Soon, the auction was halfway through without anyone noticing.
Some attendees who had been very rational at the beginning gradually lost their composure as the auction reached its climax. Bidding was no longer just about acquiring items—it became a contest of pride and status, a way to prove oneself among peers.
"The ladies and gentlemen present today should pay close attention to the next auction item. Those looking to purchase gifts may find this particularly appealing.
Team Rocket has hosted countless auctions, but we have never seen an item like this before. Even I am deeply moved by its beauty."
The host clapped her hands, signaling the next item.
She had maintained her energy effortlessly, standing for hours without showing fatigue. Her smile remained bright, her enthusiasm unwavering, as if every item were her own prized possession.
A staff member wheeled out the next item, concealed beneath a red velvet cloth. When unveiled, it revealed a large, radiant pearl, shimmering under the venue's specialized lighting.
Instantly, all eyes locked onto the pearl.
In the Pokémon world, the most valuable items were typically those tied to Pokémon—evolutionary stones, rare held items, or TMs. Luxuries like pearls were often seen as mere trinkets by serious Trainers.
But wealth existed in every world, and for some, beauty alone justified extravagance. Diamonds, pearls, and other rare gems held immense appeal for those who could afford them.
"This is no ordinary pearl," the host declared. "It was harvested from a Champion-level Clamperl, formed over a century without human interference. Pearls of this quality are nearly unheard of—there may be fewer than three in existence. Its value speaks for itself.
The starting bid is 30 million Pokécoins, with increments of no less than 1 million. Let the bidding begin!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd as the pearl's image was displayed on the large screen, accompanied by Team Rocket's official certification.
A Champion-level Clamperl?
If true, this pearl was beyond rare.
Trainers understood better than anyone how difficult it was to raise a Pokémon like Clamperl—even harder than Shellder. A wild Champion-level Clamperl was practically a myth.
Wild Pokémon of that caliber were scarce, and a Champion Clamperl was rarer still. A pearl cultivated over a century within one was a treasure beyond measure.
Yet, after the initial awe, most Trainers dismissed it. No matter how beautiful, it offered no practical benefit for Pokémon training.
But luxury had its audience.
The wealthy women in the private rooms immediately engaged in a fierce bidding war. This was a battle of status, not utility.
The price skyrocketed to 100 million—and showed no signs of stopping.
"Women are terrifying, no matter the world," Aoki muttered under his breath, though he couldn't help but feel pleased.
He hadn't expected the pearl to fetch such an exorbitant price.
Luxury items derived their worth from context. Had this been a smaller auction, or had the attendees been less competitive, it might have sold for far less. But today, the atmosphere was charged with rivalry.
Many of the women recognized each other by voice alone, and pride prevented any from backing down. Even attempts by their companions to dissuade them fell on deaf ears.
In the end, the pearl sold for 510 million Pokécoins.
Aoki was stunned.
Were there really this many people willing to spend half a billion on a decorative item?
Realistically, the pearl's value capped at around 300 million. The rest was pure ego.
Aoki had struck gold.
With this windfall, he could bid more aggressively later. Now, he hoped for something practical—materials for Pupitar and Lairon's potential-enhancing supplements, or resources for future evolutions.
The sooner he secured them, the better.
The auction continued, cycling through rare held items, evolutionary stones, and special TMs. Each time interest waned, the host expertly reignited excitement, ensuring the crowd remained engaged.
Aoki sold more of his materials—some related to potential supplements, others simply valuable commodities. The costs added up quickly.
As the auction neared its conclusion, the private rooms grew livelier. The final items were approaching.
"After this next item, we will move to the three grand finale lots. I'm sure you've all been waiting patiently.
But first, let's take a look at this final piece before the true climax."
Another cart was wheeled out. When uncovered, it revealed a Pokémon egg resting in an incubator.
"What's this? Has Team Rocket run out of goods? You're presenting a damaged egg now, right before the finale?"
A man near the front scoffed loudly.
Indeed, the egg was visibly flawed—a crack ran along its surface.
"Sir, I advise you to choose your words carefully."
The Rockets will not send anyone to die casually. The more critical the moment, the more they need to show their toughness.
The person who spoke happened to bump into the muzzle of the gun.
When someone seizes the opportunity, he becomes a chicken and is killed in front of the other monkeys.
The host's pleasant demeanor vanished. Her gentle eyes sharpened like a Honchkrow's gaze, locking onto the heckler.
A squad of Team Rocket grunts promptly escorted him out, his face pale with fear.
Immediately, the woman's expression changed again, and she turned to her original harmless look.
But now no one dares to underestimate her.