Chapter 3: Making Money Isn’t Shameful

Terastallization is a phenomenon unique to the Paldea region that occurs with Pokémon. It holds a status equivalent to other "special systems" in the Pokémon world, such as Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing. Its effect is extraordinarily powerful, allowing the temporary alteration of a Pokémon's type. 

Even changing from Dragon to Fairy or Fire to Water is possible. Along with the type change, it also grants the Pokémon the same-type attack bonus for its new type, significantly enhancing its combat ability. 

In the current timeline of the Paldea region where Luke is located, Terastallization has already been researched by Professors Sada and Turo, a married couple. However, due to the limited availability of raw materials, Terastallization has yet to be widely promoted. 

Even in Luke's battle against Geeta, the top champion, neither side used Terastallization. Geeta, as the top champion, surely possesses a Tera Orb, but Luke does not. 

This particular Tera Crystal in Luke's possession is encased in a crystalline shell formed from dissipated underground Tera energy in the Paldea region. Inside, the raw material of the Tera Orb is well-preserved, making it incredibly valuable. 

Its value is so high that it could lift Luke, who is currently teetering on the edge of poverty, back to a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. 

He could sell it to Geeta! 

In a split second, the idea popped into Luke's mind. However, the special prompt system went into a frenzy, repeatedly displaying messages before his eyes. 

"I know you want to sell it, but don't! Absolutely not!" 

"If you keep it, your Pokémon's strength will improve significantly. Why sell it?" 

"Please, I'm begging you not to sell it! I promise I can help you with your farm construction!" 

"This is the only favor I'll ever ask of you!" 

Luke was speechless. What a pathetic system, acting like he was bullying it. 

"Well, keeping it isn't impossible, but if I do, you must respond promptly whenever I need your prompts," Luke bargained. 

"Deal! No problem at all!" 

Seeing the text shift into what seemed like an excited tone, Luke sighed and mentally accepted the special prompt system. It seemed goofy and harmless, with no ulterior motives. Having it around to chat and pass the time didn't seem like a bad idea. 

After he and Swampert moved all the furniture and items that needed sunlight outside, Luke bumped fists with Swampert, smiling. "Thanks for the hard work. Tonight, we'll have a big feast. You can rest in the Poké Ball now." 

Swampert nodded, touched the Poké Ball on Luke's belt that belonged to it, and turned into a beam of red light, entering the ball. 

Luke stretched and glanced at the ground. 

Aside from the furniture needing sunlight, the sealed boxes were already opened, and their contents lay scattered on the ground. 

He had gone through everything inside. Apart from some photos of the elderly couple, there wasn't much he could use. Luke planned to tidy up the items later and bring them to the couple's graves. 

He also found several unlabeled bags of seeds, presumably flower seeds. Unfortunately, the seeds were unusable. The couple likely hadn't preserved them properly, and even if they had, the time that had passed would have rendered them useless. 

The only noteworthy find was the Tera Crystal raw material in his hand. 

As he fiddled with the crystal, Luke hesitated for a moment before pulling out his phone and dialing a number. 

After a few rings, the call connected. 

"Well, isn't this a surprise. What made you think of calling me today, Champion Luke?" 

The voice on the other end belonged to Geeta, the top champion and chairwoman of the Paldea League. 

"I'm retired now. Chairwoman, you can just call me Luke," he corrected her, a bit helplessly. After spending some time in the Paldea region, he had naturally come to Geeta's attention. 

After getting to know each other, they had grown quite familiar, so Luke didn't feel as nervous talking to her as others might. 

Geeta slightly shook her head on the other end of the line. This small test confirmed to her that Luke had not changed his mind about retiring, even after half a month had passed. 

She sighed silently before speaking in a neutral tone. "What's the reason for your call this time?" 

Luke replied slowly, "I found a raw Tera Crystal and would like to ask you to help me pass it to the professors to forge it into a usable Tera Orb." 

Hearing this, Geeta's expression became serious. 

A raw Tera Crystal was an incredibly rare find. What's more, Luke's request wasn't to sell it for money but to have it crafted into a usable Tera Orb. 

This meant he hadn't completely given up on the path of a Pokémon trainer! 

A plan quickly formed in Geeta's mind. Clearing her throat, she smiled and said, "Arranging that is a small matter. However... do you know how expensive it is to forge a Tera Orb, even when you provide the raw materials?" 

Luke froze. In the future, wouldn't Tera Orbs be tools even beginner trainers could own? How expensive could it possibly be? 

Wait—something wasn't right. 

In a flash, Luke realized that in this timeline, Tera Orbs had only recently been developed. It was still far from the time when costs were reduced and the technology became mass-produced. 

Just like in his previous life, many advanced technologies existed but were confined to laboratories due to material and cost limitations, preventing widespread production. 

Tera Orbs were currently in the same situation. 

Crap, he might have been too hasty! 

Feeling his heart skip a beat, Luke hesitantly asked, "Can I ask how much it would cost to forge a Tera Orb if I provide the raw materials?" 

Geeta chuckled. "Selling the land you just bought would probably cover the cost." 

"Hiss…" 

Luke took a sharp breath. Forget crafting it! He couldn't sell the land, even if it meant selling himself! 

Realizing he didn't urgently need the Tera Orb, Luke was about to abandon the idea when Geeta suddenly spoke up. "But this issue isn't unsolvable..." 

Luke froze mid-action and perked up, listening intently. 

"I'll cover the crafting costs, but I have one condition." 

"A condition?" 

"In exchange, you need to become a battle instructor at Naranja Academy in Mesagoza." 

"One of the battle instructors recently went on extended leave, and as the academy's chairwoman, I've been troubled about finding a replacement. You're the perfect candidate." 

It could even be said he had delivered himself right into her hands. 

As Geeta finished speaking, Luke fell into deep thought. 

Become a teacher? 

Wasn't Geeta worried he might corrupt the minds of Paldea's future trainers? 

Besides, teaching wasn't his dream! 

Before Luke could refuse, Geeta, as if reading his mind, proposed an offer he couldn't resist. 

"There are only two battle classes per week, so it won't take up much of your time. Mesagoza is also very close to your town, and commuting via your Dragonite won't cost much time." 

"Most importantly, I'll cover the cost of crafting your Tera Orb, and your salary as an instructor will be the same as that of a full-time teacher. Are you satisfied with this proposal?" 

Luke realized he was entirely at Geeta's mercy. Every part of her proposal hit the mark. 

Short work hours, a salary to help with household expenses, free coverage of the Tera Orb crafting cost, and no impact on his dream of being a farmer. 

Did he have any reason to refuse? 

None! 

Luke made his decision on the spot. "Chairwoman, when do I start?"

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