Sinnoh Alliance Headquarters.
It was Natsuhiko's first time visiting such a crucial place as the headquarters of the region.
Inside the headquarters building, the dome was lofty, with arches connecting one after another, and murals surrounding the interior without any gaps. Dominated by blue and gold, people walking inside instinctively felt the solemn atmosphere, involuntarily bowing their heads.
If Natsuhiko had been to other regional alliance headquarters, he would have found that the Sinnoh Alliance headquarters building was relatively more vintage, resembling a classical cathedral.
To be honest, the Sinnoh Region might be the area with the longest history in the entire Pokémon Realm.
And Sinnoh clearly takes great pride in its rich history.
Engraved on the murals of the hall are all images about the legendary tales of Sinnoh's history. There were murals that Natsuhiko had seen before, depicting the battle among the Three Dragons which Arceus eventually came to quell, as well as murals showing Regigigas dragging the continent, ultimately saving the world.
For Natsuhiko, visiting here for the first time was indeed quite overwhelming.
Hilona beside him appeared much more composed, as she had already become accustomed to the sight before her.
Not to mention, some murals left in the temple of Shenhe Town are even more authentic than these replicated ones.
Led by the alliance staff, they walked through the bustling yet very solemn headquarters hall, arriving at areas within the headquarters that looked evidently like storage zones.
Contrasted with the classical solemnity outside, the back area appeared much more modernized.
After passing through layers of security, the two arrived in front of a warehouse located deep within the headquarters.
According to the competition's rewards, they could enter this warehouse and choose any item.
Of course, the premise was not to exceed the value limit.
"I'll be waiting outside for you two."
After swiping a card to open the heavy door, the staff respectfully said to Hilona and Natsuhiko.
These two are now treasures of the Sinnoh Alliance, seen as the presence of the future. Even if they hold no actual position at the alliance headquarters, she, as a mere staff member, cannot afford to offend them.
Unbeknownst to him, Natsuhiko's status had already risen to the point where it equaled Hilona's.
"Do we go in and choose by ourselves?" Natsuhiko was a bit surprised.
Based on his previous experiences, they would select the items, and then the staff would help take them out.
Upon hearing this, the staff's smile remained unchanged.
"Yes, because some items require you to approach them closely to determine if they are suitable for you, whether they are tools, materials, or Pokémon Eggs."
"Let's go." Hilona said, stepping inside.
Natsuhiko followed, muttering softly, "Wouldn't it be possible to simply slip a few items away without anyone knowing?"
His mutter was heard by Hilona.
She chuckled softly.
Pointing at the cameras on the walls, "These are special monitors, and each item is marked uniquely. No one can take them out unnoticed."
"Is that so." Natsuhiko nodded thoughtfully.
No wonder they could be so at ease.
As expected of the alliance.
However, looking at the rows of shelves stretching as far as the eye could see, Natsuhiko just felt a headache.
If they have to check each item, when will they finish, in another lifetime?
The problem is, after seeing so many, one might want this and then want that...
It's easy to tread on a path of crime.
"Natsuhiko, what do you want? I can tell you where it is." Hilona seemed to notice Natsuhiko's dilemma.
"You know this place well?" Natsuhiko was somewhat surprised.
"Not very well, but having been here a few times, I know roughly where certain things are located."
Natsuhiko gave a thumbs-up.
As expected of you.
Then he fell into contemplation.
What to choose?
This, he really didn't know.
Pokémon?
That's a decent choice too.
But right now, he's just captured Chimchar and hasn't had much time to train it due to the competition.
The Dragon-type Pokémon Egg doesn't seem far from hatching either, and once it's born, it'll be another Pokémon to nurture.
Plus, with the Volcarona Pokémon Egg fossil, it could effectively become another Pokémon Egg.
Even Dreepy's fossil.
Getting another Pokémon Egg would be a bit redundant.
But if nothing else appealing can be chosen, it could serve as a backup option.
Choose materials?
Or choose tools?
What rare materials and tools would be worthy of this competition's reward share?
Forget about secret manuals and the like.
So...
"Materials or tools, I want to see materials or tools related to Dragon-type Pokémon," Natsuhiko said.
If not wanting to waste the share, then materials related to Dragon-type Pokémon should be the option.
After all, Dragon-type Pokémon items are the most valuable.
Moreover, he also needed to start preparing things for the Dragon-type Pokémon that would hatch soon.
"Hmm..." Hilona pondered for a moment.
"For Dragon-type Pokémon, head to the end, turn left, starting from the third shelf, and that should be about right."
"Okay."
Natsuhiko didn't hesitate, heading directly to the shelf Hilona mentioned.
As for Hilona, she stood there, lost in thought.
What to choose?
Arriving at the shelf Hilona mentioned.
Individually separated glass containers held several precious materials.
And on the glass of each container, there were labels describing the materials or tools inside.
Among them, the most common were items that had fallen from powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.