On October 7th, Sean brought excellent news.
The Toxic Orb had been successfully auctioned off for 77,000 Alliance Coins to a High-Level Trainer from the Ellie Region, known for specializing in Poison-type Pokémon.
Selling at 77,000 Alliance Coins was remarkably high, considering most Trainers tend to avoid Poison-type Pokémon due to the risk of unintentionally harming others if not properly managed.
Although various antidotes and healing techniques using Pokémon's powers exist, it remains a concern. Consequently, many Trainers do not opt to train Poison-type Pokémon.
Despite its rarity and value to those who need it, selling the Toxic Orb for such a high price—77,000 Alliance Coins—far exceeded Kalia's expectations.
Indeed, auctions are the best way to fetch higher prices for valuable items than regular sales would allow. If Kalia had tried selling it herself, she likely would have been content with just 40,000 Alliance Coins.
With an additional profit of over 30,000 Alliance Coins, Kalia suddenly found herself quite wealthy. This sum ensured that she wouldn't have to worry about finances for a long time.
Additionally, there were still two more Toxic Orbs left unsold. Although their prices might not match the first one, they would undoubtedly fetch significant amounts.
At the entrance of the Pokémon Center:
Sean handed Kalia a card containing 77,000 Alliance Coins, then took possession of the second Toxic Orb from her. Rarity enhances value; selling them individually would maximize their price.
"Haha, with the initial publicity and auction, many Trainers now know I have Toxic Orbs available. It won't be long before this second orb is sold as well. Congratulations, you're quite wealthy now! It's been a pleasure doing business," Sean chuckled.
"Likewise, it's been a pleasure," Kalia responded joyfully. The feeling of having such wealth was exhilarating, knowing even more Alliance Coins were on the horizon.
In her excitement, Kalia casually asked, "Totem City is hosting a double battle competition soon. Will anyone from your academy participate?"
She posed the question nonchalantly, assuming that the prestigious Pokemon Academy might not be interested in such events.
However, Sean nodded upon hearing Kalia's question, "While most of our academy members aren't interested, a few from the mid-level class and one student from the advanced class, named Aurora, originating from the Ellie Region, decided to participate. She wants to gauge the talent level of Sebas region's Trainers. Be prepared; her attitude might not be pleasant during the competition. Are you entering the double battle tournament?"
"Yes," Kalia affirmed with a nod, but internally she felt somewhat uneasy. The mid-level class participants didn't concern her, but having a competitor from the advanced class, under fifteen years old, joining the double battle competition was unexpected.
More importantly, this contestant hailed from the Ellie Region, which likely meant trouble for Sebas region trainees. Facing her would leave them with little hope.
"Wait, can a trainee from the Ellie Region actually compete?" Kalia suddenly realized that as a competition hosted by Totem City in the Sebas region, Aurora wasn't originally from here. Could she legitimately participate?
"Not typically if they're solely from the Ellie Region. However, Aurora's father is from the Sebas region, so through half-blood lineage, she qualifies as being connected to Sebas," Sean explained.
In reality, with the long-standing interactions between the Ellie and Sebas regions, cases like Aurora, having parents from different regions, were quite common. The physical appearances of people from both regions were also similar, without significant differences.
"Then is her participation in this double battle competition meant as a provocation?" Kalia asked. From what Sean mentioned, Aurora seemed to hold some disdain for the Sebas region or perhaps even the trainees from the Ellie Region had a similar sentiment towards Sebas.
"Certainly, if you decide to participate, be cautious. Would you like me to share her Pokemon lineup? Although, there's no guarantee you can match up against her," Sean advised.
"No need. Once the competition starts, I'll see her Pokemon then. I have confidence in my own abilities," Kalia declined. Despite Aurora being from the advanced class, Kalia believed she was not far behind.
Knowing Aurora's Pokemon beforehand would give Kalia an advantage, but she could learn their identities during the competition as well. She preferred relying on her true strength rather than exploiting such knowledge for the double battle competition.
It wasn't Kalia's style to gain an unfair edge by knowing Aurora's Pokemon ahead of time; instead, she wanted a fair and open Pokemon battle.
"It seems you've grown stronger during this time, evident from your confidence. However, don't underestimate her; Aurora ranks highly in the advanced class and possesses similar strength to me," Sean cautioned.
As a member of the advanced class, Aurora had already achieved mid-level Trainer status for quite some time. Her young age contributed to her arrogant demeanor, particularly disliking Trainers from the Sebas region, possibly due to issues related to her father.
While Kalia's current level was unclear, facing off against Aurora might not guarantee her a high chance of victory.
"I never take any opponent lightly," Kalia responded. She approached every battle with seriousness, even if she dominated, without belittling or mocking her opponents.
Although Kalia hadn't met Aurora yet, she could sense her personality, fearing it might clash with her own preferences.
Trainees at the Pokemon Academy often exuded superiority, especially those like Aurora from the prestigious Ellie Region.
"Well, I'll be taking off now." With that farewell, Sean mounted his Braviary and soared into the distance.
Seeing Sean depart, Kalia felt a surge of determination. The upcoming double battle competition in Totem City seemed intriguing, as even advanced students from the Pokemon Academy were participating. Would the talented Trainers from various cities be able to compete against Aurora?
Early morning.
In the blink of an eye, seven days of intensive training had concluded. With tomorrow marking the start of the Totem City double battle competition, Kalia planned to head there today. First, she would find accommodations and then proceed to the competition venue for registration.
Shortly after, Kalia packed her backpack, mounted her bicycle, and set off towards Totem City. Meanwhile, Lian spread his wings, flying overhead while enjoying the scenic surroundings. By ascending slightly higher, he could spot Totem City in the distance.
It was a bustling city, with people already heading towards Totem City despite the early hour. Some walked, others rode bicycles like Kalia, and some jogged along.
Among them were Trainers, sharing Kalia's goal of participating in the Totem City double battle competition. Additionally, there were spectators eager to witness the event, given its prestige within the Sebas region.