After the Riolu Pokémon egg was sold, it was announced that the auction was coming to an end.
Though this was not the most impressive finale, the crowd's excitement remained high. When the final three items were introduced, the audience straightened in their seats, their interest undiminished by the earlier "trickster" egg incident.
Seeing this, the host on stage exhaled in relief.
As long as the last three auction items went smoothly—or more accurately, as long as the final item remained unaffected—she would avoid any blame. Most of the private room attendees were here specifically for that last piece.
If she had the funds, she would have bid on it herself.
When she first saw it, as a Team Rocket member, she had even considered stealing it and fleeing, abandoning the organization entirely. But security was too tight—even she couldn't get close. Only high-ranking Team Rocket executives had access.
"Now, let's unveil our third-to-last item!" Maintaining enthusiasm after the long event was no easy feat, yet the host managed it effortlessly.
This time, the cart was wheeled out not by elegantly dressed attendants but by uniformed Team Rocket grunts—a clear sign of the item's importance.
When the cloth was lifted, another Pokémon egg was revealed—this one perfectly intact.
"Many of you may recall that when Team Rocket first announced this auction, this egg was the grand finale. However, two additional items were later added, pushing it to third-to-last. But don't underestimate it—this is a pseudo-legendary Pokémon egg!
A Dratini egg, which will eventually evolve into Dragonite, Kanto's beloved pseudo-legendary! And its potential is top-tier. If you don't want to miss out, prepare your wallets!
The starting bid is 100 million Pokecoins, with increments of no less than 2 million. Let the bidding begin!"
A pseudo-legendary Pokémon—Dragonite's egg!
Aoki activated his system and scanned it.
Pokémon: Dratini (Cyan)
Gender: Male
Level: 1
Attribute: Dragon
Ability: Shed Skin
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Dragon Breath, Dragon Dance, Extreme Speed, Aqua Tail
Basic Moves: Wrap, Leer
Learnt Moves: None
At first glance, the cyan potential seemed average, but the inherited moves caught Aoki's attention.
Dragon Breath and Dragon Dance indicated a strong draconic lineage. But what truly shocked him was Extreme Speed.
He remembered Professor Oak's Dragonite—its power wasn't just due to its level or potential, but Extreme Speed played a crucial role. For this Dratini to inherit the move, at least one of its parents had to be exceptionally strong.
Even with modest potential, proper training and resources could elevate it. Aoki knew of methods to improve a Pokémon's potential—such as specialized potions.
He wasn't the only one with such knowledge. The Steel-type specialists, the Stone family, had their own ways to enhance Steel-types. Similarly, the dragon-taming clan had centuries-old techniques to refine Dragon-types.
"Before you bid, allow me to emphasize this Dratini's value," the host added smoothly. "Team Rocket's experts have confirmed its inherited moves: Dragon Breath, Dragon Dance, Aqua Tail, and… Extreme Speed."
Her deliberate pause before "Extreme Speed" sent a ripple through the crowd. Those who recognized the move's significance reacted just as Aoki had.
"200 million!"
A voice from a nearby private booth shattered the silence, doubling the starting bid in an instant.
The auction house froze momentarily before erupting into chaos. Bids skyrocketed at a dizzying pace, soon surpassing a billion.
For a pseudo-legendary, a billion was just the beginning. Aoki listened passively—even with his recent earnings, competing with these bidders was impossible.
Had Extreme Speed been kept secret, he might have stood a chance. But Team Rocket wouldn't miss such a lucrative opportunity.
Beyond a billion, only sporadic bids echoed from the private sections.
Extreme Speed was rare—normally, only Dragonite's evolutionary line could inherit it. Other Pokémon capable of learning it naturally included Rayquaza, Deoxys, Arceus, and Zygarde. Even Aoki's newly acquired Riolu could learn it—if it evolved into Lucario and reached level 65.
Its rarity and battle utility made it invaluable. Even Rayquaza, a Legendary Pokémon, favored Extreme Speed for its unmatched velocity.
"2 billion!"
A sharp female voice cut through the murmurs from an upper private room.
Aoki's brow furrowed. That voice was familiar—where had he heard it before?
"2.1 billion! Since when does the dragon taming clan take such an interest in Dragon-types?" Another voice chimed in, audibly mocking.
It is a big taboo to shout out other people's factions or names in this kind of auction.
But it was obvious that this person was not afraid since he dared to shout out the name of the dragon taming clan.
"2.11 billion! Coward—why not announce yourself properly?" the woman snapped.
After hearing that person's voice again, Aoki finally realized who the female voice belonged to. It was the one who had fought with him in the Sinnoh Tournament, Lance's cousin Clair.
The second bidder's tone dripped with sarcasm. "2.12 billion! How could I dare? The the dragon taming clan's reputation is far too intimidating."