The Honedge silently stood in place, digesting Natsuhiko's words.
If.
Natsuhiko > Giratina.
Then does it also mean that it + Natsuhiko > Giratina?
This reasoning was quite logical.
But something just felt off.
While it was there digesting on its own, Natsuhiko's attention was once again drawn to the uproar of the auction.
Because, the final and grandest auction item of the event had finally made its appearance.
A..... Dratini!
The initial form of the Kanto Region's Quasi-God Pokémon, Dragonite!
Although it's a Pokémon from the Kanto Region, when it comes to Quasi-God Pokémon, no matter the region, it's always a hot commodity whenever it appears.
However, after Natsuhiko carefully observed this Dratini, he couldn't help but frown.
If there is any Quasi-God Pokémon he is most familiar with, it's definitely Dratini.
Because it's the initial stage Quasi-God Pokémon he had the most contact with.
During his time with Lance, his Dratini left a deep impression on Natsuhiko.
As for other Quasi-Gods, he's not unfamiliar. Flint's Shiny Metal Monster and Hilona's Gabite are both Quasi-God Pokémon but are no longer in their initial forms.
"Bzzz." Beedrill softly called out, its expression not very good either.
Even during its Weedle days, it had come into contact with Lance's Dratini and had a rather good relationship.
So it also had some understanding of Dratini.
"Yes, this Dratini has lost its spirit." Natsuhiko nodded in agreement.
Despite the seller and auction house making many embellishments, making this Dratini's skin and physique look quite impressive,
they couldn't hide its empty eyes.
That's why it's said that this Dratini has lost its spirit.
Not only Natsuhiko noticed this; everyone hoping for this final Dratini could see it too.
Anyone looking to purchase a Quasi-God Pokémon surely has this level of discernment.
"No wonder even the auction of a Quasi-God Pokémon is still just a small-scale auction; it's because this Dratini is essentially defective," Natsuhiko shook his head.
Yet the starting bid for this Dratini was a staggering twenty million alliance currency.
Even more surprising and frustrating was that there were still plenty of bidders.
The price skyrocketed, doubling within just a few minutes.
Not minding its condition is one thing.
Taking a gamble on whether one could help Dratini recover is another.
After all, compared to a healthy Dratini with great inherited techniques, this price is considered quite low.
Natsuhiko stood up.
Ready to leave.
"There's no need to keep watching; such prices have no reference value or meaning."
With a mask on, he put away Beedrill, Togetic, and Yujira. When it came to Honedge, Natsuhiko hesitated slightly and decided not to put it away.
Instead, he carried it on his back.
To let it better understand this world, it needs to have more exposure to it.
Fortunately, Honedge had already started to accept its current identity as one of Natsuhiko's Pokémon.
He donned his cloak.
And left the booth with large strides. While the auction wasn't over and not many had left, he exited the auction hall.
Everything he had auctioned had already been delivered by the staff.
Among them, nine Solrock were auctioned for one and a half million, the Elite Level Druddigon sold for two million, another Blazing Rock went for eight hundred thousand, and a large amount of Star Sand sold for three hundred thousand.
Just the auctioned items totaled four million six hundred thousand.
However, due to the auction house taking a ten percent commission, the final amount received was four million one hundred and forty thousand alliance currency.
Adding in the supplement from the High-Level Dark Stone, it amounted to three million.
The total earnings from this event were seven million one hundred and forty thousand alliance currency.
Adding the four million alliance currency previously in his account, his little treasury finally broke through the ten million mark!
He's barely become an "honorary" millionaire.
Additionally, with the two Intermediate level Evolution Stones sold through Flint's help and Klei's two Pokémon, it would surely add several million more.
If not for any special pursuits and just for a stable and carefree life, nearly twenty million alliance currency would be enough to provide Natsuhiko with a peaceful and even comfortable second half of his life.
But unfortunately, Natsuhiko now is not just responsible for himself, he also has to be responsible for the Pokémon willing to follow him.
Moreover, in this world, even if you wish for a stable life, things may still find their way to your doorstep.
Disasters and unforeseen events are countless.
"With money in place, it's time to enhance the quality of life for these little ones."
Beedrill and Yujira's Energy Blocks could be upgraded to Special Level, and with his current financial capacity, he can support such expenses.
He also needs to account for Honedge's needs.
Although it had followed Furong and her grandparents at Divine Departure Mountain, it was never trained or nurtured by them, leaving it without their imprint.
This was one reason Natsuhiko chose it.
Gastly and Duskull, on the other hand, have traces of previous training to varying extents.
Togetic's Energy Blocks were depleted, and since it evolved, it gained a Flying Type attribute, which needs to be retained and developed.
After all, Togetic's final evolutionary form's best and most important technique is the Flying Type Air Slash.
This time, there's no need to spend much on Pokémon Techniques.
Each Pokémon had learned plenty of practical moves from Jirachi, especially Yujira, which learned a plethora of techniques upon evolving.
Integrating and mastering all these techniques would require quite some time.
As for Honedge, just recently joining the team, like Togepi back then, more focuses on familiarizing itself with battles and building momentum.
Learning new techniques is relatively secondary.
This is why Natsuhiko didn't attempt to bid on Technique Secret Manuals at this auction.
However, in terms of Pokémon Items, a few supplements could be tried.
Beedrill carries Silver Powder.
Yujira received the Life Treasure Pearl.
Its Magic Defense trait and the Life Treasure Pearl form a very compatible combination. The Magic Defense trait offsets the Life Treasure Pearl's side effects, retaining only its attack power enhancement effect, significantly boosting Yujira's attack power.
Besides these, the sole item Natsuhiko won at the auction, the Thousand-Year Soup Spoon, was also meant for Yujira.
However, due to its uniqueness, he plans to try letting it have it after returning.
Togetic is the Pokémon in his collection carrying the most items.
Sharp Fang, Soothing Bell, and Silk Scarf are still in the process of adapting to the Sharp Fang's additional effects.
After leaving the auction hall, Natsuhiko headed straight to the Pokémon breeding goods shop in the black market.
Pokémon Food is a significant, ongoing expense; Energy Blocks alone aren't enough, requiring plenty of other supplements.
For different Pokémon, appropriate nutrients such as calcium tablets and milk need to be supplemented.