Chapter 76: Pokémon Trade Fair
"You reckless fool! Do you have a death wish?!" Professor Oak roared in frustration. "You think history is so easy to rewrite? If you're not careful, you might even erase yourself from existence!" Ryan nodded and bowed apologetically, promising he wouldn't attempt such dangerous time travel again. He knew Professor Oak was genuinely concerned for his welfare. This kind-hearted old man truly treated Ryan like family, and he'd been terrified after hearing about Ryan's temporal adventure.
"By the way, Professor Oak, how do you know so much about Celebi?" Ryan asked deliberately.
"Celebi..." Professor Oak said with a hint of nostalgia, then spoke seriously, "Be more careful next time! Take good care of that Celebi of yours!"
"Yes, yes. I understand," Ryan replied.
"Also, Ash just asked me to transfer his Tauros to him. He's in Palmpona City, not far ahead of you. Ash mentioned there's a trade fair happening there, so you know what that means," Professor Oak said with a knowing smile.
"Pokémon Trade Fair!" Ryan suddenly realized and cried out in excitement.
This event was perfect for Ryan! With his ability to assess Pokémon potential, and so many intermediate-grade Pokémon from his breeding ranch, he could trade them for high-grade or even elite-tier Pokémon, then sell them for substantial profits! Money was calling his name!
Seeing Ryan's beaming expression, Professor Oak said sternly, "Remember to trade for some rare Pokémon specimens. I still have research to conduct."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely bring you something interesting," Ryan promised.
He hung up the videophone, pulled out his Pokégear, and called his ranch, asking them to transport several dozen Pokémon to Palmpona City. Then Ryan left the Pokémon Center, stretched his enhanced muscles, and sprinted toward the coastal city, enjoying the sea breeze.
It took him only five or six minutes to reach Palmpona City, leaving Ryan slightly winded—maintaining that pace for several minutes was still challenging even with his improved constitution. Still, seeing the massive crowds at the Pokémon trading convention, Ryan felt relieved that he'd arrived in time.
After visiting the Pokémon Center to collect his transferred Poké Balls, Ryan found a prime trading spot. He took out a piece of cardboard and began writing, then placed it next to his trading station.
Several people passed by. A young trainer glanced at the cardboard and read aloud, "Bulk Pokémon Exchange. Breeding ranch owner offering diverse Pokémon from multiple regions. All Pokémon thoroughly health-checked, wide selection available for trade."
"Really?" several people gathered around and exclaimed with interest.
"Absolutely, but I'll also evaluate based on the offered Pokémon's condition. Any Pokémon that catches my eye will be considered for trade," Ryan explained.
"I want to trade! I want to trade!" "Do you have a Squirtle?" "I need a Gastly!" "I'll offer you a Spearow!"
"Hold on, one at a time!" Ryan called out. "Please form a line. Anyone who cuts in line won't be eligible for trades."
With that announcement, everyone organized into an orderly queue. Ryan observed the steady flow of customers with satisfaction. He then began examining each Pokémon, trading for any high-quality specimens he discovered. If intermediate-quality Pokémon were relatively rare species, he'd trade for them; otherwise, he'd politely decline. Throughout the day, he managed to find three elite-tier Pokémon: a Tentacool, a Carnivine, and a Kecleon. Unfortunately, they weren't particularly powerful species, and Ryan had no immediate use for them, so he decided to keep them at his breeding ranch for future purposes.
"I knew it was you, Ryan!" Ash's familiar voice rang out.
Ash approached with Brock and Misty, accompanied by a young boy. Ash said, "Can you trade with Adrian? He wants to breed different types of Pokémon too."
"Sure, I'll do you a favor. As long as his Pokémon meets my standards, we can definitely make a deal," Ryan said with a welcoming gesture.
"Thank you so much! Come out, Wobbuffet!" The boy named Adrian released his Pokémon.
Ryan's eyes lit up immediately: Wobbuffet—an elite-tier specimen! His heart raced with excitement, but he maintained his composure. "Hmm, not bad at all. What Pokémon are you looking for? As long as I have it at my breeding ranch, I'll trade it with you."
"Really?! Awesome! I want a Charmander. Is that possible?" Adrian asked excitedly.
"No problem, I have one right here. What do you think?" Ryan rummaged through his Poké Balls, found one labeled 'Charmander,' and released the Fire-type starter.
Adrian nodded enthusiastically in agreement. Ryan quickly completed the trade, exchanging his Charmander for Adrian's Wobbuffet. As Adrian left with profuse gratitude, Ryan tossed Wobbuffet's Poké Ball thoughtfully. Wobbuffet wasn't exactly a powerhouse in terms of offense, lacking almost everything except incredible HP and defensive capabilities. It only knew four moves, making it somewhat limited.
However, this Pokémon possessed immense endurance, and when used strategically, could be quite formidable. Its ability to reflect both physical and special attacks through Counter and Mirror Coat, combined with Shadow Tag preventing opponents from escaping, and its devastating Destiny Bond that could take down opponents with it, made it surprisingly well-rounded despite its offensive limitations.
Furthermore, Ryan envisioned that if Wobbuffet could truly reach legendary status, the elemental energy it mastered would undoubtedly create the ultimate reflection ability. Used properly, it could become the Pokémon equivalent of an absolute defense system.
After a full day of trading, and despite some interference from Team Rocket's usual schemes, Ryan had successfully traded his intermediate-quality Pokémon for 86 high-grade specimens and 12 elite-tier Pokémon—a massive profit!
Aside from the Wobbuffet, which Ryan valued highly, the other elite-tier Pokémon weren't particularly impressive species, so he decided to send them all to his breeding ranch. After all, they would serve as excellent attractions for future customers.
Back at the Pokémon Center, Ryan planned to stay overnight. Ash and his friends shamelessly requested to share a room with Ryan. Celebi was happily playing with Togepi, their joyful chirping filling the room.
Seeing Celebi's delighted expression, Ryan couldn't bring himself to object to the arrangement. In front of Ash and the others, Ryan destroyed Wobbuffet's original Poké Ball and released the Patient Pokémon. Looking at Wobbuffet's confused but trusting expression, Ryan smiled warmly and said, "I'll be your trainer from now on. Let's work hard together."
"Wobbuffet!" the blue Pokémon responded, understanding perfectly.
Ryan took out a Great Ball and recaptured his new partner. Ash saw this and asked, "Ryan, are you planning to train Wobbuffet seriously?"
"Yeah, he's got incredible potential. According to my breeding ranch's evaluation standards, he's an elite-tier Pokémon," Ryan explained.
"Oh? I didn't expect this goofy-looking Pokémon to have such high potential, even higher than my Gyarados," Misty said in surprise.
The last time they'd met, Misty had also received a top-grade Magikarp from Ryan, which had since evolved into Gyarados.
"I keep telling you, train your Psyduck properly. He's going to be your absolute ace in the future. Pokémon that receive elite-tier rankings from my evaluations have tremendous potential," Ryan said, looking directly at Misty.
"I know, I know. But he's such a space case. I really don't know how to train him effectively," Misty said helplessly.
"Maybe if you could cure his chronic headaches, he might make a breakthrough," Brock suggested thoughtfully.
Misty and her Psyduck looked at each other, and a wave of mutual understanding—and shared bewilderment—passed between them.
(End of Chapter)
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P@atreon/Soulforger (45+ advanced chapters)