"You already paid me back on Death Island with those herbs and berries from your storage ring. There's no need for more thanks," Feng Che said with a casual wave of his hand.
"Catch." Lance tossed an object toward him.
Feng Che caught it and realized it was a high-grade storage ring.
"It's a different model than the one you're wearing," Lance explained. "The interior space is larger, and more importantly, it can sustain life for short periods—good for transporting delicate specimens or eggs."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Feng Che replied, slipping the ring on. This was exactly what he needed for his expanding roster.
"Also," Lance continued, his tone turning serious, "I want you to customize energy blocks for my team. To be honest, I no longer trust the League's official breeders."
"I can do that. Making energy blocks is second nature to me," Feng Che said, but then he looked at Lance with a half-smile. "But are you sure? I am a member of Team Rocket, after all."
Lance looked away, his eyes darkening. "You are Rocket, but you have principles. On Death Island, you ignored the organization's kill order to save me and Dragonite. Unlike some in the League... who have abandoned all boundaries to achieve their goals."
Feng Che felt the weight of Lance's disappointment in his own organization. "Since we're being honest, my real name is Feng Che. 'The Alchemist' was just a handle."
He extended his hand. Feng Che knew that in this chaotic world, having the future Champion as a close ally—a "Golden Thigh"—was the ultimate insurance policy.
"A pleasure to work with you, Feng Che." Lance shook his hand, looking relieved. Ever since he discovered the toxin that nearly killed Dragonite was a League-engineered experimental poison, he had been riddled with paranoia. Handing his partners' nutrition to someone like Feng Che, who lived outside the League's bureaucracy, felt safer.
"Any missions on Cinnabar?" Lance asked.
"My work for the organization is done for now. I have three months of 'leave'. I'm heading to Cinnabar to find a Fire Crystal. My Vulpix egg is close to hatching, and I want to maximize its potential from day one."
"And you're here for the Poachers?" Feng Che guessed.
"Exactly. Several trainers reported their rare Pokémon stolen after traveling on this specific liner. There's a mole on board, and I intend to find them."
"Look no further than Nakata, the sailor who tested me," Feng Che said firmly. "He masked it well, but his eyes were full of greed when he saw my team. He's definitely an scout for the Syndicate."
Lance nodded, his expression grim. "My intel says a high-ranking Poacher executive will board in two days for a mass raid. He's a wanted criminal with significant strength. When that happens, I might be too busy to watch your back. Stay safe."
"I'll keep a low profile," Feng Che promised. "But before that, let's check your team for any lingering issues."
Lance released his Dragonair, Aerodactyl, and Charizard. The cabin was cramped, but large enough for a check-up.
"They're healthy. The energy blocks I gave you on the island have improved their cellular density," Feng Che noted. "Your Dragonair is on the verge of evolution. I suggest taking it back to the Dragon's Den for the final transition. The environmental resonance there will make the Dragonite transformation much smoother."
"I'll take that advice to heart," Lance said. "By the way, do you have an Aerodactyl of your own? I sensed one in your party."
Feng Che didn't deny it. "I do."
"Then be careful. Aerodactyl are restricted species. Every resurrected specimen must be registered with the League. If you're caught with an unregistered one, it's classified as 'poached,' and you'll face prison time. Also, never use the League's PC transfer system for it."
Feng Che nodded, appreciating the warning. Lance then handed him a scroll. "These are the training notes for my Aerodactyl. It covers high-speed aerial maneuvers and pressure-point strikes. I hope it helps."
"This is invaluable. Thanks, Lance."
Suddenly, the ship's intercom crackled. "Attention passengers, this is Captain Kasha. We are about to set sail. There will be a significant vibration during engine start. Please remain in your cabins until we reach cruising speed."
Knock, knock, knock.
"Young man? It's Nakata. You in there?"
Feng Che opened the door. "Mr. Nakata! Is it time for our shift?"
"Not yet. I'm here to tell you the Underground Black Market is opening."
"A black market? Isn't that illegal?" Feng Che acted shocked.
Nakata laughed. "Where there's demand, there's a market. As long as nobody talks, nobody checks. Come, it's in a specially cleared hold near the engine room."
Feng Che glanced at Lance and winked. They followed Nakata into the depths of the ship. The market was massive, the size of a football field, and reeking of brine and seafood.
"I have some business to attend to. Take your time, look around, and head back the way we came," Nakata said before vanishing into the crowd.
"He didn't even give us masks or cloaks," Lance muttered. "He wants people to see our faces so we're easier to track later."
"Lucky I brought my own," Feng Che said, handing Lance a fox mask while putting on a smiling-face mask himself.
The market was dominated by Sea Hunters—rugged men who caught Water-types for a living. Unlike Poachers, they respected the Pokémon's strength even as they sold them.
"Look at that crowd," Feng Che pointed to a raised platform where a man in a Pikachu mask stood.
"Welcome everyone! The main auction is about to begin! We accept cash or barter. First item up: Dragon Scale!"
Two cloaked figures held up a golden scale the size of a palm.
"This is a Reverse Scale from a Dragonite," the auctioneer shouted. "Crushed into powder, it can drastically boost a Dragon-type's potential. Starting bid: 1,000,000 Dollars!"
The crowd gasped. A million was enough to buy a high-quality starter.
"Feng Che, what do you think?" Lance's voice echoed in Feng Che's mind.
Psychic telepathy via Viridian Force? Impressive, Feng Che thought.
"That's the power of Viridian," Lance replied mentally. "But as an Expert of the Dragon Clan, I also have the Power of the Dragon. I can sense the aura of dragon-types perfectly. That scale... something feels off about it."
Feng Che looked at the golden object. "Tell me, Lance. What exactly does your instinct say?"
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