20. Flame Secret Realm

In recent days, online news media had been widely publicizing the heroic deeds of the Xia family, portraying Asher, the youngest Gym-leader-level trainer in Frosthollow Province, as a role model. They called on everyone to learn from his example while also increasing the bounty on Dante.

Everything in Starlight City had gradually returned to normal, except for the noticeable increase in out-of-town license plates on the streets. These newcomers had obviously set their sights on the newly discovered secret realm, hoping to claim a piece of the opportunity—either by speculating in real estate or securing construction projects. The development of the secret realm would inevitably drive growth across numerous industries, particularly real estate. Housing prices in Starlight City had been rising daily.

The 20% priority purchase right for secret realm shares held by the Rory family had become extremely valuable. The potential of the secret realm was immense. Beyond the substantial initial investment required, the long-term profit potential was extraordinary—it was almost guaranteed to succeed. Typically, Gym Leaders in cities where secret realms were discovered only received a 10% priority purchase right, but because of the heroic actions of the two Rory family Gym Leaders, this had been specially increased to 20%.

This particular secret realm was unique—the only one in Frosthollow Province featuring both Grass and Bug attributes. Its distinctive qualities made everyone recognize the enormous profits it would generate.

As of today, three groups had approached the Rory family expressing interest in purchasing their priority rights to the secret realm. Not only were their offers extremely high, but more importantly, those who dared to come forward were all influential figures with considerable power and connections.

The least formidable of them had at least two quasi-king trainers backing them, while the other two groups each had a King level trainer—though these were unofficial King level trainers, possessing King-level strength without the official King title.

Throughout the entire southwest region, there were only four officially certified King-level trainers, all recognized as the strongest in the southwest, commonly known as the Four Heavenly Kings.

For example, Sylas was a renowned King-level trainer, whereas Dante, had he not betrayed the Association, would have remained an unofficial King-level trainer. The difference between the two was substantial. After all, a trainer could be considered King-level by simply having one King-level Pokémon, while established King trainers like Sylas typically possessed entire teams of King-level Pokémon and at least one pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

In a direct confrontation, Dante was no match for Sylas, which explained his timely departure.

It was primarily because of these share purchase rights that Rory had been anxious lately. He was reluctant to transfer his shares to others, yet concerned that his family lacked the financial resources to maintain so many shares. His worry was causing his hair to turn gray.

Jacob wanted to participate in purchasing shares of the secret realm but couldn't. He lacked both the qualifications and the resources. However, he had been quite busy recently training his two Pokémon. The hardworking Treecko didn't require much oversight from Jacob. Its strength was improving rapidly, and it had already learned Detect. Noibat was developing more slowly—it was newly hatched and still in its growth phase. Though not progressing as quickly as Treecko, its development remained within normal parameters.

"Jacob." Asher's voice came from outside the door.

"I'm here, brother." Jacob opened the door to find Asher standing outside. After several days of rest and his engagement, Asher appeared in good spirits, having emerged from the shadow of recent events.

Asher held the box containing the Thunder Stone and handed it to Jacob solemnly. "Jacob, I want you to keep this Thunder Stone. After thinking it over, I realized I'm not skilled at training Electric Pokémon. I prefer Fire types to Electric types. I can't make proper use of this, so you should keep it."

"Brother, this was given to you, so it should stay with you," Jacob refused. The Thunder Stone was actually of little use to him, as his mission required capturing Dragon-type Pokémon. The Thunder Stone would serve no purpose.

"Jacob!" Asher said firmly. "Listen, your brother is still a Quasi-King-level trainer, and I have some savings. Your Thunder Stone will only distract me from my goal of becoming a Fire King! If you don't accept it, I won't take you with me when I go to select Pokémon today."

"Brother..."

...

In the end, to ensure he could help his brother select a Pokémon with good potential, Jacob compromised and took back the S-level Thunder Stone. After many twists and turns, the Thunder Stone finally returned to Jacob's possession.

The two left home and mounted their Flying Pokémon, heading for the Flame Secret Realm in Frosthollow Province. This was the signature secret realm of the province and also its largest. Numerous rare Fire-type Pokémon resided within. Essentially all three major Fire-type Pokémon native to China could be found in this realm.

The Flame Secret Realm was located in Embermere City, the capital of Frosthollow Province. As they approached, a trainer on a Flying Pokémon intercepted them, indicating they had entered the no-fly zone of the Flame Secret Realm and needed to land immediately.

"We're here." This wasn't Asher's first visit, so he seemed quite familiar with the place. Jacob had been here once before but hadn't been qualified to enter the core area. "This is your second time here, right?"

"Yeah." Jacob nodded. His previous visit had been when he was ten years old. His father had brought him to choose a starter Pokémon.

The Flame Secret Realm covered an expansive area, with an impressively constructed entrance that appeared majestic from a distance. Vehicles came and went continuously, and a long queue had formed at the entrance.

This time, the brothers didn't need to wait in line. They used the dedicated VIP channel and only needed to pass through security to enter.

"Asher, Jacob. You may proceed."

They walked along a glass corridor where, through the transparent insulating glass, they could see numerous Fire-type Pokémon in the realm.

"This is just the outer area, where Fire-type Pokémon of limited potential are kept," Asher explained to Jacob. "The true core areas are the Volcanic Zone, Sunshine Valley, Blazing Jungle, and Fierce Fire Plains. The outer areas function essentially as exhibition halls, showcasing Pokémon with slightly lower potential."

Of course, "lower potential" was relative. These Pokémon were still considerably stronger than most wild specimens.

"The Volcanic Zone houses heat-resistant Pokémon such as Charmeleon, Magcargo, and Typhlosion. I've heard the administration plans to introduce Heatran and Turtonator."

"Sunshine Valley is home to Pokémon like Charizard, Infernape, Darmanitan, and Volcarona."

"The Blazing Jungle contains Pokémon such as Blaziken, Infernape, Talonflame, and Pyroar."

"In the Fierce Fire Plains, you'll find Houndoom, Arcanine, and Centiskorch. Two years ago, they introduced the Delphox line from Europe, and this year, they've successfully bred Fennekin eggs."

As a Fire-type Gym Leader, Asher naturally kept informed about developments in the Flame Secret Realm. He knew the distribution of Pokémon like the back of his hand and served as an expert guide for Jacob.

"Let's visit the Fierce Fire Plains first." Compared to the other Pokémon, Asher was more interested in the newly introduced Fennekin. As they walked, he chatted with Jacob. "Actually, I've always liked that unique Pokémon from Europe, Charcadet. Both of its evolutionary forms are impressive. Armarouge and Ceruledge are exceptionally strong Pokémon. It's unfortunate we don't have them here."

"I still prefer Charizard and Blaziken, and Houndoom isn't bad either," Jacob deliberately mentioned. Charizard, Blaziken, and Houndoom were all capable of Mega Evolution, and once Mega Evolution became publicly known, the value of these three Pokémon would skyrocket, especially Charizard and Blaziken.

"We'll discuss that later," Asher sighed. Among his fallen Pokémon had been a Blaziken. If he trained another one, he would constantly be reminded of the experiences he'd shared with his previous partner. "Let's check out the Fennekin eggs first."