On the drive home, Roy held the incubator carefully, gazing at the snow-white Pokémon egg suspended in nutrient solution.
Professor Christian glanced in the rearview mirror and cautioned:
"The nutrient solution simulates the egg's natural environment... We know very little about the Alola region, so this solution isn't perfect. It might only be 50% effective at best. Still, never remove the egg from it—imperfect protection is better than none."
"Don't worry, Professor," Roy promised solemnly.
However, the first thing he did upon arriving home contradicted this promise.
Roy immediately removed the Pokémon egg from the incubator. He raised his hand, muttered a few words, and a round charm appeared in his palm.
[Oval Charm (a talisman containing mysterious power that provides protection to Pokémon eggs), 30,000 points deducted.]
The "Pokémon Assistant" system Roy accessed wasn't omnipotent—it couldn't directly enhance a Pokémon's attributes or instantly evolve creatures.
The system's true magic lay in allowing Roy to exchange points for various items from the Pokémon world, using "external forces" to assist his breeding efforts.
Even when obtaining moves for his Pokémon, he was essentially purchasing TMs.
As long as something had once existed in the Pokémon world, the system could provide it.
The Oval Charm Roy purchased was described in-game as "increasing the probability of eggs appearing at the Daycare"—
It sounded questionable, like some accessory to encourage Pokémon breeding...
But in reality, this talisman contained the blessing power of "birth."
A blessing for the concept of "fertility."
Roy attached the Oval Charm to the Vulpix egg, securing it with a knot.
Checking his system panel again, Roy noticed the "incompatible environment" warning had disappeared.
However, the damage caused by the poachers' fire remained—the egg was still in critical condition.
Of course, Roy had come prepared when choosing the Vulpix egg, and he proceeded to redeem his next item.
[Max Revive (contains immense life energy that can restore any dying Pokémon to perfect health), 50,000 points deducted.]
The Max Revive was yellow in color, shaped like an unusual star.
Roy gently touched the Max Revive to the eggshell, and with focused intent, watched as it slowly melted into the shell.
Instantly, through Roy's Aura vision, Vulpix's life force—previously flickering like a candle in the wind—blazed powerfully.
The Pokémon world's ultimate healing item truly lived up to its reputation.
At that moment, Roy felt an intimate, dependent energy emanating from deep within the egg.
Even though she hadn't been born yet, Vulpix could clearly perceive through her developing consciousness that Roy had saved her life.
Roy stroked the eggshell gently, smiling softly:
"Little one, if you're truly grateful, hatch soon."
All told, it had taken considerable effort and 80,000 popularity points to save Vulpix's life.
Was it worth it?
Roy believed it was. He wasn't some saint, but his love for Pokémon was genuine. In a world where living beings faced persecution daily, Roy couldn't save everyone, but he could at least rescue the small life before him.
Good deeds required no reward.
However, when Roy considered what would emerge from the egg—an Alolan Vulpix—he knew the points wouldn't be wasted. In fact, there was a high probability of earning them back multifold.
The reason was simple.
This Pokémon's appearance rating was off the charts.
Vulpix itself was an adorable Pokémon, popular among trainers of all ages.
But the Alolan form of Vulpix wasn't just cute—its snow-white appearance was practically angelic.
—No one could resist its white fluff.
—Especially Pokémon enthusiasts.
"If I remember correctly, regional integration typically takes two to three years, with some examples taking over ten years. Before integration completes, the Pokémon League prohibits unauthorized entry and the capture of Pokémon from new regions," Roy mused.
"My situation is exceptional..."
"Which means, if my Vulpix hatches, she'll be the only legal Alolan Vulpix in the world for at least two years?"
Roy grinned.
With such a unique advantage, how could Vulpix not become popular?
She'd only need to stand there like a beautiful ornament while Roy took photos from any angle, and her popularity would instantly skyrocket.
With enough popularity and points, Roy could train her into a formidable Pokémon, regardless of natural talent.
Dinnertime arrived.
When at home, Roy always let his Pokémon roam freely rather than keeping them in Poké Balls.
Today, the dining table featured a new seat.
"Oh, Squirtle is so adorable! Just looking at it brightens the mood!"
Roy's mother approached with a smile, bringing a bowl of fresh Miltank milk for Squirtle.
"Here you go, drink up. You need to grow big and strong!"
"Squirtle Squirtle."
Squirtle sat on the chair, scratching its face and swinging its round feet shyly.
Roy gave it a sympathetic look.
'Poor child, only children who aren't particularly exceptional get constantly praised for being cute.'
Sitting upright nearby, Riolu—resembling a top student—received unanimous praise from Roy's parents for being handsome and dignified.
"The household is becoming livelier by the day." Roy's mother was in high spirits lately—her son showed promise as a trainer, and there were so many "new children" at home to interact with...
She glanced at the snow-white Pokémon egg resting on the sofa.
With little knowledge about Pokémon training, Roy's mother thought nothing unusual about the situation, commenting cheerfully: "When that egg hatches, you'll have a third Pokémon... At this rate, this room won't be big enough!"
Roy's father, slightly more knowledgeable, added: "It'll definitely be too small eventually. These Pokémon are still in their basic forms—they'll grow much larger after evolution."
"That's right," Roy's mother said thoughtfully. "It seems even for your Pokémon, Roy, you'll need to earn money for a bigger place. And when you eventually marry, if your wife is also a trainer, you'll need even more space. You should start saving for a villa!"
Roy never expected that in this changing world, he'd face pressure about marriage and home ownership because of his Pokémon.
However, for Roy—already an established trainer with growing fame—earning money wouldn't be difficult.
Several textbook publishers from the Capital had approached him for endorsements with substantial offers. Roy could purchase a villa immediately if he accepted.
But he wasn't in a hurry.
Rather than cashing in on his current popularity, he preferred to wait until his value increased further. He also wanted to carefully select partnerships, not just take any offer.
Unlike other trainers, he didn't desperately need money. Maintaining his popularity and reputation was more important.
Speaking of popularity, Roy glanced at Squirtle who was happily eating.
Even the unborn Vulpix already had a popularity strategy, while Squirtle had none yet.
'It's time to implement this silly turtle's popularity plan.'