(A/N: We've hit 5K collections!!! Huge thanks to all of you for the support and comments, I know I've been a bit less active in replies lately, but I see and appreciate every one of you. Enjoy this bonus Chapter, and stay tuned, more are on the way soon! :)
John scrolled through his phone, his brow raising as he read Saul's latest post.
"Individual value analysis done by students for my Eevee. I couldn't make sense of it, but I was shocked."
Attached was a detailed breakdown of Eevee's stats. The comment section was already ablaze.
EeveelutionAddict: "Saul's ignorance is serious, hahaha."
PsychicWannabe: "Psychic individual value? I need that kind of Psychic!"
ShinyHunter99: "Another day, another reason to envy Psychics."
PokéProfessorWannabe: "Wait, is individual value even recognized?"
BreedingMaster420: "So basically, only John's breeding house is reliable?"
John smirked. He was on his way to Justin's Gym when he saw the post. Just a moment ago, his teacher had asked him to evaluate Eevee's individual values and explain how he did it. The best excuse? Psychic powers.
In a world where Psychic abilities were commonplace, Saul had no choice but to accept this explanation. Being able to assess a Pokemon's potential with a mere glance was unheard of. Even the best breeders, those who had spent decades refining their craft, could only make educated guesses about a Pokemon's strength. The precision of John's evaluations? That was something else entirely. frёewebnoѵēl.com
Saul Badman, a seasoned breeder himself, knew his students well. He recognized John's talent, but surpassing veterans with 40 to 50 years of experience? That was impossible, unless, of course, it was Psychic ability.
"Didn't expect one of my own to be a Psychic," Saul mused online.
John didn't mind taking credit for it. Psychics existed in all forms, from telekinesis to mind-reading. Seeing the future, bending space, or even manipulating energy—none of it was out of the realm of possibility. His so-called ability to discern individual values just became another entry on that long list.
This post did more than settle a debate among breeders—it legitimized his discoveries. No longer would people question his ability to read a Pokemon's stats. Instead, they would marvel at his so-called gift. It also gave him an edge over competitors. No other breeder could replicate what he did, meaning they had no choice but to acknowledge his monopoly on this niche.
John could already see the implications. His breeding house's next matchmaking event for Pokemon and trainers would be a full-blown spectacle. People would flock to him, desperate for his insight.
His thoughts were interrupted by an incoming call from Emerald, his assistant.
"What's up?" John asked.
"Nothing wrong with the ranch, but I just got flooded with calls from breeders across the country. Hundreds of them want you to evaluate their Pokemon."
John chuckled. "Oh, now they're interested?"
Not long ago, these same breeders had tried to suppress him, unwilling to accept his individual value theory. The breeding industry was cutthroat, and his rise threatened their control over the market. They had dismissed him, hoping he'd fade into obscurity.
But now that legends like the Caine and Saul had backed him, these same skeptics suddenly wanted in.
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, huh?" John smirked. "Well, let 'em wait. We'll work with who we want, when we want."
John wasn't about to let them dictate the terms. His breeding house needed to establish itself further before he even considered partnerships. When the time came, he would make sure the deals favored him.
As he arrived at Justin's Gym, the familiar scent of fine liquor greeted him. Justin Sane lounged on his rocking chair, a jug of premium wine on the table beside him.
"You're finally here," Justin said, raising a brow. "Time to pay up. Your Vigoroth and Smeargle have been eating my food for a month."
"Sure, how much?" John asked, pulling out his wallet.
"I don't want money. Just a jug of your master's wine."
John immediately shook his head. "No way. If my master's hiding it, you can bet it's something special. Even if I had some, I wouldn't hand it over."
Justin huffed. "Didn't you just ask for the price?"
"I meant actual money. You want wine? I can buy you some."
Justin scoffed. "Forget it. Just get your Pokemon and scram."
A moment later, John and his Pokemon were literally thrown out by a Slaking, landing outside alongside a massive stack of papers covered in Smeargle's ink strokes.
Justin's voice rang out from inside. "Your Smeargle's finally picked up some real technique. These sheets can cover a whole room and help with meditation!"
John dusted himself off and grinned at Smeargle. "Looks like you actually got something out of this month."
Smeargle puffed up proudly. "Smeargle~!"
Recalling his Pokemon into their Pokeballs, John got into his car and headed to the Trainer Association's hotel. His flight was scheduled for five in the morning, and there was no way he was going to waste time traveling from his school at that hour.
Settling into the driver's seat, he opened Vigoroth's stat panel on his Gameboy.
[Vigoroth (Normal-Type)]
[Ability: Vital Spirit (Prevents sleep, negates Rest.)]
[Individual Values: HP: 31, Attack: 31, Special Attack: 31, Defense: 31, Special Defense: 31, Speed: 31]
[Moves: Yawn, Uproar, Fury Swipes, Slash, Endure, Focus Energy, Encore, Force Palm, Focus Blast, Thunder, Blizzard, Flamethrower, Protect, Quick Attack, Mega Punch, Body Slam, Rock Smash, Cut, Solar Beam]
[Held Item: Assault Vest]
John's eyes flicked over the long list of moves. Among them, Mega Punch and Body Slam stood out.
"Perfect. Time to tailor its training."
With a strategy in mind, he started the engine.