After that, the bidding between Leon and Suzuki Yu grew even fiercer. Neither of them was willing to yield.
If one added a hundred million, the other followed with another hundred million.
Back and forth it went, until the price climbed to 3.2 billion Poké Dollars.
Suzuki Yu finally fell silent.
Even for him, that number was difficult to swallow.
He had brought substantial funds this time, yes—but that didn't mean he could spend recklessly. After all, it was the family's money, not his own.
Leon, on the other hand, remained completely at ease.
As a prodigy cultivated with full backing from his region, Leon's attitude was simple: raise it as much as you like.
When Chen Shi saw the price pass three billion, he couldn't help feeling surprised. Mega Stones were undoubtedly precious, but over three billion Poké Dollars was already an enormous figure.
If it had been his own money, he would've thought it excessive.
But after a moment, he understood why the price had climbed so high.
First, Mega Evolution had only just been introduced to the world. A premium at this stage was only natural.
Second, the Pokémon in question was Charizard—a species popular across nearly every region. The demand alone made it highly competitive.
Third, a Mega Stone could be passed down as a family heirloom, usable by anyone who qualified.
In the end, Suzuki Yu gave up.
The Charizardite X was secured by Leon without further obstruction.
After the payment was processed, Leon looked at the Mega Stone delivered by the staff, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"We're getting stronger again, Charizard."
One of the Poké Balls at his waist gave a subtle shake, as if in response.
Chen Shi and the others smiled as well, genuinely happy for him.
...
"Up next is our second featured item of the evening. Once again, a Mega Stone paired with a Key Stone!"
Liko clapped her hands lightly, and the staff brought out a box identical to the previous one.
When it was opened, one stone shimmered with the familiar glow of a Key Stone, while the other bore a different pattern from the Charizardite.
Liko announced smoothly, "This is the Mega Stone for Gardevoir. Starting price: one hundred million. Minimum increment: ten million."
Diantha's eyes lit up instantly.
"It's finally here."
Without hesitation, she picked up the microphone.
"Two billion."
Chen Shi: ...
Steven: ...
Cynthia: ...
Leon's mouth twitched. You're even more ruthless than Chen Shi.
Opening bid at two billion—how is anyone else supposed to compete?
The entire auction hall fell into stunned silence. Even Liko seemed momentarily caught off guard.
Wasn't this supposed to go up step by step?
Who opens with an all-in like that?
Liko took a steady breath and resumed her professional smile. "Private Box No. 1 bids two billion. Any higher offers?"
No one responded.
Most people understood that she clearly intended to secure it. There was no point competing if you lacked the capital. Like before, they were content to watch the tycoons battle it out.
Liko lifted the gavel. "Two billion, going once—"
"Wait. 2.1 billion."
At last, someone upstairs entered the fray.
But the moment the bid was placed, Suzuki Yu cut in.
"2.2 billion!"
Diantha refused to back down. Like Leon earlier, she had come fully prepared to claim Gardevoir's Mega Stone.
"2.3 billion."
Suzuki Yu was nearly furious beyond words. He had already lost the Charizardite, and now even this Gardevoirite was contested.
Worse, the one competing with him was clearly aligned with Chen Shi.
How could he not be enraged?
He slammed his fist onto the table and forced himself to breathe.
"2.4 billion."
"2.5 billion!"
He had barely finished speaking before Diantha pushed the price up again.
Suzuki Yu shut his eyes in frustration.
Had he left the house without checking his luck today?
Why did it feel like the entire world was targeting him?
...
Chen Shi was struggling to hold back his laughter. The Suzuki family really was having a miserable night.
As expected, Gardevoirite ultimately went to Diantha at 2.8 billion.
The Suzuki family withdrew once more.
After Diantha received the Mega Stone, Chen Shi offered a reminder.
"Mega Evolution is powerful, but it consumes a great deal of the Trainer's stamina. You'd better train for it before using it in battle."
"Otherwise… you might faint mid-fight."
Both Leon and Diantha nodded solemnly.
Chen Shi had mentioned this point in his published paper. They would certainly take it seriously.
Chen Shi glanced at Diantha, and a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Without Fairy typing awakened yet, would Gardevoir still be able to Mega Evolve?
If not, Diantha might have to wait a while.
And if it could—would Mega Gardevoir remain a pure Psychic-type, or would it awaken the Fairy type upon Mega Evolution?
Interesting.
Chen Shi rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Even if it Mega Evolved now, he suspected it would remain a pure Psychic-type.
It likely wouldn't awaken Fairy typing immediately.
But he didn't voice those thoughts.
Once Devon Corporation released Fairy-type energy cubes to the market, such issues would likely resolve themselves. And in any case, this was only his speculation without concrete evidence.
If problems arose later, Diantha would probably come straight to him.
So he kept quiet.
Soon enough, the group's attention returned to the stage. The final item was about to appear.
There was no need to guess.
Altarianite and a Key Stone—the pair Steven and Chen Shi had already agreed would be reserved for Wallace.
Earlier, Wallace had placed a bid once. Chen Shi knew he was seated in Private Box No. 2.
Steven leaned toward Chen Shi. "Old Chen, do you think Wallace will really win it and give it to Winona?"
"This isn't some ordinary item. It's worth a fortune."
Chen Shi shrugged casually. "How would I know? But I think he will. He came all this way, so he's clearly planning to bid."
"We'll find out soon enough."
Steven nodded and said nothing more.
Cynthia, meanwhile, showed little interest in the auction itself, calmly trimming her nails with focused precision.
Onstage, Liko opened the box and announced, "As before, a Mega Stone and Key Stone pairing. This time—Altarianite."
"Starting price: one hundred million. Minimum increment: ten million. The bidding begins now!"
Inside Private Box No. 4, Suzuki Yu's eyes brightened.
Altaria—he happened to have one on his team.
Surely no one would compete with him this time?
He was just about to bid when Wallace's voice rang out from Private Box No. 2.
"Two billion."
Suzuki Yu: ...
Chen Shi grinned.
This was getting entertaining.
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