The days after the Rusturf Tunnel battle slipped by quietly. Back at the Pokémon Center, Silas devoted himself to training his team.
Perhaps it was the memory of blood and fire still fresh in their minds, but Eevee in particular threw herself into practice with relentless determination.
Especially with Protect. While Crawdaunt had mastered the move long ago, Sharpedo and Murkrow-who had learned it alongside Eevee from a Technical Disc -lagged behind.
But now, Eevee's Protect came out flawlessly, an instant shimmering barrier ready at the first sign of danger. She was even beginning to familiarize herself with inherited moves buried deep within her bloodline.
Silas watched, a rare flicker of pride softening his expression. For all the peril of the tunnel, it had been worthwhile. Murkrow, hardened by the carnage, finally meshed with the team, and Eevee no longer resisted tough training. She had grown diligent-driven.
A few days later, Rustboro City settled back into its rhythm. Ordinary citizens went on eating, working, and gossiping as if the shadow of Team Aqua and Team Magma had never brushed against them.
Silas tugged a black robe over his shoulders after coming out of Pokemon Centre into alley, tightened a mask over his face, and stepped into the night.
"It's time to move some stock."
He slipped into the underbelly of the city-the Black Market.
Like a drop of water in the sea, he was swallowed among hundreds dressed the same: faceless robes, careful steps, no wasted words.
First, he scouted the open stalls. His sharp eye quickly caught a rarity: a Nidoran♂ with the Hidden Ability Hustle. When fully evolved into Nidoking, it would gain Sheer Force, boosting move power by 30% at the cost of secondary effects.
Paired with a Life Orb, such a Nidoking would become a walking turret-a battlefield weapon.
Unfortunately, Silas had no intention of building a Poison- or Ground-type core. He moved on, noting how quickly the Nidoran sold regardless, fetching a hefty ₽300,000 Pokédollars despite average stats. Clearly, Sheer Force Nidoking remained as popular as ever.
But evolution required a Moon Stone was enough to make even bold buyers hesitate.
Silas left the stalls and entered a more discreet shop, tugging his mask tighter. The interior was gloomy gray, with silhouettes of Gengar and Sableye painted across the walls. A faint incense of smoke and dust lingered.
"I want to sell some Pokémon," he said flatly at the counter.
The clerk barely looked up, pointing lazily at a side door. Silas said nothing more, pushing it open.
The passage stretched long and dark. Halfway through, another robed figure approached. Their eyes met for a tense moment-both hands drifting to the Poké Balls at their belts. Then, without a word, they passed each other, tension dissolving only once distance returned.
At last, Silas entered a small room. A middle-aged man in a dark brown suit polished his glasses with deliberate care. His tone was smooth, practiced.
"Heh, welcome, honored guest. Please, sit. Let's see the goods."
Silas set four Poké Balls into a reinforced glass case,loots of his from Rusturf tunnel.
The man's gaze flicked to Silas's gloved hands. His lips curved faintly-an old hand, leaving no trace.
Silas gave a low, rasping chuckle. "Heh heh heh… best not to waste time. Name your price."
The man tested the Pokémon one by one with a machine.
"Let's see… one Exploud, a Geodude, and two Grimer. Hm? One inherited Shadow Punch. Not bad."
After a moment of thought, he named his offer.
"₽550,000 Pokédollars. That's the highest I can give you. The Exploud's level isn't bad, and that Grimer's inherited move sweetens it."
Silas sneered, reaching as if to recall the balls. "Ignorant. Your machine must be an antique. Test again."
Flustered, the man stopped him, quickly running the test a second time-this one far more thorough.
His smile returned, oily. "My apologies, guest. Indeed, your Geodude has the Hidden Ability Sand Veil. And this Exploud carries Scrappy-very rare. With that… I can offer ₽750,000."
Silas smirked under his mask. 'Negligence, huh? Even a Pokédex can read Abilities. These jackals… always out for blood and coin.'
He drummed his fingers on the table, steam curling from the untouched tea beside him. Finally, he spoke.
"If you're not sincere, there are other shops who would be."
For the first time, the man dropped his fake smile, eyes narrowing with sharpness.
"₽800,000. Final offer. Any higher, and I'd rather lose the deal."
Silas paused, then gave a curt nod. "…Deal."
The trade was sealed. Money flowed into his account via anonymous card, his wealth swelling once more.
Before leaving, Silas offloaded other spoils: rare minerals, salvaged notes on breeding, even preserved parts from slain Pokémon
Only one prize remained unsold: the high level Mightyena he had taken during the battle.
He walked the crowded black market streets, his presence heavy. When eyes lingered too long, Crawdaunt's claws snapped menacingly at his side.
"Crawww-daaauuunt!"
The crowd parted quickly. In this shadowed world, respect came sharp and cold.
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(End of chapter)