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"How do you feel after being injected with the virus?" Professor Christian asked with concern.
"Cosmog!" Little Cosmog also approached, wearing a worried expression.
Hmm... If something happened to Roy, it wouldn't get its energy cubes anymore.
Roy's eyes were unfocused, still caught in the remnants of that fantastic vision. After a few seconds, he returned to his senses and carefully assessed his physical condition.
His body felt incredibly energetic, as if filled with inexhaustible strength...
Roy couldn't precisely measure his current physical capabilities, but he could easily overpower ten of his former selves.
But that wasn't the main point.
More importantly, Roy could feel that his psychic power was unprecedented. He suddenly turned his head toward a vase on a nearby table and focused his mind.
CRACK!
A crisp shattering sound echoed as the vase broke into pieces.
"Cos!" Little Cosmog startled, quickly hiding behind Roy, trembling: QAQ!
Roy patted it on the head speechlessly. What a silly Pokémon—so frightened, yet hiding behind the culprit...
"As expected, Confusion awakened without any effort," Professor Christian nodded with satisfaction. But his expression suddenly fell, "You rascal, it's not good using university property as test subjects! Why did you destroy my precious vase? That was a gift from my granddaughter..."
"Well."
Roy scratched his head sheepishly. He had thought it was just some old trinket from a street vendor. "I'm sorry, Professor. I'll compensate you for it."
"Compensation? Forget it. My granddaughter bought it. It's not worth much." Professor Christian waved dismissively. "Next time you see her, just give her an autograph. That girl has been watching your battles lately. She even asked me for your previous match videos. She really admires you."
"More importantly, why don't you try your Aura power?"
Hearing this, Roy smiled slightly. "No need to test it. My Aura power has risen to a much higher level—at least ten times stronger than before."
On the status panel only Roy could see, notifications displayed: [Aura Power (Proficient Level)→Aura Power (Master Level)] and [Acquired Confusion (Proficient Level)].
Unlike the Confusion ability that consumed purely psychic energy, Aura power drew from the soul's energy, connected to emotions and willpower.
The D-virus primarily strengthened psychic power potential, so Professor Christian wasn't certain whether it would affect Aura abilities.
"Excellent. This confirms that psychic power can influence spiritual energy and catalyze it."
Professor Christian laughed contentedly. For scientific researchers, solving a puzzle brought more satisfaction than certain other brief pleasures.
"Your Confusion isn't strong yet, but your potential is exceptional. As long as you regularly practice Calm Mind and don't Slack Off, your improvement rate will be remarkable."
"By the way, do you need training methods for psychic abilities?" Professor Christian asked. "The university can provide you with advanced techniques."
Roy considered this. Humans couldn't practice Latias's "infinite" Calm Mind method, possibly due to differences in spiritual energy composition. But his current psychic power originated from Deoxys, so perhaps he could master it.
"Not for now," Roy answered vaguely, since this was just speculation.
"Very well. When you need it, just let me know." Professor Christian was perceptive enough to recognize that Roy seemed to have his own experiments in mind.
For Roy—the most talented student in the university's history—Capital University was extraordinarily accommodating.
After concluding their official business, Professor Christian moved on to their private arrangement.
"Alright, release your Elekid so we can capture a sample of its unique electricity, then you're free to go."
After leaving the laboratory, Roy didn't immediately return home or head to training.
Instead, he walked outside the university gates, hailed a taxi, and arrived at an impressive building.
Heavenly Real Estate, a leading company in the Capital's property market, had a total value exceeding 150 billion Pokédollars and ranked among the world's top 500 companies. It was the first company in the region to incorporate "Trainer" and "Pokémon" elements into its architectural designs, completely revolutionizing housing structures.
It enjoyed an excellent reputation among Trainers.
Roy's goal was simple: to buy a house.
As his Pokémon collection grew, the living space at home had become increasingly crowded.
Once Wartortle and Elekid evolved, they might even puncture the ceiling.
Roy preferred letting his Pokémon roam freely at home rather than keeping them in Poké Balls, which benefited their physical and mental well-being.
Roy's parents had known about this plan for some time and approved.
However, they wouldn't be moving with him, having grown accustomed to their lifestyle and social connections at the old residence.
Though called an "old house," it was actually a high-end apartment, not at all dilapidated.
The Xia family wasn't wealthy or well-connected, but they weren't short on money either...
Families lacking financial resources couldn't afford to support children pursuing Trainer careers.
Roy knew little about real estate, choosing Heavenly Real Estate based on Cade's recommendation.
Dozens of his family's properties had been purchased there...
Rich kid.
Roy had muttered this at the time, never expecting he would come here himself so soon.
Heavenly Real Estate's building featured luxurious décor. Marble floors covered with pristine red carpets, and exquisitely carved railings flanked both sides of the staircase.
Just looking at it evoked a sense of intimidation.
This was precisely the effect the designers intended.
Heavenly Real Estate exclusively offered luxury villas, targeting the high-end market... The subliminal message of this opulent decoration was clear: if you lack money or confidence, don't enter.
The hostess at the entrance spotted Roy from a distance and initially deemed him unreliable. So young, arriving by taxi—perhaps he was just wasting their time? For such visitors, they received professional training. The hostesses remained polite but certainly less welcoming.
But as Roy approached and his face became clear, the hostess immediately displayed a sweet smile like one experiencing first love.
...It doesn't matter if he's just browsing!
...Wait, doesn't he look familiar?
...Isn't this the boy genius who appeared on TV recently?
Roy's appearance was highly recognizable. Even though some time had passed since his last media appearance, many people still remembered him.
After the hostess escorted Roy inside, she informed the manager of his identity.
Soon, the manager in charge emerged, approaching Roy enthusiastically and shaking his hand.
"You're the famous Roy! I've heard so much about you..."
The manager's greeting almost gave Roy the impression he was accepting a quest.
Cyberpunk aftermath.
After greeting Roy, the Manager wanted to acknowledge the little Cosmog on his shoulder. With over 20 years in the business, he had never encountered a Pokémon he couldn't identify.
But at this moment, he was stumped, completely unable to recognize what species it was.
"I'm here to buy a house! Preferably a larger mansion."
Roy didn't intend to introduce Cosmog either, so he got straight to the point.
"Certainly." The Manager smiled expertly. "If it's convenient, could you provide information about your current Pokémon? Additionally, if you have plans for 'future Pokémon acquisitions,' that would be helpful too. This allows us to provide you with the best service."
"?"
Roy asked curiously:
"How is that related to buying a house?"
"You see..."
The Manager explained enthusiastically: "We recommend custom-designed properties based on each Trainer's specific situation... For example, if you specialize in Fire-type Pokémon, we offer properties with high-temperature heating rooms. These rooms maintain elevated heat levels 24/7, helping Pokémon comprehend Fire-type moves and master them."
Roy nodded. The high-heat environment—an artificially simulated Volcanic Zone—would indeed benefit Fire-type Pokémon.
"What else?"
The Manager, skilled in his business, continued eloquently:
"For Electric Pokémon, we provide 'high-voltage charging rooms' capable of delivering up to one million Volts, directly connected to power plants. Of course, you pay for the electricity yourself..."
"For Ice Pokémon, we offer large igloos."
"For Fighting Pokémon, we provide 'Professional Gyms'."
"For Grass-type Pokémon, we have 'artificial garden greenhouses.' You can also raise Poison-type and Bug-type Pokémon there..."
"Even for the less popular Ghost-type Pokémon, we've prepared properties built around Haunted Houses, allowing your Ghost-types to scare visitors daily, earn part-time income, and collect fear emotions."
The more Roy listened, the more excited he became.
Now this was specialized service!
He quickly provided his Pokémon's types.
"Fighting, Electric, Ice, Water, Psychic—" The Manager fell into deep thought. "Your Pokémon types are quite diverse..."
"Is that unusual?" Roy asked.
"Well, among my clients, there are virtually no Trainers like you," The Manager said frankly. "Those with the financial resources to purchase our properties are typically elite Trainers with considerable strength. Your diverse team is more common among novice and senior Trainers."
Elite Trainers specialize in a single type?
The manager's words slightly startled Roy, triggering a realization.
Why did champions, elites, and Gym Leaders specialize in single types?
Due to limited time, energy, and resources?
Roy had thought so before, but now he recognized a blind spot.
Consider Frances, who had already mastered Dragon-types—why wouldn't he train other types when he had abundant resources and energy?
The disadvantage of a single-type team was significant. Encountering a counter-type severely reduced effectiveness. Brian from the school team had been defeated by Roy in their challenge match precisely because of this vulnerability.
So why were Trainers above elite level still obsessed with single-type specialization?
Only a small number of powerful Trainers specialized in two types at most, with very few managing three or more.
They couldn't all be devotees of singular expertise, could they?
Roy filed this question away to investigate later when the opportunity arose.
"For a situation like yours, I recommend a comprehensive property."
The Manager produced a brochure and turned to a specific page.
A standard training room.
A 20m×20m artificial lake suitable for Wartortle.
Professional-grade gym with extensive training equipment for Lucario.
24-hour refrigeration system with artificially generated igloos for Vulpix.
High-voltage charging chamber for replenishing electrical energy, suitable for Elekid.
Walls carved with suggestive patterns to aid concentration for Calm Mind practice...
Roy glanced at Cosmog, who had been distracted since their arrival, and doubted it would use that feature.
Fortunately, the Calm Mind room would be useful for everyone practicing the "infinite" Calm Mind method, making it the most cost-effective feature.
"If you acquire new Pokémon in the future, you can contact us to install additional configurations. The fee will be somewhat expensive, of course."
Roy was very satisfied with the villa and checked the price.
Five hundred and sixty million Pokédollars.
...Excuse me, goodbye.
Although Roy had anticipated a high figure, this astronomical sum still pained him.
Naturally, purchasing a villa outright was unrealistic and fiscally irresponsible.
"What about the down payment?" Roy asked. "I have a letter of guarantee from Capital University."
"In that case, the down payment is only twenty percent!"
"Deal."