Chapter 33: Buying a Pokémon

[Aerith Tower: Quest Hall]

The portal's energy dissipated with a low hum as Arlo stepped out onto the HUB's platform. The familiar hum of activity around him reminded him that he was back in the vast, interconnected heart of the system, the central hub for all pioneers.

The air buzzed with the chatter of adventurers recounting their exploits, holographic screens projecting mission briefings, and sleek drones whirring by. Arlo took a moment to exhale deeply, his shoulders relaxing.

"Home sweet home," he muttered, glancing around at the busy terminal.

Arlo navigated through the crowds, weaving past armored warriors and robed mages. He found his way to the lounge area, a quieter corner with plush seats and a calming blue glow from the overhead lighting.

Sitting down, he activated his BrainLink with a practiced motion, summoning his screen. His fingers tapped the virtual keys as he initiated a video call to Aria. The connection processed, and after a brief flicker, her sharp, professional face appeared on the screen.

"Arlo," Aria said, her tone clipped. "I see you've returned. What's the status?"

Arlo leaned back in his chair, the weight of his recent mission pressing heavily on his shoulders. "Quest accomplished," he said, his voice steady but tinged with regret. "I completed the quest and the system evaluation for S-rank. But… it wasn't perfect. A couple of people died during the mission. Some of it… it doesn't sit right with me. I couldn't save them."

His gaze dropped to his hands, calloused and bruised from the battles he'd fought. The faces of those he'd failed to protect flashed in his mind—Tina's terrified expression as she described her nightmares, the hollow look in Nancy's eyes when she realized the danger they were in. He had done everything he could, pushed himself to the limit, and yet it hadn't been enough.

"I knew the risks," Arlo continued, his voice quieter now. "But knowing doesn't make it easier. I keep thinking… what if I'd been faster? Smarter? What if I'd made different choices?"

Aria's expression softened, her usual sharp demeanor giving way to something more understanding. "Arlo," she said gently, "this is part of the life of a Pioneer. We can't save everyone. No matter how strong or skilled you are, there will always be people you can't protect. And sometimes… sometimes we have to prioritize completing the quest over saving individuals. It's not easy, but it's the reality of what we do."

Her words were meant to comfort, but they only deepened the ache in Arlo's chest. He knew she was right—objectively, logically, he understood that. But the emotional toll was harder to reconcile.

"I know we need to complete the quest first," Arlo admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. "I know that's the priority. But it doesn't change the fact that I should have done better. I could have done better. Those people… they didn't deserve to die. And I can't just brush that off like it doesn't matter."

Aria studied him for a moment, her gaze steady and unwavering. "You're not wrong to feel that way," she said finally. "It's what makes you a good Pioneer. You care. You fight not just for the quest, but for the people caught in the crossfire. But you can't let guilt consume you. If you do, it'll eat away at you until there's nothing left. And then you won't be able to save anyone."

Arlo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it. I do. But it's hard to shake the feeling that I failed them."

"You didn't fail," Aria said firmly. "You completed the quest. You stopped a greater threat. And you saved others who might have been lost if you hadn't acted. That's not failure, Arlo. That's success—even if it doesn't feel like it right now."

Her words lingered in the air, a quiet reassurance that Arlo wasn't sure he could fully accept. But he nodded anyway, acknowledging her point even if he couldn't fully internalize it.

Aria's tone shifted, becoming lighter, almost conversational. "You've earned some rest. Take a few days to recharge. Clear your head. And when you're ready, we'll discuss your final mission. Once you complete it, you'll be officially recognized as a Pioneer."

Arlo leaned back, his expression still troubled but less tense than before. "Rest sounds good," he admitted. "But I'm not sure I'll be able to stop thinking about it."

"You don't have to stop thinking about it," Aria said. "Just don't let it define you. Learn from it. Grow from it. And when you're ready, use that experience to become stronger. That's what being a Pioneer is all about."

Arlo nodded slowly, her words sinking in. He wasn't sure he'd ever fully come to terms with the lives he couldn't save, but he knew he couldn't let it paralyze him. There were still people out there who needed help, still quests to complete, and still a final mission waiting for him.

"Thanks, Aria," he said quietly. "I'll take the rest. And then… I'll be ready for whatever comes next."

Aria gave him a small, approving smile. "Good. You've earned it."

As the call ended, Arlo sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. But for the first time since returning from the quest, he felt a glimmer of hope. He couldn't change the past, but he could shape the future. And that was enough—for now.

Arlo's body ached from the tension of the last few days, and his thoughts felt like a tangled mess. He stood and made his way to the HUB's transit station, boarding a sleek, automated train that would take him to the residential district.

As the train zipped through glowing tunnels, Arlo leaned back in his seat, gazing at the cityscape rushing past. The bright neon signs advertising everything from AI assistants to luxury hovercars felt strangely out of place after his recent dive into Springwood's gritty, horror-filled reality. The ride was smooth, and before long, he stepped off at his stop.

Arriving at his Quantum Cube, Arlo keyed in his access code, and the door slid open with a soft hiss. The small, efficient space welcomed him back like a familiar embrace. Dropping his bag on the floor, he sank into the chair by his desk, letting the quiet hum of the room's systems lull him.

"Rest," he muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I could use some of that."

.....

[Quantum Cube Apartment Complex: Arlo's Room]

The soft glow of the morning sun seeped through the blinds of Arlo's Quantum Cube, painting faint streaks of light across the minimalist furniture. He stretched lazily in bed, the tension from his recent escapades finally beginning to ebb away.

"A new day," he mumbled, groaning as he rolled out of bed.

After a refreshing shower, he wrapped himself in a robe and slumped into his desk chair. Pulling up his BrainLink, he navigated to the food delivery in the HUBnet. The recent quest had left him with a hefty boost to his credits, and he figured it was time to treat himself.

His cursor hovered over the high-end selections as he read the descriptions with delight. 

Smoked Bluefin Tuna (45 credits)

Wagyu Beef Steak (50 credits)

Kobe Beef Steak (60 credits)

Pineapple Juice (10 credits)

Artisan Bread Assortment (20 credits)

"Smoked Bluefin tuna? Yes, please. Wagyu beef steak? Don't mind if I do. Ooh, Kobe beef steak—been dreaming about this one. And pineapple juice to wash it all down. Fancy bread? Throw it in the cart."

The total cost [135 credits] barely made him flinch.

"Worth every single credit," he declared, tapping the "Confirm Purchase" button.

A sleek animation of a drone carrying his order popped up on the screen, accompanied by a cheerful ding.

It didn't take long for the food to arrive. The Quantum Cube door slid open with a soft chime, revealing a drone holding an elegant stack of glossy black boxes, each tied with a ribbon. Arlo couldn't help but grin. 

"Service with style," he remarked, grabbing the boxes and setting them carefully on his table.

Opening the first box, a wave of rich, smoky aroma hit him. The Smoked Bluefin tuna glistened under the light, each slice perfectly arranged.

"Man," Arlo whispered, taking a bite. The soft, buttery texture melted on his tongue, leaving a delicate yet robust smoky flavor. "This... this is food for the gods. God himself would weep for this tuna."

Next, he tore into the Wagyu beef steak. The marbled meat was cooked to perfection, with a tender center that required no effort to cut through. The first bite made him pause, his eyes widening.

"How is this even real? Did they genetically engineer cows to taste like dreams? No wonder it costs a fortune."

The Kobe beef steak followed, and Arlo couldn't help but let out an exaggerated groan of satisfaction. "Oh, man. This... this is like if heaven had a barbecue. I'm crying. I'm literally crying."

He dabbed at his eyes with a napkin, chuckling at his over-the-top reaction but feeling it was entirely justified.

He sipped on the pineapple juice, the tangy sweetness providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steaks. "Perfect pairing. It's like a tropical vacation in a glass."

The fancy bread, a mix of artisan baguettes, soft brioche, and buttery croissants, rounded out the meal. Tearing into a warm, crusty loaf, he spread a dollop of truffle butter that came as a side.

"Who knew bread could be this satisfying?" he mused, savoring the light, airy interior and the rich, earthy undertones of the butter.

By the end of the meal, Arlo leaned back in his chair, utterly content. The empty boxes sat stacked neatly on the table, a testament to his indulgence.

"Okay, that was... ridiculously expensive," he admitted, patting his stomach. "But worth every single credit. A celebration feast fit for a Pioneer-to-be."

He let out a contented sigh, staring at the ceiling. "If only every quest ended with Wagyu steak and smoked tuna. Maybe being a Pioneer isn't so bad after all."

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Arlo exited his Quantum Cube, stepping into the bustling residential district. Took the train for an immediate transportation.

The glowing signs and vibrant atmosphere of the Commercial District beckoned him as he made his way toward the Radiance Garden Mega Mall. He had a plan, a slightly indulgent one but one he had been dreaming about when he was young kid. 

Today, I'm buying a Pokémon.

As he boarded the train, the faint hum of the rails was drowned out by the Pokémon theme song playing in his head. He couldn't help but smirk at the absurdity.

"Every trainer starts somewhere," he muttered under his breath, glancing at the cityscape flying by.

His excitement built with each passing moment, and by the time he reached the mall, he was practically humming the tune aloud.

It was no long before he arrive at the Commercial District Train station.

Arlo's excitement buzzed beneath his skin as he navigated the Radiance Garden Mega Mall. The theme song from the original Pokémon series played on loop in his mind, though he refrained from humming aloud to avoid strange looks.

As an avid Pokémon fan since childhood, the thought of owning a Pokémon partner felt surreal.

The Radiance Garden Mega Mall was a marvel of modern architecture, its glass walls reflecting the glow of holographic advertisements. Arlo's excitement buzzed beneath his skin as he navigated the sprawling complex, finally stepping into the [Pokémon Emporium].

"Finally," he thought, suppressing a grin. "No more catching them virtually on a handheld console."

Arlo stepped into the massive Pokémon store, immediately swept up by the bustling activity around him. The space was brightly lit, with colorful displays showcasing various Pokémon in all their glory. Familiar species caught his eye: a Pikachu perched on a trainer's shoulder, a Charizard roaring in a nearby enclosure, and a majestic Dragonite elegantly circling a large, clear dome. It was as if his childhood fantasies had materialized before him, and for a moment, Arlo felt like a kid in a candy store.

A part of Arlo's brain compared the setup to a high-end car showroom—luxurious and unattainable for many.

He walked deeper into the shop, taking in the sights and sounds. People conversed animatedly, store staff demonstrated battle techniques, and customers crowded around display cases filled with Poké Balls, evolution stones, and other gear. As he scanned the price tags, however, Arlo's initial excitement was replaced by a sinking feeling. Pokémon were far from affordable.

A quick glance at a Caterpie in a small glass enclosure revealed its price: [1,000 credits].

Arlo winced. That was on the low end, and he couldn't fathom shelling out such a sum for a Pokémon that most trainers would replace after a few evolutions. 

He moved toward another section where pseudo-legendary Pokémon were featured. Gible, Larvitar, and Bagon all highly coveted for their power were displayed with hefty price tags ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 credits, depending on their potential and abilities.

He wandered through the aisles, eyes widening at the range of Pokémon on display. There were pens containing Butterfree, Growlithe, and even a majestic-looking Dragonite.

He stopped to admire a row of pseudo-legendaries, only to balk at their price tags. "Fifty thousand credits for a Gible?!" he whispered to himself. "Guess I'm not evolving into a Dragon Master anytime soon."

Still, Arlo couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as he browsed. Pokémon had been a cornerstone of his childhood—countless hours spent battling gym leaders, building dream teams, and yelling at the screen when his Pokémon fainted. The chance to have one in real life was exhilarating.

Arlo sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "So much for fulfilling my dream," he muttered.

It was one thing to fantasize about becoming a Pokémon trainer; it was another to afford the steep costs associated with it. "At this rate, I might as well stick to catching Pokémon on a console."

Still, he couldn't bring himself to leave the store. The nostalgia was too strong, and the longing to have his own Pokémon too deeply rooted. He wandered aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon something more within his reach. 

"Maybe there's a discount corner or a clearance sale," he thought wryly, though he doubted a store this upscale would cater to bargain hunters like him.

"It's like the universe is giving me a real shot at being the very best," he thought wistfully, his smile faltering as he realized how far his current budget fell short.

His attention was drawn to a commotion near the center of the store. A crowd had gathered around a display case filled with Pokémon eggs. Intrigued, Arlo made his way over.

.....

The commotion in the store piqued Arlo's curiosity as he made his way toward the cluster of excited onlookers. A display case, lit with soft golden light, showcased an assortment of Pokémon eggs. Each egg rested in an ornate, padded slot, radiating a faint glow that hinted at the life within. Above the case, a sign announced a:

"Limited Time Offer – Mystery Pokémon Eggs for 1,500 Credits Each!"

Arlo tilted his head, scanning the display with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. "Mystery eggs, huh?" he muttered. "So, basically, a gacha system but with real creatures. Whoever came up with this marketing strategy... genius and evil."

The saleslady, a woman with a bright smile and impeccable uniform, addressed the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, each egg contains a Pokémon, but the species will remain a surprise until it hatches. You might get a Caterpie or... a DRATINI. It's all about luck!"

Arlo suppressed an eye roll. "Yeah, because I have that kind of luck," he muttered under his breath, but he couldn't deny the allure. Despite knowing the odds, he felt a pang of excitement.

He activated his [Observe] discreetly to see the information's of the Pokémon eggs for any hint of quality or species.

Most of them, as he suspected, were of common or low quality. But one egg caught his eye was a any normal looking Pokémon egg but egg have a potential of an Elite Pokémon.

[Rockruff (Egg)]

Type: Rock

Species: Puppy Pokémon

Potential: Elite

Abilities: Own Tempo (This Pokémon cannot be confused)

Egg Moves: Thrash

Description: This Pokémon is very friendly when it's young. Its disposition becomes vicious once it matures, but it never forgets the kindness of its master.

The Screen on his BrainLink revealed it was a Rockruff egg, and what made it even more enticing was its elite-level potential and the ability "Own Tempo." Arlo's heart skipped a beat.

"Lycanroc Dusk Form," he murmured, excitement bubbling in his chest. He remembered how much he loved that form, its agility, strength, and unique evolution path. I need to get that Egg, this is now my chance to fulfilling one of my dream.

Feigning disinterest, Arlo stepped back, trying to act like the egg wasn't special.

"No point getting worked up. It's just another egg," he said aloud, hoping to deflect attention.

However, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a well-dressed teenage boy with a butler pointing at the same egg.

The boy's smug expression and his obvious flaunting of wealth made Arlo's blood boil.

Great, one of those rich young master I read in one those cliché xianxia novel, but I need to formulate a plan fast Arlo thought.

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Arlo stood by the counter, holding the Rockruff egg tightly in his hands. The saleslady smiled nervously, caught in the middle of the brewing tension between Arlo and the rich teenager who had just demanded the egg. The teenager's butler, a man in his fifties with a perfectly polished demeanor, stepped forward. 

"My master insists on purchasing that egg," the butler said, bowing slightly as if to soften the demand. "Perhaps we can come to an agreement?"

Arlo glanced at the teenager, who was now smirking with the confidence of someone who always got what they wanted.

The saleslady hesitated, then turned to Arlo. "Sir, this young gentleman is also interested in the egg. Would you mind considering another one? We have plenty to choose from."

Arlo put on a show of casual indifference, shrugging as he said, "Sure, no problem. Honestly, I was only randomly picking this up because my nephew wouldn't stop bugging me about Pokémon eggs. I'm in a bit of a rush anyway, so I'll just grab a different one." He handed the egg over to the teenager with a smile, hiding the internal smugness he felt.

The teenager accepted the egg, clearly caught off guard by Arlo's nonchalance. But as he held it, doubt flickered across his face.

"Wait," he muttered, turning to his butler. "Do we even know what Pokémon is in this egg?"

The butler adjusted his glasses, his tone careful. "I'm afraid not, sir. It could be anything."

Arlo pretended not to notice the hesitation and began inspecting another egg on the shelf. He made a show of nodding in approval at a random one, all the while keeping an ear on the conversation. The teenager's smirk was gone, replaced by a furrowed brow as he overanalyzed the situation.

Finally, the teenager thrust the egg back at the saleslady. "I don't want it," he declared, his voice laced with irritation. "Let him take it."

Oh, what a twist, Arlo mused internally, doing his best to hide his victorious grin. Sometimes, the simplest reverse psychology works wonders.

The saleslady returned the egg to Arlo, who took it with a polite nod.

"Thanks. Guess my nephew's lucky today," he said, giving the teenager a subtle glance before turning back to the counter to finalize the purchase.

With the egg secured, Arlo picked up a few essentials for his new Pokémon:

Moo Moo Milk - 10 x (100 credits)

Incubator (200 credits)

Luxury Ball - 1x (800 credits)

General Pokéblock (300 credits)

The total cost of nearly 1200 Credits and what is left is [4110 Credits] made his wallet ache, but he considered it an investment. He walked out of the store, clutching the egg protectively and grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

"I can't wait to see you hatch," Arlo whispered to the egg, imagining the adventures he'd have with his new partner. For now, though, he basked in the satisfaction of outsmarting the rich teenager and securing his dream Pokémon.