(Grey's POV)

  I left the gym with the Rainbow Badge heavy in my pocket, but the weight in my mind was heavier. On the way out, a few strangers stopped to wish me luck, their eyes gleaming with the kind of recognition that told me the broadcast had already done its work. I eventually found my parents waiting by the gates. Their faces were beams of pure pride, and the walk home was filled with their excited chatter about the match. We detoured to the Pokémon Center first, where Nurse Joy took my team with a knowing smile and a heartfelt congratulation.

  Once the team was healed and the adrenaline finally ebbed, I realized I couldn't just sit on the information Erika had given me. If I was hitting a nutritional ceiling, I needed to break through it immediately.

  I headed to the local Pokémart first. When I cornered the manager and inquired about type-specific growth specimens, his entire demeanor changed. He looked me up and down, realized I wasn't just some kid looking for Potions, and gestured for me to follow him into a back room.

  "Type-based growth food isn't something we keep on the shelves," he muttered, closing the door behind us. The room was filled with high-end equipment and crates I'd never seen in the aisles. "What types are we talking about?"

  "Dragon, Grass, Psychic, and Water," I replied.

  He shook his head. "I can't help you with Dragon—that's restricted stock. You might find a lead at the Mall. But I have the others." He pulled three containers from a climate-controlled locker. "Standard intermediate grade. It'll run you 5,000 Poké-dollars each for a month's supply."

  Fifteen thousand. I felt a sharp pang in my chest as I authorized the transfer. The prize money I'd just earned from Erika was vanishing in a single swap. I pestered him about the cost, and he explained that the price came from the source. These weren't just ground-up berries; they were a specialized blend of high-fiber grains, minerals, and proteins infused with concentrated type-energy, delivered by intermediate-level breeders.

  Determined to complete the set for Axew, I trudged over to the massive Celadon Mall. I detoured through the Stone Department first, curious about evolving Shellder or Exeggcute, but one look at the price tags sent me walking right back out. 30,000 Poké-dollars for a basic Water or Leaf Stone. Higher quality ones were even worse. Evolution was officially off the table until I was swimming in cash; besides, I wanted them to master their current forms first.

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  In the Mall's high-end food department, I went through the same routine. Another secret room, another wary manager.

  "Dragon-type growth fuel," the manager said, scratching his chin. "Limited supply. We get it from an advanced breeder with ties to the Draconid tribe in Hoenn. It's not easy to move ingredients like that across regions."

  "How much for a month?" I asked, bracing myself.

  "Twelve thousand."

  I nearly walked away. It was more than double the cost of the others. But I looked at the Poké Ball on my belt. If the rest of the team grew while my starter stalled because I was being stingy, I'd be a failure of a trainer. I made the deal with a bleeding heart. I tried to bargain, but the manager just laughed. Types like Dragon, Steel, and Dark required ingredients that were dangerous to harvest; there was no room for discounts.

  Walking home with three massive containers stuffed into my bag, I realized the world truly runs on money. Anyone who says otherwise simply doesn't have enough of it.

  Back in my room, I released the team and showed them the new haul. They looked at the specialized kibble with confusion, though Axew seemed to recognize the scent—likely a memory from his time with the Blackthorns. I explained the new deal: this food was for growth, not just hunger. I set a strict schedule to feed them immediately after our morning training or battles, ensuring their bodies would circulate the nutrients and type-energy while their metabolisms were peaked.

  I sat at my tiny desk, flipping through my notebook. The plan was shifting. I'd stay in Celadon for the next few days for Erika's training with Exeggcute. In the meantime, I'd use the Strength HM on Axew to focus on muscle density. Shellder needed to master Icy Wind; he'd pulled it off in the heat of the moment, but it wasn't a reliable tool yet. I really wanted him to learn Water Pulse or Razor Shell, but I lacked the technical data to teach them myself.

  I looked at the scribbled plans in my book, most of which were crossed out or rendered obsolete by the weird journey I have had yet . But one plan remained: Project M.

  I needed a Pokémon for utility. Something that could help bridge the massive financial gap I was now facing. The Project M line wasn't the strongest in a straight brawl, but its versatility was unmatched, and more importantly, it had a knack for finding things. With my supplies dwindling and my next destination likely being Vermilion City as I wasn't nearly ready for Sabrina's psychic nightmare in Saffron—I needed a safety net.

  Lt. Surge would be a cliff to climb, especially with a "Marked" difficulty spike, but I had confidence I could jump it if I prepared.

  Tomorrow, after meeting Erika to finalize Exeggcute's apprenticeship, I'd head to the suburbs. It was time to initiate Project M.

  Note:This pokemon might be the last one for quite a while at least until next gym or next 2 gyms , while the pokemon itself isnt the strongest its ability has helped quite a few people in their pokemon game runs , also for his last 2 pokemon I might let the audience decide with a poll , ok a hint about Project M

  My evolution served Giovanni , I was a mascot of sort for pokemon along with pikachu and eevee , I am part of an iconic trio

  Also if any polishing needed grammar wise for this chapter just mention will edit it