The two Incubation Bars progressed at different speeds, not synchronized.
One Pokemon would emerge first, while the other would lag behind by a few steps.
Shifting his attention from the Incubation Bars, Akira began to properly survey the so-called marketplace.
The stalls sold a variety of items, but what interested him most was one of the signature industries—medicinal herbs!
Much like Lavaridge Town in the Pokemon world, many of the herbs sold here had healing properties.
The difference was that the variety and effects of these herbs surpassed those in the Pokemon world.
In the Pokemon world, there were only four types of herbs: Heal Powder, Energy Root, Revival Herb, and Big Root.
Their effects were limited to healing or curing status conditions, with no additional benefits.
Here, the herbs had all sorts of bizarre effects—beyond the usual, they could relieve paralysis, extend lifespan, sharpen focus...
If Akira had to describe it, he felt these herbs were like a fusion of two things.
Roughly equivalent to combining Berries from the Pokemon world with traditional medicine from Earth.
Of course, their effects weren't as potent as Pokemon herbs.
For example, a Revival Herb in the Pokemon world could instantly cure any status condition upon consumption.
The herbs here naturally couldn't achieve that level—it depended on the specific situation.
Moving closer, the strong scent of herbs filled the noses of Akira and Pyon.
Anyone paying attention would notice that the entire street was permeated with the smell of medicinal herbs. After casually glancing at the other stalls, the two headed straight for the large 'Crimson Rocks'.
Knowing their tradition, it was easy to deduce one thing.
Compared to other vendors, the items sold on these large 'Crimson Rocks' were likely of higher quality.
"Up close, they're still pretty big." Akira remarked as he looked at the large 'Crimson Rock' before him.
"Yeah." Pyon nodded slightly, sharing the same thought.
Under the shade of the 'Crimson Rock', there was a sizable shadowed area—perfect for cooling off in the summer.
Though called "large" 'Crimson Rocks', it was only in comparison to the smaller rocks around. The truly massive 'Crimson Rocks]'on Flame Rock Island were the towering, unbroken formations rising from the ground.
Still, the one before them wasn't small either. Standing about three meters tall with a considerable footprint, this 'Crimson Rock' hosted a single vendor.
This 'Crimson Rock' could accommodate two stalls at the same time.
It was noticeably larger than the other rocks, ranking among the biggest in the entire marketplace.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
The two of them ascended the steps carved specifically into the 'Crimson Rock', their footsteps producing crisp, rhythmic sounds.
Whether the steps had been polished or the 'Crimson Rock' was naturally like this, the stairs were surprisingly glossy, faintly emitting a subtle glow.
It was still daytime, but Akira guessed that when night fell, these 'Crimson Rocks' might very well radiate a soft light.
Almost like fluorite?
By the time they reached the top, they were already three meters above the ground.
Glancing around, their field of vision expanded significantly—this was an excellent spot to enjoy the scenery.
Aside from the two stalls, there were three or five customers Browse the goods.
Compared to other stalls, these were relatively popular.
The marketplace was quite large, with stalls everywhere, so some vendors might only get a handful of customers all day.
Both stalls specialized in single trades, focusing exclusively on their respective fields.
One sold medicinal herbs, while the other dealt in fossils.
Out of curiosity for the herbs, Akira started with the medicinal stall. Some of the herbs were fruits, exuding a fragrant, woody aroma that was far more enticing than ordinary fruit.
Others resembled common medicine, with an invigorating scent that sharpened the mind.
After scanning the stall, Akira gaze settled on the only herb emitting a faint glow of Aura.
Was this herb infused with Aura?
It was a root about the size of a fist, its densely tangled tendrils resembling a disturbed spider's web. Normally, roots like this should have a yellowish hue. But this one had an eerie crimson tint, unsettling enough to make an ordinary person heart race.
There was something unnaturally alluring about it.
For some reason, it reminded Akira of the parasitic plants he had encountered in the ancient labyrinth ruins.
The eerie crimson glow and the presence of Aura—these two details alone piqued his interest.
He glanced at Pyon and their eyes met in silent understanding.
Both had sensed something off about the root.
"Old man, how much for this?" The vendor was a thin, elderly man with sun-darkened skin—the kind that came from years of exposure to the elements.
He must have worked hard all his life.
At the moment, he was leisurely puffing on a pipe, perhaps savoring a rare moment of rest.
"Let's say... 10,000 Jenny." The old man glanced at the root, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes before he answered after a brief pause.
His voice was raspy, likely from years of smoking.
"Deal. I'll take it."
With that, Akira handed over the 10,000 Jenny.
Strangely, the old man hesitated to accept it. He had simply picked up the root somewhere, found it unusual and placed it on the stall.
He never expected someone to take an interest in it on the very first day.
A root of unknown use in exchange for a full 10,000 Jenny? To him, it was like free money.
The transaction was settled. Akira held the oddly shaped root in his hand, the faint Aura clinging to it becoming more noticeable.
Recalling the Light Stone he had purchased earlier in 'Carter Port', he immediately enveloped the root with his Aura.
As expected, under the infusion of Aura, the crimson root began to change, revealing its hidden secrets.
Beside him, Pyon kept glancing over, her pink eyes fixed intently on the root.
Was she curious about what would happen when Aura was channeled into it?
A few moments later, Akira expression shifted slightly as he looked at the root in his hand with surprise.
On the surface, the root showed no obvious changes, but upon closer inspection, its crimson hue had grown more vivid.
At this moment, the root was continuously absorbing his Aura, like a bottomless abyss that could never be filled.
Did it only absorb Aura without any other effects?
After a while, Akira frowned slightly as he observed the root, which showed no reaction beyond absorbing his energy.
Just then, a message flashed into his mind.
It was a response from Ferrothorn.
Turns out, the root's effects were primarily related to plants.
By absorbing Aura, the root's crimson color would grow richer. With enough energy, it could accelerate the growth of plants and the ripening of their fruits.
In other words… This was an agricultural Aura Tool? That sounded pretty good—people who cultivated rare medicinal herbs would probably love it.
For them, this thing would be a divine artifact.
Medicinal herbs typically became more potent with age. The older the herb, the rarer and more expensive it was. Something that could shorten growth time and speed up harvests was practically a miracle tool.
But… was it useful to him?
The next moment, another message from Ferrothorn arrived—this time, it was actually beneficial for him.
Not just beneficial—Akira inexplicably felt a sense of déjà vu. Because the root's effect was quite similar to the "Miracle Seed" from Pokemon.
Both could enhance the power of Grass-type moves!
Simply put, the root absorbed Aura and converted it into plant-based life energy.
For ordinary plants, it could promote growth, improve adaptability and increase survival rates.
For Grass-type Pokemon like Ferrothorn, the root could strengthen their Grass-type abilities.
In effect, it was like equipping them with a Miracle Seed.
This was the second Aura Tool Akira had obtained—the first was the Light Stone, which reduced gravity.
The second was this root, which he decided to call the "Blood Root."
It could accelerate plant growth and enhance Grass-type move power.
Compared to the former, the Blood Root had broader applications.
First, when he eventually journeyed to the Dark Continent, he would undoubtedly encounter many miraculous plants with diverse effects. The fact that those plants only grew in the Dark Continent and not in the Six Continents surely had a reason.
Most likely, it was due to environmental factors.
Beyond, the son of Chairman Netero, had once traveled to the Dark Continent and brought back an alchemical plant.
This wasn't just a symbol of his successful return—it was also a harvest born of hope.
He hadn't brought it back merely for personal use—a single alchemical plant couldn't accomplish much.
His goal was cultivation—mass production.
Only in large quantities would it hold real value.
However, due to environmental changes, there was no suitable place on the six continents to cultivate this plant.
In the end, most of the plants they managed to bring back had withered.
But with the Blood Root, this problem could finally be solved.
The Blood Root could absorb large amounts of his Aura—and this wasn't a bad thing.
On the contrary, it was a good thing.
The more Aura it absorbed, the more potent its effects would be and the higher his success rate in cultivating plants would become. When exploring the Dark Continent in the future, he could store harvested plants inside Gengar belly.
At that time, he could use the Blood Root to cultivate them.
Additionally, the Blood Root also enhanced the strength of Pokemon, functioning like a "Miracle Seed." Currently, he had no plants that needed cultivation, nor did he have any other Grass-type Pokemon.
Naturally, he would let Ferrothorn wear it for now.
"So, what do you think?" Pyon leaned her head closer, murmuring softly—so close that Akira could catch a faint whiff of her fragrance.
"Mmm." Akira nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
This haul had far exceeded his expectations.
Originally, he had bought it simply because he noticed Aura clinging to it and found it intriguing.
Who would have thought it would turn out to be such a fine Aura Tool?
Though he didn't say anything, Pyon could tell from his expression that this was no small gain.
Seeing Akira delight, Pyon couldn't help but share in his joy, covering her mouth as she giggled softly.
Aside from the Blood Root, Akira had also purchased some locally distinctive medicinal herbs on the old man recommendation.
For instance, there was the Dragon's Beard Grass, said to prolong life, and the Ironwood Powder, effective for treating bruises and injuries.
But the most unique among them was undoubtedly the Blood Fruit.
Rumored to be an exceptionally rare medicinal ingredient, it grew exclusively on Flame Rock Island.
It was the fruit of the island's signature plant—the Blood Tree—which took years to mature.
From seed to fruit-bearing, the Blood Tree required a full twenty years and then another decade before it could actually bear fruit.
Twenty years for a tree, ten more for its fruit.
The number of fruits produced each time depended on the size of the tree, but it was usually in the single digits.
Rarely would a harvest exceed ten fruits.
In appearance, the Blood Fruit closely resembled an apple, but its color was even redder—vibrant as blood.
Yet its skin was surprisingly soft to the touch, almost like that of a tomato. Though soft, the skin was said to be tough and resilient, not easily torn.
The name "Blood Fruit" wasn't just due to its crimson hue, it also owed to its extraordinary effects.
True to its name, the Blood Fruit possessed an incredible ability to replenish blood.
For an ordinary person suffering severe blood loss, consuming just one could restore the lost blood within moments.
It was nothing short of a life-saving miracle!
Many deaths resulted from massive blood loss—during surgeries, after car accidents and so on.
In such dire situations, a single Blood Fruit could mean the difference between life and death. But precisely because of its miraculous effects and scarcity, each fruit commanded an exorbitant price.
Far beyond what an average person could afford.
Only the elite of V5 or the nobility—those for whom money was no object—could use them freely.
This particular Blood Fruit was the old man "treasure" the most valuable item he had.
For Akira, who wasn't short on funds, acquiring it was a no-big deal.
He even listened to the old man story about it.
According to him, the reason Blood Trees grew only on Flame Rock Island had to do with the island's Crimson Rock.
With Pyon corroboration, Akira knew the old man wasn't exaggerating the fruit's effects.
No matter how many of these you had, you'd never say no to more.
Though Akira himself probably wouldn't need it.
After the earlier incident with the Blood Root, a thought struck him—could the Blood Fruit have some hidden effect too?
For humans, it restored massive amounts of blood in a short time.
But what about for Pokemon?
Could it rapidly heal severe injuries?
Would it mimic the effects of Blissey Egg Move?
That was something he'd have to test later to find out.
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