Finally.
The Gym Leader Level Vikavolt was taken by a VIP sitting in one of the private rooms at a price of nine million two hundred thousand.
An exaggerated price.
Close to ten million Alliance Dollars, enough to buy some relatively affordable Elite Candidate Level Pokémon.
Although it didn't double the starting price, it absolutely surpassed it substantially.
Yet, this does nothing to diminish the enthusiasm of the bidders for the Pokémon from the Alola Region; instead, the excitement continues to rise.
Of course, most people are just here for the excitement and to familiarize themselves with new Pokémon.
The ones who can actually afford them are only a small handful.
As the chant "Alola! Alola!" rose from the auction hall, even the old gentleman hosting the auction did not expect events to unfold this way.
You could simply say.
The allure of the new Pokémon is just too overwhelming.
So this current level of excitement must be seized.
Thus, he made a bold decision.
After saying something to his earpiece, he smiled and addressed the crowd:
"Since everyone's enthusiasm is so high, I'll make an exception this time and move forward what should have been the final star items, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the experience.
The next item is also from the Alola Region Pokémon!"
The old man's words inevitably received considerable support.
As the box covered with red cloth was pushed forward, everyone's gaze fell upon it.
The old man no longer kept them in suspense; dragging it out now could potentially provoke anger.
He swiftly pulled off the red cloth.
Appearing before everyone's eyes was the most valuable Pokémon in Natsuhiko's auction.
Elite Candidate Level, Alola Diglett King!
Although it seemed lethargic due to some techniques employed by the auction house, perceptive individuals could sense the prowess of Diglett King.
"This is... an Elite Candidate Level Pokémon!"
"Elite Candidate Level!"
"Is this what Diglett King looks like in the Alola Region form? Ice type?"
"It looks so imposing!"
"..."
The old man gave them ample time to observe Diglett King closely and to marvel and discuss.
Once the clamor in the hall slightly decreased, he began his introduction.
"Indeed! As you all see, this is an Elite Candidate Level Pokémon, also Diglett King in the Alola Region, a transformation triggered by the distinctive environment. Its type is Ice and Steel!..."
The old man demonstrated strong proficiency.
He articulated what Natsuhiko explained, along with some conclusions drawn from the auction house's own investigations and analyses, with a steady rhythm.
After finishing the introduction of this Diglett King.
He smiled warmly and glanced around the hall, announcing a thrilling starting price.
"This Elite Candidate Level and exceedingly rare Alola Diglett King, starting price! Twenty million Alliance Dollars, with each raise not less than two hundred thousand! Now.... begin!"
Twenty million!
Even Natsuhiko, sitting in one of the private rooms, felt his breath become a little hotter.
Well, earning quick cash really pays off.
Starting at twenty million, ultimately surely closing in on forty million.
This one Pokémon alone could fill Natsuhiko's wallet.
Allowing him the opportunity and possibility to fully implement plans he was previously hesitant about and calculatingly thrifty with his money.
With the announcement of the starting price by the old man.
The auction hall fell into brief silence.
"Twenty-five million!"
Following the sound from a private room, the bid increment of five million instantly ignited the auction hall.
"Twenty-six million!"
"Twenty-seven million!"
"Thirty million!"
Though the minimum increase should not be less than two hundred thousand, the increases were in millions now.
Causing some bidders in the main hall to exclaim in distress.
Once a Pokémon reaches Elite Candidate Level, its value is immeasurable.
After all, naturally reaching Elite Candidate Level Pokémon is undoubtedly rare.
Natsuhiko traveled the Alola Region for a long time, traversed numerous locales, yet encountered just two or three such Pokémon.
Thanks to the well-maintained natural environment and several remote areas around the Alola Region.
Even though there is no clear value for Elite Candidate Level Pokémon, when bidders drive the price beyond forty million, Natsuhiko knows the price is vastly inflated.
Yet the price just keeps climbing incessantly.
If the Alola Muk's auction brought initial interest and the Vikavolt struck straight to the heart, then this Alola Diglett King was beyond most expectations.
"Forty-eight million! Any higher bids?"
Even the seasoned auctioneer found the hammer in his hand becoming somewhat heated.
He had previously witnessed auctions reaching prices even higher than this.
Plenty of times indeed.
But such continuous breaches of estimated costs by the auction house, was truly the first time.
During Vikavolt's bidding, the auction house had moderately raised the starting price.
By the time of bidding for Diglett King, they were even bolder.
Nevertheless, reality still exceeded their expectations.
Such occurrences are indeed rare.
Thud!
With the sound of the small wooden gavel, the Alola Diglett King officially changed ownership.
For a terrifying price of forty-eight million!
Adding the nine million two hundred thousand for Vikavolt.
Natsuhiko succeeded in garnering fifty-seven million two hundred thousand Alliance Dollars from selling two Pokémon.
Far beyond his earlier estimates of a total valuation of seventy-five million Alliance Dollars for all the Pokémon.
If considering other factors too.
It's heading towards a billion!