"Well, this one's good… but it's too expensive. I might as well just buy a Pokémon directly."
"This doesn't seem very practical. It says it's effective, but there's no explanation at all. Bad review."
After finding the correct shelf, Icarus began checking each item's description and price carefully.
His psychological budget was around 20,000 Pokédollars. After all, an ordinary low-level Zubat only cost about that much. He had to consider the worst-case scenario.
"This gun isn't bad."
Icarus picked up a noticeably larger bird-catching gun and examined it.
Bird-Catching Gun: Fires silk bullets woven from various Bug-type threads. The shot is very quiet, and upon impact, the bullet expands into a large net that covers the target.
Price: 10,000 Pokédollars
Bullet Price: 200 Pokédollars each
"For most people, they'd need to buy a lot of bullets just to practice. Even if they eventually caught a Pidgey or Spearow, the total cost would be almost the same as buying one outright."
He quickly estimated the cost in his head. Unless someone had been a target-shooting prodigy in their previous life, most people would need hundreds of rounds just to reliably hit a stationary target.
"But I have experience with throwing knives. My aim shouldn't be too bad. I'll buy 50 rounds to test it."
Taking the bird-catching gun and a box of ammunition, Icarus continued browsing. Even if he managed to trap one, if it cried for help, Bellsprout might not be able to stop it in time.
Right now, there were quite a few newly fledged Pidgey and Spearow in the outer forest.
If it weren't for this unusual period, he would never dare use just this gun and Bellsprout to deal with one alone.
Normally, Flying-types rarely appeared in the outer forest. They stayed in the inner circle, where higher-level Bug-types provided richer energy.
So even if a lone Spearow cried for help in the outer area, its companions likely wouldn't hear it.
On the other hand, if it weren't for this migration period, the probability of encountering Flying-types in the outer forest would be nearly zero.
His original plan had been steady and safe: wait until Bellsprout broke through to the ordinary level, then continue farming weaker Pokémon in the outer forest to earn money, buy a Flying-type, and only then enter the inner circle.
The inner circle had more Pokémon types and higher levels. Without a scout, it would be difficult to guarantee his safety.
The core of that plan was patience and stability.
But now that an opportunity had appeared to capture a Flying-type early, he naturally wanted to seize it.
Having a scout in advance would make everything much more convenient.
"I need something that blocks sound or interferes mentally. As long as it can't cry for help, a grounded Flying-type won't be a match for Bellsprout."
His goal was clear: prevent the target from calling for reinforcements the moment it was trapped.
"This blocks sound, but setting it up would alert even a Pokémon. Useless."
"This reflects sound waves… no, that's too risky. I don't know where the reflection would go."
"Hmm? This ultrasonic disruptor might work."
Icarus picked up a horn-shaped device.
Ultrasonic Horn: Emits ultrasonic waves that are invisible and silent. It can interfere with Zubat's ultrasonic detection, making it unable to sense the user. Essential for cave exploration.
Price: 1,000 Pokédollars
"I remember ultrasonic waves can cause confusion… I wonder if this works that way."
Unsure, he took the device to the counter and consulted the intelligent robot.
"Beep. The Ultrasonic Horn provides interference only. It does not cause confusion in Pokémon."
"Oh… that's a pity."
If it could confuse Pokémon, then simply activating it would remove the need for Bellsprout's Sleep Powder during sneak attacks.
That had clearly been wishful thinking.
Returning to the shelf, Icarus continued searching for something that could instantly block sound.
"This is perfect—Silence Barrier! It's basically a silence spell… but it's way too expensive."
After a long search, he finally found an item that met his requirements and could be deployed without prior setup.
Like a protective shield, it used attribute crystals as an energy source to create a temporary soundproof field.
Unfortunately, the energy crystal alone was beyond his budget.
This device was clearly meant for organized raids on Pokémon groups. Without sound, most Pokémon would lose the ability to communicate.
Coordinated attacks would collapse.
"Maybe it could even be used against hostile trainers…"
Icarus briefly entertained the thought. Below Elite level, most trainers relied heavily on verbal commands.
Though contracts existed, they conveyed only general intent. On a battlefield, precision mattered.
After Elite level, however, trainers relied on brief cues and deep mutual understanding. Even without sound, they could function effectively.
With a sigh, Icarus returned and grabbed four Ultrasonic Horns from the shelf.
At the counter, the intelligent robot began processing the purchase.
"Beep. One Bird-Catching Gun: 10,000 Pokédollars. Fifty bullets: 10,000 Pokédollars. Four Ultrasonic Horns: 4,000 Pokédollars. Total: 24,000 Pokédollars. Please pay."
"It really feels like a technology zone…"
Icarus handed over the money from his backpack.
"I hope this won't be a loss. These Flying-types probably won't stay in the outer forest for long."
"Beep. The Bird-Catching Gun requires registration. Please provide identification."
Of course.
He didn't dare complain out loud. Quietly, he handed over his ID card.
"Beep. Registration complete. Thank you for your purchase."
"I'll come back next time… when I'm rich."
After storing everything in his backpack, he bought eight Poké Balls for another 4,000 Pokédollars, then left the department store and headed toward the Pokémon Center.
"Bellsprout, come out. Let's go for a checkup—and we'll remove that scar while we're at it."
On the way, Icarus released Bellsprout and pointed at the scar on its body.
"Spri? Spri spri?"
It tilted its head, then pointed at the scar and at the scar on Icarus's own face.
"Oh… you mean mine? That scar is a reminder I'm keeping for myself. But yours doesn't need to stay."
"Spri spri? Spri spri (●—●)."
Though it didn't fully understand, since Icarus said it should remove the scar, it agreed.
"Alright. Let's go to the Pokémon Center."
"Spri spri!"
Bellsprout quickly followed beside him.
(Have you guessed why he bought four?)
(End of Chapter 40)
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