Early in the morning, after settling Pidgeotto and Gloom, Icarus headed toward the grocery store. Although marrying into that family was no longer an option, maintaining a business relationship was still valuable—after all, plenty of information came from casual conversations.
After selling the materials, he stopped by the butcher shop. Once everything was processed, he found he had earned an extra 10,000. It seemed Old Man Arai had quietly raised the price for him, giving him a better return.
Looks like he still hasn't given up on the idea of matchmaking… Life in that household really hasn't been easy these past few years.
"Next… time to visit that 'naturally gifted' cousin. I can hand in the task at the Pokémon Center on the way."
Holding his bank card, now with an increased balance, Icarus smiled.
Takashima really was a 'good man'…
Normally, this kind of mission required a full team of four or five Pokémon—or a highly coordinated group. Yet Takashima's reckless actions had allowed Icarus to claim nearly all the rewards alone. On top of that, he might even gain a new "junior partner."
---
He wasn't worried about Takashima coming back for revenge.
From what he learned through Okamoto, Luke Squadron's experiments were currently stuck at transferring Fighting-type energy into a living body. Many test subjects had already died.
When leaving the lab, Icarus had even glimpsed Luke connecting the unconscious Machop to Takashima, likely attempting another transfer experiment.
There was no way such a dangerous procedure would succeed on the first try.
Given their crude methods, it was far more likely they were just collecting data before eventual dissection.
So Takashima probably won't ever speak again…
Still, nothing was absolute—there was always a slim chance.
But even a small risk was worth it.
The value of someone "born extraordinary" was simply too great.
Whether for selling information or grooming a useful subordinate, the benefits were enormous.
If she really is special, I'll see if I can bring her under my control…
If that fails, getting her into Team Rocket would also be profitable.
---
After handing in the task at the Pokémon Center, Icarus mentally rehearsed his plan.
Soon, he arrived at a high-end residential area in the city center. Using the documents from Takashima's bag, he found the correct address.
After showing identification, the security let him in without much trouble.
"Just as lax as security back in my previous life…"
Still, the environment was impressive. There was even a shared training ground for Trainers—no wonder the housing prices were so high.
No wonder Takashima struggled financially despite being nearly thirty…
---
Arriving at the apartment, Icarus checked the room number, reviewed his prepared story, and rang the doorbell.
"Ding dong~ Ding dong~"
"Who is it?" A soft female voice came from inside. A pair of light-blue eyes appeared through the peephole.
"Hello, is this Takashima's residence? I'm his teammate. Here are our Alliance IDs."
Icarus immediately displayed both IDs to reassure her.
"Why do you have Brother Xiaoyuan's ID…?"
The girl's guard was clearly low. She opened the door and asked directly.
Standing before him was a young girl with long light-blue hair and a gentle, delicate face. Her eyes showed clear anxiety.
…That was easier than expected.
All his careful planning suddenly felt unnecessary.
It also confirmed something—this girl was inexperienced and naïve.
---
"Hello… you must be Tian Shui Ling, Takashima's cousin?"
"Yes… Hello! What happened to Brother Xiaoyuan? Where is he?"
Her voice trembled with worry.
"Miss Xiaoling… may I come in? You should prepare yourself…"
Hearing his tone, her unease deepened.
"Y-Yes, please come in… What happened to him?"
---
After sitting down, she clutched the edge of her skirt tightly, unable to hide her anxiety.
Without a word, Icarus placed Takashima's spatial backpack on the table.
"Miss Xiaoling… my name is Icarus. This is what Takashima left behind for you…"
The moment she saw it, her face turned pale.
"T-This is… Brother Takashima's backpack…!"
Her voice broke as tears streamed down uncontrollably.
"Brother Takashima…!"
She clutched the bag tightly, sobbing.
---
Her life had always been simple.
After the incident years ago, she never attended Trainer school and rarely left home.
After her parents' deaths, she had been taken in by relatives. Takashima and his family had treated her kindly.
She had even overheard talk of being raised as his future wife—but she didn't resist. With nothing left and no skills of her own, staying like that didn't seem so bad.
Recently, when her unusual abilities began to surface, Takashima had even promised to help her become a Trainer.
They had planned to work hard together.
But now—
"Brother Takashima…! W-Why…! I'm the one who brings misfortune…! Everyone around me… dies…!"
Her sobs grew louder, tears falling onto the backpack like rain.
---
Icarus sighed softly.
"Miss Xiaoling… Takashima was attacked by a Ursaring while hunting. Before he died, he entrusted me with this bag… and asked me to deliver it to you."
---
(End of Chapter)
-------------Author---------------
Read 50 advanced chapter
👉 patreon.com/Master_fic
U can read 10 chapters ahead just for 5$