Chapter 112

TL: I forgot to save yesterday so the chapter 111 is incomplete,

re-read it for better experience ( •̀ ω •́ )✧

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Luke wore a perplexed expression.

The name was not unfamiliar to Luke.

The former Champion of the Hoenn Region had handed over his title to Wallace and embarked on a career in mining. He was returning home to inherit his vast fortune. To make matters worse, his appearance and demeanor were on par with Luke's.

This prompted Luke to emit a long, exasperated sigh.

Life seemed to favor some people too much!

The manager adjusted his glasses and spoke with reverence, "The vice president also instructed us to present you with another contract."

"I believe the offering from the vice president will be to your satisfaction."

Luke hesitated for a moment.

The last time he had been indebted to Steven Stone for a significant portion of the 5 million, he had been reluctant.

What could be expected this time?

The manager rose, retrieved two contracts and an exquisite wooden box, and placed them before Luke.

Upon opening the wooden box, a spherical orb with a purple sheen lay nestled on a soft cushion.

[Toxic Orb: A rare orb filled with poisonous mist. When held by a Pokémon, it will induce a poisoned status. (Especially delicious when paired with Poison Heal.)]

The accountant explained, "We've heard that your Pokémon is Haunter, and this treasure orb is known to be highly compatible with your Pokémon for breeding purposes."

"In addition, the Toxic Orb itself is valued at 2 million."

The accountant smiled, "Considering legal tax avoidance, it's a mutually beneficial choice. That's the proposition."

Luke appeared baffled.

Though Koga's "Toxic Experience" had mentioned this item...

Who would want this thing?

What if he accidentally belched while it was around?

He had initially intended to use the 2 million to settle his debts!

Damien nudged Luke and whispered, "Choose the orb, Brother Luke. You've always wanted to enhance Haunter's strength. Money can be earned, but an opportunity like this is rare!"

Luke's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

The manager chimed in with a smile, "Our vice president specifically requested that we bring this to you."

"Just like the Dusk Stone you purchased last time, this is also one of the vice president's personal collections."

As he spoke, the manager couldn't help but feel somewhat moved.

The vice president's passion for rare stones was evident to all. Yet, he was willing to part with a piece of his collection for this young Trainer. It was clear that Luke had earned his respect as a Champion.

Luke was taken aback.

Steven was being incredibly generous!

Could it be that he still remembered Cynthia's comment from the last time? Just because she casually mentioned it, he remembered?

However, the problem remained... He needed cash more than anything else!

Luke appeared baffled as he said, "Is it possible for me to decline the Toxic Orb and opt for the 2 million instead?"

"Of course," the manager nodded. "Then please sign this contract."

Just as Luke reached for the pen, a red light suddenly emanated from the Poké Ball on his belt.

Haunter, who had been released from its ball, drifted over to the wooden box area, its mouth watering.

"Jie jie~ (¯﹃¯)"

"Your Haunter seems quite intrigued by the Toxic Orb," the accountant remarked with a faint smile.

Luke's expression shifted slightly.

"Jie jie~ !(✪ω✪)"

Haunter gestured toward the Toxic Orb, then turned to Luke with a grin.

"Brother Luke, you should choose the Toxic Orb," Damien whispered.

"It's just 2 million, you can earn it back in a couple of months. The key is this item... even though it has a price, it doesn't have a market!"

Luke's current mood could be likened to a parent who took their child to a toy store. The child held a limited edition Gundam worth tens of thousands, and the shop assistant kept praising their choice, saying, "You've got great taste!"

But for a family on a tight budget, such extravagance was out of the question.

Luke let out a long sigh. "Fine, this time..."

"At worst, I'll make Haunter compensate later," he muttered.

"Jie jie~! (๑´ㅂ`๑)" Haunter looked at the Toxic Orb with anticipation, its smile worth 2 million, warm and innocent.

Haunter's expression of disappointment would be too hard to bear.

Luke's hand shook as he reached for the pen, but then he slammed the pen down on the table.

"Give me the Toxic Orb!" he declared firmly.

What was wrong with buying a toy for the child? Just 2 million. He refused to be in debt to Cynthia ever again!

The contract procedures were completed in full.

Luke sank into the sofa, feeling regretful when he looked back.

"Jie jie~ ! o(*≧▽≦)ツ"

But Haunter was buzzing around him excitedly, patting Luke's shoulder eagerly.

Luke sighed helplessly. "Fine, you can have the Toxic Orb for free..."

"But it's like squeezing blood from a stone," Luke added with a tremble in his voice.

"You deserve it, Brother Luke," Damien said, patting Luke on the shoulder. "We're willing to spend 2 million on items for our Pokémon. That's how we roll!"

Luke chuckled reluctantly and stood up, shaking his head. The manager and accountant also rose to see them off.

"You can rest assured about the development of the overseas versions and mobile games," the manager assured him with a smile. "The vice president sends his thanks as well!"

Luke was momentarily taken aback, then gritted his teeth and smiled. "Please thank Steven Stone for me!"

"No problem!" The manager smiled warmly.

...

As they left the Devon Building, the heat outside was overwhelming, but Luke's hands and feet felt cold.

Damien grinned. "Brother Luke, you're so happy you're speechless!"

"Even a Champion knows you..." Damien marveled, clicking his tongue. "You might just become this year's University Champion!"

"Thanks for your kind words," Luke replied.

The Toxic Orb, valued at 2 million, was held by Haunter and returned to its Poké Ball.

Nonetheless, Luke's scalp still tingled with anxiety. According to the Pokédex's instructions, the Toxic Orb could be incredibly overwhelming for a Pokémon like Haunter!

Though it posed no harm to humans, a person's constitution was different from that of a Pokémon. What if Luke's body leaned more toward the Pokémon side? He could end up with a nasty surprise!

"I'll have to keep a close eye on Haunter's training," Luke muttered.

"And maybe make some training notes."

Haunter had absorbed the Toxic Orb easily, as detailed in Koga's "Toxic Experience." Still, Luke remained slightly apprehensive.

In addition, there was no way to prevent Haunter from training on its own, even in secret.

For Haunter's safety, Luke had to study "Toxic Experience" once again.

Luke couldn't help but wonder if Champions were always so idle. First, there was Cynthia, and now Steven?

Luke sighed. "Well, at least 2 million is manageable."

...

Back at home, a burst of red light emerged from the Poké Ball.

Haunter, looking like a treasure, stuck out its tongue with a deep purple Toxic Orb on the tip.

"Jie jie~ (*⊙~⊙)!"

Haunter's long, scarlet tongue moved flexibly around the Toxic Orb, almost like conducting a taste test, and it nodded repeatedly.

Luke watched in amazement. This Pokémon was truly a gourmet!

"Jie jie~!"

With an air of confidence, Haunter held the Toxic Orb on the tip of its tongue and flew around Squirtle and Eevee.

Eevee turned its head away disdainfully, saying, "Vui~!" It had no interest in the present at all.

Squirtle, on the other hand, gazed at the Toxic Orb with envy but merely scratched its head in confusion, looking like it was trying to soothe a cranky child.

Luke felt much older as he coughed and attempted to reassure them. "You'll both get your turns..."