Chapter 368 · Torchic

"Yes, I'd like to buy a Torchic. Are any of these for sale?" Gary asked.

From the caretaker's eager expression, it was obvious he was hoping to sell these Torchic.

Although Torchic were good Pokémon, raising them still cost money—even with support from the League.

If these Torchic weren't distributed to rookie Trainers on schedule, the breeding house had to keep caring for them—and once their levels climbed too high, beginners wouldn't be able to control them.

After all, the Torchic here had high potential. With another three months of normal training, they would almost certainly reach their first evolution.

All ten Torchic in the nursery were already around Level 16. If they stayed here much longer, they'd evolve into Combusken, whose headstrong personalities made them notorious for charging straight into battle the moment they saw a strong opponent. A nightmare for inexperienced Trainers.

The caretaker was already worrying over what to do with these Torchic. Torchic weren't exactly rare, so they couldn't expect to recoup the breeding costs through auction either. Common Pokémon fetched low prices unless they had extraordinary strength or rare features.

Auctions focused on rarity, and since Torchic were a standard starter in Hoenn, they weren't considered rare. If they were meant for rookies, they wouldn't fetch a premium price.

"Oh, please come in," the caretaker said quickly, leading Gary and Zinnia to the fenced yard.

"Every Torchic here was bred for rookie Trainers," he explained. "I guarantee that none of them have less than Gym-level potential."

"How much are you asking?" Gary asked, getting straight to the point.

"Five hundred thousand PokéDollars each."

Gary blinked.

Seeing his reaction, the caretaker quickly added, "That's a bargain, I assure you. On the inter-regional auction circuit, a Torchic of this caliber could go for a million. After auction fees and taxes, though, the breeder only clears about five or six hundred thousand. At 500k, I'm not making a profit, but at least I won't be taking a loss."

Gary hadn't been startled because the price was too high—quite the opposite. Considering that two of the Torchic had Elite-level potential, half a million was a steal. A dedicated Fire-type specialist would gladly pay double.

"The price is fine," Gary said. "May I pick one myself?"

"Of course. Need any help?"

"No, thanks. I'll take care of it."

Gary stepped into the enclosure. The Torchic stopped pecking at stones and gathered around him expectantly.

They all knew their futures depended on finding a Trainer. Unfortunately, there had been fewer rookie sign-ups this year, so several of them were still waiting to be chosen.

If the nursery couldn't place them, they'd be auctioned. And if they still didn't sell, they'd be released into a wilderness preserve—where survival was far from guaranteed.

Although Trainers were prohibited from catching Pokémon in the wild sanctuary, the League didn't intervene if Pokémon preyed on each other there.

So the best outcome for these Torchic was to follow a Trainer. Otherwise, they risked their lives in the wild.

Gary focused on the two Elite-potential Torchic—one at Level 13, the other at Level 15.

"You and you—are either of you willing to travel with me?" he asked.

"Chik?"

The Level 15 Torchic just tilted its head, lost interest, and waddled away.

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? Do you have any idea what'll happen if no Trainer picks you?"

These Torchic only understood that a Trainer would take them away. They had no idea what kind of fate awaited them if they weren't chosen.

"Chik!"

Fortunately, the Level 13 Torchic chirped happily and pressed its beak against Gary's palm.

"Great. Let's do our best together," Gary said. He didn't care much about Torchic's level—he could train it in the early stages anyway.

"Alright, it's settled then." The caretaker smiled warmly. He knew what could happen to these Torchic if they weren't adopted.

The caretaker clearly cared about them. He had raised them from eggs, after all, and couldn't help but be attached.

He was thoughtful enough not to rush Gary for payment. Instead, he first handed over Torchic's Poké Ball, then politely asked for the money.

After paying, Gary placed Torchic in the Poké Ball and checked its data:

[Pokémon]: Torchic ♂

[Type]: Fire

[Level]: 13

[Potential]: Elite

[Ability]: Blaze – When HP falls below one-third, Fire-type moves deal 1.5× damage.

[Moves]: Scratch · Ember · Quick Attack · Detect · Sand Attack

[Friendship]: 95 / 255

Torchic's stats were quite solid, and its move set was practical for a young Pokémon.

"Caretaker, thanks for everything. We'll head back to Lavaridge now—I still need to challenge the Gym."

By his estimate, Ash and the others should have arrived in town by now.

Before they left, the caretaker turned to Zinnia. "Young lady, are you sure you don't want one? Torchic really are adorable."

"They're cute," she admitted, hugging Whismur, "but not as cute as my little girl here."

Realizing she preferred soft, plush-looking Pokémon, the caretaker chuckled and waved them off.