Six months of diligent work as an "unconventional" Pokémon breeder had transformed my life. The funds in my account had grown substantially, and I found myself standing at the entrance of Telios, one of the three cities in Bharatsa. Unlike Delias, the metropolis where the former Royal family resided, Telios and Duilas were modest by comparison.

As I entered Telios, the city's hustle and bustle enveloped me. Pokémon trainers, merchants, and locals filled the streets, creating an energetic atmosphere. The air buzzed with anticipation and the constant chatter of Pokémon cries.

My thoughts drifted back to the turning point in my journey—the moment Dregen contacted me. After verifying the effectiveness of the plan for his Beedrill with his current breeder, he proposed a unique condition: new plans every month for each of his Pokémon in exchange for referrals to others. My confident yes brought me the funds in my account.

[It seems every person has an account in poke league bank opened on their name when birth certificate is issued at birth.]

As Dregen and I traversed the narrow streets beyond the bustling commerce district of Telios, the vibrant energy of the city slowly gave way to a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. The air seemed to carry a mix of anticipation and mystery as we arrived at Granny Elina's Pokémon Breeder Shop—a modest establishment tucked away in the heart of the city.

The doorbell chimed as we entered, revealing a cozy space filled with the soothing aroma of herbs and the soft hum of Pokémon chatter. Granny Elina, a kind-looking woman with a twinkle in her eyes, greeted us warmly. She beckoned us closer, and as we approached, I noticed a peculiar list hanging in the forefront of the shop.

To my surprise, the list was comprised of common Pokémon—Pidgey, Rattata, and others. A frown came to my face at this list.

While any Pokémon can reach the top but that doesn't mean all can reach it. As it takes lot of hard work for these species.

I pondered, questioning the value of paying an exorbitant price here when I could potentially find equally talented ones in the wild on my own.

Granny Elina chuckled, her eyes twinkling as she noticed my frown. "Oh, dear, that list is for our normal customers. But for a select few, we have something special down below." With a mischievous smile, she gestured towards the stairs leading down to the basement.

Dregen, familiar with this exclusive section, nodded approvingly. Granny Elina led the way, and as we descended into the depths of the shop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

To my shock, the basement turned out to be long and abnormally spacious, extending under the entire street. As we ventured deeper, the space opened up to reveal a vast area where Pokémon were kept in carefully arranged cages. The variety was astounding—ranging from Scyther and Pidgeot to Pokémon from other regions like Shinx and even a rare Tepig.

The sight left me momentarily speechless, and a wave of shock coursed through me. I cursed internally, reminding myself never to trust others too easily. The disparity between the upstairs list and the hidden reality below was stark.

Granny Elina, noticing my reaction, offered an understanding smile. "Dear, our select collection is reserved for those who truly appreciate the reality and have the will to face it."

"Yeah, a wonderful way to express it, unlike the shady Pokemon black market. I'm certain none of them are legally sold. None of these Pokémon are here voluntarily. Some are malnourished, and others seem terrified, casting fearful glances my way. Take the Scyther, for instance—it would attack the moment it's let out."

Granny Elina snorted at my comment, "If I had the channels for that, I would have opened a premier breeder house, brat. Not everyone possesses the breeding talent you have, kid. Take it or scram."

My eyebrows twitched at that revelation. Instead of nurturing the talents of Pokémon as a breeder, it seemed Granny Elina was involved in illegal activities, selling species with higher value but at a morally lower limit.

My gaze shifted toward Dregen with an angry look, demanding an explanation for the illegal trade I had just stumbled upon. Dregen met my eyes with a calm demeanor, ready to address my concerns.

"These types of breeders are the only ones willing to sell Pokémon to underage kids. Elina only accepted after learning about your breeding talent. Don't worry; she won't know your name or write down any details about you," Dregen explained, offering a justification that, while understandable, didn't sit well with me.

I sighed, realizing the unfortunate reality of the situation. While it might be a necessary compromise to access Pokémon at my age, I couldn't say I liked it.

Deciding to make the best of the situation, I began to examine the Pokémon in the basement, providing Elina with some pointers to watch out for regarding their health and behavior. Despite her disdainful attitude, she begrudgingly listened to the advice, acknowledging my knowledge in breeding and care.

As I continued my scrutiny, my attention was drawn to an incubator tucked away in a corner. Inside, a Pokémon egg rested, bathed in a soft glow. Ignoring Elina's voice cautioning that the Pokémon inside was unknown.

[ELEKID]

The AI provided a surprising revelation—it was an Elekid egg, one of thirteen eggs whose characteristics had been identified by one of Professor Oak's assistants just two years prior. It is to guess who that assistant is.

Taking immediate action, I seized the incubator and approached Granny Elina, determination in my eyes. "Name your price for the egg."

Considering the egg's unknown nature, Elina hesitated before quoting a steep price of 20,000 Pokédollars.

"Bullshit old crone. For all I seen regarding you, it can be pidgey's egg."

"Look here brat it is bought to me from a pokemon hunter who sold even rare pokemon like zigzagoons."

"Idiot. Zigzagoons are as common as Pidgey in Honnen."
"20000$"

Undeterred, I engaged in a vigorous round of haggling, driving the price down to a more reasonable 15,000 Pokédollars.

With the transaction completed, Dregen and I left the shop and headed to the nearest mall. I wasted no time in purchasing the latest Pokéblock blender, a variety of berries suitable for Elekid's Pokéblock, exercise machines, and a Silph Corp space bag for convenient storage.

Of course, the most important item- 1 year supply of Momos milk.

At the components shop, I tossed the shopping bags to Dregen, who obligingly held them while I selected the necessary components for Elekid's care.

"Hey kid. What's wrong?"

"Not now, Dregen."

Due to his association with Elina and the questionable Pokémon trade, my respect for Dregen wavered slightly. I let him carry the bag, while buying the best quality capacitors, converters and electrometers to train elekid in the future.