The second auction item that appeared, after the curtain was lifted, was a scale casting a faint purple halo under the light, reflecting a shimmering, multicolored glow.
The palm-sized scale appeared exceptionally dazzling under the spotlight.
And its name naturally came to mind as it appeared.
Dragon Scale!
Natsuhiko had obtained a Dragon Scale before and had lavishly used it to nurture a Dragon-type Pokémon Egg.
Though it seemed extravagant now, from a long-term perspective, it enhanced the potential of the Dragon-type Pokémon after hatching and improved its future prospects.
Exchanging the present for the future is quite worthwhile.
Besides, Natsuhiko currently had no Dragon-type Pokémon to use.
With the appearance of this Dragon Scale, Dragapult snapped out of its previous daze, letting Natsuhiko know that this Dragon Scale was unusual.
"As everyone can see, this is a Dragon Scale, obtained by the seller accidentally. After professional appraisal by our auction house's appraisers, this Dragon Scale should originate from an Elite Trainer Level Dragon-type Pokémon. Its value needs no further elaboration, right?"
The host on stage introduced it.
An Elite Trainer Level Dragon-type Pokémon, be it its strength or the concentration of its dragon bloodline, is beyond question.
Items like Dragon Scales and Curved Spoons, shed or obtained from Pokémon, have significant effects related to the strength of their original owners.
Therefore, the price of this Dragon Scale should not be low.
"The starting bid is one million League Coins, with increments no less than fifty thousand each time, starting now!"
Following the host's words, voices calling out bids began to emerge.
Natsuhiko wasn't in a hurry to bid and just looked at Dragapult.
"What's wrong?"
"Baluya..."
Dragapult hesitated, then softly said.
'I don't know, I just feel...this Dragon Scale is special...'
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes and asked again, "Have you been acting strange since you came in because of this Dragon Scale?"
Upon hearing the question, Dragapult hesitated, nodded, but quickly shook its head.
"Baluya..."
'I'm not sure, but I just feel this thing is unusual...'
Uncertain?
"If you're uncertain, then let's bid on all of them." Natsuhiko said seriously.
Anything related to Dragon-type Pokémon wouldn't be simple, and buying it wouldn't be a loss.
If worse comes to worst, he could let the Dragon-type Pokémon Egg "eat" a sheet of it.
But with a bit of luck, if something more valuable was drawn, it'd be a big win, especially since it hesitated even for Dragapult.
Listening to the constant bids outside, Natsuhiko folded his arms, sat on the sofa, and waited for the number of bidders to decrease.
"Togetic——"
Togetic noticed something off about Dragapult and gently patted its tail to comfort it.
Beedrill and the others also approached it, providing comfort and support.
Having spent so much time with Dragapult, they already regarded it as one of their own.
Though Natsuhiko and Dragapult had a three-year agreement to battle each other within three years, this didn't negatively impact their relationship.
"Baluya——"
Hearing the comfort, Dragapult's condition noticeably improved.
As it gradually emerged from its daze, it became increasingly sensitive to that inexplicable feeling.
Floating lightly beside Natsuhiko, it called out firmly.
"Baluya!"
'I want it!'
Natsuhiko glanced at it and nodded, "I know, I'm just waiting for fewer bidders."
Outside.
The price of the Dragon Scale already exceeded two million League Coins.
After reaching this limit, the number of bidders significantly decreased, but bidding continued.
Evidently, many were attempting to buy at a bargain.
However, in such a large auction, finding a bargain wasn't simple.
After all, even if one pair of eyes was fooled, so many couldn't be.
When the price reached two million League Coins, Natsuhiko inputted a number into the bidding device beside him for the first time.
Three million!
The entire room erupted.
It wasn't that the Dragon Scale wasn't worth the price, but the rate of price increase was rather fast.
"Know why there's a minimum increment in auctions? It's for you to bid!"
"Does this big brother have too much money?"
"Can the guests in the box room make bids at will?"
"..."
Not giving anyone a chance for a bargain.
But it had to be said, Natsuhiko's bid was effective.
Many simply stopped trying.
They certainly understood Natsuhiko's determined stance; competing further seemed unnecessary.
What if the price increased and it was no longer wanted?
Three million one hundred thousand!
However, not everyone was intimidated; the Dragon Scale couldn't be bought for just three million.
An Elite Trainer Level Dragon-type Pokémon.
Such a Dragon Scale was incredibly rare.
After all, trainers with such Pokémon wouldn't shed scales for money, and wild ones were even rarer; the Dragon Energy within was incomparable.
It wasn't surprising there were bids matching the price.
He input another number into the bidding device before clapping down.
Three million five hundred thousand!
Seeing this price, many shook their heads.
It's almost that price.
Although the scale held high value, Dragon Scales weren't precise Pokémon items like Miracle Seeds, which provide direct benefits.
A Miracle Seed greatly aids those in need, almost like quick medicine, whereas Dragon Scales work slowly.
It gradually enhances the bloodline concentration of the carrying Dragon-type Pokémon.
Ultimately, helping Seadra evolve into Kingdra.
Three million five hundred fifty thousand!
Someone still bid.
Natsuhiko gradually furrowed his brows.
The markup increased.
In his mind, the price was around three million two hundred thirty thousand.
Offering three million five hundred thousand already marked a surplus value.
But reaching this point, there's no hesitation or retreat.
Three million seven hundred thousand!
This time.
No one contested it further.
As the host's hammer fell, everything settled.
Considering Dragapult's state, Natsuhiko let the auction house deliver the Dragon Scale to the box, deducting the auction money directly from the Miracle Seed sale.
Once the splendid Dragon Scale appeared in Natsuhiko's hand, all the Pokémon gathered around, especially Dragapult.
Its slender eyes fixed on the Nirvana.
Reflection in its eyes.
It accepted the scale from Natsuhiko's hand and injected a potent Dragon Energy into it.
Suddenly, the scale shone with brilliant purple light.
Then, it tilted the scale, letting it shed into Natsuhiko's palm.
Pinpoints of pale purple powder fell from it, revealing intricate, varied patterns on the scale.
"What's this..." Natsuhiko stared blankly at the powder in his palm.
There was no time to closely examine.
Suddenly.
Dragapult seemed to sense something.
Disregarding the changes in its hand.
Its gaze snapped toward the auction stage.
Unhesitatingly, it exclaimed:
"Baluya!"
'This one! I want it! It's this!'
"Next is our third auction item; it actually comes from the same seller as the Dragon Scale, but what's it exactly? We can't tell; we only know it's a fossil...from some Pokémon's remains."
Appearing on the auction platform was a gray-white stone, randomly etched with patterns, vaguely forming a Pokémon's shape when closely examined.
——————
Better late than never——