The group collectively rolled their eyes.
Everyone was well aware that every time Ray Blitz ventured into a secret realm, he'd end up with a Pokémon egg and not much else to brag about, yet he loved to flaunt his meager finds.
"Alright, alright, you're impressive!" Duke City replied absent-mindedly, clearly lacking enthusiasm.
Suddenly, Carl asked, "Duke, are you planning to sell that item?" His gaze was fixed on the teapot in Duke City's hand.
"Interested, Carl?" Duke City glanced at the teapot and handed it over casually. "If you like it, take it."
Such teapots in the market might fetch only a few thousand dollars, appealing mainly to collectors and ghost type trainers. For Duke City, the money wasn't as valuable as the favor.
"Hold on a second." Carl didn't take the teapot, instead saying earnestly, "This isn't just any teapot. It's a rare antique, easily worth millions."
"How much?!" Ray Blitz nearly choked on his drink.
"Starting at a million, and auction prices could soar higher," Carl confirmed.
Everyone was stunned. While top trainers weren't short on cash, seeing a few thousand suddenly turn into millions was shocking for anybody. Duke City eyed Carl skeptically, "You're not pulling my leg, are you, Carl?"
Carl shook his head with a smile. "Why would I joke about this? Do you think I'm so rich that I'd throw two million your way for no reason?"
Duke City took a deep breath, calming himself before asking, "What's the difference between a damaged teapot and a broken one, as you mentioned earlier?"
"There's certainly a difference," Carl explained, "True Tearful Tea has two forms, and the genuine article is extremely rare. Out of a hundred Tearful Tea, you might not find a single genuine one."
"The authentic evolution of Tearful Tea requires a damaged teapot, not just any broken one. The chance of finding a damaged teapot is only one percent."
"In other words, if you're collecting on your own, the odds of getting a genuine Polteageist are one in ten thousand. Now do you understand?"
Realization dawned on Duke City. No wonder Carl valued the teapot so highly. But he was still puzzled. "Carl, you could have kept quiet and taken the teapot, telling me afterward."
Carl understood the allure of a good deal. He could have quietly accepted the teapot, and even if Duke City discovered the truth later, his status would have left Duke with little recourse.
"I'm not short on cash, so why take advantage of you?" Carl replied with a light smile.
While he enjoyed the thrill of a good deal, this time he chose honesty with more significant considerations in mind. If he didn't disclose this, the difference between genuine and fake Tearful Tea, and the distinction between evolution items, might remain forever unknown.
Carl knew that even if others learned he had a genuine Polteageist, they might not grasp its true value. It was like a royal heirloom; without understanding its historical significance, it was just a finely carved piece of jade.
He could have researched Polteageist's secrets himself, conducting experiments and publishing findings. However, with his personality, such labor-intensive tasks were better suited to professionals like Professor Oak. Academic research takes time, which he couldn't afford.
So, he chose to reveal the truth to Duke City. Although it cost an extra million League credits, the story would spread, portraying him as fair and principled, raising the value of the genuine Polteageist naturally. It was worth it, akin to having the champion and four elite trainers as top-notch endorsements.
More importantly, this approach avoided any resentment from Duke City. As someone who preferred a low profile, he didn't want to be unnecessarily targeted by a regional elite. Besides, a million was just pocket change for him; ever since XY games became a hit, money was just numbers in his bank account.
Even by revealing the truth, Carl still scored a great deal. This particular damaged teapot had a unique feature: it evolved Tearful Tea into a shiny genuine Polteageist. Its rarity was beyond estimation, surpassing even pseudo-legendary status.
Crucially, the genuine Polteageist was linked to the creation of Spiritomb, a ghost type Pokémon of strategic value, even captured by Cynthia. Spiritomb, formed by 108 malevolent souls, was said to be sealed in a keystone due to its wicked nature.
A genuine Polteageist could nurture the 108th pure soul, ensuring Spiritomb's rebirth wasn't overly evil. A shiny Polteageist was even more powerful, birthing a shiny pure soul, transforming Spiritomb into a shiny form. This was the most valuable aspect, a fact Carl wisely chose to keep secret.
"Not short on cash?" Duke City and the others were stunned, surprised by Carl's simple reasoning. But, on second thought, as XY Group's major shareholder, money indeed meant little to him. Forgoing a good deal rather than exploiting others, his conduct was truly...
"Isn't this just a case of being both rich and foolish?" Ray Blitz muttered quietly. The others gave discreet thumbs up, thinking this fellow's passion must have carried him to the elite rank.
"Watch your words!" Duke City immediately retorted. "Carl's conduct is that of a gentleman, admirable in character!" Ray Blitz pouted, "But wasn't that what you were thinking too?"
"I misspoke. Carl is indeed a true gentleman," Ray Blitz quickly corrected himself, giving a thumbs up. Carl frowned slightly, feeling the praise sounded more like a backhanded insult.
"Duke, shall we trade?" Carl, uninterested in Ray's antics, asked. Duke City, seeing Carl's straightforwardness, didn't refuse. A million might not mean much to Carl, but it was a substantial sum for him.
They quickly exchanged league accounts, and Carl transferred a million on the spot. Seeing this, others eagerly asked to add Carl as a friend, to which he agreed.
Suddenly, another surge of energy erupted near the stone monument, revealing a champion-level Sandaconda. Matt's expression turned serious. "An S-class realm indeed, not simple."
Although prepared for multiple trials, encountering a champion-level challenge right away was unexpected. "I'll sit this one out," Carl declared. Without Mew or Mewtwo, he stood no chance.
"Do you want to take it or shall I?" Daniel asked Matt. Although Matt had a champion-level Pokémon, his overall strength was still lacking. However, against energy-type Pokémon, he might have a fighting chance.
"I'd like to challenge myself!" Matt replied, his tone tinged with uncertainty.
Daniel smiled slightly, "Then you go first."
As Matt released Aggron, Carl immediately understood his hesitation. Steel and rock types were at a disadvantage against water types like Sandaconda.
"Mega Evolution!" Matt decisively commanded.
Aggron instantly mega evolved, becoming pure steel type. "Lightweight body! Iron Tail!" The battle commands followed swiftly.
But within three minutes, Sandaconda's fierce attack ended the battle. Daniel dispatched Flygon for a decisive strike.
After the explosion, a faintly glowing Pokémon egg appeared on the field.
"What's its potential?" Wayne Ryder asked eagerly.
"A champion-level Sobble," Daniel replied.
Wayne's eyes lit up. "I want that egg; name your price."
"Let Daniel decide," Matt said.