"That's a shame," Bren said regretfully.
"If you don't want the Pidgey, I'll just sell it to the authorities," Kael replied, rolling his eyes.
That regretful look—like the Shinx would be wasted in his hands.
"Of course I want it!" Bren hurriedly said. "Perfect timing. I'm trading with a friend—he wants a high-aptitude Flying-type Pokémon for his second slot. Elite-tier is more than enough."
"Since you're a friend and a classmate, eight million," Kael said directly.
He knew the market well. An Elite-tier Pokémon Egg could easily sell for ten million. Asking for eight million was already very generous.
"Of course, I can't guarantee it's Elite-tier. At the very least it's high-tier—but since it hasn't hatched yet, I can't be sure."
Kael made sure to clarify. He didn't have eyes that could appraise everything.
His cheat ability included a kind of appraisal skill, but it only worked on his own Pokémon.
"No problem. If it's Elite-tier, that guy struck gold. Even high-tier is great," Bren said indifferently.
After all, even professionals couldn't guarantee a Pokémon Egg's aptitude with 100% certainty.
But as the saying went—dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes. Even if it wasn't perfect, it wouldn't be bad.
"Alright."
Kael handed over the Pidgey Egg. "You can transfer the money after you get home."
"Deal. I'll have my dad transfer it to you," Bren said, nodding.
"Hey Kael, you just made a fortune—shouldn't you treat us?"
"Yeah! I've been eating dried rations for a month in the Secret Realm—I lost over ten pounds!"
"Same here…"
Seeing the deal finished, the others joked loudly.
"No need for me to treat," Kael laughed. "The principal will definitely host a welcome banquet."
Just as they were joking—
"Brother…"
A clear, melodious voice suddenly drifted into the room.
Kael didn't even need to turn around. He recognized the voice instantly.
Sure enough, standing at the doorway of the rest lounge was a petite, beautiful figure.
Her figure was graceful, her skin fair and smooth like jade, and her bright eyes—like shining stars—were fixed on Kael.
"Your sister's here. Go on," Bren said with a grin, leading the others away.
Kael smiled and walked over.
He doted on Lyra immensely.
This time, the Pichu Egg was meant for her.
"Pa—!"
Before Kael could even get close, Lyra dashed forward like a nimble swallow and threw herself straight into his arms.
A faint, fresh fragrance filled his senses as her soft body pressed tightly against him.
Kael instinctively wrapped an arm around her slender waist, lowered his head, and inhaled the familiar scent of her hair.
"Missed your brother that much?" he asked softly.
"Mmm…"
Lyra nodded lightly, resting her head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
After a while, Kael let go, pulled her to a chair, and took out a Pokémon Egg.
"Lyra, I missed your birthday. This is your birthday present—from your brother."
"Wow!! Brother, you're the best! This is a Pokémon Egg?"
Lyra exclaimed in delight, carefully taking it as if afraid it might break.
"Relax. Pokémon Eggs are very sturdy," Kael laughed.
He wasn't exaggerating—unless subjected to heavy impact, a Pokémon Egg wouldn't break even if dropped from two meters onto concrete.
"Brother, this must be really expensive. You should sell it instead—then Corviknight can get even stronger, and you'll be safer next time you go into a Secret Realm."
Despite her happiness, Lyra cared more about Kael's safety.
"Silly girl. It's for you—I won't take it back," Kael said warmly.
"And I didn't only get one. I just sold one for eight million. That's more than enough to strengthen Corviknight."
Lyra gasped, then finally accepted the Pichu Egg.
After that, she bombarded him with questions—how to care for the egg, what the Secret Realm was like—like a walking "Ten Thousand Whys."
Kael answered patiently, without the slightest annoyance.
His sister—if he didn't spoil her, who would?
Even without blood ties, he treated her as his real little sister.