"Energy cubes are only available through me, so when you're running low, come back for more," Chris explained to Lily. He emphasized that various factors influence Pokémon growth, with diet being an essential one.
Energy cubes, made from tree fruits in the Pokémon world, aren't particularly rare there, but in this world, they're unique.
"I understand, but can Squirtle eat anything else?" Lily inquired, resting her chin in her hand.
"Of course, Pokémon have robust physiques and can even consume human food. They'll eat anything to fill their stomachs," Chris replied thoughtfully.
Pokémon naturally boast stronger physiques than humans, making them akin to fantasy creatures from fairy tales in this world.
"However, due to their excellent physiques, they have high nutritional needs. To ensure they grow perfectly, it's best to feed them energy cubes regularly."
"And each Pokémon has a distinct personality. For instance, your Squirtle is outgoing and lively, so take it out for walks often," Chris suggested.
"Absolutely," Lily agreed, blinking with interest.
"And do you need one of these?" Chris asked, holding up a small pink device.
"Huh? Isn't that the Pokédex you mentioned?" Lily asked, surprised.
"Yes, the full name is Pokémon Pokédex. By pointing the Pokédex at a Pokémon, you'll receive its basic information," Chris explained, demonstrating by pointing the Pokédex at Squirtle, who was still munching on an energy cube.
A mechanical voice emanated from the Pokédex:
'Beep~ Squirtle, Water Type, Turtle Pokémon. Ability: Torrent. Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun. Gentle and easy to care for, Squirtle is part of a close-knit group and can shoot a powerful Water Gun when it retracts its neck into its shell.'
"Wow!" Lily tilted her head, intrigued by the Pokédex. Was the Water Type because Squirtle was a turtle? What did 'Ability' mean? And 'Moves'?
Questions swirled in Lily's mind, and something felt off.
"Would you like one? The Pokédex is handy for understanding Pokémon, though its uses might not be apparent now," Chris offered, shaking the device playfully.
The Pokédex he sold was actually a starter model, requiring users to unlock information about each Pokémon, much like a game.
"Sure, I'll take one. And let me have ten boxes of those energy cubes," Lily decided, taking the Pokédex from Chris.
"Great~"
"Squirtle Squirtle~!"
Hearing his trainer's decision, Squirtle looked up at Lily with bright, adoring eyes, visions of food dancing in its mind.
"Hehe~ With me, you'll be well-fed and happy," Lily said smugly, rubbing Squirtle's head.
"The Pokémon Pokédex is $500, and the high-quality energy cubes are $300 per box, totaling $3,500," Chris said as he retrieved ten boxes of energy cubes from under the counter.
"That's quite pricey," Lily commented, rolling her eyes playfully as she scanned the payment code on her phone.
She was usually frugal and rarely splurged, making this a significant first for her.
"It's actually a bargain, miss. You're my first customer, so I've given you a generous discount."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't sell Squirtle for just $200,000. It's a very high-potential product," Chris explained, a bit helpless. Squirtle's true potential was immense, especially as one of the Kanto starters, with its final form, Blastoise, capable of Mega Evolution.
"Which shop owner doesn't say that?" Lily teased, rolling her eyes again.
Shopkeepers often claimed they weren't making money, at least in front of customers.
"But I love this little turtle, so I won't hold it against you," Lily smiled, tapping Squirtle's cheek, clearly delighted.
What a charming customer, Chris thought, smiling. His love for Pokémon had driven him to accept the system's quest, and Lily's enthusiasm reaffirmed his goal of popularizing Pokémon.
"So, dear lady, would you like to draw again? There are many cute Pokémon, some even cuter than Squirtle!"
"In your dreams!"
"Squirtle Squirtle! (I'm the cutest!)"
"..."