Icarus and Bellsprout hurried back to Town to handle the day's harvest.
In total, they had obtained 16 silk sacs, 9 poison sacs, 9 sharp horns, more than 40 kilograms of Weedle meat, and over 30 kilograms of Caterpie meat.
The poison sacs were kept for Bellsprout to consume, and the 40 kilograms of Weedle meat would also serve as its rations.
After making his plan, Icarus quickly went to the grocery store and butcher shop to sell what he could.
By the time he finished, another 10,600 Pokédollars had been added to his wallet. He now had a total of more than 39,200 Pokédollars.
"Ah! What a happy, wealthy day."
Back home, Icarus looked at the thick stack of banknotes with satisfaction.
Under Icarus's influence, Bellsprout had also developed a love for counting money.
"Spri spri!"
Seeing so much cash, it was clearly delighted.
"This amount is enough for me to buy a Rattata with ordinary high-level aptitude. Before, I would've tried harder to afford one with good low-level aptitude, but now…"
After finishing his thought, Icarus put all the money into his spatial backpack and called Bellsprout to head out to the department store again.
Walking leisurely down the street, Icarus weighed his options.
"An ordinary low-level Rattata costs 8,000 Pokédollars. The price doubles with every small increase in aptitude. This money is enough for an ordinary high-level Rattata.
And if this continues, in just a few more days I could even afford a good low-level one. It might even have the potential to break through to Elite level."
As for the Pokémon House, they wouldn't sell anything better. Higher-quality Pokémon would only appear at auctions.
"These businessmen…"
Icarus muttered bitterly. He knew the Alliance was behind it.
By releasing batches of Pokémon with good or mid-level aptitude, they gave civilian trainers a glimmer of hope to reach Elite rank—while harvesting enormous wealth.
At the same time, it maintained a huge strength gap between direct-line Alliance trainers and civilian trainers.
Important positions within the Alliance were almost entirely held by direct descendants.
And even if a powerful civilian trainer appeared, for a better future, they would inevitably join the direct line.
The difference in treatment was enormous, so most civilian trainers desperately completed Alliance missions, hoping to climb upward.
"Rattata was originally my top candidate. It's fast and small—not too weak—and can serve as a scout. It's just a pity it can't fly."
He sighed deeply.
Today's encounter with Pidgey had taught him a lesson. Those who could fly had a massive advantage over those who couldn't.
"No wonder Flying-types in the Pokémon House are so expensive. For 40,000 Pokédollars, I could buy an ordinary mid-level Zubat. If I worked a few more days, I could even afford a mid-level Pidgey or Spearow."
The idea of spending all his money flashed briefly through his mind.
"No… Bellsprout is already at the threshold of breaking through to the ordinary level. To lay a solid foundation, I must buy a Leaf Stone. Even the smallest one costs 50,000 Pokédollars."
He looked down at Bellsprout, who was curiously observing the bustling street.
"Spri~ (づ●─●)づ"
Noticing Icarus staring, it happily responded.
"Since I've found an opportunity today, let's try to capture one. I still have two empty Poké Balls. To be safe, I'll buy eight more. The main target is Zubat. Even an ordinary low-level Zubat can serve as a temporary partner."
After all, even if he spent all his savings, he could only afford an ordinary mid-level one.
Such aptitude would likely only serve as a transitional Pokémon, so investing too many resources into it wouldn't be worthwhile.
"Still, not having a flying scout right now is too inconvenient. We were attacked by a Pidgey today. What if next time it's two or three?"
Having made up his mind, Icarus clapped his hands and gestured for Bellsprout to hurry toward the department store.
"Welcome! Please recall your Pokémon into its Poké Ball!"
The clerk on the first floor immediately reminded him.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Bellsprout, come back for now. I'll release you as soon as we leave."
"Spri spri…"
Though reluctant, Bellsprout nodded after noticing there were no other Pokémon out.
A flash of red light, and it returned to its Poké Ball.
"Thank you for your cooperation, sir."
In stores backed by the Alliance, Pokémon had to be recalled.
After all, Pokémon possessed all kinds of abilities. Surveillance wasn't foolproof, and some Pokémon could lose control and accidentally injure other customers.
To eliminate potential danger, Alliance-affiliated shops required all Pokémon to remain in their balls—even pet Pokémon.
"Let's head to the Pokémon Technology section first."
Taking the elevator, Icarus arrived on the fourth floor.
"Wow… this feels like the future!"
The entire floor was decorated in silver and white. Various technological products were displayed on shelves.
Smooth metallic designs. Full-body combat exosuits as tall as a person—allowing humans to fight alongside their Pokémon.
Insulated suits capable of withstanding tens of thousands of volts.
Energy pistols disguised as short rods that fired energy bullets with a touch.
There were even portable protective barriers like those used by Elite trainers—press the central button and an instant shield could withstand attacks from Elite-level Pokémon.
Looking at these practical and beautiful devices, Icarus felt like a primitive person still relying on throwing knives.
Curious, he checked the prices.
"…This is outrageous."
A string of zeros filled his vision.
The "wealthy" Icarus from earlier instantly felt poor.
Inside the Poké Ball, Bellsprout also sensed the astronomical prices and expressed through their bond how much Bug-type meat that money could buy.
"Spri spri!"
"Heh… Let's hurry and see if there are any tools to deal with Flying-types. These are completely out of reach."
Though incredibly useful, such equipment was far beyond what he could afford.
Besides, if he wanted lethal technological weapons, the black market would be a better option.
Purchases here required ID registration.
If someone later committed a crime using similar equipment, anyone who had bought one could be summoned for questioning.
"Still… black market goods are even more expensive, and it's likely connected to powerful figures in town anyway. They might even source items from here."
Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the alluring exosuit, Icarus quickly moved through the Pokémon Technology section, searching for tools that could counter Flying-type Pokémon.
(End of Chapter 39)
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