"Pa——"
In a dark underground hideout somewhere in Goldenrod City, a crisp slap sounded as a flash of red light streaked across.
In the shadow stood a gaunt figure, and in front of him, a person covered his face and staggered to stand before the gaunt man.
"All this trouble for a mid-level quality Dark Stone, attracting two members of the Elite Four who came quietly, just what were you thinking?" The gaunt man's chilling voice came from the shadows.
"They... we... didn't expect Agatha to appear."
The value of a mid-level Dark Stone was already considerable, which tempted many below.
The gaunt man leaned slightly forward, his cold eyes staring at the slightly trembling man before him, speaking word by word: "So, even without Agatha, do you think the Rocket Team isn't paying enough attention to us? Did you really pick up the Alliance's vigilance and toss it into the sewer? Hmm? Captain Bajie?"
Bajie trembled.
He knew too well what the temperament of the master before him was. The reason why this mission was entrusted to this master was because of his ruthless character.
"Bajie, the plan is now at the final juncture, regardless of success or failure, I don't want anyone to follow the clues back here, do you understand what I mean?"
Bajie clicked his shoes together, immediately straightening his body and replied promptly: "Yes, Master Tamechi!"
Tamechi brushed his golden hair, "Many covet the identity of captain, don't disappoint me, Bajie."
Speaking, he slowly walked into a deeper shadow.
Bajie let out a long breath and quickly asked, "Master Tamechi, should we deal with that kid?"
"Can you still find him?" A chuckle was heard.
Upon hearing this, Bajie was dazed for a moment.
...
...
On the other side.
Natsuhiko hurriedly packed his things after returning home.
Actually, he didn't have much to bring, most of his valuable items he carried with him, except for the laptop and some paper documents left at home, the rest of the villa's items mostly belonged to the original landlord.
After placing a stack of five thousand Alliance coins on the table as compensation for backyard repairs, he disappeared into the misty night of Goldenrod City.
Winding through a few streets, he found a nondescript motel and checked in.
This incident taught him a lesson.
The Pokémon caught in the wild can't be casually sold; it might draw the attention of some with ill intentions.
And such similar gatherings should also be attended as little as possible.
Instead of trusting the credibility of their words, it's better to believe that the Pokémon realm will truly usher in peace.
But this also further confirmed Togepi's luck.
If not for Togepi's Waving Finger unleashing Big Character Burst Flame to smash the wall, he might not have noticed someone monitoring him, eyeing the Dark Stone he had.
After entering the room, he released three Pokémon.
He also took out that crystal-clear, dark purple stone, the Dark Stone.
"Agatha said it's a mid-level quality Dark Stone, saving me from taking the risk to find someone for identification."
However, Natsuhiko doesn't really understand Evolution Stones, for now, he doesn't know the value of a mid-level Evolution Stone.
In any case, this thing definitely can't be sold in Goldenrod City.
"Perhaps, I should find a chance to leave Goldenrod City..."
Currently, he still has nine hundred thousand Alliance coins on him and a mid-level quality Dark Stone; even if he doesn't earn any money in the short term, it's enough to support the expenses for some Pokémon.
"Goldenrod City is now the center of a vortex, chaos is good, but excessive chaos could potentially drag one in."
Sitting at the table, Natsuhiko lightly tapped the surface.
"After the Elite Four exhibition match ends and I understand the true strength level of this world's Elite Four, I'll leave Goldenrod City!"
He quickly made a decision.
Having settled the most important matter, Natsuhiko then turned to consider some other minor matters.
Previously, he was interrupted by the invitation to a gathering sent by Old Bill Ghosts while preparing halfway.
"The hypothesis about Eevee's evolution in the previous paper received considerable attention; the next one also needs enough uniqueness..."
Picking up a pen.
Quietly listing a few points on the paper.
1. Slowpoke evolving into Slowking by relying on the King's Certificate.
2. Poliwhirl evolving into Politoed by relying on the King's Certificate.
3. Gligar evolving into Gliscor by relying on the Sharp Fang.
4. Nidoran evolving into Weavile by relying on the Sharp Claw.
5. Feebas's Beauty affecting the process of evolving into Milotic.
6...
Too many.
Yet none is easy to write about.
Because they all require actual cases or relatively reliable data and theories to confirm such evolutions.
"Perhaps... I can consider participating in research in this area as an assistant, anyway, as long as I can make money, the fame might be more troublesome than beneficial to me now..."
"Sakuragi is an option..."
Shaking his head.
"Still put it aside for now."
Natsuhiko took out Master Suzuki's notebook on breeding, obtained from the previous gathering.
He's been researching this notebook for some time.
Gained quite a lot.
Perhaps due to good luck, the notebook describes knowledge on making Pokémon Energy Blocks.
Combining with some breeder knowledge he's learned independently before.
Natsuhiko felt it was necessary to try making it himself.
"Beedrill and Abra are actually fine; even if I can't make them, I can buy them. The trouble is Togepi's Energy Block."
Because Togepi is a Fairy-type Pokémon, but currently, the Fairy-type attribute has not been discovered, naturally, the market won't have Energy Blocks suitable for Fairy-type Pokémon.
It's certainly possible to consume General Type Energy Blocks, but this would undoubtedly affect future developments in Togepi's Fairy Energy.
So without a suitable one, Natsuhiko can only make it himself.
Fortunately, he has a certain understanding of what kind of Tree Fruit to use to make suitable Energy Blocks for Fairy-type Pokémon.
This is attributed to his previous research into the game's Tree Fruit system.
"The focus is on the recipe."
Writing the word "recipe" on the paper and drawing several circles around it.
Thinking over and over, it seems like he can only figure it out himself.
"The combination of materials is one aspect, the making also tests skill and luck."
In Energy Block making, analyzing, separating, combining, and shaping the materials are all important.
Especially the final shaping process, which tests skill and a bit of luck.
Luck might even take up a large proportion.
Generally speaking, even an excellent breeder can't ensure every attempt to make Energy Blocks from a known recipe will be successful and up to standard.
There are many factors that might affect the making process.
"Luck..."
Natsuhiko suddenly thought of something.
Turning to look at Togepi, who was trying to hide the wilted leek under the blanket.
A few black lines appeared on his forehead.
"Togepi—"
Noticing Natsuhiko's gaze, Togepi snickered and kicked the blanket, covering the last bit of the leek with it.
Indifferently whistled towards Abra.
Abra closed its eyes with disdain, using its Psychic Power to hover in the air.
Its Spiritual Power training has officially begun.
"That leek can't be eaten, throw it away tomorrow."
Natsuhiko considered whether he should sleep on the floor today.
"Togepi..."
Togepi drooped its head.
Apart from Togepi's somewhat mischievous nature, matters involving luck could indeed be left to it.
Discuss.
How to maximize the advantage of having a Luck Emperor Pokémon around...
Waiting online, quite urgent.