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Five Pseudo-legendary Pokémon Eggs.
Four were Quasi-King rank, and only one Bagon was King rank. As expected, Pseudo-legendary Pokémon were different—none fell below Quasi-King rank, making them much stronger than ordinary Pokémon.
Yet despite having a Pseudo-legendary with King qualifications, Jacob felt somewhat disappointed. In the games, Pseudo-legendary Pokémon surpassed some Legendary Pokémon. In Jacob's mind, they should be at least Champion level to match their powerful reputation.
Since acquiring his Champion level Grovyle and Charmeleon, Jacob had become more demanding. He no longer even considered the King-level Pokémon he once longed for.
People were like that. When young, we're satisfied with simple treats. As we grow older, our standards rise. As our circumstances improve, our horizons broaden.
Of course, the quality of these eggs wasn't particularly high. Jacob guessed they might be leftovers. He mentally noted the Bagon egg. He planned to visit the Drakehold Dragon Secret Realm tomorrow before making his decision.
If there were no better eggs at the Drakehold facility, he'd return and choose this Bagon egg.
The King-level Bagon was already quite powerful. Additionally, Salamence could Mega Evolve. Acquiring a Mega Stone for Salamence would make its strength truly formidable.
"Ms. Nina, let's head back," Jacob said to Nina.
She frowned slightly and asked, "Didn't you find one you liked?"
"It's not that. I just want to check both Dragon Secret Realms before deciding," Jacob explained. "By the way, could I see the other Dragon-type eggs?"
"Of course," Nina agreed. Since Jacob could still choose a non-Legendary Pokémon, the Dragon-types in the Secret Realm were naturally within his selection range.
Jacob's eyes surveyed the remaining eggs, including Trapinch eggs, Druddigon eggs, Axew eggs, Drampa eggs, Noibat eggs, and Swablu eggs.
Most were Trapinch and Swablu eggs, with very few Axew, Druddigon, and Drampa eggs.
Jacob glanced at the collection and felt disappointed again. Although there were two King-level Pokémon eggs among them, his standards had risen significantly. It wasn't like two months ago when an King-level Pokémon would have satisfied him.
Jacob mentally noted the two King-level eggs as backup options. He still needed to visit the Drakehold Secret Realm first.
"I'm done here. Let's go. Thank you for your help, Ms. Nina," Jacob said.
"Alright," Nina nodded and left the restricted area with Jacob.
After leaving the restricted area, they walked together to Maximus's office.
"So, did you find one you like?" Maximus asked from his chair.
"There's one I quite like—the Bagon egg," Jacob said. "But I still want to check the Drakehold Dragon Secret Realm."
"Go ahead," Maximus nodded. "Actually, I agree with your decision to visit Drakehold. The eggs here have been mostly picked over, with only a few remaining. We'll need to wait for the next breeding cycle, which takes about one or two years."
Maximus paused momentarily before continuing, "The Drakehold Dragon Secret Realm is larger than the capital's, with more concentrated energy. The Dragon Pokémon there are generally better quality. Plus, this is the breeding season for Pseudo-legendary Pokémon in Drakehold. A new batch of eggs was produced in the past two months, so there should be some excellent specimens. If you want one, you must hurry."
"I see." Maximus thought for a moment, weighing his options before suddenly making up his mind. "I'll have Nina accompany you now. Select a Pokémon egg quickly. The Pokémon Association just formalized your reward today—the document was only completed this afternoon and hasn't been distributed yet. The Drakehold staff have just learned the news but haven't had time to react. If you go directly to select an egg now, they won't be able to interfere. Otherwise, they might use special methods to set aside the higher-quality eggs after getting the news. With your current strength, you wouldn't be able to defeat the Pseudo-legendary Pokémon there to claim them, so those quality Pokémon would end up belonging to the facility."
"They would do that?" Jacob was shocked. He hadn't expected such underhanded practices. As always, experience revealed the complexities hidden from outsiders.
"There will always be people exploiting loopholes. There are many here, and the Pokémon Association tacitly allows it. Otherwise, who would guard these Secret Realms? A position must offer either power or profit, or no one would take it."
"I understand." Jacob nodded, seeing the logic in Maximus's words. As he was about to leave, Maximus called after him.
"I'll lend you my Hydreigon. Fly there and return quickly."
Maximus's kindness toward Jacob far exceeded that of an ordinary elder. Even though the Long family and the Lin family were close, there was no need for such favoritism, especially when it might offend the Drakehold Dragon Secret Realm staff.
Jacob felt confused about Maximus's motives. Was he simply optimistic about Jacob's potential? Or was there another reason?
"Alright," Jacob didn't refuse. He knew this wasn't the time for politeness.
"Wait outside. I need to speak with Nina before you leave," Maximus told Jacob.
"Sure." Jacob knew Maximus had something private to discuss with Nina, so he tactfully waited outside.
"Nina," Maximus looked at her seriously. "If necessary, it doesn't matter if your ability is exposed. Use your power to help Jacob choose a Pseudo-legendary Pokémon with the strongest dragon energy. I'll call Scott later. When you return, I'll announce that I'm taking Jacob as my apprentice."
"I understand," Nina replied simply. She already knew her father's decision. Jacob was indeed exceptional—in research, he was nearly at the level of a top scientist. As a trainer, he demonstrated the two essential qualities for greatness: resilience and perseverance.
A sword is sharpened through grinding, and plum blossoms derive their fragrance from bitter cold. Jacob, possessing these qualities, would certainly have a bright future as long as he persisted.