Takashi instinctively thought of the time Misty met a Golduck on Hasha Island, mistakenly believing it was her Psyduck that had evolved. But when a group of beautiful women passed by, the Golduck revealed its true nature, behaving just like Brock. In the end, she discovered her Psyduck still couldn't swim.
Could this Chikorita be the same kind of situation as Golduck?
"Welcome," Takashi said, forcing a polite but strained smile to ease the tension in the room.
Amber quickly stepped aside, remembering that the little Chikorita seemed to have some hostility toward females.
Kaeya, with his arms crossed, looked down at the Chikorita that was pressing itself against his boots. It didn't seem to have any ill intent, so he relaxed his guard.
"Store manager, I heard from Amber that the Pokemon here are pretty decent. I came by to take a look," Kaeya said, showing a casual demeanor.
"Feel free to look around. Would you like me to explain the concept of Pokemon a bit more?" Takashi responded, becoming more enthusiastic as Kaeya appeared approachable.
Amber smiled, "No need for that. Just give him the Pokedex and let him draw one. Hehe."
She had already made her calculations. If she could get another opponent like Chikorita, she could have a natural advantage in future battles. Not that it would guarantee an outright win, but at least she would have the edge.
"Xerneas," Takashi called out, and Xerneas took the Pokedex and handed it to Kaeya.
Kaeya blinked in surprise as he noticed a faint white glow covering the Pokedex. "Is this magic?"
Amber shook her head dismissively as she took the Pokedex, "Ah, come on, senior. You're outdated. This is a Pokemon move, see?"
The Pokedex spoke: "Confusion, a Psychic-type move that allows one to control the opponent with their mind, potentially causing damage and confusion."
Kaeya rubbed his chin. "Amber, did you just learn that now?"
Amber rubbed the back of her head, trying to laugh it off. "Just following along with the Pokedex."
"Alright, Kaeya, draw your destined Pokemon," she said eagerly.
Kaeya took hold of the Pokedex. Before pressing the button, he asked, "Destined Pokemon?"
"Yeah, it's like the first Pokemon you get when stepping into the world of Pokemon. It's all about luck. If you're lucky, you might draw a pseudo-legendary, making it much easier to train them. If you're not so lucky, you can still make your Pokemon stronger through careful training."
Amber seemed more excited than Kaeya. "Come on, press it already, I'm dying of anticipation!"
Kaeya lightly pressed the draw button, and several shadows flashed quickly across the screen before settling on one.
The shadow on the screen shimmered, and a golden aura flickered around the Pokemon with star effects.
Amber was taken aback. "Wh-What... the Pokedex even glows?"
Takashi was stunned for a moment too. No way, Kaeya's luck was incredible—he had drawn a shiny Pokemon!
The Pokedex spoke:
"Machop, the Superpower Pokemon. It has muscles that never get sore, no matter how much it exercises. Its strength is said to allow it to hurl 100 adults."
"A hundred adults?" Amber exclaimed. "That's insane! That means, in battle, this thing could do the work of a hundred people?"
She was overwhelmed. This Pokemon was strong. If she faced Machop, she'd be running away, tail between her legs. Her Ponyta might not stand a chance against Kaeya's Machop—a water otter in Klee's team, a wingull with Lumine, and now this powerful Machop.
This was tough.
Kaeya looked at the image of Machop in the Pokedex, silently observing it. The creature was entirely gray, with five fingers on each hand but no defined toes.
It had red pupils, black irises, and three plate-like growths on its head.
In addition, it had a tail, and its ribs were visible on its chest.
Its small stature belied the powerful muscles that covered its body.
"Interesting," Kaeya muttered, rubbing his chin as if genuinely intrigued by the little muscular creature.
"Store manager, call out Machop so I can see it in person!" Amber clenched her hands into small fists, her eyes brimming with anticipation as she looked at Takashi.
Takashi took Machop's Pokeball from the shelf. "Come out, Machop."
"Machop!"
Machop appeared in a flash, raising its short but muscular arms, roaring confidently.
Kaeya, puzzled, asked, "Wasn't Machop's skin gray in the Pokedex? Why is it green now?"
Takashi explained, "What you saw in the Pokedex was the normal version of Machop. The shiny version has star effects to distinguish it. This green is its actual shiny form."
Amber put her hands on her hips, "It's definitely a flashier color, but it still looks a bit strange."
Kaeya didn't mind the color; he was more interested in the practicality of it. "What's the difference between a shiny Pokemon and a normal one, store manager?"
Takashi patiently explained, "In terms of growth and training, there's no real difference between a shiny Pokemon and a normal one. The only advantage is that in Pokemon Coordination Contests, the shiny form will give you bonus points. Due to their rarity, shiny Pokemon are highly valued, making them a 'one in a hundred' kind of Pokemon."
"Coordination Contests?" Amber couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, it's a type of competition where Pokemon are judged on their appearance, the splendor of their moves, and their coordination with the trainer. Shiny Pokemon get extra points for their appearance."
"I see." Kaeya nodded. He didn't fully understand, but it did sound impressive.
Takashi continued, "With 905 known species of Pokemon, drawing a Machop, especially a shiny one, is one in ten thousand. There's probably no one in all of Mondstadt as lucky as you."
Amber sighed. "Another rival, huh..."
Kaeya stared at Machop, and Machop stared back at Kaeya.
"Machop!"
Machop flexed its muscles in Kaeya's direction.
Xerneas translated, "So, how about it, big guy? Wanna spar?"
Amber chuckled, "This Machop seems pretty lively."
Kaeya nodded, "Store manager, I think it has potential. I'll take it."
Takashi smiled, "That will be one million Mora."
Amber was shocked. "No way, store manager, this isn't even a pseudo-legendary—why so expensive?"
"Its rarity increased its value fivefold."
Kaeya paused for a moment, then said, "That's fine. I'll bring the deposit by tonight."
"Alright, thank you for your patronage. Here's a trainer's handbook, a Pokedex, and two boxes of premium Pokeblocks—they're free. Machop can eat human food, but I recommend feeding it Pokeblocks for optimal growth." Takashi expertly handed over the items.
"Machop!"
Kaeya reached out, and Machop shook his hand.
Kaeya was surprised by the strength in Machop's grip. This little guy was no joke.