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It was 3:00 PM on North Central Road in Imperial City.
This was one of the most bustling commercial districts in all of Imperial City, home to numerous commercial landmarks, including their destination for this trip—the Imperial Shopping Center.
David arrived with Zorua at the shopping center's entrance. As for Riolu, David had returned him to his Poké Ball since he had just been born and needed additional rest.
Looking at the lucky Meowth statue displayed at the entrance, David couldn't help but marvel once again at the unique characteristics of the Pokémon world. Then, he led Zorua into the mall—they still had many things to purchase, and there was no time to waste admiring the decorations.
"Bulba... Bulbasaur!"
"Eevee~"
"Croa... gunk~"
"Psy... yai... yai!"
As one of the largest shopping centers in Imperial City, it was naturally bustling with people. Among the crowds, various Pokémon accompanied their trainers throughout the mall. Some were helping their trainers carry items, like the Poliwrath pushing a shopping cart nearby. Others sat obediently in shopping carts, waiting to be pushed by their trainers, such as the Eevee not far away who was clearly quite young, looking around with wide, innocent eyes full of wonder.
Of course, there were occasionally mischievous ones too, like the Bulbasaur further ahead, running around energetically while its flustered trainer chased after it frantically. In short, all kinds of Pokémon gathered here in this lively space.
"Zorua~"
Zorua, like that Eevee from earlier, belonged to the category of young Pokémon who sat obediently in a cart while being pushed by their trainers.
The little fox had a naturally curious and playful personality. This was her first time in such a large shopping mall, and her eyes darted around constantly, taking in everything with fascination. If David hadn't picked her up and placed her into the shopping cart's child seat due to the dense crowd, she probably would have been running around just like that Bulbasaur.
"Zorua, if you see anything you want, just let me know. If it's reasonable, I can get it for you!"
Looking at Zorua fondly, David thought about her excellent performance over the past few days and felt she truly deserved some praise and rewards, so he spoke encouragingly. Then, after a moment's thought, he added, "As for Riolu, we'll come here again next time. Once your newborn period is over, you can tell me anything you want too."
"Zorua~ Zorua!"
Yay! David is the best!
Upon hearing this, tiny metaphorical stars instantly lit up in Zorua's eyes! Her entire body wiggled with joy in the shopping cart's child seat.
The Poké Ball containing Riolu in David's pocket also shook several times, seemingly responding enthusiastically to David's words despite the occupant being asleep inside!
However, David's purpose for visiting the shopping center was very clear and focused. He didn't allow himself to be distracted by the dazzling array of merchandise on display. The most important priority was to first purchase the necessary Pokémon care supplies and supplements. As for leisurely browsing the mall's other offerings—that could be saved for later.
"Excuse me, hello. Where in the mall can I purchase specialized calcium supplements for Pokémon made from Marowak bone powder? I need the highest quality available."
If he was going to buy supplements, he should buy the best he could afford. Most ordinary pharmacies only stocked common, basic products. To purchase premium quality items, one usually had to visit specialty stores that catered to serious trainers.
To save time, David directly approached a young woman near the escalator handrail on the shopping center's first floor and inquired about the location of the specific resources he wanted to purchase.
"What an adorable Zorua! Bone powder? Specialized calcium supplements? Does this little one need them? For calcium supplements, there are various standard types available at the chain supermarket on the second floor. However, if you have particularly high quality requirements, you should visit the seventh floor of the mall. There's a branch of Pokémon Home located there, which specializes in selling all kinds of premium Pokémon supplies and supplements. They should definitely have what you're looking for."
The woman praised the Zorua sitting in the cart with genuine appreciation.
It was a common custom for people in the Pokémon world to greet others by complimenting their Pokémon—much like asking "How's the weather?" or "Have you eaten yet?" in his previous life's culture.
For people in the Pokémon world, complimenting someone's Pokémon made them considerably happier than complimenting the person directly. Therefore, praising another person's Pokémon could quickly bridge the social gap between two strangers, and this practice had gradually evolved into an established custom over time.
After so many days living in this world, David had grown accustomed to this somewhat overly familiar way of speaking that he had initially found strange in his previous life, and he no longer found it odd or uncomfortable.
"Alright, thank you very much, miss."
"No problem at all! What a cute Zorua! You two have a wonderful day!"
David pushed the shopping cart toward the ramp-style escalator designed for carts. After being praised so enthusiastically, Zorua in the child seat didn't feel shy whatsoever but instead became quite proud of herself.
"Zorua~ (David! That person said I'm cute!)"
"Of course! I already know you're the cutest! Now, shall we go buy what we came for? Let's finish our shopping quickly so I can take you to browse the other stores afterward!"
Looking at Zorua's delighted expression, David smiled warmly and continued to praise her while also gently stroking the little fox's head.
On the seventh floor, David looked around with interest. The foot traffic on this floor was noticeably lighter compared to the bustling floors below. Seeing the upscale, elegant signage around him, David understood immediately—this was likely the luxury goods section of the mall.
Using the floor directory map near the escalator exit, he quickly located the store the woman had mentioned earlier.
Pokémon Home (Imperial Second Branch)
When he first heard the name, David felt it sounded somewhat familiar. On the way up here, he finally remembered that his older sister Aria had mentioned this store chain before. It was apparently a chain with its headquarters in Magic City, primarily dealing in various rare and premium Pokémon supplies. He figured they should definitely have what he needed here!
He peered into the store through the glass frontage. There wasn't a single other customer inside at the moment, but he didn't mind the emptiness. He pushed the door open and entered with Zorua.
"Hello! Welcome to Pokémon Home! How may I assist you today?"
"Hello. I need some specialized calcium supplements for Pokémon made from Marowak bone powder. Additionally, I also need several other materials. Do you carry them here?"
David stated his requirements clearly, thinking that since he was already at a premium specialty store, he might as well take care of all his shopping needs at once. He then pulled out a pre-written list of materials and handed it to the female employee behind the polished counter.
"For the specialized calcium supplements, we have several different formulations and quality grades available here. You can review them and choose according to your specific needs and budget."
"Hmm... As for these other materials on your list, we should have most of them in stock. However, I'll need to check our back storage room and warehouse for exact quantities and availability. Please, have a seat over here first." The staff member said professionally after reviewing David's comprehensive list.
The staff member courteously led David to a comfortable waiting area. After he sat down on the plush chair, she brought him a cup of complementary tea before excusing herself to check the inventory.
Picking up a price catalog from the elegant coffee table, David's expression twitched slightly when he reached the last entry on the calcium supplement page.
Premium Grade Specialized Calcium Supplements: ¥20,000 per dosage cycle
(Note: One dosage cycle of specialized calcium supplements is formulated for one Pokémon for one complete growth cycle, where one cycle equals seven days of treatment.)
Seeing this astronomical price, David had only one immediate thought—so expensive!
Are these calcium supplements made of gold or embedded with jewels?
...But since he was already here at a premium specialty store, perhaps he should learn more about them first before making any judgments.
If they were genuinely effective and worth the investment, then he definitely couldn't pass up this opportunity. No matter the cost, he refused to shortchange his own Pokémon partners' health and development.
Thinking this way, David continued to wait patiently with a questioning but open mind. He wanted to understand exactly why these calcium supplements commanded such an extraordinarily high price point!