Soon, someone handed the inventory list to Luke.
"40 top-grade energy crystals, and 30 top-grade evolutionary stones of each type."
Luke didn't even bother looking at the mid- and low-grade resources. He went straight to the high-grade section, personally verified the numbers, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Form up. We're heading back to base!"
Feeling the three top-grade evolutionary stones in his pocket, Luke had no intention of pursuing the missing mid- and low-tier resources.
After all, his subordinates had worked hard—letting them take a little "soup" was only fair.
If he were too strict, he wouldn't be acting like a proper squadron leader.
"Understood!"
The five squad leaders were visibly relieved. They quickly began organizing their teams.
In truth, aside from a few unlucky ones, almost everyone had secretly pocketed some evolutionary resources.
When they heard Luke would be checking, they had all been nervous. Even if each person only took a little, the total added up.
Now that Luke chose not to pursue it, everyone relaxed, smiling with satisfaction.
---
Back at the base, Luke generously instructed the logistics staff to distribute contribution points.
"427 contribution points!"
Seeing the number, Icarus felt a surge of excitement.
That's a huge gain.
"Pidgeotto is already at mid-tier… I should exchange for mid-level training methods first."
He quickly made the exchange, leaving himself with 277 contribution points.
"Should I get Airi's training guide for Poliwhirl…?"
He hesitated.
Then he started calculating.
"I still have 20,000 in my card. The energy crystals can be sold, and that evolutionary stone is hard currency…"
"18 low-grade energy crystals plus a low-grade Leaf Stone… market price should be around 1.1 million. Even after resale, I should still get about 1 million."
After a quick mental calculation, he paused again.
In the end, Airi is still an outsider… I have to prioritize myself first.
---
Then suddenly, something came to mind.
That Blaziken…
He immediately opened the Pokémon exchange list and searched for starter Pokémon.
His eyes lit up.
Charmander
Elite potential – Rookie level – 5000 contribution points
Squirtle
Elite potential – Rookie level – 5000 contribution points
…
After just two entries, Icarus stopped scrolling.
No point looking further… I can't afford it.
At the exchange rate of 1000 Alliance Coins = 1 contribution point, that meant 500 million.
Still, compared to the League, it was actually easier.
The League required not just money, but merit points that couldn't be bought.
At least Team Rocket lets you buy your way up…
After thinking it through, Icarus realized why Team Rocket attracted so many people below the elite level.
---
He shook his head.
"No point thinking that far ahead."
After browsing for a while, he made a decision.
"Fine. I'll exchange it for Airi."
"It's only 50 points anyway… and with her natural Water affinity and Poliwag, she'll grow faster than Shitou."
He exchanged for a low-level training manual for Poliwhirl.
Looking at his remaining 227 contribution points, he muttered:
"Think of it as an investment… she's naturally gifted, so it's worth it."
---
After collecting two USB drives, Icarus checked the time.
It was already past 4 PM—about the time he agreed to meet Airi and Shitou.
He headed toward the forest outskirts.
---
Along the way, he didn't bother avoiding wild Pokémon.
He casually defeated a few, earning a bit of extra income.
Enough to cover three days of food for Pidgeotto.
By the time he reached the meeting point, Airi and Shitou hadn't arrived yet.
So he waited—and started thinking again.
---
"Koudaihua (Victreebel) and Pidgeotto are both mid-tier now… reaching high-tier will take time."
"Learning new moves boosts strength faster… but they've just finished learning…"
He scratched his head.
Since when did I start worrying about how to spend money?
An idea suddenly flashed.
"Buy high-grade energy crystals to speed up growth?"
He immediately rejected it.
"Too wasteful. And still too slow."
Then—
his eyes lit up.
"My team…"
"The exchange list…"
"I can raise a third Pokémon!"
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became.
"I can't afford elite-tier directly… but I can buy a high-quality one and train it myself."
"With the Beedrill honey I still have, I can definitely push it to elite potential!"
Now fully energized, he started thinking seriously.
"I need something offensive… strong and straightforward…"
Different Pokémon flashed through his mind.
This time, unlike before, he actually had choices.
I'm rich now.
---
"Brother Icarus!"
A voice suddenly snapped him out of his thoughts.
He turned—
startled.
"Oh—Airi, Stone! When did you get here?!"
"No way! We called out to you from far away!" Airi complained. "Ask your Pidgeotto if you don't believe me!"
"Beep~"
"Moo~"
Both Pokémon nodded, confirming it.
They had noticed the two approaching, but since there was no hostility, they didn't intervene.
"…Alright, alright. My bad," Icarus said awkwardly. "I was lost in thought."
---
But deep down, his mind was still turning.
The third Pokémon…
What should I choose?