Returning once again to the Team Rocket base hidden within Mauville's black market, Silas couldn't help but feel a trace of familiarity.
Relying on his memory from his previous visit, he didn't linger around the outer areas and headed straight for the third floor.
Under normal circumstances, access to this level required at least platoon leader authority But Silas was directly affiliated under an executive.
That alone elevated his permissions.
Even as a mere squad leader, he could step into this restricted level.
Compared to the bustling first and second floors, the third floor was noticeably quieter.
Almost empty.
The few people present were all Team Rocket members.
No outsiders.
Silas stopped in front of the exchange list screen.
This was the real reason he hadn't sold everything in the black market.
The list displayed countless rare items.
Evolution materials.
High-tier held items.
Even Pokémon.
His eyes lingered.
Compared to the Pokémon League's strict restrictions ,where higher tiers were only visible after rank upgrades.
Team Rocket was far more… generous.
Even a low-ranking member could view listings that included pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Of course the price tags were another matter entirely.
Rows of zeros.
Enough to make anyone step back.
Silas turned and walked into the exchange center, where Rocket Points were handled.
Rocket Points.
A currency similar to League Points but far more valuable.
There were quite a few people inside, though most were just watching.
Only one person stood at the counter.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out.
"Sir… are you sure you want to use all your Rocket Points?" the receptionist asked cautiously.
"Yes. Stop wasting time. Exchange it for Bulbasaur—Number 004."
The speaker was a middle-aged man.
On his chest ,a platoon leader badge.
At his age, only reaching this rank meant his future in Team Rocket was limited.
But exchanging for a starter Pokémon required an enormous amount of Rocket Points.
Clearly he had been saving for years.
"Damn… he actually went for a starter."
"Probably his last gamble. Raise it well, maybe he can climb higher."
Murmurs spread among the onlookers.
The man ignored them.
He accepted the incubator and Pokémon egg and left without a word.
With the show over, the crowd dispersed.
Silas stepped forward.
"Hello, sir. Are you here to exchange items, or convert Pokémon into Rocket Points?" the receptionist asked politely.
Then he noticed Silas's badge.
A flicker of surprise.
"Sir… if you're applying for a promotion, please head to the service hall—"
Silas cut him off.
Without a word, he placed four Poké Balls on the counter.
"Convert them into Rocket Points."
....
The receptionist immediately got to work.
He placed the Poké Balls into the scanning device.
Beep…
Data appeared on the screen.
People nearby glanced over.
"Sir," the receptionist said carefully, "Ursaring and Persian are both above Level 30, with solid aptitude. We can offer 600 Rocket Points for the two. Is that acceptable?"
600 Rocket Points roughly equivalent to 600,000 Pokédollars.
Slightly below market value But acceptable.
After all Rocket Points were far more valuable.
They could be converted into money But money could never be converted back.
Silas nodded.
He placed his Team Rocket ID card onto the panel.
Confirmed the transaction.
The Poké Balls vanished instantly.
Teleportation technology.
Standard within Team Rocket.
Then the receptionist hesitated.
"Sir… about the remaining two Pokémon…"
Silas said calmly:
"One is Emolga. The other… is a shiny Pichu."
The moment those words fell ,the receptionist froze.
"A… shiny?"
Silas nodded.
Now the problem began.
The machine displayed only normal Pichu data.
Because to the system ,a shiny Pokémon had no statistical difference.
Same stats.
Same growth.
Only a different color.
But humans?
Humans valued rarity.
And rarity meant value.
To some a shiny Pokémon was priceless.
To others it was meaningless.
The receptionist wiped his forehead.
"Sir… we've never handled a shiny Pokémon here before. We… can't accurately price it."
He hesitated before continuing:
"I suggest listing it on Team Rocket's bounty network."
Silas fell silent.
That was indeed a viable option.
Though it would cost Rocket Points daily to maintain the listing ,once sold it would easily fetch over 1000 Rocket Points.
Possibly far more.
"…Fine."
He made his decision.
As for Emolga the valuation was simple.
"150 Rocket Points," the receptionist confirmed.
Silas accepted.
.....
After completing the transactions.
his total reached:
750 Rocket Points.
Equivalent to about 750,000 Pokédollars.
But no one would trade them for cash.
Because everyone knew Rocket Points were far harder to obtain.
Silas retrieved his card.
A faint smile appeared.
"Next…"
"Let's see what else this place has to offer."
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(End of chapter)