Chapter 105: Depressed Tom

It was well past one o'clock in the morning by the time Julian returned to the Rocky Area, his eyes heavy with sleep as he fought back a yawn.

The Dowsing Machine in his hand continued to beep, signaling that the treasure was still nearby. It appeared the previous visitor hadn't managed to uncover it, even though numerous large and small holes dotted the area. 

Julian observed the scene before him—there were at least a dozen holes scattered about, ranging in size. The largest was over a hundred meters wide, while the smallest was around seven or eight meters across.

He made his way toward one of the medium-sized pits, which stretched about fifty meters wide and ten meters deep. The Dowsing Machine indicated the treasure lay somewhere below.

Without having to say a word, Metagross immediately understood the command and began to dig.

Thanks to the efforts of whoever had dug before, much of the hard work had already been done.

Julian and Metagross were essentially finishing what someone else had started. It only took another five or six meters of digging before they hit the jackpot.

"Mega Evolution Stone"

Julian's eyes lit up with surprise and excitement as Metagross carefully handed over the shimmering stone.

He knew full well the significance of this find. Mega Evolution stones were treated as a type of currency among trainers.

Many coveted such treasures, especially when money wasn't enough to buy certain rare items, tools, or Pokémon with excellent potential. With a Mega Evolution stone, however, trades like these became much easier to pull off.

"Meta~"

Suddenly, Metagross emitted a low, warning growl and positioned itself in front of Julian.

Julian, who had been caught off guard by both his exhaustion and the thrill of the discovery, instantly tensed up.

Two Poké Balls clicked open, releasing Dragonair and Lucario, both now on high alert, flanking Julian. 

"Young Master Walker, don't misunderstand—I'm not here to cause trouble," a voice called out.

From behind a nearby rock, a man stepped into view, raising both hands to show he meant no harm. Walking a few steps behind him was a Golem, keeping pace as he cautiously approached.

Julian narrowed his eyes. He recognized the man as the same person who had been at the Rocky Area earlier, the one who had likely dug those holes. The man hadn't managed to find the Mega Evolution stone, but it seemed he hadn't left the area after all.

"The Smith family," Julian murmured, recognizing him.

"It's rare that Young Master Walker still remembers. My uncle is Luke."

The young man smiled in acknowledgment.

Luke, he was the leader of the Steel-type Gym in Lake City and a figure Julian had encountered on a flight once. Before entering the secret realm, it was Luke who accompanied this man.

That's why Julian knew that the other party was from the Smith family.

Though the stranger insisted he had no ill intent, Julian remained wary. Trusting someone too easily in a place like this—especially in the secret realms—was a good way to meet a dead end.

Sensing Julian's caution, the man stopped in his tracks, keeping a respectful distance. He glanced at the Mega Evolution stone in Julian's hand, eyes flickering with envy.

Originally, he wasn't able to find the treasure earlier and had left. But as he was heading out, he saw Julian fly in on his Metagross.

Intuition told him that Julian's destination was the place where he was digging for treasure before. After all, Julian had also discovered that place at the beginning, and it was only because he came first that Julian gave up.

Out of curiosity, he went back to take a look.

But When he saw Julian had dug out a Mega Evolution stone, that too from the hole he himself had dug halfway, he deeply regretted coming back.

'That's a Mega Evolution stone, and I was only a few meters away from it, but unfortunately I missed it.'

The young man sighed, his dreams of owning such a powerful item dashed.

With the stone, he could have made significant strides within his family, even if it was not for one of his Pokémon, he could have used it to trade for a Mega Evolution stone suited to his own Pokémon.

It could have set him apart, perhaps even positioning him as a contender for leadership in the Smith family someday.

Julian watched as the man's expression soured with deep regret. He could see the gears turning in the man's head—the realization that he had been just meters away from the Mega Evolution stone and had somehow missed it.

Despite his jealousy, Tom knew better than to attempt anything rash. Julian was not only from an influential family, but his Metagross was exceptionally powerful. He would be a fool to provoke a fight.

And as the member of a clan himself, he knew very well that a person from a family's like Julian would definitely carry a powerful Pokémon, a bodyguard given to him by an elder.

Although he couldn't get the stone, but if he took this opportunity to form a friendship with Julian, he might not get any less benefits.

"Young Master Walker, I heard that you have been recruited by the Imperial University."

Tom said, changing the subject with a forced smile.

"Um"

Julian gave a slight nod, this was no secret, after all, he had already sent the admission notice to his circle of friends.

"I'm a sophomore there myself," Tom said, attempting to make conversation.

"It looks like I'll be seeing you around campus. Though, calling myself your senior would be a bit of a stretch." He chuckled awkwardly, realizing that Julian was much stronger than him, despite the age difference.

Julian remained quiet, though his expression softened slightly. He hadn't expected to run into a fellow Imperial University student out here, much less one with connections to his own family.

"So, you train Rock-type Pokémon?" Julian asked, glancing at the Golem standing by Tom's side.

Tom nodded. "Yes, although most of my family trains Steel-types, but I've always had a natural affinity for Rock-types, so I decided to specialize in them."

Julian raised an eyebrow.

"Interesting. The only Rock-type Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution are Tyranitar, Aggron, and Aerodactyl, You got any of those?"

Tyranitar was a pseudo-legendary, and Aerodactyl was even more rarer. Only some ancient secret realms had them. Only an Aron was available, that too because of them now being under the Walker family.

Tom chuckled weakly. "I wish, Tyranitar and Aerodactyl are way out of reach. Aggron is more within the realm of possibility—if I'm lucky."

Julian smirked. "Well, keep at it. Maybe one day you'll get your hands on an Aggronite."

Tom's forced laughter echoed through the Rocky Area, but there was an unmistakable note of bitterness in his voice.

Even if he were to obtain an Aggronite, the Walker family would likely claim it for themselves, given their standing.

He realized that even if he stumbled across the rare stone, he might not have the power to hold onto it for long.

As Tom's expression soured once more, Julian observed him quietly, aware of the unspoken struggles behind his polite words.

"Well, good luck with that," Julian said, his voice light but carrying a subtle undertone of finality.

Tom forced a smile, feeling a wave of disappointment and frustration wash over him.

He had been so close to something great, but now it was nothing more than a missed opportunity he'd regret for a long time to come.

*****

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