"Sir, the two Pokémon you mentioned are far too rare," the saleswoman explained gently. "And Zorua isn't even available in this region. If you'd like, we could contact other Breeding Houses and arrange a transfer, but it may take some time."
Silas shook his head. "No need for that trouble. Just show me the Murkrow list."
She handed him a thick catalog. Silas flipped to the Dark-type section, where Murkrow had its own page.
"…Only twenty-something in stock?" he muttered.
The woman nodded. "Murkrow is unpopular, sir. Its evolution requires a Dusk Stone, so few trainers purchase it."
Of course, she didn't mention the real reason. Among common folk, Murkrow was viewed as a bad omen-many believed that seeing one at night invited misfortune. Because of that, Murkrow had long been considered taboo.
Silas, however, already knew the truth. As a Breeder, he had studied Murkrow's potential long before coming here. Rumors didn't matter to him.
After carefully observing each entry, his eyes fixed on one. "Number 19. That one."
This particular Murkrow possessed the hidden ability Prankster-a powerful support trait that gave priority to status moves. Even better, once it evolved into Honchkrow, its ability would shift to Moxie, raising its Attack every time it knocked out an opponent.
But what truly made Silas's decision was its egg moves.
"Sky Attack, Roost, Sucker Punch, and Drill Peck…" Silas's breath caught. "Such a stacked genetic set… the best I've ever seen."
His choice was made.
The saleswoman escorted him to a smaller chamber, where the exchange was finalized. She watched nervously as Silas approached the Murkrow, expecting the Dark-type to lash out.
"Sir, please be careful-"
But Murkrow merely tilted its head, letting Silas stroke its feathers without resistance.
Her eyes widened in shock. Dark-types were infamous for their hostility, and Murkrow were among the most cunning of them all. Yet this one's eyes burned not with malice, but with determination.
Silas crouched, meeting its gaze. "Murkrow, will you come with me?"
"Gahhh~!" The bird let out its harsh, rasping cry. Its tone was unpleasant, but the meaning was clear. It was curious, and eager for the outside world.
Smiling faintly, Silas showed the official exchange voucher. Within moments, the paperwork was complete, and Murkrow's Poké Ball was placed in his hand.
"Congratulations, sir. We look forward to serving you again." The saleswoman's farewell was warm, though her eyes lingered on the unusual bond she had just witnessed.
.....
Instead of returning to the Pokémon Center, Silas made his way to the Breeders' Guild.
The building was still crowded, though not as frenzied as it had been during the assessment days. After presenting a basic ID pass, Silas entered without drawing attention-today he was only here for supplies.
The hall was vast. It took him nearly half an hour to browse through the stalls, each packed with herbs, ores, and materials.
"Blackthorn fruit, ebony wood, darkberries…" Silas muttered as he filled his pouch. Dark-type resources burned fast, and Murkrow would need plenty.
He also spent heavily on a bottle of Moomoo Fresh Milk-not the common drink sold in shops, but the premium kind shipped straight from Goldenrod Gym in Johto. Produced by level 60+ Miltank, it was packed with nutrients.
The stall owner swore by its quality, and though it cost him 10,000 PokéDollars, Silas knew it would be invaluable for his newborn partner.
By the time he finished shopping, his wallet was thin again. Still, he felt satisfied.
That evening, back at the registration desk, he formally logged Murkrow as part of his public roster. For now, his officially registered Pokémon included Crawdaunt, Sharpedo, Eevee, and Murkrow. Fearow and Shroomish remained off-record, hidden from competitions and prying eyes.
"Silas, your new partner is registered."
Nurse Joy handed him the Poké Ball with her usual gentle smile, like a spring breeze. Several nearby trainers shot envious glances, muttering under their breath.
Silas, unbothered, nodded politely. "Thank you."
But just as he turned to leave, Joy called after him. "Silas-please wait."
He paused, raising an eyebrow.
She smiled faintly. "The materials you asked me to collect… they've been delivered to your room already."
Silas's eyes flickered with surprise. He had indeed asked for rare Dragon-type materials, hoping to make Pokéblocks that would help Crawdaunt learn Dragon Dance. They were nearly impossible to find on his own, so he had entrusted the request to the Joy family.
"…Thank you," he said at last. "But I'll pay for them-more than fair price." Silas never liked owing favors.
Joy shook her head, waving it off. "No need. You're already considered an investor of the Joy family. That makes you half one of us."
Her smile lingered, light yet filled with meaning.
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(End of chapter)