The seven-day trading conference concluded.
Aoki did not attend the auctions held over the last six days.
It wasn't that there were no valuable items available, but rather that nothing seemed essential to his needs.
Occasionally, he stumbled upon useful finds in the smaller shops outside the main auction halls—precious medicinal herbs mistaken for common ingredients, or Pokémon that appeared average but held hidden potential.
A brief daily stroll saved a considerable amount of Pokecoins.
After finalizing transactions and deducting expenses, roughly 400 million Pokecoins remained.
Over 100 million of that sum was spent on materials for Pokémon enhancement.
The system had analyzed new formulas to improve Pokémon potential, but the required components were rare and costly.
Wanting to avoid future shortages, Aoki purchased a long-term supply, ensuring he wouldn't need to worry about these materials for at least six months.
This demonstrated how quickly wealth could vanish when investing in top-tier resources for Pokémon training.
Raising a Pokémon demanded near-limitless funds—the only variable was how much one was willing to spend.
Without restraint, it became a financial abyss.
Yet the rewards were equally immense.
Some trainers prioritized efficient resource allocation, while others spent recklessly.
Thanks to the system's analytical capabilities, Aoki bypassed the need for expensive breeders to craft specialized Pokeblocks or stat-boosting held items. By purchasing raw materials directly, he saved significantly compared to others.
Most trainers required exclusive Pokeblock formulas or tailored training regimens, where labor costs far exceeded material expenses.
Aoki's resource efficiency was exceptional—typically seen only in veteran breeders raising their own Pokémon.
However, most breeders of that caliber had retired from active training, living out their days in League-assigned residences under heavy protection.
Such individuals were invaluable assets to the League.
As the saying went, an elder's wisdom was a treasure.
With the conference over, Goldenrod City's airports, train stations, and bus terminals swarmed with travelers.
Six days prior, Aoki had booked a first-class flight from Goldenrod City to the Kalos region.
When money was abundant, indulgence came easily.
Kalos differed from regions like Hoenn and Sinnoh—it was geographically isolated, unconnected to the mainland.
Thus, its routes were simply labeled Routes 1, 2, and so on, unlike Hoenn's complex numbering system.
Aoki's destination was Lumiose City, Kalos's central and largest metropolis.
Lumiose was the region's heart, the most populous city in the known Pokémon world after its incorporation into the League.
Two landmarks dominated Lumiose: the Prism Tower, an Electric-type Gym shaped like a radiant spire, and the Lumiose Art Museum, which housed countless Pokémon-related artworks.
Entry to the museum was free, though daily visitor numbers were restricted.
The city's layout resembled a vast wheel, with the Prism Tower at its center, surrounded by bustling streets, buildings, and crisscrossing canals.
Aoki had acquaintances in Lumiose and planned to visit them upon arrival.
Additionally, the Fradari Research Institute was based here—likely the League's primary investigative target.
The lengthy flight spanned over ten hours, and Aoki slept through most of it.
By the time the plane landed, morning had arrived.
Stepping out of the airport, Aoki immediately noticed Lumiose's distinct architectural style—elegant, antique, and refined despite its modernity.
The streets were paved with aged tiles, exuding historical grandeur.
Kalos's history stretched back three thousand years, chronicling the rise of its first unified kingdom and its legendary monarch.
Aoki wandered aimlessly, absorbing the city's atmosphere.
At this time, underground factions in Lumiose were sparse and disorganized, posing little threat to the League.
The League had tightened its grip on Kalos, dispatching agents from Kanto and other regions to handle high-risk missions.
Full control, akin to Sinnoh and Unova, was the goal.
As he walked, a familiar name caught his eye:
The Sycamore Institute!
Professor Sycamore—destined to become Kalos's foremost Pokémon researcher—was still building his reputation.
Currently, he was a rising star under the Kalos League's patronage, excelling in both research and Trainer prowess.
Had he pursued battling, he could have claimed a spot among the Elite Four.
His leadership during the last major Kalos mission solidified his standing within the region's League.
Aoki hesitated briefly before stepping inside.