations, which made Sora even more cautious and increased the pressure on her.
“Hey, Sora!” a female Coordinator greeted Sora.
“Ah… Reiko.” Seeing the other person, Sora’s face lit up with surprise.
Reiko was a friend Sora met during her second Pokémon Contest. Compared to Sora, Reiko is a more experienced Coordinator who is currently collecting Ribbons for the Grand Festival.
“Sure enough, you’re here for the Lilycove Conference too!” Reiko grinned, hugging Sora.
“Umm…” Sora looked at Reiko and said, “Looks like we’re going to be competitors again.”
“I won’t go easy on you,” Reiko said with a smile, her voice serious.
“But with so many participants this time, we have to first make it through the primary judging,” Sora said.
“Don’t worry,” Reiko reassured with a wave of her hand: “They’re all just Trainers joining in for fun. Look, even those two Trainer friends I’ve been traveling with are here just to join the fun. I bet… they won’t even pass the first round. Hmph, they can only rely on using brute force.”
“But still, we have to be careful,” Sora shook her head.
“Don’t worry, with your skill, there’s a great chance you’ll pass the first round. Have confidence in yourself!”
“I hope so,” Sora thought to herself. She too wanted to win a Ribbon, but the odds were slim. However, everyone hopes for a stroke of luck, which is the expectation for a positive outcome.
However,
When Sora caught sight of a figure, a complex mix of bitterness and joy instantly crossed her face.
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