Cerulean City was filled with all kinds of buildings. Not knowing where the Cerulean Gym was located, Ash asked a few passersby, only to learn that the Gym was closed for the day.
Since that was the case, the two of them planned to stroll around Cerulean City together. However, Misty still hadn't returned to the Pokémon Center.
With nothing else to do, Ash took Brock along to purchase supplies while sightseeing around the city.
Brock had also noticed that ever since they planned to come to Cerulean City, Misty had been acting unusually troubled.
But since she hadn't said anything, Brock assumed it was some private matter a girl didn't want to talk about, so he didn't press further.
In truth, Misty herself was from the Cerulean Gym—she was the younger sister of its three beautiful Gym Leaders.
Before leaving the Gym, she had boldly declared that she wouldn't return until she became a Water-type Pokémon Master.
But if she returned to the Gym before accomplishing anything, it would mean she had broken her own promise. As someone who cared a lot about pride, Misty couldn't accept that, which was why she kept trying to stop Ash and the others from going to the Cerulean Gym.
"Ash, are you planning to sell that Moon Stone?" Brock asked.
"Not yet. It might be useful in the future." Ash thought about it. He still had over 100,000 PokéDollars, which should be enough until the next Gym.
"How much can a Moon Stone sell for?"
"A normal Moon Stone usually sells for around 60,000 PokéDollars." Brock carefully examined the stone. After thinking for a moment, he nodded with certainty. "But this one is a mid-grade Moon Stone. It should sell for over 80,000."
That profitable…
Ash smacked his lips. It felt more lucrative than challenging Gyms. Maybe being a reseller would make more money.
Those Clefairy were really generous—just giving away a Moon Stone worth over eighty thousand like that.
"You want to sell it?" Ash turned to Brock. Maybe he could catch some Pokémon that evolved using a Moon Stone later.
"Yeah, sell it." Brock smiled, already understanding Ash's thoughts. "If we catch a Pokémon that needs one in the future, we can just buy another."
Ash found a Pokémon supplies store. Unlike the official Pokémon Mart run by the League, this private shop sold a wide variety of goods and had an excellent reputation for service.
Brock sold his Moon Stone.
90,000 PokéDollars.
Ash sold his as well, deciding to follow Brock's idea.
Definitely not because they offered more money.
Holding 200,000 PokéDollars, Ash waved his hand generously and bought the best Energy Cubes and Pokémon food available.
No matter how poor you are, you shouldn't let your Pokémon suffer.
"Ash… you treat your Pokémon really well."
Brock stared at the shopping cart piled high with expensive Energy Cubes and finally managed to squeeze out a compliment.
"Pika-pi~ pika!"
(Ash, you're the best!)
Pikachu was delighted—many of the items were its favorites.
They also bought some ingredients for cooking during future picnics, then browsed the daily supplies section.
In the end, they filled two shopping carts, spending 150,000 PokéDollars. Ash paid reluctantly—it hurt his wallet, but this was money he couldn't really save.
Brock bought some things as well. Since they were traveling together, he couldn't let Ash pay for everything.
After all, Brock had served as the Pewter Gym Leader for a while and had some savings. That should be enough for this journey.
Ash stuffed everything he bought into his backpack.
The space backpack was instantly crammed full—so full it almost overflowed.
Ash carried the supplies back to the Pokémon Center alone. Brock, halfway there, suddenly said he forgot to buy something and ran back to the store again.
When Ash returned to the Pokémon Center, Misty still hadn't come back.
She was probably mentally preparing herself… figuring out how to face her three sisters.
Whatever. Tomorrow they were going to the Cerulean Gym to watch the water ballet show performed by the three sisters. Misty would definitely appear then.
Which meant Ash needed to secure the Cascade Badge early—otherwise Misty would definitely try to stop him.
As Ash was thinking, he heard Pikachu calling.
He took out some Energy Cubes.
These things were expensive… It would be great if the System had a quest that rewarded a whole pile of them.
Right now his Pokémon were still manageable—except Gyarados, whose appetite was just a tiny bit enormous.
But if the glutton Snorlax ever joined his team, he might actually go bankrupt.
At that point, he'd probably have to ask Professor Oak to help raise Snorlax.
Though Snorlax's huge appetite was understandable.
After all, Ash's Snorlax was special.
A max-speed Snorlax, known in the streets as—
"The Agile Fatty."
Now then…
Who should he use the Ability Patch on?
Ash looked at the Ability Patch stored in his system inventory and began considering.
Gyarados's Hidden Ability was Moxie
(Raises Attack after knocking out an opponent's Pokémon.)
Pidgeotto's Hidden Ability was Big Pecks
(Prevents its Defense from being lowered.)
Butterfree's Hidden Ability was Tinted Lens
(Moves that would normally deal half damage instead deal full damage.)
It seemed the Ability Patch would be most useful on Gyarados or Butterfree.
Pidgeotto's Keen Eye was already pretty good—it prevented its accuracy from being lowered.
As for Pikachu…
Its Hidden Ability was Lightning Rod.
But what if using it turned Pikachu into an "acting genius" ability user instead?
"Pika?"
(I feel like you're slandering me.)
Pikachu stopped eating, sensing Ash's strange gaze, and looked up at him innocently.
[You have a new message.]
The Pokédex rang, interrupting Ash's thoughts. He picked it up and saw it was a message from their three-person travel group chat.
The Pokédex had many functions—it basically worked like a smartphone.
[Brock: Ash, you don't have to wait for me for dinner]
[Brock: (Image)]
Brock then sent a photo of himself eating in a restaurant.
Ash looked closely.
In the corner of the photo, several slender fingers appeared.
Clearly a girl's hand.
[Ash: ??????]
What the heck?
He said he went to buy something, but he's actually eating with a girl.
[Misty: ??????]
More than ten minutes later, Misty also sent a row of question marks.
They hadn't seen him for half a day, and he was already having dinner with a girl.
[Brock: You misunderstood. I helped this lady's Pokémon, and she invited me to dinner to thank me.]
After seeing that explanation, Ash suddenly felt that the bread he was eating didn't taste so bad anymore.
With a carbonated drink, it was actually quite good.
[Ash: Helping others is the source of happiness.]
After Ash said that, both Brock and Misty agreed and sent smiling emojis.
[Brock: Get some rest early. You're challenging the Cerulean Gym tomorrow, @Ash.]
This time, it wasn't the group chat.
It was the System notification.
[ New Quest Triggered: Defeat Misty and obtain the Cascade Badge.]
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Chakraflow789