Chapter Fifteen: The Bait Module

"Lucky."

The Lucky Egg gazed at Zhu Suihan as though beholding a deity. She only dared to nibble at it, never expecting someone could swallow it whole.

"Alright, entertainment time is over for today. Thanks for the help, Miss Joy. Let's head to the front desk and settle the bill."

Zhu Suihan had no desire to recall that flavor; he'd rather gnaw on the Vitality Root dry.

Joy stifled her laughter. "Alright."

"Did you just move to the town? I've never seen you or your Lapras partner before."

Or perhaps, influenced by the gym's specialty, most residents of Azalea Town, besides the usual Rattata and Pidgey, tended to favor Bug-types. Misty's nightmare, truly.

"Yes, I arrived today. Just getting to know my partner in the wild."

Essentially, letting Lapras bombard him with various moves.

Joy understood. "Are you going to compete in the Silver Conference? Good luck."

"No, I'm not a trainer." Zhu Suihan shook his head. "I'm just bonding with my partner; I don't intend to join the regional tournament. I'm aiming to become a breeder."

Who knows, next time we meet, perhaps I can call you 'senior.'

Joy smiled in realization. "That's true—given your talent, being a breeder might suit you better. I wish you success."

"Thank you."

Zhu Suihan bid her a polite farewell, slipped his card back into his pocket, and tapped his Poké Ball lightly.

"Dare to laugh at your trainer, eh? Tomorrow's breakfast will be halved."

Lapras: ?

Can't take a joke, huh!

"Just kidding. I didn't expect that recipe to be so potent." Zhu Suihan shook his head. "Still need to toughen myself up."

From his own experience, his constitution was certainly stronger than the average person's, but nowhere near the level of those who attain sainthood through sheer physical prowess.

Before enrolling, aside from raising Lapras, he still needed to schedule proper fitness routines and cram the basics, at least to behave like a normal local.

He quietly returned to Mr. Steel's house, slipped into his room, released Lapras, shook out the quilt, and crawled in.

Ten minutes later—

Zhu Suihan glanced at the already sleeping Lapras, falling silent.

He couldn't sleep—not because of the energy blocks, but seemingly due to his body being somewhat inhuman.

"What relieves worry? Only reading."

Without disturbing Lapras, Zhu Suihan expertly climbed out the window, took out the incense burner, and began a new round of brain-stuffing study.

"I want the improvement and upgrade methods for the energy block machine."

[Research points met. Exchanging now.]

That feeling of eating memory bread struck again. Zhu Suihan leaned against a fruit tree with the incense burner, quietly absorbing knowledge.

In short, as long as the materials were sufficient, building it was just like stacking blocks according to the blueprint.

"And, use this?"

He raised the incense burner, a little surprised.

Honestly, he'd thought it was some mystical cheat from a fantasy novel—turns out, it was a mechanical antique?

The energy block machine could have features added to the incense burner itself, following the materials and steps in the blueprints.

"Start with a fish, upgrade by devouring."

Zhu Suihan rubbed his drowsy head, finally feeling a hint of sleepiness.

The corresponding mechanical materials would be hard to gather in Azalea Town, so he needed another method.

Find a tool, someone who could benefit him—like Ma Zhishi.

He pondered what he could offer Ma Zhishi in exchange for the needed materials.

Rocket Corporation, Viridian City’s Giovanni, and something he could afford.

He got it!

Zhu Suihan’s eyes brightened. "I want the crafting methods for Bug-type and Flying-type lure modules—the simplest kind."

[Research points met.]

Lure modules were invented by Professor Willow in "Pokemon GO." It’s like putting honey on a tree: attracts Bug-types, though what you attract depends on the honey—be it Caterpie or Heracross.

And whether the trainer’s luck is good or bad.

Considering there were no Bug-type or Flying-type versions of lure modules, Zhu Suihan was just trying his luck, and unexpectedly, there really was a way.

Speaking of Giovanni, you can’t avoid the fact that his fortune began in Viridian Forest.

If Bug-type and Flying-type lure modules are used well, the benefits are substantial.

For example, if Pidgey and Spearow fight, and the battle spreads, it could draw in Beedrill and other tough old-timers, a disaster for other Pokémon.

If the module is effective, you could start from their habitats, keeping these two rival species far apart.

Worried about overpopulation?

When have you ever worried about newbies not being able to catch Pokémon? In older versions, you’d wish for a lucky streak, never encountering a wild monster while traveling.

And the leaders of each group aren’t fools—the total food they can get is calculated, so overexpansion won’t happen.

In fact, if it did, the rangers and Rocket Corporation would intervene.

With its manpower and resources, Rocket Corporation is more than able.

"Alright, sleepiness is hitting me. I have to admit, this cheat is really convenient. It’s surely a blessing earned from my past life."

Zhu Suihan yawned, crawled back in through the window, and locked himself in his quilt.

"Prepare Water-type and Ice-type modules for me as well."

A flood of knowledge surged in again. This time, Zhu Suihan didn’t force himself to memorize it—he rode the wave straight into sleep.

...

The next day.

"Oooh, oooh."

Lapras slowly entered Chihui’s room, nudging the little one on the bed.

Chihui waved her hand lazily from under the covers.

"Grandpa, let me sleep a bit more..."

A voice came from outside: "Lapras, you won’t wake her up that way. Use Water Gun."

Chihui: ?

That voice—Suihan?

Oh right, it’s not Grandpa waking me up!

"No need, Lapras!"

Chihui bounced up and clung to Lapras’s neck. "I’m awake!"

The sound of air escaping came again, and the enticing aroma spread throughout the house.

Steel, holding hot tea, instinctively looked toward Zhu Suihan.

Frankly, the aroma was so rich it made his tea taste more bitter.

"Breakfast is ready."

Grandfather and granddaughter looked at the breakfast Zhu Suihan brought out—nothing special, just simple sandwiches with Moomoo Milk.

But what was with that plate full of pink beads?

"Don’t look at me—energy blocks offer much higher nutrition than a standard meal."

Zhu Suihan prepared Lapras’s breakfast. "So, I’ve decided to eat energy blocks exclusively for a while."

Steel: ...

Neither Xuecheng nor Alyu had taught him how to handle this, or maybe they’d never seen a human eat energy blocks as regular food.

Chihui, being a child, had no resistance to such pretty things.

"It smells so good, Suihan! Can I try one?"

"After breakfast, you can have half a piece—not more, you won’t be able to manage it."

Zhu Suihan gently patted Lapras’s neck, signaling it to eat slowly.

He’d made two kinds: one was a special version mixed with Water Stone, the other was pure berry for himself, which Chihui could taste—a small amount only.

Any more, and Chihui would outpace Snorlax in gaining weight.

After breakfast, Zhu Suihan planned to go to town to make a call—hopefully, he could get some Ice Stones from Ma Zhishi; otherwise, Lapras’s attribute energy might be lacking.

Though Zhu Suihan wasn’t a professional extortionist, Ma Zhishi was keen to make friends with him, so both sides would get what they wanted.

Zhu Suihan stroked his chin. "I should check if Rocket Corporation has any competing products with similar attributes."

Chihui’s eyes lit up. "Suihan, are you going to town? Can you take me to school?"

Zhu Suihan paused. "You have school?"

"Of course! Last time we went to Goldenrod, I took time off from school."

Chihui looked puzzled. "Did you never go to school, Suihan?"

He’d assumed Chihui was the type to grow up naturally, then start her journey at ten with her Pokémon partner.

But then, even Ash was given a ten-year-old start—no one knew what his earlier life was like.

"Sure, I’ll take you. Do you need a packed lunch?"

Steel shook his head. "No need, Chihui gets a special nutritional lunch at school."

Zhu Suihan gently stroked the last energy block. "Let me guess—milk and eggs, with a staple and fruit?"

"Yes, the meal fee is a big part of tuition."

Steel smiled. "Suihan, are you interested in learning how to craft Poké Balls with me?"

"Though these days, handmade Poké Balls have become more like art pieces, it’s still quite fun."

Don’t be fooled by Steel living on the town outskirts—he’s actually a hidden wealthy man, his status akin to a serious 'master artist.' Normally, hiring him costs a pretty penny.

Unusual circumstances—well, under protagonist aura, he might just gift you a treasure.

Chihui secretly tugged Suihan’s sleeve. "Don’t listen to him, Suihan—if you learn from Grandpa, you’ll turn into a boring man, hammering away at the forge all day."

Steel smiled wryly. "It’s just a small hobby. Suihan, you definitely won’t make Poké Ball forging your main job like me."

Zhu Suihan nodded. "I am interested, thank you, Mr. Steel."

Steel calculated. "Alright, Suihan, I’ll prepare some materials. You arrange whatever you need to do today, and I’ll start teaching you how to make Apricorn Balls tomorrow."

"Sounds good."

Looks like today he’d have to handle Ma Zhishi thoroughly, so the materials he needed would be delivered willingly.