Opportunities to squeeze money out of the Pokémon League weren't exactly common, so August naturally wanted to make the most of it.
As he asked Lance how much of a subsidy he could get, a system window popped up, dispying Bagon's stats.
[Pokémon: Bagon (♂)]
Type: Dragon
Ability: Rock Head
Friendship: Friendly
Level: 5 (Novice)
Moves: Leer, Ember, Bite, Dragon Rush
Held Item: None
It actually inherited Dragon Rush?
In the games, Samence could only learn Dragon Rush through breeding.
Though the real world wasn't as restrictive as the games—any move a Pokémon could theoretically learn could also be acquired through training—having it as an inherited move was undeniably more convenient than teaching it ter.
This put August in an excellent mood.
Lance, watching him suddenly light up with excitement, assumed it was because he had just learned the monthly subsidy was 100,000 Pokédolrs.
"By the way, when do you pn to set off?"
"I'll need a day or two to prepare. Why? Is something up?"
"Since this is a covert investigation, it's best to keep your identity under wraps," Lance advised. "You should establish a cover story."
This was a long-standing tradition within the International Police. Many agents had secondary occupations to maintain their cover.
Take Looker, for instance—he worked as a detective to disguise his true profession as an International Police officer.
Or Anabel, the head of the UB Task Force, who also held the title of Battle Frontier Brain.
"A cover, huh…" August pondered.
"Why not continue as a ranger?" Lance suggested.
In his mind, August had done such a great job as a ranger that he must have a deep emotional attachment to the profession.
"No thanks." August shook his head immediately.
He'd taken the ranger job as a kid, thinking it was fun.
But now? After experiencing the perks of working with the International Police?
Let's just say… not even a Herdier would want that job.
"What kind of cover are you thinking about, then?" Lance asked curiously.
"How about a researcher? I've got a strong interest in research," August said, thinking about the Master-Level Pokéblock Formu he had obtained.
With this formu, he could craft Pokéblocks that weren't only more fvorful but also 50% more effective than the high-end ones sold by Devon Corporation.
If he compiled his findings into a paper, it would make his researcher identity more credible.
He could even patent the formu and sell it to major corporations for a hefty profit.
August expined his idea to Lance, though the tter wasn't particurly interested in the paper or the patent. Instead, he tched onto something else entirely—
"You're saying your Pokéblocks are 50% better than Devon Corporation's?" Lance was skeptical.
He had once obtained Devon's custom-made Pokéblocks from a certain friend in Hoenn.
Those weren't avaible to the public—they were specially tailored for each Pokémon, incorporating rare ingredients to enhance their effects.
Even then, their efficacy was only about 30% higher than Devon's top-tier commercial Pokéblocks.
If August was telling the truth…
"Try it for yourself," August said simply, handing Lance a box of Pokéblocks he had made for Dratini.
Since Dragonair was still recovering, Lance released Dragonite instead.
"Dragonite, give this a taste!"
Dragonite caught the Pokéblock with its round little cws, sniffed it curiously, then tossed it into its mouth.
"Oooh~!"
Its eyes widened in delight, and without hesitation, it grabbed another and popped it in, its face radiating pure bliss.
Lance didn't even need to ask—Dragonite's expression said it all.
He turned to August, astonished.
High-level investigative skills, exceptional battle prowess, special abilities…
And now he had surpassed Devon Corporation in crafting Pokéblocks?
August never failed to surprise him.
"If your formu really produces these effects using only standard berries… Devon's entire Pokéblock business is doomed," Lance remarked.
August quickly waved his hand. "That's an exaggeration."
"Devon is a massive corporation. When it comes to Pokéblocks, they make huge profits just from selling Pokéblock-making devices and maintenance services every year. Compared to that, retail sales are just a small side business."
Aside from truly wealthy trainers, most people didn't buy Pokéblocks—
They gathered their own berries and rented a Berry Blender to make them instead.
"This isn't 'just a small business,'" Lance countered.
As an Elite Four member—and with a close friend in Hoenn—he understood the industry far better than August.
After organizing his thoughts, he said, "I wanted to run something by you. Do you mind if I tell someone about this? That friend I mentioned earlier—he might be interested in buying your formu's patent."
August wasn't surprised.
The moment Lance had mentioned a Hoenn friend, he had already guessed who it might be.
Now, Lance's words only confirmed his suspicions.
"You're talking about someone with the surname Stone, aren't you?" August asked.
"You figured it out?"
"Come on, who else can casually give away a pseudo-legendary Pokémon besides the absurdly wealthy Steven Stone?" August scoffed.
Among all the Pokémon League Champions, Steven, heir to Devon Corporation, was undoubtedly the richest.
Sure, there were others with more money…
But those guys weren't as strong as him.
And those stronger than him?
Well… they were still out there selling ad space on their capes for sponsorship deals.
As for revealing the formu—
"Of course, I don't mind," August said.
He would love to sell the patent.
Keeping it to himself meant only he could use it, but selling it would not only benefit trainers across the League…
It would also make him a ton of money.
Lance looked pleased.
Since August was already on board, acting as the middleman would allow him to help two of his friends at once.
"I'll reach out and let you know once I hear back!"
"Sounds good!"
---
T/N: how kind!
