"I'm sorry, I got a little too excited."
After taking back the Poké Balls, Icarus carefully placed the Pidgey and Spearow deep inside his spatial backpack.
Originally, he had only planned to sell the lower-quality Zubat, but after experiencing the Pokémon Center's meticulous service, he decided to ask a few more questions.
"I'd like to ask—what acquisition options do you offer here?"
The appraiser smiled slightly. As he had expected, this customer was open to further discussion.
"In our Pokémon Center, there are two main models: exchange and discounted buyback."
Although he appeared to be merely an evaluator, he was essentially a sales specialist. The machine determined aptitude—his real job was converting visitors into customers.
"First, the 80% buyback model. For small quantities, we purchase at 80% of our listed selling price. Many people misunderstand this as our only option."
"If the volume is large, we can offer 90% or even 95%. However, that doesn't apply to your situation. Let me explain the exchange model instead."
"I mainly want to exchange for a Flying-type Pokémon with good aptitude. How would that work?"
Now that it reached the key point, Icarus focused completely.
"At present, our regular stock caps at good-tier aptitude. Available Flying-types include Zubat, Pidgey, Spearow, Hoothoot, and Hoppip."
Icarus began calculating internally.
Hoppip overlapped too much with Bellsprout and lacked carrying ability.
Spearow was strong early on but less appealing long-term.
Hoothoot offered excellent nighttime utility.
Pidgey had balanced growth and an attractive final evolution.
"Please introduce Zubat, Hoothoot, and Pidgey in detail."
The appraiser's smile widened.
"Certainly. A good low-tier Zubat is priced at 16,000 Pokédollars. You may exchange your low-tier Zubat and Spearow, plus an additional 5,000 Pokédollars."
"A good mid-tier Zubat is 32,000 Pokédollars. Your four Pokémon combined would cover most of it, but you would need to add 15,000 Pokédollars."
"Let me calculate."
Icarus quickly ran numbers in his head.
On the black market:
Low-tier Zubat: around 6,000
Spearow: around 13,000
Mid-tier Zubat: about 30,000
High-tier Pidgey: around 50,000
The exchange wasn't a loss. In fact, buying through the League meant guaranteed legality and stable temperament.
Still, he hesitated.
He needed to save money to buy a Leaf Stone for Bellsprout in the future.
A good low-tier already exceeded his previous bottom line. It also gave him hope of reaching Elite level eventually.
"What about Hoothoot?"
"A good low-tier Hoothoot is priced at 28,000 Pokédollars. You may exchange your low-tier Zubat, Spearow, and Pidgey, plus an additional 10,000 Pokédollars."
"And Pidgey?"
"A good low-tier Pidgey is 24,000 Pokédollars. You may exchange your Pidgey and Spearow. Additionally, we would subsidize you with 8,000 Pokédollars."
After laying out the options, the appraiser waited calmly.
Icarus leaned back and thought carefully.
A mid-tier Zubat was tempting—excellent nighttime utility.
But the additional funds were too heavy.
He preferred Pidgey. Keen Eye provided day-and-night advantages, and its final evolution was reliable, handsome, and versatile.
"Here's my proposal," he said. "I'll exchange Pidgey and Spearow for a good low-tier Pidgey. I'll also sell the remaining two Zubat. Can you round the compensation to 5,000 Pokédollars?"
The staff member smiled professionally.
"For small quantities, we follow the 80% standard. However, since you mentioned it, I can authorize 5,000 Pokédollars in compensation."
Icarus hesitated briefly, then nodded.
"Alright. Let's proceed."
Soon, the transaction was completed.
He finally obtained his second core Pokémon—
A good-tier Pidgey.
A classic regional bird: strong, reliable, handsome, and capable of becoming both a mount and a battle asset.
(End of Chapter 58)
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