Hearing this, Don fell into deep thought before producing another item after a moment's silence.
Resting alone in his palm was a pea-sized, emerald-green object.
Unlike the previous [Moon Reflection Wine] or even earlier [Melori], this emitted only a faint grassy aroma with no other distinguishing features.
Seeing Akira's puzzled expression, Don cut to the chase:
"This is called [Vitality Bean], obtained from a non-human tribe who revered it as their [Sacred Medicine]."
"Don't underestimate this tiny bean—its effects are extraordinary, capable of regenerating bones and flesh."
Akira raised an eyebrow, surprised by the "pea's" function, activating his appraisal skill during Don's explanation.
[Vitality Bean]: Nearly identical in appearance to ordinary peas, emerald-green and brimming with vitality.
Upon contact with blood or wounds, it emits radiant light before rapidly merging with the bloodstream.
Its effects are remarkable—even severed limbs will regenerate when placed at the wound site.
Drawback: After merging with a host, [Vitality Bean] consumes massive nutrients to regrow tissue.
Insufficient bodily nutrient reserves may result in fatal desiccation.
Users must prepare ample nutritious food to meet [Vitality Bean]'s demands.
...
After reviewing the details, Akira found Don's claims weren't exaggerated.
This tiny bean could genuinely regenerate lost limbs—an astonishing effect.
While ordinary injuries were easily treated, disabilities involving lost limbs were far harder to remedy.
At least up to now, apart from Pokémon abilities, he had never seen any other method that could restore lost limbs.
Even the so-called "cure-all" [Herbs] were powerless against such crippling "injuries."
This further highlighted the preciousness of the [Life Bean]—calling it a [Sacred Medicine] wasn't far off.
However...
Akira examined it carefully and pondered its effects, feeling an inexplicable sense of déjà vu.
Had he heard of something similar before?
Perhaps it was the [Moon Reflection Wine] he had just drunk, but his mind was working exceptionally fast, dragging up long-buried memories.
Before long, Akira suddenly remembered where he had encountered something similar.
It was the [Regeneration Seed] from the anime Toriko.
He recalled how Toriko had lost an arm and went for treatment.
The bearded old man first cut off a lock of Toriko's hair, then took out a small seed and placed it in the hair.
After adding a few drops of essential oil, the seed quickly sprouted, blossoming into a beautiful flower with a glowing seed at its center.
That was the [Regeneration Seed], worth 500 million.
Whether it was the effect of regrowing limbs or the drawback of requiring massive amounts of nutrients, the [Life Bean] was identical to the [Regeneration Seed].
No wonder he had felt that sense of déjà vu earlier.
But...
Akira averted his gaze and gave Don a strange look.
Faced with Akira's indescribable expression, Don felt slightly uneasy and quickly explained:
"Don't think I'm a fool for bringing out something so precious."
Akira remained silent, simply staring at Don, making him feel like he was punching cotton.
Don sighed and spoke in a measured tone:
"The [Life Bean] is indeed remarkable. Even after seeing many treasures, I've rarely encountered anything that can regrow limbs."
After a pause, he added:
"Obtaining something of this caliber is no easier than finding a treasure that extends lifespan."
"But it's not as easy to use as it seems."
Pointing at the [Life Bean] in his hand, Don adopted a solemn expression and said gravely:
"Its effects are impressive, but its drawbacks are just as significant."
"You might not fully grasp how much nutrition it requires, so let me explain."
At this point, a trace of fear flashed across Don's face, and his voice dropped unconsciously:
"Once, I accidentally lost my left forearm and thought it was the perfect chance to use the [Life Bean] to regrow it."
"And it did work."
"But the amount of nutrition it demanded was far beyond what I imagined."
"In just a few breaths, my body withered until I was even skinnier than when you first saw me."
"Like a mummy dried out for years."
Akira:...
Just listening to Don's recollection sent a chill down Akira's spine, as if he had experienced it himself.
Don cleared his throat and continued: "Then I frantically pulled out anything edible and stuffed it into my mouth."
"It's not a memory I like revisiting." Don's expression darkened.
"After depleting a significant portion of my reserves—including many precious treasures—my left forearm finally grew back."
"However..."
Don trailed off, letting out a heavy sigh before shaking his head.
Akira understood.
It seemed this [Bean of Life] wasn't as miraculous as imagined.
But that made sense. As an item from the Dark Continent, having peculiar effects was hardly surprising.
After a moment of contemplation, Don's expression returned to normal as he spoke earnestly:
"Even though I still have [Beans of Life], I'll never use them again after that experience."
"The risks are too great, and the cost might outweigh the benefits."
"I suspect the [Bean of Life]'s effects correlate with the user's strength—or rather, physical constitution."
"The more powerful your body, the more nutrients it requires to regenerate lost limbs."
"That's likely the origin of the [Bean of Life]'s drawback. Though 'drawback' isn't quite accurate—it's just... particularly hard to bear."
Don seemed somewhat resigned about the [Bean of Life].
Effective, yet impractical.
After Don's explanation, Akira understood why he was willing to trade the [Bean of Life] for the [Translation Device].
To his credit, Don had been completely transparent about the item's pros and cons.
After all, he didn't know about Akira's Pokédex ability—he could have easily omitted these details without consequence.
Seeing Akira deep in thought, Don placed the [Bean of Life] before him and asked:
"So? Will you trade this [Translation Device] for my [Bean of Life]?"
Determination flashed in Don's eyes—he'd already made up his mind.
If Akira deemed the [Bean of Life] insufficient for the exchange, he was prepared to sweeten the deal.
The [Translation Device] was too crucial—he absolutely had to obtain it.
Akira's gaze lingered on the solitary [Bean of Life] as he frowned, considering its cultivation potential.
Since it was a bean, theoretically it could be planted and cultivated.
If cultivatable, it meant an endless supply—an extremely profitable venture.
As for the terrifying drawback, Akira wasn't particularly concerned.
Firstly, he'd rarely need it. With his team of Pokémon protecting him, few dangers could harm him.
If nothing else, just the gradually Primal Reverting [Sea God] Kyogre could sweep away any threat.
Let alone when combined with his other Pokémon.
Even in the unlikely event he needed the [Bean of Life]...
With his vast reserves of [Nitro Rice], [Melori], and other [Hope] varieties...
The restoration cost would be negligible.
His primary reason for taking the [Bean of Life] was for others' sake—people like Menchi and Pyon.
Unlike him, they weren't invincible and could potentially get injured (though the chances were slim).
Having the [Bean of Life] as insurance wouldn't hurt.
Moreover, their combat abilities were lower—Akira recalled they were only around A- rank currently.
And that was after significant improvement.
Therefore, if they ever needed to use the [Bean of Life], their consumption would be minimal.
They wouldn't face Don's desperate situation of barely eating in time.
Perhaps just a single [Melori] or a bowl of [Nitro Rice] would suffice.
Aside from being used by those around him, this [Vitality Bean] also holds significant research value.
In the future, when the quantity increases, a portion can be allocated to the great inventor Meowth to study how to reduce its risks.
Who knows? Maybe Meowth could even become the Mendel of the Hunter x Hunter world?
Alternatively, developing a terrifyingly effective drug based on the [Vitality Bean] wouldn't be a bad idea either.
This would provide considerable assistance to the plans he had previously formulated.
...
Amidst his swirling thoughts, Akira pinpointed a key objective.
He was going to secure this [Vitality Bean].
Snapping back to reality, with a mere thought from Akira, the [Vitality Bean] placed before Don vanished in an instant.
Don's gaze sharpened, trying to discern what had happened, but he couldn't make sense of it.
This was the Digital World, entirely under Porygon-Z's control.
With just a thought from Akira, anything could be relocated.
Without hesitation, Akira directly handed over the [Translation Device] in his possession.
This also made Don understand Akira's choice.
The deal was struck.
Holding the palm-sized metal box in his hand, Don could feel a cold metallic sensation seeping into his skin.
After a quick confirmation that there were no issues, Don stored the [Translation Device] away.
Subsequently, the two resumed their trading…
Just as Don thought the [Translation Device] was merely an unexpected find,
Akira proceeded to bring out one item after another that he found impossible to refuse.
"This is called the [Alert Radar Patch]. It can detect the emotional states of nearby creatures."
"Stick it on your skin, and it will warn you when hostile dangers approach."
"The downside is that it only works against threats with emotions—lifeless objects won't trigger it."
Don: "..."
Before Akira could even speak, Don cut in, "Did your Aura Beast invent this too?"
Akira looked slightly surprised before continuing, "Yes, it did. It has plenty of inventions."
Don was at a loss for words.
A bad premonition crept over him—was he about to be proven wrong?
...
Some time later,
The two concluded their conversation and trade, returning to the Digital World where they had previously fought.
The other members were all gathered there, and when the two appeared, their eyes immediately turned toward them.
However, their gazes seemed slightly different from usual, as if they had made some sort of decision.
A satisfied Don glanced at Akira beside him and said softly,
"Seems like your teammates have something they want to say to you."
His seasoned intuition told him that these people likely had something "hard to voice" to say to Akira.
Akira's expression remained calm, showing little fluctuation—almost as if he had anticipated this.
He had already roughly guessed his teammates' thoughts beforehand, so he wasn't surprised by what was coming.
In fact, this might even work in his favor, allowing him to explore without any lingering concerns.
Without delay, Beyond, the team's second-in-command, stepped forward from the crowd and approached Akira.
Beyond's scarred, fierce face twisted with reluctance as he spoke to Akira in a low voice.
"Akira, I think this is about as far as we can go."
His tone carried a hint of embarrassment, and Akira could also detect a trace of frustration in it—
The frustration of knowing one's own limitations.
Akira didn't say much, responding candidly,
"Are you sure?"
Beyond nodded, his deep voice unusually somber.
"After these days of exploration, we've indeed come to realize one thing."
At this point, Beyond turned to look at his teammates behind him—this was their final decision.
Their thoughts were unanimous.
"Our strength truly isn't sufficient for activities on this continent."
"Though it's somewhat hard to admit, we must acknowledge that we've only made it this far because of you."
"Had we relied solely on our own abilities, we probably wouldn't have even crossed Mobius Lake."
Beyond spoke candidly.
It was harsh, but it was the reality.
"If before we could still offer some negligible assistance,"
"then as we venture deeper, we're truly out of our depth."
Beyond shook his head.
After encountering the Hellbell Snake in the swamp, their resolve had only strengthened.
They were still too weak.
The journey ahead wasn't one they could undertake.
Continuing like this would only burden Akira further.
It was better to admit their shortcomings.
The battle between Akira and Don had also left them utterly astonished.
They became even more certain that only humans of that caliber could operate on the Dark Continent.
They were still far from reaching that level.
Akira nodded in response, "Alright, then we'll head back together tomorrow morning."
He happened to want to return as well, taking this opportunity to visit those he missed back in the Six Continents.
...
Early the next morning, on a desolate hillside.
Akira watched as Don gradually disappeared into the distance, his figure growing smaller and smaller.
Don had his own path to walk—to explore the western regions of the Dark Continent and complete another book of his.
Before parting, he even gifted Akira the original manuscript of New Continent Travels - Don, mentioning he had kept several copies.
Glancing at his waiting teammates, Akira stood on the hillside, gazing at the distant scenery.
In the deeper regions, a faintly visible volcano loomed, reminding Akira of his conversation with Don the previous night.
"By the way, you must have encountered many intelligent species over the years. Are there any nearby?"
"Near here? Now that you mention it... there seems to be one, in the volcanic region deeper in."
"You've probably heard of them—they're also found on the Six Continents."
"On the Six Continents, they're called..."
[The Kurta Clan...]
Akira silently repeated the name, his eyes fixed intently on the distant volcano.
After a moment, he withdrew his gaze, turned around, and smiled.
"Let's go."
"Home."
---------
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