For example, the first thing Natsuhiko saw was a "Dragon Scale," with a description that read, "Shed naturally from an Elite Trainer Level Garchomp in its twilight years."
There were also items like "Dragon's Fang" and "Dragon's Claw."
Even though these all had high value and were quite good, Natsuhiko always felt like they were missing something.
Now.
Natsuhiko finally understood how Hilona's indecisiveness came about.
With so many good things in front of you, yet you can only choose one, who wouldn't have a hard time deciding?
Moreover, it seemed like Hilona hadn't come for the first time, and it might not have been just two or three times.
"Baluya—"
However, just as Natsuhiko was indecisive, a long-unheard voice sounded in his ears.
Dragapult!
The psychic power slowly extended, connecting the telepathy with Dragapult.
"Dragapult, what did you sense?"
"On the right, second shelf from the top, third item."
Dragapult's magnetic, detailed voice echoed.
Natsuhiko squinted his eyes.
An item that even caught Dragapult's attention...
He quickly approached that shelf.
He saw.
Inside a transparent glass vessel, there was a palm-sized piece of emerald green Ice Crystal, with a faint halo flowing around it, definitely not a simple thing.
"This is..."
Seeing this item, Natsuhiko's eyes narrowed.
"Dragon Crystal." Dragapult's voice once again sounded in his mind.
Natsuhiko had seen Dragon Crystals before in Regigigas's Alternate Space, but the Dragon Crystal he'd seen before was a deep purple, almost black. This one was a green color, making someone who didn't know think it was a Grass Energy crystal.
"A very pure Dragon Crystal, even purer than the last one." Dragapult emphasized its value again, fearing Natsuhiko would not realize it.
Although it didn't know why this Dragon Crystal appeared green, the energy contained within was tempting even for Dragapult.
"No." Natsuhiko shook his head.
What unsettled him wasn't the Dragon Crystal.
He knew the Dragon Crystal was invaluable, and he even vaguely guessed where it came from.
But what attracted his attention the most was this green-light emitting Dragon Crystal; inside, amidst the flowing transparent halo, something seemed to appear and disappear.
A...
Super Evolution Stone!
...
...
"So fast?"
Natsuhiko looked at Hilona, who was already standing at the door with her chosen item, full of surprise.
What about her indecisiveness?
What about her hesitation?
Turns out, it was all a lie.
While returning with his item, Natsuhiko had been thinking about how he might help Hilona decide what would be more suitable for her.
After all.
Even now, Hilona's Pokémon lineup couldn't be considered perfect.
She still lacked a crucial Pokémon, one that could match Hilona.
For example.
Milotic.
Unexpectedly, Hilona had made her choice so quickly this time, which left Natsuhiko quite stunned.
"Yes." Hilona responded softly, saying nothing more.
They handed their items to the staff for removing any special markings before taking them out of the warehouse.
Fortunately.
The items Natsuhiko and Hilona chose hadn't exceeded the value limit set by the competition.
Originally, Natsuhiko thought the Alliance was being quite generous this time.
Now he understood.
No wonder they allowed only one choice.
Valuable things aren't always necessary, and necessary things aren't always valuable. One must make a choice.
Soon.
Both successfully acquired the items they had chosen.
It is only now
that the "Lily Youth Competition" truly ended for them.
Though the chosen items and their expected value were a bit different, the bonus of a Super Evolution Stone was an unexpected gain.
All things considered, Natsuhiko still profited.
Escorted again by the staff back to the hall.
"Well... I still need to meet with Kikuno of the Elite Four," Natsuhiko said.
"I'll wait for you."
Hilona also understood that Natsuhiko was going to handle some matters regarding the Dojo, so she replied simply.
"Alright."
Natsuhiko didn't refuse.
After all, returning alone later would be a bit dull.
Besides, Hilona had also asked him to go to Shenhe Town again.
Mysteriously, with unknown intentions.
Accompanied by a staff member who had been waiting for a long time, Natsuhiko headed to the office area of the Elite Four.
Hilona, carrying her items, watched Natsuhiko's departing figure, forming another beautiful sight in the League Headquarters hall.
Knock knock—
Gently tapping on the door.
"Please wait a moment." Kikuno's slightly flustered voice came from inside.
Then there were some rustling noises.
After a while, Kikuno's voice sounded again.
"Come in."
He opened the door.
The Elite Four offices were all on the top floor of the League Headquarters Building.
So the first thing seen after opening the door was a large panoramic floor-to-ceiling window, from inside one could overlook the entire area of the League Headquarters, including the streets and facilities outside the headquarters.
Then he saw Kikuno sitting at the desk, and....
A ball of yarn forgotten on the table.
Following Natsuhiko's gaze, Kikuno realized it.
"Ahem..."
He cleared his throat, inconspicuously putting away the ball of yarn.