The morning air grew cooler as Silas continued his journey.
Perfect weather for travel.
When he passed a stretch of small farmland, rooftops finally appeared in the distance.
He had arrived at Fallarbor Town.
A quiet inland town surrounded by fields.
Because of its proximity to Mt. Chimney, volcanic ash often drifted through the region, enriching the soil and allowing vegetation to grow unusually lush.
Although officially classified as a small town, Fallarbor's prosperity rivaled that of some underdeveloped cities.
The reason was very simple-
Researchers.
Many renowned scholars lived here, including several Pokémon Doctors who specialized in ancient Pokémon, meteorites, and fossil research.
Fallarbor was Hoenn's academic hub.
But Silas had come for another reason.
Fallarbor was the only major transportation junction in Hoenn's inland region.
It had both bus routes and trade connections that linked to the coast.
Hoenn's economy centered around the sea.
The inland remained comparatively poor.
....
The moment Silas stepped into town, he sensed something was very different.
Unlike other relaxed settlements, the people here moved quickly.
Quiet.
Focused.
Reserved.
He guessed it was the influence of the scholars.Researchers were brilliant But not exactly known for emotional warmth.
Their reputation online was… mixed.
....
Silas entered the Pokémon Center immediately.
"Nurse Joy," he greeted calmly.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center," she replied with her usual bright smile.
After securing a private room, Silas enjoyed a long, hot shower.
When he stepped out, refreshed, he ordered a large amount of food to his room.
Most of it wasn't for him.
It was for Sandile.
Over time, Sandile's obsession with tearing into meat had only intensified.
Silas tried to reduce its intake of low-quality wild flesh. Instead, he purchased specially processed Pokémon-grade meat.
It wasn't cheap.But it was cleaner.
Safer.
Better for long-term growth.
Sandile had grown noticeably larger.
Its scales had shifted from deep black to a yellowish-brown tone.
Still rough.
Still coarse.
Silas regularly maintained them, because Sandile's back scales were its primary defensive armor.Keeping them in good condition was not easy.
In the corner of the room ,Sandile tore into a massive slab of beef.
"San—DILE!"
Even Silas felt his appetite rise watching it eat.He lifted a bottle of Moomoo Milk and drank deeply.
Ever since tasting it in Lavaridge Town's hot springs region, he had developed a fondness for it.
The calcium-enriched formula was said to be good for bone strength.
After finishing lunch, Silas left the Pokémon Center.
He found a quiet alley.
And put on his black robe and mask.
...
The streets were nearly empty.
Fallarbor had a midday rest tradition.
Most residents stayed indoors during noon hours.
Convenient.
After weaving through several narrow alleys, Silas reached an abandoned storefront.
This was the only black market entrance in Fallarbor Town.
It had taken effort to discover its location. Inside, the shop appeared deserted.
Dusty.
Empty.
He pressed a hidden mechanism in the corner.
A section of the wall slid aside, revealing a narrow passage lit by dim lights.
After walking for several minutes ,He emerged into a bustling open-air market.
Fallarbor's black market.
Unlike Rustboro's underground version, this one was boldly constructed outdoors.
Perhaps the Hoenn League's control here was weaker.
The market was smaller in scale than those in coastal cities.
Fewer people.But everyone dressed the same Black robes.
Masks.
No exposed identities.
Because among the crowd were not only underground organization members But League-affiliated trainers. And members of powerful families.
The League chose to look the other way.
Fallarbor's researchers were influential.
Many were backed by ancient families.
To secure their cooperation, the Hoenn League made concessions.
This black market Likely operated with tacit approval from those same families.
Many storefronts displayed crests near their entrances.
Family insignias.
The real power in Fallarbor was a circle of research families bound by shared interests.
Silas observed.
But did not care.
He had no intention of entangling himself with such forces.
...
The black market might have been small But it lacked nothing.
Silas rented a stall in the vendor area.
He began displaying the Pokémon he had captured in the wild.
A wooden sign listed:
Pokémon species
Level
Basic aptitude
Price in Pokédollars
He also laid out unused materials:
Rare Pokémon body parts
Uncommon crafting materials
Nearby vendors cast wary glances.
Level 30 Pokémon were not common merchandise.
Before long, buyers approached.
Especially regarding the Kadabra.
A Level 30 Psychic-type Pokémon.
Strong.
Difficult to handle.
Highly valuable if tamed properly.
"300,000 Pokédollars," Silas said coldly."That's the lowest I'll go."
He drove away another opportunistic bargainer.
Selling previously owned Pokémon was always tricky.
If the buyer failed to tame it ,They would be stuck with a rebellious asset.
Silas lowered the price slightly.
Still, interest remained low.
Ironically, several low-level wild Pokémon sold faster.
Even the Jynx pre-evolution (Smoochum) fetched a higher price than the listed Kadabra.
Silas was preparing to close his stall ,When another black-robed figure approached.
"Excuse me," a clear female voice asked from beneath the hood, "Where did you capture this Kadabra?"
A woman.
Silas noted the tone immediately.
"In the wild," he replied flatly. "If you're not buying, don't ask."
He couldn't exactly say it had belonged to Team Rocket.
"…Very well."
A slender hand extended from the robe.
"300,000 Pokédollars."
Silas scanned the card and completed the transaction without hesitation.
As he took it, he noticed The skin was smooth.
Fair.
Young.
Probably under twenty.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
<><><><><><>
(End of chapter)