Suddenly, Feng Che's Rocket wristband lit up, and a projection flickered into life before him. Instructor Viper appeared on the screen.
"Cough... Greetings, dear Rocket recruits. It has been half a month. I wonder how you're faring."
"According to our data, there are currently fifty-nine survivors left on Death Island. Fifty-nine people fighting for twenty spots—it's going to be quite the chase."
"I'll keep this brief. Many of you are likely struggling with a lack of space. You've captured Pokémon you can't use or store, and your inventory is full. Therefore, Team Rocket is launching a 'convenience service.'"
"We have deployed six high-level Psychic Pokémon across the archipelago. They will appear randomly. You can trade your collected resources with them for Credit Plates. These Pokémon are master appraisers; do not doubt their accuracy."
"Each Psychic Pokémon will remain in its location for only thirty minutes. Do not attempt to attack them—their levels are extremely high, and they have the authority to execute you on the spot. Now, show us your wolf-like nature. Team Rocket only wants elites, not the incompetent. I hope to see you again."
The projection flicked off.
Death Island Jungle.
"Hello, Rocket recruit. What would you like to exchange?" A deep, resonant male voice echoed directly in Feng Che's mind.
The Alakazam, which had been resting with its eyes closed, slowly opened them. Feng Che noticed a friendly glint in the creature's gaze.
[Alakazam: What an interesting little guy. He has a decent psychic aura... perhaps I should give him special treatment?]
"Your psychic scent is quite pleasant, little one," Alakazam's telepathy continued. "Let me see what you've caught."
With a flick of Alakazam's blue-glowing eyes, a stainless steel tray lined with velvet floated between them.
"Place your prey here. I will scan them and provide an honest appraisal. I hold the title of Master Appraiser, and I also take... 'private commissions' for rare items. Living in Team Rocket isn't easy for Pokémon either, after all."
[Alakazam: Sigh. If it weren't for the curious objects this kid might be hiding, I wouldn't talk so much.]
Feng Che laid out his spoils: Fearow, Graveler, Kingler, Golbat, Cloyster, Starmie, Ninjask, Shedinja, Ariados, Claydol, and Drapion. After a moment's thought, he also placed a 10ml vial of his high-grade Mental Potion on the tray.
"Ho ho, quite the hunter, aren't you?" Alakazam's whiskers twitched. It looked curiously at the blue liquid. "And what is this? Did you make this yourself? You seem to know that I am also a Master Pharmacist—I've had to learn many things to survive here."
"A small gift for you, Mr. Alakazam," Feng Che smiled.
The Alakazam uncorked the vial and took a sniff. "Fresh... like a rainbow after the rain. My psychic energy feels stabilized just from the scent. May I taste it?"
"Of course. It's yours."
Alakazam downed the potion. After a moment, it let out a long, satisfied breath. "It has the kick of fine vodka. My bottleneck of many years feels... loosened. You have true talent, boy. If you survive this island, find me at the Logistics Exchange in HQ. My name is 'Diligent Scholar Old Hu.'"
Alakazam leaned in closer, his voice a secret whisper in Feng Che's mind. "A little secret for you: the trial doesn't end when you leave the island. There is another test waiting. Rocket has more than one 'Death Island.'"
Alakazam then became professional. He used a precise device to scan the Pokémon. "I'll warn you: don't beat your catches so badly next time. Every one of these is bruised and battered. Any other appraiser would lower the price, but today, you're lucky to have met the generous Old Hu."
The report materialized:
Ninjask/Shedinja (Twin Soul): 1,000 Points.
Golbat (Level 35) & Drapion (Level 35): 500 Points each.
Others (Kingler, Ariados, etc.): 100–300 Points each.
Total Pokémon Value: 4,500 Points.
Feng Che also added his Fire Stone, Leaf Stone, and the remains of the Arbok and Scolipede.
Mid-Grade Evolution Stones: 1,000 Points each.
Scolipede Carcass (High-Elite): 500 Points (Pity the venom crystal is missing, or it would be 1,200).
Arbok Remains: 100 Points.
Total Trade Value: 7,100 Points.
"A massive first order," Alakazam remarked. "I could offer 500 points per bottle for that potion, but I advise against it. If the high-ranking psychics find out you can brew these, they'll lock you in a basement as a personal slave. Keep your head down until you are strong."
Alakazam raised a hand. "I swear by my own psychic power never to reveal your secret to any human or Pokémon, or may my powers never grow again."
Feng Che felt a wave of sincerity from the Pokémon's heart.
"We have thirty seconds left. Take this Bent Spoon," Alakazam said, handing him a small silver trinket. "If you channel your power into it, I will sense it and teleport to you. If you find more good things, deal with me first."
[Alakazam: Why on earth did they put a Master Pharmacist through a death trial? Is the recruiter blind?] (Alakazam had no idea the recruiter was the legendary Sabrina.)
"Until we meet again." With a final flash of blue light, Alakazam vanished.
Feng Che secured his new Credit Plate, feeling satisfied. But as he turned to leave, the bushes behind him began to rustle violently.
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