Natsuhiko threw out Pokeballs one by one, collecting all the Rhyhorns and that Rhydon.
This is money.
He's close to broke now; after making a batch of Energy Blocks, he nearly exhausted the savings he painstakingly accumulated.
And because of the blockade in Goldenrod City, he couldn't leave. Unexpectedly, a group of Rhyhorns delivered themselves to his doorstep.
Gave him a huge return.
Especially this Rhydon with Senior Level strength, its value definitely rivals the Onix he caught last time.
This big return came back almost halfway.
Put away a total of seven Pokeballs, six Excellence Level Rhyhorns, and one Senior Level Rhydon.
Based on their techniques, traits, and abilities, the value of each Rhyhorn is between a hundred to hundred fifty thousand, while the Senior Level Rhydon is around three hundred fifty to four hundred thousand.
Delighted.
Put the Pokeballs at the bottom of the backpack and find a chance to sell them in the black market.
After handling these matters, Natsuhiko turned his thoughts elsewhere.
Logically.
Even if there's an uprising of wild Pokémon around Goldenrod City, it shouldn't lead a group of Rhyhorns to directly roam to his neighborhood, right?
Although Kenji's villa isn't in the city center, it's not at the edge of Goldenrod City either.
Has the alliance not discovered it?
Or has the alliance lost its power to stop this invasion of Rhyhorn?
If it's the former, it's fine, but if it's the latter....
It means the safety of Goldenrod City has completely spiraled out of control.
Thinking this, he couldn't help but shake his head, "It can't be; it's not just the alliance in Goldenrod City; Rocket Team is also there. Rocket Team has invested a lot of effort in Goldenrod City; not showing up doesn't mean they'll sit by and watch Goldenrod City crumble."
"So...they've sneaked in?"
Keene—
Suddenly, the Pidgeotto circling above let out a long cry and swiftly dove down.
"Abra."
Abra's psychic power instantly connected with Pidgeotto and told Natsuhiko what Pidgeotto saw.
Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes slightly, "So, in many areas of Goldenrod City, wild Pokémon have appeared? Quite a few Trainers are already battling them."
Looks like things have really taken an unexpected turn.
The commotion from their battle with the Rhyhorns wasn't small; although it ended quickly, the alliance staff should have shown up by now.
Presumably, they've been held up by these sudden wild Pokémon.
At this point.
Abra and Beedrill's gaze simultaneously shifted to the corner, their expressions serious.
"Who's there?! Come out!" Natsuhiko shouted.
"Cough, cough, don't make a move, it's the Little Monk."
The first thing to appear was a shiny bald head.
Reflecting the moonlight.
Seeing the person's appearance, Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow and signaled Beedrill and Abra to calm down, "Ann Ci?"
"Indeed it's the Little Monk, Natsuhiko, didn't expect to meet again."
Ann Ci's face always carries a harmless smile, his bright eyes stand out at night, with a peculiar blush on his face.
The person is indeed the Little Monk Ann Ci, who saved each other's lives with Natsuhiko in the Aerodactyl cave.
Glancing at the direction Ann Ci came from.
"You live here too?"
Ann Ci nodded slightly, performing a Buddhist gesture, "Yes, I saw you when you moved in three days ago, originally wanted to visit, but thought you might not like noise, so I didn't come."
Natsuhiko glanced at the surroundings and luxurious villa.
So.
The Drinking Monk who sells Buddha Beads, just by selling beads, can afford such a luxurious villa?
Natsuhiko felt speechless.
If it's really so profitable, he's considering shaving his head and imitating?
As if seeing through Natsuhiko's confusion, Ann Ci explained:
"The house isn't mine; the owner had some issues recently and asked me to help, in return letting me stay long-term."
Natsuhiko understood.
That makes much more sense.
"Trouble?"
Ann Ci approached Natsuhiko, leaning sideways to whisper, "Yes, hauntings."
"Togepee!!"
Togepi, hearing Ann Ci's words, immediately jumped up and held onto Natsuhiko's leg.
Natsuhiko rolled his eyes irritably, backing up a few steps.
Not to mention, Ann Ci really drinks, being so close, the alcohol smell from him is overpowering.
Drinking late at night...
No one else does it.
"Ghost-type Pokémon?"
"Hiccup—Yes." Ann Ci hiccupped, "Want to join, Natsuhiko? The reward isn't low."
Ghost-type Pokémon...
Generally, Ghost-types are immune to Normal and Fighting type techniques, take extra damage from Ghost and Dark type attacks, and resist Insect-type techniques.
Natsuhiko's best Pokémon now is Beedrill, having Beedrill battle Ghost-types isn't something he'd choose to do.
Moreover, Little Monk Ann Ci isn't weak; according to him, he's stayed in this villa for three or four days and hasn't solved the issue, even inviting Natsuhiko, indicating the problem is tricky.
In such unstable times in Goldenrod City, avoiding trouble is better.
Shaking his head, he said, "Forget it, I'm not taking your job. Good luck."
Ann Ci's smile remained unchanged, seemingly unsurprised by Natsuhiko's response.
"Then the Little Monk will take your good wishes."
"By the way, do you know why so many wild Pokémon have appeared in Goldenrod City?" Natsuhiko asked.
Ann Ci's smile slowly faded, hesitatingly said, "Perhaps, it's related to that tunnel..."
"Tunnel..."
Natsuhiko understood what Ann Ci meant; wasn't it through that tunnel he unwittingly traveled underground to the Aerodactyl's cave?
If these Rhyhorns came from that tunnel...it seems to make sense.
"Didn't you tell the alliance?" Natsuhiko asked urgently.
"I did, but you might not believe it; the Little Monk tried to find the tunnel entrance again but couldn't." Ann Ci replied helplessly.
Couldn't find it?
Will the alliance believe and be alert to Ann Ci's words?
Maybe yes, maybe no.
"Alright, if the sky falls, taller people will hold it up. If there's nothing else, I'll go back to sleep." Natsuhiko yawned, holding Togepi.
Ann Ci clasped his hands together, bowing slightly, "The Little Monk will continue to savor worldly sorrows."
Natsuhiko: "..."
You probably aren't a real monk.
But aside from drinking and selling beads, Ann Ci looks and acts perfectly as a monk.
Especially his eyes, which Natsuhiko doesn't like looking into.
Pure yet profound.
Turning to leave, waving his hand.
Ann Ci watched Natsuhiko's departing figure, along with the Pokémon closely following him, slightly hesitated, then his voice echoed.
"Natsuhiko, beware of abnormal life energy, beware...the flames."
Listening to the voice from behind.
Natsuhiko paused his steps, his eyebrows slowly furrowing.
What does "abnormal life energy" mean?
What does "beware the flames" mean?
Playing riddles?
Or speaking in zen?
But, when Natsuhiko turned to ask, Ann Ci was gone.
Shaking his head, "A strange monk."