After a fierce round of bidding, Xiang Group ultimately secured the lot for an astonishing 30 million Alliance Credits.
More important than the Energy Blocks themselves, however, was the opportunity to establish direct contact with the mysterious breeder behind them.
After all, anyone willing to spend thirty million in one go was undeniably a top-tier patron. After giving it some thought, Oliver felt it would be impolite to appear too distant.
He sent a short message:
"The goods will be shipped within ten days. You may rest assured."
"Of course. We have full confidence in you,"
replied the representative from Xiang Group, Xiang Yun, the young heir to the conglomerate and its future successor.
"May I ask how we should address you?"
"Just call me Red, or Scarlet."
Xiang Yun immediately understood—this person had no intention of revealing his real-world identity.
"Understood, Mr. Red. To be frank, we'd like to discuss a long-term cooperation.
If you produce new batches of top-tier Energy Blocks in the future, could you prioritize selling them to Xiang Group?
We're willing to purchase them at 50,000 Alliance Credits per block. What do you think?"
Although the auction averaged out to 60,000 credits per block, Oliver knew that price was inflated by competition.
If he sold consistently in the future, the price would inevitably stabilize around 30,000–40,000, similar to other top breeders.
An offer of fifty thousand was already extremely generous.
Oliver thought for a moment before replying:
"Agreed. I can supply 200 blocks per month, but only for one year. Is that acceptable?"
Xiang Yun hesitated.
Two hundred blocks per month was no small number—on par with, or even exceeding, some established top-tier breeders.
But limiting it to one year was rather restrictive.
He turned to consult his father.
"He's agreed to 200 per month, but only for one year.
Should I negotiate for a longer term?"
Before his father could speak, his younger sister Xiang Yu—sharp-eyed and quick-witted—interjected.
"Your thinking is too narrow."
Xiang Yun blinked. "What do you mean?"
Xiang Yu replied calmly:
"We don't need to bind this breeder to Xiang Group forever.
As long as we build a good relationship, that's enough.
When the group truly needs help in the future, he'll step in."
Their father nodded approvingly.
"Well said. A top-tier breeder's network and influence are immeasurable.
One year is more than enough to establish trust.
After that, we can always negotiate again."
With that, Xiang Yun accepted Oliver's terms.
Meanwhile, far away—
Mu Xue, the reigning Water-Type Heavenly King, set her tablet aside and stretched lazily.
"What a shame. Xiang Group beat me to those Energy Blocks.
If I'd gotten them, I'd have much better odds in the next Heavenly King Tournament."
Her previous third-place finish had been largely due to the top two competitors having long-term contracts with elite breeders.
If she had access to the same resources, the rankings might look very different.
"Don't you think so, Milotic?"
"Mii~"
The elegant Milotic beside her let out a gentle cry, as if offering comfort.
Suddenly, Mu Xue's eyes sparkled.
"Still… I refuse to believe someone like Red just appeared out of nowhere."
She pulled out her phone and made a call.
"Help me look up a trainer on the Trainer Forum—ID: Red.
I want his real identity."
A cold voice replied:
"That request violates protocol."
"As a Heavenly King, I should have investigative privileges, right?"
"You have one system-level access per year.
Do you wish to use it?"
"Yes."
"Information has been sent to your inbox."
The call ended abruptly.
Mu Xue muttered,
"Unfriendly as always… practically a machine."
She opened her email—and her eyes widened.
"So it's him… Interesting. Very interesting."
The file read:
Name: Oliver
Age: 18
Trainer Rank: Advanced
Partner Pokémon: Milotic
Address: Chengdu City, XX District, XX Street, No. XXX
School: Chengdu No.1 High School, Senior Year
Achievements: Author of 'A Study on the Evolutionary Relationship Between Feebas and Milotic', causing global academic shock
Trainer Forum Alias: Red
But when she tried to scroll further, the rest of the file was locked.
SSS-Class Confidential.
Even she lacked the clearance to access it without approval from over half of the Alliance's top council.
"SSS-class… just who are you, really?"
She sighed.
"Those old men will never approve it anyway.
If that's the case, then maybe I'll just…"
That night, at 10 p.m.
Oliver turned off the Berry Processing Machine and walked over to the incubator in the corner of his room.
Inside lay a Pokémon Egg, its shell etched with faint emerald-green patterns.
He gently placed a hand on it.
"I nearly worked myself to death earning your milk money.
I wonder what kind of Pokémon you'll hatch into."
He smiled softly.
"No matter what you become, you're family."
After turning off the lights and lying down, the room fell into darkness.
No one noticed—
The egg rocked slightly.
The green patterns glowed faintly…
Then faded once more, as if quietly responding to his words.
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