Chapter 102: We’re Not Short on Money

"So, you can detect the potential of Dark-type, Ghost-type, and Bug-type Pokémon?" Will quickly flipped through their accepted mission details, preparing to adjust their plans.

"Does that mean all of your Pokémon have high potential?" White curiously leaned in, though his eyes showed no hint of envy.

After all, he had money.

"Yeah, I guess." Sato nodded.

For some reason, he felt a slight sense of disappointment. Even though he had hidden part of his ability, only Clair seemed to express any envy.

"The Beedrill territory is to the north, past a small hill, there are Pinsir and Heracross groups. If your ability works, we'll only need to go there, this trip will be worth it."

"No problem," Sato shrugged and looked at their leader, Lance.

"Then let's go! Money first, battles later!"

----

After packing up, the group resumed their journey using their ride Pokémon. It took about an hour before they reached the Heracross territory.

Heracross were typically docile and paid little attention to their arrival, focusing solely on feeding on the sweet tree sap.

"White, your turn!"

"Got it! Bellossom, use Sweet Scent!"

White released a Bellossom, its small body looking adorable as it spun in place, releasing pink clouds of fragrant mist.

The gluttonous Heracross were instantly drawn in, leaving their trees and gathering around in a daze.

"Sato, quick, quick!" Clair whispered excitedly, careful not to disturb the Heracross in their blissful state.

"That one, and that one. The rest are just average."

Sato closed his eyes and quickly pinpointed two Heracross with Pseudo-Elite Four Bug-type potential using his Dark Energy emotion feedback.

The odds were astonishing. Out of a Heracross group of roughly a hundred, two had Pseudo-Elite Four-level potential.

Mount Silver's reputation was well-earned!

What followed was another large-scale battle. Even though Heracross were known for their gentle nature, surviving in Mount Silver meant they had to learn how to fight.

Heracross were strong! They countered almost every Pokémon in Sato's team. Their Bug- and Fighting-type combination naturally made Sato hesitant to engage them directly.

So instead, he relied on Zoroark and Houndoom for long-range Flamethrower attacks, refusing to let his Pokémon engage in close combat.

Just one solid punch from these Heracross would be enough to take out any of his Pokémon.

Lance, on the other hand, was in a completely different league. His Pidgeotto and newly sent-out Altaria tore through the battlefield, practically unstoppable!

---

After successfully capturing the two Pseudo-Elite Four Heracross, the group took a break, had lunch, and then moved on to the nearby Pinsir territory.

Unlike Heracross, Pinsir didn't need Sweet Scent to lure them in, they charged at the group on sight.

After scanning the swarm, Sato found only one Pseudo-Elite Four potential Pinsir, which turned out to be the group's leader.

By the time they left, the Pinsir were caught up in an internal battle, fighting for a new leader.

The group continued visiting different Pokémon territories, including Ledyba, Parasect, and Forretress, earning a small fortune in just three days.

With Rose Joy's timely medical support and White's ample logistical supplies, Sato felt like he was on a luxurious vacation while effortlessly making money.

As dusk settled, the group gathered around a campfire, chatting and enjoying their meal. Sato swallowed the last spoonful of delicious fish soup, realizing just how indulgent this lifestyle felt.

"Here's some good news, over the past two days, we've captured eight Pseudo-Elite Four-level potential Pokémon, exceeding any of our previous hunts!"

"Oh!" Clair and White clapped enthusiastically, while the others smiled at Lance.

"And we owe this success mostly to our new teammate, Sato!"

"Yeah! Yeah!"

Receiving the applause and praise from the team, Sato nodded in response, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. In his mind, he was silently pleading, Hurry up and move on, talk about the real issue already!

"But!"

Of course, there was a twist...

"But to be honest, in the past three days, we haven't gained much real experience. We've only been making money! Do any of us actually lack money?"

"I do!" Sato screamed internally, the tiny villain version of himself in his mind raising both hands and feet in agreement.

"We don't!" Lance declared loudly.

Under the flickering campfire and the glow of the setting sun, his presence seemed almost blinding.

"What we lack is training, experience, battles against powerful Pokémon, and the opportunity to capture worthy partners!"

Sato found the speech a bit dramatic, wanting to snap out of the atmosphere, yet he couldn't help but feel his blood boil. It was as if everything Lance spoke of was right before his eyes.

A quick glance at the others, even the usually composed Will, revealed eyes reflecting the flames, all staring intently at Lance with unwavering focus.

So this... is an adventurer's team?

Sato faintly sensed an invisible yet profound force, something he had never felt before.

"Starting tomorrow, Will, adjust our plans. Cancel all missions that are purely for money and replace them with ones that will truly challenge us!"

"Understood, Captain!"

"White, starting tomorrow, we'll venture deeper into the inner section of Mount Silver. Make sure everyone has their emergency supplies fully stocked, just in case!"

"Got it, Captain!"

"Everyone else, get some good rest. We leave at six sharp tomorrow morning!"

"Yes, sir!" x5

Without thinking, Sato also responded, straightening his back and sitting upright with full seriousness.

----

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, White was, as always, the first to wake. Clair was dragged out of the tent by Lance, which meant she had no choice but to sit and eat breakfast with everyone.

"Based on our current location, the nearest mission target is capturing the leader of the Nido clan, a Pseudo-Elite Four Nidoking!, Rose, prepare five antidotes per person, specifically for the Nido clan's poison."

"Got it, right away!"

Rose Joy immediately got to work, and with the help of Blissey, it took only a few minutes to prepare and distribute the antidotes.

---

As usual, they mounted their Pokémon and rushed toward the mission site.

Nearing the Nido clan's territory, they dismounted and proceeded on foot. At the same time, Will sent out Natu for reconnaissance.

Sato thought for a moment before ordering Gengar, hidden in the shadows, to investigate as well.

Minutes later, a green blur flashed through the air, and in the next instant, Natu landed on Will's shoulder, preening its feathers.

"The intel was accurate. The Nido clan resides in a vast grassland territory with over 500 members. Their leader is a Pseudo-Elite Four Junior Nidoking, always "accompanied" by eight Peak Elite Nidoqueen,"

Will reported, able to communicate directly with Natu, something the others envied.

"Wow, eight Nidoqueen..."

"Hey, stay serious!" Clair shot White a glance as he clicked his tongue in amazement, her face slightly flushed.