Alex retrieved the four basic Evolution Stones from his TRH device—Fire, Water, Thunder, and Leaf—then added a Moon Stone and a Sun Stone to the display. After a brief pause, he placed a Key Stone and a Mega Stone beside them.
Eight stones in total.
Their surfaces caught the cavern's dim light, casting fractured reflections across the stone floor.
"These," Alex said calmly, "are the stones I'm interested in. As many as you can provide."
Meteor Falls was known for its mineral density. Moon Stones were the most common here, but the elemental stones could also be found if one searched deep enough. Only a few types—Shiny, Dusk, Dawn, and Ice—did not appear in this territory. At least, none within the Salamence leader's domain.
The large Salamence lowered his head, examining the display carefully.
He recognized six immediately.
The Fire, Water, Thunder, Leaf, Moon, and Sun Stones were familiar—trading tools, bargaining chips between powerful Area leaders.
But the other two?
His gaze lingered on the Key Stone and the Mega Stone.
Old as he was, he had never seen their like. or he cannot remember having seen it.
"I need as many of these eight stones as possible," Alex continued evenly. "In exchange, I offer advanced healing potions—capable of instantly restoring severe wounds. I can also provide specialized nourishment that increases the long-term potential of Dragon-type Pokémon."
The leader's eyes narrowed slightly. That word Potential carried weight in his mind.
After several seconds, he lifted his head.
"Follow me, human."
Without waiting, he turned and moved deeper into the cavern. The other Salamence shifted aside, clearing a path. Alex and his group followed, Depper staying close behind.
They entered the inner nest.
Alex stopped.
Before him lay a massive accumulation of items stacked against the stone walls. Evolution Stones were piled in clusters—Moon Stones in particular forming a pale, glowing mound.
Mixed among them were several kilograms of Stardust and an astonishing number of Star Pieces, their polished surfaces reflecting light like fragments of fallen constellations.
This wasn't random hoarding. It was deliberate collection.
Alex's eyes narrowed slightly.
Why is he gathering this much?
The Salamence leader, watching him closely, noticed the shift in his expression.
Gardevoir translated after a low rumble from the Salamence, "The stones that trigger evolution, can be traded with other strong leaders for territory favors, resources, or things."
That explained the Evolution Stones.
He did not elaborate on the Stardust or the Star Pieces. He didn't need to or he just doesn't want to.
Alex already understood even without a explanation.
Stardust significantly improved training efficiency for Pokémon below the elite threshold. For a territory filled with Bagon and Shelgon striving to evolve, it was a strategic investment.
As for the Star Pieces, which only look beautiful. Salamence also seems to like collecting things that look good, so it's understandable that he collects them as well. Even a hardened dragon might appreciate the shine of something rare and beautiful.
The negotiations did not last long.
Neither Alex nor the Salamence leader wasted time with empty displays of dominance. Terms were stated. Values were weighed. Agreement was reached.
Alex had prepared for this the moment he decided to enter Meteor Falls. After his earlier trade with Kingler, he had anticipated that some powerful territorial leaders preferred Collecting resources over time. So he had invested accordingly.
He had purchased a full year's supply of Pokémon food covering every type—and stocked his reserves with large quantities of advanced healing items to strengthen his bargaining position.
The final agreement was straightforward.
The Salamence territory would receive:
One year's supply of Dragon-type and Flying-type Pokémon food
250 Super Potions
250 Hyper Potions
If calculated in strict monetary terms, the total value came to slightly under 1.4 million Poké Dollars. The specialized Pokémon food alone accounted for a little over 1 million.
For most trainers, that would have been an enormous expense. For Alex, it was just an small investment.
In exchange, he received the entirety of the territory's Evolution Stones currently available, along with 80% of the stored Stardust and Star Pieces.
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Acquired Items
Fire, Water, Thunder, and Leaf Stones
Low Grade: 71 Mid Grade: 157 High Grade: 12 Top Grade: 3
Sun Stones
Low Grade: 60 Mid Grade: 143 High Grade: 23 Top Grade: 2
Moon Stones
Low Grade: 162 Mid Grade: 313 High Grade: 53 Top Grade: 11
Stardust (100g units): 1,120Star Pieces: 467
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Even without calculating secondary resale margins, Alex knew this deal would multiply his initial expense several times over.
The Stardust can minimal accelerate training speed for any sub-elite Pokémon. This was relatively useless for Alex, but for new trainers who are rich, this item is perfect.
The Evolution Stones—especially the high and top-grade variants—were strategic assets few trainers could acquire in such quantities and very valuable.
Even low-grade Evolution Stones could be sold for a respectable amount.
Alex had always wondered who actually bought them.
Low-grade stones triggered evolution—but they did nothing to improve a Pokémon's potential. No refinement. No long-term ceiling increase. Just forced advancement.
On paper, it looked like a bad deal.
Why sacrifice future growth for a shortcut?
But the answer was obvious once he thought about it.
First, price.
Low-grade stones were cheap—often comparable to the cost of a solid Bronze-tier Pokémon. Even trainers with limited funds could afford one.
Second—and far more important—immediate power.
Even without increasing level, the structural change (stats) alone dramatically boosted combat capability. Below the elite level threshold, an evolved Pokémon was effectively three to four levels stronger than its unevolved counterpart.
A level 20 Nidorino was not stronger than a level 16 Nidoking.
Not even here. In a world where the level difference between Pokémon plays a more significant role.
So what were these trainers really doing?
They were trading Long-term growth in exchange for immediate strength.
This might seem like a bad deal, but considering the high death rate among rookie trainers, it's understandable why some trainers do this.
From a strategic standpoint, it was inefficient and bad.
From a survival standpoint, it made perfect sense.
And beyond the stones, the Stardust, and the immediate profit margin—Alex had secured something far more valuable.
A neutral relationship with one of the dominant forces of Meteor Falls. That alone was worth more than the 1.4 million he had invested.
The Salamence leader watched as Alex stored the items efficiently inside his TRH device. There was no hostility left in the chamber.
Two forces had measured one another— And decided cooperation was more profitable than conflict.
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