"Looks like we arrived quite early."
Shanren and Baimu sat down at the location marked on the invitation, flipping through the manual placed in front of them.
Inside, it recorded the Pokémon and other items that would appear in this auction—Pokémon were just a part of it, and there were even more bizarre things.
For example, a signed photo or clothing of a certain Champion, Pokémon breeding tips from a top Trainer, Gorgeous Competition techniques from a top Coordinator Trainer, and introductory invitations from a top Breeder.
Besides that, it even included jewelry or antiques from other regions.
"Does this auction not have a theme?" Baimu was a bit puzzled, as auctions usually have a theme, either selling only Pokémon or only some jewelry and such.
Here, it was a mix.
"Theme? Of course, there is." Shanren laughed, pointing to the items in the manual, saying, "Most likely, none of the things here have a legitimate origin, whether it's Pokémon or antique jewelry. They're either stolen or robbed. So this auction is essentially a fence for thieves and robbers."
Baimu was stunned and looked at the other with a slightly suspicious expression.
Shanren continued as if he hadn't noticed his look, "The Underground City is great at collecting all the filth and sin, keeping it out of sight of outsiders. Even if they do see it, there's nothing they can do about it.
"Some businessmen and political figures who can't show their faces come here using 'white gloves' to acquire what they want. Even if the 'white gloves' get caught, they just need to prove they're unaware and claim the position of a benevolent third party to continue evading justice."
"But that trick doesn't work every time, does it?" Baimu spoke, "Unless someone intentionally lets them off."
Shanren glanced at him, "Of course. But people who have been in high positions for too long, after hearing too many flattering words and seeing too many pretending subordinates, start to think everyone is a fool, walking on clouds playing gods, thinking they're a different species from everyone else. Such people... huh."
The sneer made Baimu ponder.
It seemed like this person was hinting at something, as if trying to test him with these words, but he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination.
After all, knowing these items were illegal, why did Shanren bring him to the auction to purchase Pokémon?
The anticipation cooled slightly, and he looked again at the many Pokémon in the manual, lost in thought.
However, before he could ask.
The other party said, "If you're not interested in the items here, it's okay to leave before the auction starts."
"Huh? Is it okay?"
"Of course it's okay, I just came to show my face, to prove I was present, and to give some people a bit of courtesy."
"...Then let's go."
Baimu said with a bit of regret, although the items were tempting, he wasn't willing to deal with Pokémon of uncertain origin.
Just as he was about to get up.
Suddenly.
"Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."
Shanren got up slowly, smiled apologetically, and left the hall with Alakazam.
Baimu watched his back, a bit surprised that the other would take a Pokémon to the restroom, then looked around and decided against going along.
Though in previous life it was common to go in groups at school, the two of them weren't that close yet, overstepping would be inappropriate.
"Stolen goods..."
With nothing better to do, he looked at the manual again.
The Pokémon listed were judged on appearance, origin, and pedigree, much like cat and dog competitions in the past life, where fighting skills and level were secondary.
For instance, one Miltank was marked as having the same mother as the one from the Johto Goldenrod City Gym Leader Xiaoqian's Miltank.
There were also offspring of Pokémon belonging to the Four Heavenly Kings and some top Trainer Baimu didn't recognize but seemed famous, offspring of their Pokémon, and so on.
Putting aside the authenticity of these things, at least in the photos shown, they indeed looked extraordinary.
In stark contrast to the Chanseys he used to see, depressed and unkempt in cages—
Among them.
He believed the clues most likely pointed to three Pokémon.
The first was a group of six Deinos sold in bulk, marked as coming from Unova's Dragon Land, the hometown of Black and White female Champion Alice.
The second was a Duraludon supposedly bred by Raihan, the Gym Leader known as Dragon Storm from the Galar Region's Fistgate Arena, having a blood relation to the one he currently uses.
The third was the offspring of an Overlord Kommo-o from the Alola Region, three cute little Jangmo-o.
Yet the prices for the three were surprisingly similar, with six Deinos starting at 20 million, Duraludon starting at 15 million, and Jangmo-o starting at 30 million!
Making a big spectacle of it.
Why were Jangmo-o particularly expensive?
Because it was advertised as possibly being raised to the size of an Overlord, with the Overlord Aura being possible—
Keep dreaming, such false advertising.
Overlord Aura isn't inherited through bloodline.
Baimu knew that kind of claim was nonsense, but more than that, what was more worthy of attention was which clue it truly pointed to, or if it was just none of them?
To be honest.
Knowing their origins were questionable, he had no desire to purchase, preferring to find a legitimate Pokémon store elsewhere—though many Underground City stores were shady, there were still properly imported Pokémon into the Ore Region.
"Forget it."
Baimu shook his head, intending to head to the restroom.
Shanren had been gone for over ten minutes; if he hadn't been left behind, it meant he was up to something big or was engaging in conversation with someone.
This well-known person in Pyrite Town frequently met those wishing to connect.
——
Guided by a servant, he walked to the restroom.
Baimu did not encounter Shanren along the way, each stall was open, and there was no sign of Shanren.
Did he leave first?
For someone with Shanren's character, it didn't seem like he'd leave without a word.
He quickly took care of his needs, and while washing his hands, suddenly noticed a man wearing a turban, his face half-covered with a sand-guard scarf, coming over and opening the faucet, saying something inexplicable.
"Meteor Village? Yanmo City? Shenho Town?"
"Uh..."
"Wherever you're from, get away from here quickly. If something happens, I can't ensure your safety. Also, keep the badge hidden, don't flaunt it."
"..."
Baimu didn't reply; from the corner of his eye, he noticed the man staring intently at the badge on his waist, feeling a jolt of realization that the clue he'd been waiting for had come.
Unexpectedly, after saying this, the man turned and left.
He pondered briefly, took a Pokeball in hand, and quickly followed, but after a few steps, he attracted the man's attention.
"Tsk! Why don't you listen, you little ghost?"
The man, irritated, rubbed his head and strode over, grabbing his arm, "Come with me, this isn't a place to talk."
Baimu remained calm, letting himself be pulled along while taking the chance to closely observe the man's appearance.
Though the face was covered, judging by the build, voice, and exposed skin, he guessed the man's age wasn't much older, probably only in his twenties.
And when they reached a corner, the man lifted the scarf.
Judging by appearance alone, Baimu's guess seemed to be confirmed.
"Where did you hear that information? Coincidence? I'm telling you, the people here are dangerous. They're not like the villains we met before; they won't show mercy. There's a real chance of people dying!"
The man earnestly warned.
Seeing his anxious face, Baimu pondered for a few seconds, then said, "Did you misunderstand something?"
"Huh?"
The man was taken aback, furrowing his brows deeply, "I misunderstood... don't tell me you don't know what's being sold here."
"I'm not talking about that. What I mean is, you might have mistaken me for someone else. But I'm sorry, I'm actually a native resident of Pyrite Town."
Baimu shook his head.
The man's expression changed swiftly, and he grabbed the badge at Baimu's waist, "Where did you get this badge?"