Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect-Chapter 254: Silvercrest Breeding Co

Outside the Grassmere City Gym, what was once an open, vast grassland was now packed with people and luxury cars lined up neatly. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as attendees came and went, their excitement palpable.

"Dad, why do I have to come in person? Can't you just have someone buy it and deliver it?" a young man complained as he stepped out of a sleek black car, irritation clear in his voice.

His father, an imposing man in his fifties, followed suit, adjusting the cuff of his tailored suit before responding. "Ralts aren't available on the market right now. There are only ten up for sale, and the breeder insists that trainers must be present in person to purchase them. No exceptions."

The young man scoffed. "What kind of breeder has rules like that? If he has money right in front of him, why wouldn't he take it? Sounds like a fool to me."

His father shot him a sharp look, his voice suddenly stern. "Watch your mouth. This isn't someone you can afford to offend."

Immediately, the young man fell silent. Though he often acted spoiled, he knew that when his father took this tone, it meant they were dealing with someone of serious influence.

"This is the breeding house owned by the trainer of the Mega Shiny Gardevoir you saw online."

The young man's eyes lit up in an instant. "Wait, you mean that Mega Shiny Gardevoir? The one that's been going viral?" Without another word, he grabbed his father's arm and practically dragged him toward the gym.

Inside Grassmere Gym, what was once a storage area for ranch equipment had been completely transformed over the past few days. Now, it resembled an auction hall, complete with a stage and seating for five hundred people. Three hundred were already occupied, with the first five rows left intentionally vacant.

"Zhang, you're here too? I thought you specialized in Poison-types. What are you doing looking for a Gardevoir?" one man asked as he found his seat.

"I had no choice," Zhang sighed. "My daughter saw the Mega Shiny Gardevoir online and now she won't settle for anything less. I must have owed her in a past life because, in this one, she insists on training a Pokemon that directly counters mine."

The other man chuckled. "Same here. My son caught sight of that Gardevoir and decided Ralts would be his perfect starter. Honestly, I think it's a solid choice for him."

Throughout the hall, similar conversations played out. Trainers and wealthy patrons alike, whether for themselves or their children, had been captivated by the rare and elegant Gardevoir. They had all come with the same goal: to secure a Ralts of their own.

Suddenly, the room's noise level dropped as a man in a well-fitted suit stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand. Azure cleared his throat before addressing the crowd. "Everyone, please settle down!"

As the one responsible for spreading the news of this event, Azure was a recognizable figure in the Pokemon community, and his voice carried weight. The audience quieted in anticipation.

Then, without any fanfare, a graceful figure stepped onto the stage. She wore a flowing black gown, her short blue hair perfectly styled. Her presence alone was enough to capture the audience's undivided attention.

Mega Shiny Gardevoir.

She smiled warmly and bowed slightly. It was an ethereal, breathtaking moment—one that seemed to pierce the hearts of everyone present. Gasps filled the room as the audience, mesmerized, instinctively stood to get a better look.

Behind her, ten small, shy Ralts followed, each of them stepping hesitantly yet curiously onto the stage.

Then, another figure stepped forward. Dressed casually yet carrying an air of authority, the man introduced himself. "Welcome to Silvercrest Breeding Co. I am John, the Gym Leader of Grassmere City and the owner of this establishment."

He casually recalled Gardevoir into her Pokeball, drawing disappointed sighs from the crowd, who reluctantly returned to their seats.

Azure, still holding the microphone, muttered under his breath, "Great, I guess I'm just here to keep the peace."

John continued, his voice firm and confident. "Our breeding house follows a unique philosophy. Unlike other breeders, we do not simply sell Pokemon to whoever can pay the highest price. Instead, we believe in a two-way selection process."

The crowd stirred, intrigued.

"As you were informed before coming here, trainers must be present in person to purchase a Ralts. Proxy purchases will not be accepted. Now, those who are here to personally raise and train a Ralts, rather than buy one for someone else, please move to the first five rows."

He waited as people shuffled forward. Some whispered among themselves, clearly unhappy with the rule but unwilling to leave.

"Additionally, this is not an auction. The price for each Ralts is fixed at 30 million. If you find this too expensive, you are free to leave now."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the audience.

"Thirty million for a Ralts? That's highway robbery!"

"No kidding! The average price at other breeding houses is half that!"

"They've got to be joking. Ralts weren't even that expensive before!"

Despite the complaints, no one moved to leave. Even those who had been the loudest critics stayed put, quietly urging their children to move to the front rows. They weren't fools. No matter the price, their kids wanted a Ralts, and they were going to get one.

After all, the real market price for Ralts was meaningless when there were none available elsewhere. Outside this event, even if the listed price was 15 million, there was no supply. Thirty million might be a steep price, but it was the only way to secure one.

Seeing that no one was willing to walk away, a few wealthier attendees sighed. It wasn't that they doubted Ralts' value or the breeder's methods—it was that they recognized John's brilliance.

By showcasing Mega Shiny Gardevoir at the start, he had already sealed their fates.

Even if the price had been 50 million, not a single person would have left.

Once the audience was settled, John continued. "Since we only have ten Ralts available and far more trainers present, the selection process will proceed as follows. Each Ralts will be introduced individually, and they will choose the trainer they wish to bond with."

Some raised eyebrows at this.

"And, of course," John added with a smirk, "if the Ralts chooses someone you don't like, you are free to decline."