Viridian is the color of ancient and eternal emerald green.
Viridian City is a city that loves nature, with flowers blooming all year round.
The reason this city is hailed as one of the most prosperous cities in the Kanto region is because of the Viridian Forest next to it.
Various rare resources and rare Pokémon in that boundless green sea attract countless adventurers to explore.
It is hailed as one of the three must-visit adventure spots in the Kanto region, alongside Cerulean Cave and Mt. Moon, which shows its value.
Even if some people risk breaking the law by capturing and selling valuable Pokémon, the profits from collecting rare medicinal materials in Viridian Forest alone are enough to make people envious.
At this moment, on Route 1, a man and a woman, a beautiful lady and a young man, were walking side by side.
"Madam Meta, can I really walk around the city with my identity?" Hei Yu asked with a worried expression.
After all, he was an undocumented person, and Viridian City was not like those small towns; he had heard of the terror of the Joy Family there.
Madam Meta glanced at the Swellow circling in the sky, constantly vigilant of its surroundings, protecting them.
"Don't worry, little Hei Yu, as my apprentice, I will naturally solve your identity problem," Madam Meta said, swaying her body, her voice full of confidence.
The two walked on Route 1 in the wilderness, but in the end, they did not enter Viridian City; instead, they turned several times and plunged into the forest.
"Madam Meta, what is this?"
Seeing the other party open two folded small black squares, they turned out to be two large black robes!
Hei Yu put on the black robe to conceal himself and followed silently behind Madam Meta.
Finally, the two slowly walked into a huge tree hollow, and inside, there was a completely different world.
After walking through a very dark passage, a strong, noisy, and smoky atmosphere rushed over them.
Hei Yu couldn't help but feel a little dazed; having stayed on the sea for a year, he hadn't seen such a scene for a long time.
Black market!
As the name suggests, it is a market hidden in the dark.
It is not recognized by the official League, as the League's laws explicitly prohibit the sale of Pokémon, including Tyranitar Eggs.
If you want to buy, you can only go to a Breeder shop with a League seal.
But in this world, there are always people who take great risks to earn huge profits; therefore, the black market came into being.
Gradually, more and more black markets emerged, and their scale naturally grew, forming an industrial chain and becoming an illegal dark zone.
Although the League does not support it, it tacitly allows its existence, after all, there must always be a glimmer of hope for the people at the bottom, and the League does not want to force everyone to rebel.
But a more important reason is that the profits of the black market are too great, so great that even some high-ranking officials within the League participate in it and share the profits.
"This is the black market; try to speak less to avoid others trying to trick you. Everyone who can survive in the black market is full of Nasty Plot, and often, if you're not careful, you'll expose your Weakness."
Madam Meta walked in front, softly imparting experience to Hei Yu behind her, truly treating him as an apprentice and teaching him everything she knew.
The entire black market is divided into two areas: the stall area and the commercial street.
The former is very lively and noisy, and almost more than half of the people, like Hei Yu, are wrapped in black robes, not revealing a single bit.
But everyone is accompanied by a Pokémon, occasionally showing a fierce look to intimidate others.
Very few people walk without a Pokémon, because in that case, others will consider you "Weakness" and easy to bully.
As the two walked, Hei Yu saw a strong man Taunt a person who had no Pokémon beside him, and just as the onlookers thought that person was finished.
Who knew that the other party directly released a Nidoking, killing the big man and his Pokémon on the spot.
"As expected, there are hidden masters; that Nidoking must be at least level 30," Hei Yu sighed in his heart.
Although he got his revenge and killed the Taunt big man, that person was, as expected, taken away by the enforcement team sent by the black market's Manager.
That person actually didn't resist and just obediently followed?
Just as Hei Yu was wondering how the person behind the black market would deal with that person.
"That person only needs to pay a fine to leave. Within the black market, although there is a certain order, profit always comes first after all."
Madam Meta's words taught Hei Yu another lesson.
And beside Hei Yu and Madam Meta, there was a Swellow, which was Madam Meta's Pokémon.
Because of this, the two walked along peacefully, after all, in the black market, no one wants to actively make enemies for no reason.
"Selling Tyranitar Eggs, selling Tyranitar Eggs, 50,000 alliance coins each!" A stall owner was shouting.
Hei Yu, after asking for Madam Meta's permission, went closer.
He saw Tyranitar Eggs of the same color placed in front of the stall, numbering as many as 30 or more.
More and more onlookers gathered, so someone couldn't help but ask, "What kind of Pokémon are all these Tyranitar Eggs?"
"They are all Spearow; the black market unified price is 50,000 alliance coins each, no bargaining," the stall owner said concisely.
Hei Yu felt a bit uncomfortable being squeezed by the surrounding people, so he quickly retreated, and Madam Meta next to him said, "They are all Spearow Eggs; it seems this person wiped out a tribe."
Although Hei Yu was surprised by the stall owner's strength, what puzzled him more was why such an ordinary Tyranitar Egg could be sold for 50,000 alliance coins; this price was a bit high.
"This is not strange. Although Spearow's potential is ordinary, its evolution cycle is short; it can become a Fearow at level 20 and is a very good flying Pokémon."
"Therefore, many people will train one to use as a flying tool, and they won't lose much if they sell it later when they don't need it," Madam Meta patiently explained to Hei Yu, her apprentice.
Hei Yu looked at the crowded people, many of whom had already paid and taken away Tyranitar Eggs, appearing calm on the surface but feeling a little envious inside.
Soaring through the sky has always been a human dream.
He was no exception; having a flying-type Pokémon as a mount or reconnaissance pet would also be very good for him, who had been drifting at sea for many years.
"Want one? Then buy one," Madam Meta said, noticing Hei Yu's envy.
But this made Hei Yu a bit awkward, as he only had about 10,000 alliance coins in his savings.
This was money he earned by helping those pirate sailors with odd jobs every day. Newcomers at the same time were even more miserable, probably not having a single coin.
Madam Meta seemed to see Hei Yu's predicament and chuckled, "Go pick one; I'll pay for you."
"Ah, this, is that okay?"
Hei Yu appeared flattered on the surface, but his heart was already restless, and his eyes, hidden beneath the black robe, unconsciously drifted towards the Tyranitar Eggs on the stall.
"Coming to the black market this time was originally to get things for you anyway. As my apprentice, I naturally won't treat you unfairly."
Madam Meta whispered to Hei Yu, in a voice only the two of them could hear.
Hei Yu finally went forward and chose one, and also paid an extra 5,000 alliance coins to get a cheap incubator.
Spending 50,000 alliance coins to buy a common Spearow might seem like a loss, but one should know that Spearow is a short-tempered and gregarious Pokémon.
Can an ordinary Trainer defeat a short-tempered tribe with several Fearow and hundreds of Spearow?
It is also not easy to catch a Spearow alone in the wild.
This also indirectly reflects the stall owner's strength; being able to single-handedly wipe out a small tribe, especially a short-tempered Spearow tribe, shows that the stall owner is definitely a powerful Trainer.
Moreover, wild Pokémon like these still have their wild nature, and it is very difficult to tame them; one must always prevent the Pokémon from rebelling. In comparison, raising them from a young age is much safer.
What's more, with this kind of blind box-like egg gamble, perhaps with good luck, one could get a Spearow with excellent aptitude and inherited skills?
Afterward, the two quickly finished browsing the stall area and arrived at a commercial street.
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Compared to the previous noisy environment, this place seemed a bit deserted, with very few people entering and exiting the shops.
But those who entered and exited were undoubtedly more high-end, and the average level of their Pokémon was almost above 30, which was very impressive.
"Come with me; this time, we'll completely solve your undocumented problem." Madam Meta led Hei Yu into a deserted shop.
The shop was messy, with spider webs in the corners and dust floating in the air.
An old man with a white beard lay leisurely on a chair in front of the counter.
Madam Meta walked to the counter and knocked.
"Just take whatever you want; the prices are marked on them."
After the old man finished speaking, he closed his eyes and continued to doze, showing no sign of doing business.
Madam Meta didn't get angry; she just chuckled and said, "Take me to the second floor."
As soon as her words fell, the old man was suddenly startled, no longer leisurely, but respectfully led them upstairs.
After a long time, Hei Yu and Madam Meta left the shop.
"I didn't expect getting an identity to be so simple," Hei Yu exclaimed.
The card in his hand, representing his identity, clearly bore the name Hei Yu. From today on, he was finally an official League resident.
Madam Meta heard Hei Yu's exclamation and said, "People within the League also do business in the black market. The owner behind this shop is probably a high-ranking official in the League's population department."
Glancing at the somewhat happy Hei Yu, Madam Meta appropriately advised, "Although this identity allows you to walk openly in the city, if you encounter some high-ranking officials or investigations from Gyms, it still won't be hidden."
Hei Yu's joyful mood then cooled down.
"But even so, it's enough."
Immediately afterward, Hei Yu followed Madam Meta to sell a large amount of supplies, including most of the Water-type Pokémon, and various precious medicinal materials that could only be obtained at sea.
They traded goods and Pokémon by exploiting the differences between the two regions. The Hoenn region has abundant water sources and vast sea areas.
The Kanto region, on the other hand, is the opposite.
And before leaving the black market, Madam Meta also bought a pokémon index for Hei Yu at a certain stall.
"Although this pokémon index is not the latest model, it is a third-generation pokémon index, and it has most of the functions."
Hei Yu gratefully bowed to Madam Meta again.
.........
Viridian City.
"Madam Meta actually let me move freely like this; isn't she afraid I'll run away?"
Although he thought so, Hei Yu had no intention of escaping; he had so many weaknesses in her hands.
What's more, even if he escaped, with his identity as an ordinary resident, it would be difficult for him to have any upward mobility. Instead, by following Madam Meta, he might have a chance to become a Breeder in the future.
He had also learned about the identity of a Breeder through these days of study; even if it was just a Junior Breeder, one could gain considerable social status.
Hei Yu walked alone in the city, feeling the hustle and bustle, and the long-lost relaxation made him feel as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
Various advertisements were broadcast on the towering skyscrapers nearby: new energy cube, new outdoor survival kits.
"Tsk tsk, this space backpack is really expensive; the most ordinary basic model costs 200,000 alliance coins!"
Such an expensive price completely extinguished the spark of desire in Hei Yu's heart.
Hei Yu finally arrived at a Little Elf Center, planning to rest there for a night.
"Good afternoon, Miss Joy!"
Hei Yu showed no signs of being a timid pirate; instead, he greeted her openly.
"Good afternoon, Trainer, how may I help you?" Miss Joy, wearing a beautiful nurse's uniform, always had a professional smile on her face.
The gentle aura she exuded made people feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
"Hello, I just arrived in the Kanto region, so I came to register," Hei Yu said very politely.
It wasn't that he was particularly polite, but rather that Miss Joy and the Joy Family behind her had a very special position within the League.
The Joy and Junsha Families, as two powerful families that never fall within the League, wield terrifying power within the League; one monopolizes medical care, and the other monopolizes policing.
It can be said without hesitation that as long as you are active in the region, you will inevitably have to deal with these two families.
Even your information is first known not by the League's official database, but by the databases of these two families.
Because of this, these two families can be the first to discover talented Trainers and then win over geniuses through a series of actions such as marrying into the family or becoming apprentices.
"But this should be unavoidable, right? After all, the Joy and Junsha Families can only have daughters."
Due to the special nature of these two families, countless people's dream is to marry into them.
And having a wife with the appearance of a Joy or a Jenny is the dream of countless men.
"You have applied for a Kanto region pass, valid for three years. Remember to renew it when the time comes."
Miss Joy's tone remained gentle.
Although he would not stay in the Kanto region for long, it was always troublesome to go anywhere without a pass.
Hei Yu then spent 200 alliance coins to rent a room overnight at the Little Elf Center.
"Alas, after all, I'm just an ordinary resident. If I were a direct Trainer of the League, both treatment and accommodation would be free at the Little Elf Center."
Hei Yu looked at the small room, lay directly on the bed, and his thoughts began to wander.
The Viridian City he was in ranked only 11th in the Kanto region, still a little behind ancient cities like Pewter City and Cerulean City.
Its 11th ranking was still due to the Viridian Gym Leader, Giovanni, who was known as the 'Earth's Giovanni' who would never fail as long as he stood on the ground.
He forcefully boosted the economy with his super high popularity.
It is worth mentioning that the actual controllers of Viridian City, where he is currently located, are the Gym Leader Giovanni and the mayor jointly elected by the citizens.
Each city in this world is independent; the League only has advisory and supervisory powers but no direct power to order cities to take certain actions.
"Because of this, local prominent families and various high-ranking officials monopolize upward mobility and resources," Hei Yu thought to himself.
It is worth mentioning that the current public president of the League, President Dama Lanqi, is said to have come from a common background in his early years.
He is also a representative of the reformists within the League, but unfortunately, due to this system, reforms have repeatedly been obstructed.
Early the next morning, Hei Yu left the Little Elf Center after breakfast and bought a lot of daily necessities before leaving.
For example, a certain fruit wine he liked to drink, and a large number of books to pass the time.
Of course, they were not romance novels, but various books helpful for Breeder studies.
"Fruit Encyclopedia"
"Sea Drifting Records"
"Kanto Region Customs and Traditions"
After a spree of spending, his money once again dropped to 3,000 alliance coins.
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