Takashi noticed that Barbara was shocked by Larvitar's appetite. He wondered if discussing the cost would surprise her even more.
Before Takashi could say anything, Amber spoke up, "I heard that Master Diluc from Dawn Winery spent thirty million Mora to buy a pseudo-legendary."
Barbara was stunned for a moment, her eyelids twitching slightly. Was it really that expensive? If she spent thirty million Mora to bring home a Larvitar with such a huge appetite, would her father find out and break her legs with a steel pipe?
No, no way. Her father was a devoted believer of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. He would never hurt his daughter. Besides, as an idol, Barbara earned quite a lot of money, and she never had to worry about her expenses.
Seeing Barbara's hesitation, Takashi decided to focus on the rarity rather than the price. "Barbara, a pseudo-legendary is one of only ten out of 905 different kinds of Pokémon. You were incredibly lucky to draw a pseudo-legendary, with odds of less than two percent. It's truly a one-in-a-million bond. Opportunities like this don't come often."
Amber, ever the instigator, added, "Barbara, think about it. You spend so much time in the Favonius Church, but don't you long to go out on adventures with everyone? With Larvitar by your side, that wish could come true."
Barbara imagined one day joining the Knights of Favonius on adventures. She couldn't help but feel excited, a sweet smile lighting up her face. "Alright, I've made my decision. I want to take Larvitar home."
"Larvitar!" The little Pokémon cheered, clearly delighted to be chosen by Barbara.
Barbara pondered for a moment, then asked, "Takashi, is thirty million Mora all I need? I heard from Amber that there are also energy cubes, a Pokédex, and a trainer's handbook."
Takashi relaxed, relieved that the deal was coming together. "We'll provide two portions of high-grade energy cubes, a Pokédex, and a trainer's handbook for free."
"Two portions of high-grade energy cubes? How long will that last? Larvitar eats quite a lot, doesn't it?" Barbara asked, looking concerned.
Indeed, the level of care trainers gave their Pokémon varied. For instance, Amber, upon seeing Ponyta, only thought about galloping across Teyvat with it. She didn't care much about the categorization of energy cubes used in training. Takashi had even mentioned that Pokémon could eat basic forage if necessary, and Amber had done just that.
Barbara, on the other hand, was different. She was more meticulous in this regard, perhaps because she wasn't adept in battle. Her interest in raising Larvitar to become strong seemed more intense.
After a moment's pause, Takashi said, "If you find the energy cubes insufficient, you can always buy more here at the shop. We offer basic, medium, and high-grade energy cubes, each impacting Larvitar's growth differently."
Barbara thought to herself, if she wanted Larvitar to grow into an exceptional Pokémon, she would definitely need to choose high-grade energy cubes. And high-grade ones wouldn't be cheap.
"How much for a high-grade energy cube?" Barbara asked.
"Twenty thousand Mora per portion," Takashi replied.
"Alright, give me ten more portions of high-grade energy cubes," Barbara said, gritting her teeth. Since she was already spending thirty million Mora, the cost of the energy cubes seemed relatively small—just a drop in the bucket.
"Alright, that'll be a total of 30.2 million Mora," Takashi said, accepting the box handed over by Xerneas and placing it on the counter.
Barbara looked at the numerous items on the counter and instinctively turned to Takashi, who gave her a business-like smile.
"Amber, can you help me carry some of this?" Barbara asked.
"Heh, I guess I'm your free labor now," Amber replied, playfully negotiating. "In return, leave me a few VIP front-row tickets for your next concert. I heard that Mondstadt fans are going crazy for them. If I resell them, I could get enough to buy plenty of energy cubes for Ponyta."
"No problem," Barbara replied with a bright smile.
And so, after paying with a large deposit, Barbara carried Larvitar out of the store. Amber helped carry some of the boxes. She turned back and gave Takashi a playful smile, "Takashi, you owe me one now. Next time I buy something, you better give me a discount."
Takashi nodded slightly. "Sure, I'll give you a 0.5% discount next time."
"Is that all my favor's worth?"
"Not everyone has the privilege of having a 'face fruit,'" Takashi said with a smile. "Alright then, next time I'll make a special batch of energy cubes just for Ponyta."
"Deal! I'll hold you to that!" Amber, ever so straightforward, left with Barbara, delighted by Takashi's promise.
Takashi watched as the two energetic girls walked away. Then, he slumped back on the couch with a sigh, "I'm exhausted."
Xerneas used its psychic power to hand him a can of Moo Moo Milk. "After a busy day, you certainly deserve a good rest."
Takashi took a sip to soothe his throat and finished the half-cooled black bass stew and satisfaction salad.
He then began contemplating his future plans. His current mission had earned him thirty million Mora, and with the upcoming payment of two million from Jean, he was less than halfway from his goal of sixty million.
He still had thirteen days left, which was plenty of time.
Currently, he had a Pokémon Center that could restore the health of Pokémon. In addition, Xerneas was also capable of healing, though Takashi didn't want to overuse that ability.
Recently, sightings of wild Pokémon had been reported outside Mondstadt. He believed that soon the number of Pokémon in the area would increase.
He needed to promote Pokémon across Mondstadt before they became common. He hoped that the knights who had already purchased Pokémon and the Traveler Lumine would help spread the word and promote Pokémon. Apart from that, he needed to ensure after-sales services for them.
Therefore, establishing basic facilities for Pokémon was also essential.
With the system, he could directly exchange Mora for resources without taking up more space in Mondstadt. He could create independent spaces, like the current Pokémon Center—convenient and efficient.
He checked the system shop's available items:
- [Battle Simulation Space]: 10 million Mora
- [Pokémon Training Center]: 10 million Mora
- [Pokémon Daycare]: 10 million Mora
- [Pokémon Goods Department Store]: 30 million Mora
After some consideration, he realized that the end of the month was approaching, and taxes were due. Despite having more than thirty million Mora in income, deductions, and the discount he had used from Lisa's favor, he would be left with around twenty million.
He needed to be economical. The [Pokémon Goods Department Store] wasn't feasible for now, as his current manpower and resources couldn't sustain it.
The [Pokémon Daycare] was also not an option due to the substantial effort it required.
The [Pokémon Training Center] and [Battle Simulation Space], however, were worth considering.
After all, if he opened these facilities to clients like Barbara and Diluc, it could be quite profitable.
For laid-back individuals like the Traveler Lumine and Amber, he could focus on selling energy cubes while having Lumine help scout the terrain and gather materials for crafting future Pokémon medicines.
Speaking of Pokémon medicine, he needed to have a conversation with Lisa.