Chapter 308: The Roba Central Oasis
Basalt scratched his head, confused. "Me? Attend your Roba Tribal Gathering? Is that appropriate? And what would I do there?"
"An ordinary person definitely wouldn't be appropriate, but your Larvitar has the ability to freely control the sand. That makes you appropriate!"
Amuyar's gaze on Larvitar was intense. "As desert people, the Roba Tribe worships the sand. It's the same way farmers revere the earth, or ocean-faring people revere the sea. In our eyes, Pokémon that can freely control the sand are messengers sent by the Desert God."
"So, by possessing this Larvitar, you are someone who has been acknowledged by the Desert God. You are a friend of the Roba Tribe."
As Amuyar explained their customs and history, Basalt was deeply moved.
"Besides, attending our gathering will be beneficial for you too," Amuyar explained with sincerity. "Our annual gathering isn't just for discussing important tribal matters; we also hold a selection tournament. All the eligible young people of the Roba Tribe will participate, and you can too. Don't you want to test your skills against the top geniuses of us desert people?"
"Your tribe's top geniuses?"
A look of interest appeared on Basalt's face.
Amuyar's oasis was just one of many small Roba settlements. By that logic, although the Roba Tribe wasn't massive, their strength and foundation were still formidable. More importantly, they started training Pokémon at sixteen. By the time they were eighteen, they would have more training experience than him. Their strength was not to be underestimated.
"And that's not all..."
Seeing Basalt's interest, Amuyar revealed another big secret. "If you can distinguish yourself in the selection tournament, you might be given special permission to enter our Ancestral Secret Realm. I've heard from the tribal elders that any Pokémon that enters the Ancestral Secret Realm will master the 'Sandstorm' move. Even Pokémon that already have the Sand Stream ability will have their sand-control abilities greatly enhanced."
"An Ancestral Secret Realm? Learn Sandstorm? Enhance sand-control?"
Basalt was stunned. A secret realm like that actually existed in the world?
"I'm in," Basalt said decisively, without a moment's hesitation.
"Huh?"
Amuyar was taken aback, unable to tell if Basalt was agreeing or just expressing his amazement.
"I mean, as long as you don't mind me tagging along, I'd be happy to see your Tribal Gathering," Basalt said with a grin. Larvitar nodded eagerly, also captivated by the idea.
"We're the best of friends, how could I mind you tagging along?" Amuyar shook his head and set a departure time with Basalt.
The gathering was in five days. To be safe, they had to leave two days early, so they agreed to set out in three days' time.
Back at the research outpost, Basalt informed Professor Rowan of the situation, and the old man quickly approved his leave. After so many days, the professor had already requisitioned a different experimental Pokémon that knew "Water Pledge." Marshtomp was no longer needed.
Although Marshtomp was a bit disgruntled, after seeing that its replacement was an evolved "Swampert," the little guy could only swallow its pride and train even harder.
I still need to get stronger!
...
Three days later, Basalt left the research outpost and embarked on the journey to the Roba Central Oasis with Amuyar.
The Central Oasis was located in the western part of the Takla Desert, between the Celestial Mountains and the Silvercrest Mountains. It wasn't far from the national border, only a few hundred kilometers.
Basalt rode on Bronzong, while Amuyar sat on the back of a Skarmory.
Strangely, Amuyar was always able to find their tribe's oases for brief rests, which Basalt found very odd. This part of the desert had no signal, making map navigation impossible, and the oases seemed to be scattered randomly. Yet Amuyar found them with ease, never taking a single detour.
"It's because of magnetism," Amuyar explained with a smile, releasing a Nosepass. "Every one of our Roba oases has at least one large Probopass for navigation. These Probopass release a special magnetic force. As the distance increases, this force becomes very faint."
"But as fellow 'Tribal Pokémon,' Nosepass can sense this special magnetism. So before I set out, I find my heading and just follow the magnetic force." Amuyar chuckled. "This special magnetism is our guiding light."
Basalt's eyebrow twitched with interest. "Magnetism?" When it came to magnetic fields, his Bronzong could sense them too. If it could learn this, he would never have to worry about exploring the Takla Desert. Every Roba oasis could be a supply base for him.
"Amuyar, can you tell me your tribe's special magnetic frequency?" Basalt asked, a little nervous. He hoped it wasn't some tribal secret.
"Of course!" Amuyar seemed to sense his worry and laughed. "It's not really a secret. The Alliance's border patrol forces also use this magnetic guidance when patrolling the desert and often stop at our oases to rest. I'll have my Nosepass demonstrate, and you can have your Bronzong try to sense it."
"Bip~"
The large red nose on Amuyar's Nosepass began to spin, and it released a faint, ultra-long-wave magnetic pulse. Fortunately, the desert was quiet, with no signal interference, so Bronzong was able to distinguish it after a few moments of concentration.
"Broonz~"
Bronzong closed its eyes, focusing completely, and soon pinpointed the location of the nearest Roba oasis.
"Since you've learned it, your Bronzong can navigate for the rest of the trip!" Amuyar laughed and had his Skarmory shoot into the sky. "Let's see who gets to the next oasis first!"
"Childish," Basalt muttered, but he quickly had Bronzong give chase.
Amuyar, having grown up in the tribe, was like an uncut gem, very pure and straightforward. Basalt found his company relaxing and comfortable.
...
After a day and a half of travel, Amuyar and Basalt finally reached the Roba Central Oasis.
It was a massive oasis, a splash of vibrant green against the golden desert. It looked almost out of place, but it was real.
From the sky, Basalt estimated the oasis was at least several dozen square kilometers, dotted with countless stone houses. It was heavily populated.
In the center of the oasis, there was even a citadel built of rock, giving Basalt the feeling of having traveled back to an ancient, exotic land.
Seeing Basalt's shocked expression, Amuyar laughed proudly. "Beneath the Roba Central Oasis lies a massive underground river. Its water supply is extremely rich, which is what sustains this huge oasis. Over ten thousand of our Roba people live here."
"Come on, I'll show you around!" With a wave of his hand, Amuyar began his descent.
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