"Energy Cubes are currently only sold here," Ren said. "So if you ever run out, you can come back and buy more."
"They're packed with nutrients. Squirtle won't suffer any deficiencies."
He explained that a Pokémon's growth depended on many factors, and food was one of the most important.
Energy Cubes were originally made from berries in the Pokémon world. They weren't particularly rare there—but in this world, they were something entirely different.
"I'll remember that," Emma nodded. "But can Squirtle eat other things too?"
She tilted her chin slightly and asked curiously.
"Of course," Ren replied after thinking for a moment. "Pokémon have excellent physiques. Even human food is fine for them."
"If it's just to fill their stomachs, they're not picky."
Pokémon bodies were far stronger than human bodies—arguably closer to the mythical creatures described in legends and folklore.
"But because their physiques are so good, their nutritional needs are also higher," he continued. "If you want Squirtle to grow properly, it's best to feed Energy Cubes regularly."
"And Pokémon have different personalities. For example, your Squirtle is outgoing and lively. You can take it outside more often."
"Of course," Emma blinked.
"And this—would you like to get one as well?"
As he spoke, Ren took out a small pink device and gave it a light shake.
"Huh? Isn't this the thing you mentioned earlier?" Emma asked in surprise after taking a closer look.
"Yes. Its full name is the Pokédex," Ren explained. "If you point it at a Pokémon, it will display that Pokémon's basic information."
As he spoke, he aimed the Pokédex at Squirtle, who was still happily chewing on an Energy Cube, and pressed the button under Emma's curious gaze.
Beep—
Squirtle.
Water-type Pokémon.
Category: Tiny Turtle Pokémon.
Ability: Torrent.
Known moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun.
Squirtle is gentle and easy to raise. It lives in tight-knit groups. When it withdraws its neck into its shell, it can fire a powerful Water Gun.
The mechanical electronic voice echoed from the Pokédex.
"Huh?"
Emma tilted her head, staring at the Pokédex with great interest.
Water-type… was that because Squirtle was a turtle?
And what exactly did "type" mean? And moves?
Questions piled up in her mind. The more she listened, the more she felt that this wasn't a normal pet system at all.
"Would you like to get one?" Ren asked with a smile, lightly shaking the Pokédex in his hand. "It'll be very convenient for understanding Pokémon—though you may not feel its usefulness just yet."
The Pokédexes sold here weren't preloaded. In other words, entries had to be unlocked by scanning Pokémon one by one, just like in the games.
"Then I'll take one," Emma said decisively, taking it from his hand. "And give me ten boxes of Energy Cubes as well."
"Alright~"
"Squirtle Squirtle~!"
Squirtle immediately cried out excitedly after understanding its Trainer's words, staring at Emma with bright, hopeful eyes.
So much food!
"Hehe~ If you follow me, of course you'll eat well," Emma said proudly, rubbing Squirtle's smooth head.
"The Pokédex is 500," Ren said as he packed the items. "High-quality Energy Cubes are 300 per box with the discount—ten boxes for a total of 3,500."
"So expensive," Emma complained, rolling her eyes as she took out her phone and scanned the payment code.
She usually spent money quite conservatively and rarely went out for entertainment. This was the first time she'd spent so much at once.
"It's really not expensive," Ren said helplessly. "You're my first customer—I've already given you a big discount."
"Otherwise, Squirtle wouldn't have been sold for just 200,000. It's a top-quality Pokémon with tremendous potential."
He wasn't exaggerating.
Squirtle had excellent natural talent. As one of the original Water-type starters of the Kanto region, its growth potential was extremely high.
Once it evolved into Blastoise, it could Mega Evolve and even Gigantamax. With proper training, it could easily become the core of a team.
"That's what every boss says," Emma replied, rolling her eyes again.
Shop owners always claimed they were barely making money.
"But I really like cute little turtles," she added cheerfully. "So I won't argue with you."
She smiled as she gently poked Squirtle's cheek again, her face full of happiness.
What a lovely girl.
Ren couldn't help but smile. It was precisely because people loved Pokémon that he felt so motivated carrying out his system mission.
Emma's reaction only strengthened his resolve to spread Pokémon to the world.
"So, beautiful young lady," he said with a grin, "would you like to try another draw? There are lots of cute Pokémon—some even cuter than Squirtle!"
"Get lost!"
"Squirtle Squirtle! (I'm the cutest!)"
"..."