They didn't argue for long.
In the end, the topic concluded with Luna Volt saying, "Forget it, just call me Luna Volt," and the two of them finally got down to business regarding Sprigatito's training materials.
Luna Volt: "By the way, both Brassius and Geeta have trained Meowscarada before. Which one do you want?"
Ethan Vale's heart leapt.
There's actually something this good?!
Brassius was Paldea's Grass-type Gym Leader—his understanding of Grass-type Pokémon like Sprigatito went without saying.
Geeta, on the other hand, was the Paldea League's Top Champion. Her strength was beyond question.
Granted, Ethan Vale hadn't seen her use Meowscarada in-game before. For all he knew, it might've just been warming the bench on her team.
But then again—Champion-tier training experience was hardly something Ethan Vale had the right to complain about.
So… which one to choose?
Brassius specialized in Grass-types.
Geeta was simply stronger overall.
Each had their advantages.
After spending the past few days constantly stuck in "either-or" dilemmas, Ethan Vale's indecision flared up again.
Wait a second.
Luna Volt isn't some rigid system interface.
Why am I limiting myself to just one?
With that thought, Ethan Vale replied:
Ethan Vale: "How about this—help me organize both sets of Sprigatito training materials. And while you're at it, pack a few high-quality Miracle Seed and send them over too."
Lu Xun once said: If you want to open a window, first propose tearing down the wall.
Ethan Vale, however, wasn't just asking to open a door—he was basically asking to ascend to the heavens.
He fully expected a simple question mark in response.
Instead, what came back was—
"Sure!"
Ethan Vale leaned back hard in his chair.
What?! You're agreeing to something this outrageous?!
Luna Volt, don't tell me you actually have a bit of that "McDonald's attribute" in you?
(Generous to a fault.)
As he was silently complaining, another message popped up on his screen:
"But you'll have to agree to two conditions."
Ethan Vale wasn't surprised.
There was no such thing as a free lunch.
He wanted Sprigatito's training materials.
Luna Volt wanted two conditions in return.
Perfectly reasonable.
Ethan Vale had no intention of refusing. After all, social interactions were always about give and take.
Relationships only grew closer through this kind of exchange.
You couldn't just take advantage of someone endlessly without paying any price—otherwise, who would want to deal with you in the future?
And besides—
Who could refuse the friendship of a cute Gym Leader who was also a married-streamer archetype?
At least Ethan Vale couldn't.
That said, he still replied:
Ethan Vale: "Don't go overboard. Two conditions is too much—one at most. If it comes to it, forget the Miracle Seed. Two training materials for one condition."
Lao Shui's Interpersonal Relations Mini-Class, Episode Two—
"Dark Psychology."
Never let the other party grasp your intentions too easily.
The initial stage of a relationship often determines the entire framework of that relationship.
Even though Ethan Vale was far inferior to Luna Volt in both popularity as a streamer and strength as a Trainer,
he still wanted their relationship to be built on relatively equal and healthy footing.
After all—
he didn't have the habit of always being on the bottom.
On the other end, Luna Volt replied:
Luna Volt: "Relax~ The conditions won't be excessive. Just two. And I can even send you a Miracle Seed produced in Viridian Forest!"
In the games, Miracle Seed boosted the power of Grass-type moves.
In reality, they were premium cultivation items perfectly suited for the growth of Grass-type Pokémon.
Miracle Seed usually grew in remote, untouched wilderness areas.
Although industrious Donghuang folks had long developed artificial cultivation techniques, the results were still far inferior to naturally grown ones.
Among them, Miracle Seed from Viridian Forest were the highest quality.
A single seed could easily sell for tens of thousands on the market.
She's really willing to give that much?!
Honestly… if the money was good enough, being Luna Volt's Growlithe wasn't—
No!
Ethan Vale clenched his teeth, barely resisting the temptation of pure spending power.
Ethan Vale: "Tell me the conditions first. I'll consider it."
Luna Volt: "First—every month, you have to set aside one day to play games with me!"
Oh. So it was just—paid gaming companionship.
That really wasn't excessive at all. It was basically Ethan Vale moonlighting as a skilled duo partner.
Once a month meant only twelve days a year—easily a five-figure daily rate.
As for how long this "contract" would last, Ethan Vale didn't even bother asking.
In his mind, Luna Volt was probably just enjoying the novelty for now.
Maybe after a few months she'd get bored and stop asking him to play.
If he asked how long it would last, it might even come off as presumptuous.
So Ethan Vale replied:
Ethan Vale: "Alright, that's fine. What's the second condition?"
Luna Volt: "Haven't thought of it yet. I'll save it for later! (Bellibolt puffing belly.gif)"
Ethan Vale immediately rejected that.
Ethan Vale: "No way. That's the same as saying you get two hundred conditions later."
Luna Volt: "Don't worry~ I promise it won't be something that puts you in a tough spot."
Luna Volt: "If you think it's unfair when the time comes, we can discuss it—or you can just refuse."
With Luna Volt putting it that way, Ethan Vale felt that refusing any further would just be rude.
So he replied:
Ethan Vale: "Okay. Deal."
Luna Volt: "It's a promise then!"
Luna Volt: "I'll get the training materials for you tomorrow. I'll send the Miracle Seed via Dragonite Express in a bit!"
Dragonite Express wasn't some flashy name—it was a real courier company run by the Draconid clan of Kanto,
using actual Dragonite to deliver packages.
Ethan Vale had only ever heard of it before; he'd never used it himself.
The costs alone were absurd.
A hundred kilometers of travel burned through half a box of high-grade energy cubes worth thousands.
Who could afford that?
Only clients like Luna Volt, who truly didn't care about money.
After sending his address, the two said goodbye on Piplup Chat.
Ethan Vale washed up and went to bed.
He'd captured his ideal starter Pokémon.
His streaming career was on the rise.
And Luna Volt had just gifted him a huge present.
After such a fulfilling day, Ethan Vale slept incredibly soundly.
The next morning, he was woken up by knocking on the window.
Still groggy, he suddenly remembered he lived on the fourth floor and instantly snapped awake.
Oh no—there's something creepy outside!
Just as he was about to call Sprigatito over to prepare for battle, he got up and saw—
A chubby, orange, good-natured face pressed against the window.
(Courier Dragonite)
It was Dragonite.
Holy crap—this fast?!
Ethan Vale was stunned.
It had only been a little over ten hours, and the package had already traveled from Paldea to Donghuang?
Even if Dragonite's speed wasn't quite as insane as the Pokédex claim of "circling the globe in sixteen hours,"
it was still frighteningly close.
Of course, Dragonite Express's prices were just as terrifying.
But honestly—
when a round, adorable Dragonite flaps its comically small wings and personally hands you your package,
that emotional satisfaction alone was worth the money.
All Ethan Vale could say was—
The Draconid clan really understood the psychology of wealthy patrons like Luna Volt.
There had to be some real mastermind behind this business model.
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