Agung took a deep breath, his thumb hovering over the holographic "Finalize" button. He looked at the Poliwag, who was currently chasing her own tail in the shallow basin, her tiny splashes catching the light of the mansion's marble floors.
"You're going to a good home, little one," Agung whispered, a faint smile on his face. "A Gym Leader's academy... that's a lot better than a damp corner of a city patrol office."
He pressed the button.
A shimmering, hexagonal portal—smaller and more controlled than the one that had snatched him from his bicycle—opened within the Hatchery's transport tube. The Poliwag looked up, tilted her head, and with one final, cheerful "Poli-wag!", she was pulled into the light.
> [TRADE COMPLETE!]
> Recipient: Misty (Cerulean City Gym Leader)
> Sent: 1x Jolly Poliwag (Grade B)
> Received: > * 2,000 Credits
> * 1x Rare Candy
> * 1x Random Water Egg
> * 1x Lure Ball (Bonus!)
> Progress toward 'Pokémon World' Milestone: 1/100
The Central Computer chimed melodically as the rewards materialized in the Mansion's Inventory.
Agung felt a sudden weight in his pocket—his digital wallet had updated. 2,000 Credits. In the Mall, that was enough to buy a Basic Breeding Pair or several high-grade Incubators.
Almost immediately, the "Random Water Egg" appeared in the Hatchery's main chamber. It was a beautiful, pale blue egg with darker teal swirls, resting on a bed of soft moss.
Agung walked over, his work boots clicking on the pristine floor. He still felt like an intruder in this high-tech palace, but the 1/100 progress marker gave him a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in years. He wasn't just cleaning up; he was building something.
He pulled the Rare Candy from the dispenser. It looked like a glowing, striped marble.
"I could save this for a rainy day," he mused, "or I could use it to boost whatever hatches from this new egg."
He checked the Central Computer again. A new notification was blinking in the Cross-World Chat.
> [Misty]: "She's arrived! Oh, she's so energetic—she almost knocked over a Staryu the moment she got out of the transport! Thanks, Warden Agung. If you find any more 'Jolly' or 'Timid' Water-types, let me know. I've got plenty of Kanto specialties I can trade in return."
Agung sat back in the plush, ergonomic chair at the console. He had a choice to make. The sun was setting over the Crystal River, and the ranch was quiet, save for the hum of the laboratory.