Silas was broke. Again.
"With so many Pokémon, the resources get eaten up fast," he muttered, scrolling through his account balance-less than one hundred thousand Pokédollars left.
"Training weights for Murkrow… sandbags for Crawdaunt's pincers… a portable automatic pool for Sharpedo which could be used anywhere… even Eevee racks up costs with her snacks and dolls."
He exhaled sharply. "I'll have to sell off some Pokéblocks."
Over the past weeks, he had stockpiled a variety of unusual experimental Pokéblock cubes. Some were practical, others oddities with niche functions. He kept the essentials for daily use, but the rest could go.
"This time, no black market," Silas decided. "Too risky. Better to go through the Breeder's Guild or an official shop. The paper trail matters."
His visible income-the Joy family's backing and Petalburg Gym's support-was already suspicious compared against his expenses. Selling through official channels would at least help him balance the books.
....
Rustboro City's department store loomed ahead, bustling with life. The glass doors opened automatically as he approached.
Inside, shelves gleamed with merchandise, from standard Potions to Devon Corporation's newest release-the Sweet Ball. Staff in uniforms moved between aisles, arranging displays.
"Welcome Sir!" one clerk called cheerfully.
"I'll browse first," Silas answered politely. He circled the store, noting the prices and market rates for various Pokéblocks before finally approaching the counter.
"I'm a Breeder. Are you buying Pokéblocks?"
He presented his Junior Breeder's badge. The clerk blinked, startled, then hurried to fetch the manager-a tall, bearded man who greeted him with warmth and deference.
"An honor, Breeder. If you don't mind, I'll call in an appraiser."
A bespectacled elder soon arrived, carefully examining Silas's stock. After several long minutes, he lowered his tools with a nod.
"These are flawless," the old man declared. "Full of energy, bright in color, expertly crafted. Whoever made these is a prodigy among Junior Breeders."
The manager's eyes lit up.
"Very well. 1.4 million Pokédollars."
Silas shook his head lightly. "And I'll be spending at least 1.3 million here. Raise the offer."
The manager hesitated, then gritted his teeth while raising price again. "…Deal!"
Paperwork was signed, notarized through the bank. Silas walked away with both credits and reputation secured.
...
He didn't waste time spending. Nutrient solutions, berry stocks, crafting supplies-nearly a million gone in minutes. But his biggest purchase was a rare held item: a pair of Black Glasses, officially certified to increase the power of Dark-type moves by 10%.
Most held items boosted moves between 5%–15%. Anything below 5% was unstable junk; anything above 15% was rare, almost always monopolized by great families.
There were even legends of outliers-a 0.1% trinket that somehow remained functional for Pokémon, sold for over ten million to an anonymous collector.
Silas smirked faintly at the thought. He'd settle for his 10%.
The nutrient solution and common materials cost nearly one million Pokédollars. By the time Silas finished his purchases, most of his earnings were gone, his account balance dipping below half a million.
.....
That night, he released his team in the Pokémon Center dorm.
"Vee! Veee!"
Eevee bounded forward immediately, tugging insistently at his trouser leg with her tiny paws. Her bright eyes sparkled, fixed on the bag at his side.
"Alright, alright," Silas chuckled, passing her a fresh batch of Poképuffs. "Don't be greedy."
Eevee snatched it up eagerly, her little tail wagging as she buried her head into the sweet treat.
These baked Poffins weren't just for Pokémon-even humans could eat them but Silas never cared much for sweets. Nearly all of the cakes and Poffins he bought were prepared especially for Eevee.
After all, even the aloof Murkrow had long since realized it-Eevee was nothing more than a greedy little glutton.
As Eevee happily munched, Silas turned toward Sharpedo. From his case,Silas carefully drew out the Black Glasses, their surface gleaming faintly under the light.
"Here, Sharpedo. Take this."
As he held the item closer, a pulse of energy rippled through the air. The Black Glasses shimmered, releasing a faint dark aura that resonated with Sharpedo's body.
The predator's eyes gleamed crimson as the aura wrapped around it. In a flash, the item dissolved into motes of shadowy light, merging seamlessly into Sharpedo's form.
A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat. At the edges of its teeth, a sheen of black energy flickered dangerously.
Behind it, a spectral image of the Black Glasses hovered briefly before fading away.
"The sea's bully…" Silas whispered, awe flickering in his eyes.
Sharpedo bared its jagged grin, power surging stronger than ever.
The Black Glasses had chosen their bearer.
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(End of chapter)