Agung stared at the holographic screen, his heart hammering a rhythm faster than his old bicycle's chain. 2,000 Credits? Back in the city, that kind of jump in capital would have taken months of sweeping dusty curbs. But as he looked down at the Poliwag—who was currently blowing a series of perfect, tiny bubbles in her basin—a pang of hesitation hit him.
"You're my first, little one," he murmured, reaching out to gently tap the glass. "Seems a bit cold to sell you off before you've even seen the river."
He checked the Growth Stage again. Infant (Requires 24h to reach Juvenile). Misty wanted a gym-ready Pokémon, or at least one sturdy enough for an academy. Sending a literal newborn felt like a breach of the "Warden" title he'd just inherited.
He tapped the Library icon on the Central Computer. A holographic book spiraled open, revealing data on the Poliwag line.
> Warden's Tip: Pokémon growth can be accelerated through high-quality care, environmental enrichment, and the use of 'Rare Candies.' A Jolly natured Poliwag excels in agility. To maximize market value, consider a brief training session in the Crystal River.
Agung made a decision. He wasn't just a middleman; he was a rancher. He grabbed the Basic Incubator and the remaining High-Protein Kibble.
"Alright, Poliwag. Let's get you ready for the big leagues."
Agung carried the Poliwag in a specialized transport container out toward the river. The air here didn't smell like exhaust and wet asphalt; it smelled like crushed mint and ozone. As he reached the bank, he gently released the Poliwag into the shallows.
The effect was instantaneous. The Poliwag zipped through the water like a blue streak, her Jolly nature on full display.
> [System Notification]
> Environmental Sync: 100%
> Poliwag is overjoyed! Happiness increased to 95%.
> Growth Speed Bonus: +25% (Home Environment)
As she splashed, Agung noticed something glimmering in the riverbed—a smooth, heavy stone with a droplet symbol etched into it. He reached in, rolling up his sleeves, and pulled it out.
> [Item Found: Water Stone (Shard)]
> Description: A fragment of an evolution stone. Collect 3 to form a complete Water Stone.
"Found money," Agung chuckled, pocketing the shard. "Maybe this ranching gig is just sweeping, but with better rewards."
Returning to the Mansion as the sun began to dip behind the Jagged Mountains, Agung checked the Trade & Request tab. Misty's request was still pulsing in blue light.
He had two paths forward to reach his first milestone of 100 sales:
* The Fast Track: Use the Rare Candy reward from Misty to immediately level up a future Pokémon, or sell the Poliwag now to gain 2,000 Credits to spend at the Mall for more eggs.
* The Long Game: Keep the Poliwag as a "Breeder." If he could find a male Poliwag or a compatible partner, he could produce "Jolly" eggs consistently, fulfilling multiple requests and hitting the 100-sale goal with a sustainable flow rather than one-off sales.
Agung looked at the Gacha System. He still had the 2,000 Credits from the potential sale dancing in his mind. He could buy a "Water-Type Starter Pack" from the Mall right now if he closed the deal.
He tapped the Cross-World Chat icon, tentatively typing a message to the Cerulean Gym Leader.
Agung: "I have a Jolly Poliwag, Grade B potential. She's a natural in the water. But she's just a hatchling. Do you take infants, or should I raise her to Juvenile first?"
A few seconds later, a notification chirped.
> [Misty is typing...]
> "A Jolly Poliwag? That's perfect for our relay team! Don't worry about the age; my academy has the best nurseries in Kanto. If she's healthy and happy, send her over. I'll even throw in a 'Lure Ball' as a bonus for the quick response!"
Agung looked at the "Finalize Trade" button. His finger hovered over the glass.