Chapter 14: The Gravity Machine
Chapter 14: The Gravity Machine
The Gravity Machine was a piece of Pokémon training equipment that Ms. Anya had strongly recommended.
At that moment, Basalt's mind couldn't help but recall Ms. Anya's words from class.
"The Gravity Machine is a training device developed by scientists based on the psychic move 'Gravity.' After turning it on, you can adjust the gravitational force within a certain range."
"Under the effect of super-gravity, a Pokémon will not only feel its body become heavier, but its organs and even its blood will be under extreme pressure, making movement and combat exceptionally difficult."
"But if it can overcome this super-gravity, the Pokémon's physical condition will be greatly improved in every aspect, benefiting it immensely."
"However, the Gravity Machine is not cheap. Even the lowest-grade model, with a maximum gravity of 2 times the natural force, costs ten thousand Pokédollars. A 3x model costs as much as fifty thousand Pokédollars…"
"But you are all just high school students. Generally speaking, even for a Junior-level Pokémon, a 2x Gravity Machine is more than enough."
"So, think about it yourselves. Those who can afford it should buy one. The training effect is absolutely much better than conventional training."
As Ms. Anya's explanation echoed in his mind, Basalt was instantly sold. When it came to training under super-gravity, he naturally thought of Vegeta from Dragon Ball. That guy had relied on Bulma, getting his father-in-law to build him a gravity chamber, and his power had skyrocketed as a result.
Basalt didn't expect the Gravity Machine to turn Drilbur into a Super Saiyan Mole, but a rapid increase in strength shouldn't be a problem.
"9,999 Pokédollars?"
Looking at the price tag for the 2x Gravity Machine, Basalt's eyebrows shot up.
Although his family's financial situation was average, after he registered as a trainer, his parents had given him a bank card with 50,000 Pokédollars in it—the old couple's savings from many years of hard work. They had told him that if he could make a name for himself as a trainer, they would support him even if it meant selling their house. But if his talent was mediocre, they hoped that after the 50,000 was spent, he would get his head out of the clouds, apply to a university for a different major, and find a job after graduation to at least make a living.
Basalt, of course, had no objection to this. It was a rational choice. After all, powerful Pokémon were often built on a mountain of resources. A trainer from an ordinary family, unless exceptionally talented, would find it very difficult to stand out.
However, with the Smooth Rock Crystals in his possession, Basalt wasn't worried. He was confident he could make it. Based on his calculations, each Smooth Rock Crystal was worth 150 million US dollars. The effect on a Pokémon after using one would surely be out of this world; otherwise, it wouldn't be worth the price.
It doesn't matter what kind of potential your Pokémon had before. After using a Smooth Rock Crystal, you'll have the makings of an emperor!
No arguments accepted!
Besides, while 10,000 Pokédollars for a Gravity Machine wasn't cheap, it wasn't outrageously expensive either. With 50,000 in his account, it wouldn't break the bank.
"Hello, sir. Are you interested in purchasing a Gravity Machine?"
A saleswoman with the same uniform and the same beautiful face appeared again.
"Yes, I'll take one of the 2x models. This discount card should work, right?"
Basalt took out a black VIP card. This was the Pokémon Department Store VIP card he had won from Frank. It was said to give a 10% discount. This was Basalt's first time using it, and he felt a little nervous. If it really worked, he would save 1,000 Pokédollars. That was a year's worth of ice-cold sodas!
"Of course, it works. This is our store's 10% discount card. It can be used at any of our locations."
The saleswoman wore a professional smile, but she was slightly surprised on the inside. This discount card required a one-time purchase of 1 million Pokédollars to obtain. It seemed the handsome young man in front of her came from a very well-off family. In a small place like Seaside County, 1 million Pokédollars could buy a 100-square-meter apartment.
She had no idea that Basalt had actually won the card.
Believing she had landed a potential big client, the saleswoman provided impeccable service. All Basalt had to do was swipe his card and pay. In the end, she even gave him a bottle of Potion spray as a gift. A Pokémon Potion spray was very effective for minor bumps and bruises and could also quickly restore a Pokémon's stamina. In terms of price, it would cost at least 399.
This shopping experience was quite nice!
…
With his objective achieved, Basalt rode his bicycle back home. As usual, his parents weren't back yet, so Basalt released Drilbur.
"Chari~" (*^▽^*)
Drilbur let out a cheerful cry. It was full of energy today. Although its extra training at night was a little tiring, it could sleep in its Poké Ball while Basalt was in class during the day, so there was no need to worry about over-training or lack of rest.
"Drilbur, how did you feel about this morning's battle?"
Basalt crouched down and stroked Drilbur's little head, finally poking its big red nose with his finger.
My cute and silly little mole!
"Chari~ Chariri~" (ง'̀-'́)ง
The little mole cockily struck its signature pose again, flexing its muscles. The meaning was clear: That Munchlax might be big, but in terms of strength, it's still too weak. In the face of my Sand Tomb, all it can do is eat dirt.
"You little rascal, it was just a trivial little victory, and you're already getting arrogant?"
Basalt couldn't help but laugh. However, Drilbur had only just been born, and its mentality was similar to that of a small child. It was normal for it to feel a little proud after two consecutive victories.
But normal or not, Basalt had to make Drilbur understand that its strength still had a long way to go. It was currently only dominating its own class. It might rank high in the school, but in the entire county, Drilbur would definitely fall short. The top-ranked Seaside County First High School was home to the students with the best family backgrounds and talent in the area. Its university admission rate crushed their Second High School every year, and its top students even had a chance to be admitted to the nation's Top 3 universities.
And that was just Seaside County. He couldn't forget that the world outside was vast. There were city-level, provincial-level, national-level, and world-class trainers…
Oh, wait.
Drilbur was helpless against flying Pokémon. Scratch the part about it dominating the class. Right now, it couldn't even dominate its own class!
Perhaps in the future, but definitely not now.
"Chari~" o(︶︿︶)o
Drilbur's mood instantly plummeted. Although it didn't quite understand what city-level, provincial-level, or national-level meant, the little mole could grasp the central idea of Basalt's speech.
It meant: I'm still very weak!
Looks like my training tonight… needs to be super-sized!
Drilbur lowered its head, deep in thought, already eager to start. As long as I work hard enough, I'll catch up to them one day! This was the belief in the little mole's heart.
But just then, Basalt opened his backpack and took out a sand-yellow, crystallized rock…
Thinking too small.
The world is too small.
"Why work hard when you can use a cheat code? My silly little mole…"
Basalt chuckled.
Author's Note: Dear readers, please follow the new chapters every day. Even if you don't read them, just click on them and scroll through.
During this initial launch period, daily reads are really important. Thank you all!!