Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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In any location, auctions are typically a luxury reserved for major powers. In Larousse City, very few entities are capable of hosting auctions. 

Apart from the city itself and the Alliance, only closely aligned partners like the Devon Corporation can organize such events.

The Devon Auction is a recent venture by the Devon Corporation to generate revenue in Larousse City. Although the company has invested heavily in advertisements, an auction's reputation often hinges on the fame and exclusivity of its items. 

As the auction is still new and hasn't featured exceptionally high-end items yet, its renown remains relatively low.

However, with the Devon Corporation backing it, the auction excels in terms of credibility, confidentiality, and security. Many Trainers are willing to try their luck by bringing treasures discovered during their global travels, hoping for a chance at overnight wealth. 

Of course, for the majority, what they consider treasures often turn out to be nothing more than worthless trinkets.

Still, the allure of a few lucky individuals striking it rich keeps enthusiasm high. Each day, Trainers arrive with items to be appraised by the auction's experts.

From the brochure Sato had picked up earlier, he learned that the most expensive item ever auctioned here was an unknown Mega Evolution stone. 

It had been sold to a mysterious buyer for a staggering 9.8 billion PokeDollars. 

That single transaction brought the Devon Corporation an enormous 5% commission, making the auction business an incredibly lucrative endeavor.

The pamphlet also revealed that while auctions are held daily, the most valuable items only appear during weekends, mid-month, and month-end events. 

With the Devon Auction only five months old and its half-year anniversary just around the corner, the company was intensifying its promotional efforts in preparation for the celebration.

"This could be a great opportunity. If I have the money, I might be able to secure some valuable items," Sato thought as he walked.

Navigating through the many shops showcasing a variety of Pokémon items, Sato finally arrived at the Devon Auction Hall, situated at the very heart of the Trainer Market. 

The hall's massive size was akin to a football field. Its architectural design was clearly inspired by Metagross, as the entire building resembled a colossal, steel colossus.

The Metagross Auction Hall had five entrances—its four gigantic, six-story-tall legs and the gaping maw of its torso. 

Typically, the mouth entrance, which leads directly to the core auction rooms, is only open on weekends.

For regular days, like today—a Wednesday—only the entrances through its legs were accessible. Sato chose the left front limb's entrance and proceeded into the hall.

Upon learning that Sato intended to auction an item, and noting his composed demeanor, a courteous female staff member guided him to an elegantly decorated room. 

The room was filled with a dazzling array of stones, making it feel like a miniature stone exhibition.

Inside, an elderly man with a bald head and a white beard was engrossed in examining a peculiar stone under a large magnifying glass. He paid no attention to Sato or the staff member when they entered.

The female staff member, familiar with the old man's eccentric behavior, whispered a sympathetic "Please wait a moment" to Sato before leaving the room.

Fortunately, the wait wasn't long. Sato used his system's appraisal function to identify the stone in the man's hand and casually mentioned its name aloud, snapping the elder out of his intense focus.

The stone was black and red, with a shape reminiscent of an orange. According to the system, it was called a Fire-Gloom Stone, a fascinating mineral containing balanced amounts of fire and ghost energy. 

When exposed to sunlight, it would turn completely red, while in darkness, it would become entirely black.

This transformation was due to its unique ability to absorb fire-type energy in sunlight and ghost-type energy in darkness. 

The stone originated from the remnants of a deceased Chandelure, with its strange properties attracting mischievous ghost Pokémon.

"The young man has quite the eye—you immediately recognized it as a Fire-Gloom Stone," the elderly man murmured, clearly intrigued, as he finally shifted his attention to Sato.

"Not really. I hail from Pewter City in Kanto, known for its abundance of stones. I once worked in the stone markets there and was lucky enough to encounter this ominous stone before. Sir, these stones often attract troublesome Pokémon. It might be better to dispose of it," Sato replied smoothly, delivering a well-prepared explanation.

"Ah, Pewter City! I visited there in my youth. Indeed, it's a haven for stones. To not only have worked in its markets but also know the Fire-Gloom Stone's ominous nature... Young man, you must have a deep appreciation for stones! Come, let me show you some of my prized collection. These are top-tier specimens," the old man exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with admiration.

Overjoyed at the thought that he had encountered a kindred spirit, the elder warmly grabbed Sato's hand, eager to share his treasures.