After parting ways with Mr. Stone and May, Alex returned to Oldale Town.
This was Alex's birthplace, a land tied closely to his earliest memories. The sky above carried the clear blue hue of late afternoon, with a few white clouds drifting lazily like giant cotton balls. The cheerful chirping of Pidgey echoed across the rooftops, blending with the gentle breeze that rustled through the trees lining the dirt roads.
Oldale Town was small, simple, and peaceful. Unlike the livelier areas of the Hoenn region, it had no Pokémon gyms, so few trainers visited here. The streets were quiet, with only the occasional passerby, and whenever familiar faces met, warm smiles blossomed on their sun-kissed faces.
Small towns like Oldale were not as prosperous as the dazzling Sootopolis City, bathed in bright lights. But in return, life here moved slowly, without noise or hurry. People did not have to jostle through bustling crowds or rush so much they forgot time itself.
Though economically less developed than larger cities, Oldale's tranquility was like a refreshing breeze, soothing tired souls. Small wooden houses nestled beside lush green fences, their front yards often adorned with vibrant flowerbeds glowing warmly under the sun.
Oldale lay near Mount Chimney, where volcanic ash clouds dispersed silently, settling on this land. The mineral-rich ash nourished plants unusually well. Trees flourished, fruits hung heavy from branches, making this place one of Hoenn's prime fruit-growing regions.
Alex headed straight for a quaint herbal shop named Van Hoa Tang. The wooden door was aged by time, above which hung a lacquered sign gilded in gold with four elegant characters: "Van Hoa Tang." This was a centuries-old shop, famous across the region for its secret medicinal recipes.
Alex had once ventured deep into Petalburg Woods to fulfill a task commissioned by this shop — to find Arbok skins. He knew many Pokémon parts had medicinal value: shed Arbok skins, Nidoking's horns, Paras mushrooms, even Golbat droppings.
Upon entering, a faint herbal scent enveloped him, warm and reassuring. Immediately, a young woman in traditional serving attire approached, her eyes bright and voice friendly:
— "Alex, long time no see."
— "Hello, Renhui. I'm looking for Mr. He Zhen," Alex replied, a faint smile curling his lips.
He was a regular customer of Van Hoa Tang, frequently helping them gather rare medicinal ingredients from perilous regions.
— "Right this way, please."
Renhui politely led Alex past rows of wooden cabinets filled with glass jars containing herbs and carefully sorted Pokémon ingredients. The sharp scent of roots mixed with the resin's pungency. They stopped before a carved ancient door that opened into a quiet, bright VIP room.
— "Please wait a moment, Alex. I'll call Mr. He Zhen right away."
— "No problem, thank you."
Alex gently took off his backpack and set it down. Though he tried not to make noise, its massive weight still thudded heavily. This backpack was not only spacious but weighed hundreds of kilograms, packed with spoils from countless adventures.
— "Alex, you're really strong," Renhui smiled softly, eyes full of admiration. It wasn't her first time witnessing it, but she never failed to be impressed.
— "Haha, Alex, long time no see!"
A warm, deep voice sounded as a middle-aged man with a friendly smile entered.
Alex nodded in greeting, saying little. He opened the backpack and took out the freshly hunted Arbok skins, placing them on the table.
He Zhen's eyes lit up like he'd struck gold. Knowing Alex disliked beating around the bush, he immediately donned gloves and carefully inspected. With a specialized blade, he sliced a small strip, then lifted a piece to taste.
— "When it touches the throat, it's clearly bitter with a hint of fishiness... These two Arbok skins are truly top quality!"
— "100% shed from a mature, healthy Arbok."
— "The completeness is truly impressive!"
Alex remained silent, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, waiting for the price.
He Zhen rubbed his hands with a cunning smile:
— "This isn't your first time here, Alex. Friend, I won't cheat you. Here's the deal: two Arbok skins, total 60 alliance credits. What do you say?"
Alex raised an eyebrow. This price was 30% higher than market value, and he understood well that He Zhen wasn't one to offer a high price without reason.
He took a sip of hot tea, the aroma of tea leaves spreading, then slowly asked:
— "Tell me, what's the task this time?"
He Zhen smiled, his eyes knowing that Alex had already guessed. He spoke slowly:
— "Alex, you probably know that Silph Company in Kanto produces a kind of all-purpose medicine?"
Alex nodded, his hand lightly touching the backpack where two bottles of such medicine always rested.
He Zhen continued:
— "Now, Van Hoa Tang has developed a similar multifunctional medicine, equally effective but much cheaper, just one-fifth the cost. Only problem is, it tastes a bit bitter. Once released, it will surely be popular."
He leaned in, lowering his voice as if revealing a secret:
— "But to make it, we need a special ingredient: white vanilla. This herb grows only deep within Viridian Forest in Kanto, which limits mass production."
Alex understood. He wanted him to go to Kanto to find the plant. Alex asked straightforwardly:
— "White vanilla, how much?"
— "For a whole plant, we pay 20 credits! If quality is good, even higher!"
Alex considered it. The price was good, but Viridian Forest was full of fiercely territorial Pokémon. Yet, greater risk meant greater reward.
He nodded slightly:
— "When I have time, I'll head to Kanto. For now, let's settle the Arbok skins first."
He Zhen smiled brightly, taking the alliance card from Alex.
The alliance card was like a bank card, but anonymous. In this world, each city had great autonomy, so there was no unified currency.
Collecting medicinal materials and selling them — this was one of the best ways to earn money to support Pokémon training.