Chapter 71: Chapter 71: The Golden Spirit Fruit
"I've told you everything I know. Now, can you spare my life?"
Having confessed all he knew, Warner pleaded desperately.
"Persian, finish him."
Ignoring Warner's pleas, Ron gave the order to Persian.
"You said you wouldn't kill me!"
Before Warner could finish his sentence, Persian's claws slashed his throat.
"I said I wouldn't kill you, but I never said my Pokémon wouldn't."
"Remember this in your next life—when you beg for mercy, be specific about the terms."
Ron offered this advice as Warner took his final breath.
With Warner eliminated, Ron began sorting through his belongings.
He grouped Warner's Pokémon with those of Kong and Long to deal with them later in Lavender Town. Among the items, Warner had some mid-grade Pokéblocks, Pokémon food, and an ordinary-quality Charcoal.
Additionally, Ron found a card identifying Warner as a Pokémon Hunter.
Previously, Shadow had suggested two methods for dealing with such items.
One option was to sell them through Team Rocket's internal network in exchange for contribution points, which could then be used to acquire items Ron needed. However, this method risked exposing Ron's identity.
The second option was to register as a Pokémon Hunter and turn in these Pokémon to the Hunter's Guild, a network where most hunters accept and complete missions.
Compared to Team Rocket, the Hunter's Guild was much more discreet. Since its inception, neither the League nor Team Rocket had been able to locate the Guild's headquarters. The Guild's secrecy had allowed it to flourish, forcing the League to increase the number of Rangers to counter the growing number of Pokémon Hunters.
The Guild's lenient registration requirements ensured anonymity for its members, making it a safer choice for Ron.
With Warner's ID card in hand, Ron decided to skip the registration process entirely. He could now use the card to access the Hunter's Guild website and offload the Pokémon with ease.
Hunter ID cards didn't require passwords, as their security relied on anonymity. This made it convenient for Ron to make use of the card's resources.
After securing Warner's items, Ron noticed the Kangaskhan and her child approaching cautiously.
Despite knowing Ron had saved them, they still displayed lingering fear due to their recent encounter with humans.
The Kangaskhan bowed deeply before retreating into the forest with her child.
Such a reaction was expected. Not everyone had Ash's knack for instantly earning a Pokémon's trust, especially not Pokémon that had narrowly escaped capture.
After tidying up the scene, Ron set off for the location Warner had mentioned.
Since his initial arrival in this world, Ron's knowledge of Pokémon had deepened significantly. He now understood more about their needs and resources, including the coveted Golden Spirit Fruit—a rare fruit that could significantly enhance a Pokémon's defensive capabilities (a concept Ron had devised himself).
Most trainers wouldn't let their Pokémon consume the fruit directly but would process it into high-grade Pokéblocks for better results.
The Pokéblocks Ron used already contained traces of Golden Spirit Fruit, boosting his Pokémon's defense.
In addition to Golden Spirit Fruit, there were other elemental Spirit Fruits: Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. These fruits could enhance energy recovery, resistance to status conditions, attack power, and stamina, respectively.
Legends suggested that combining all five Spirit Fruits could produce supreme-quality Pokéblocks, capable of enhancing every aspect of a Pokémon's abilities.
Ron firmly believed such Pokéblocks existed; otherwise, the rumors wouldn't persist.
However, supreme-quality Pokéblocks were beyond Ron's reach for now. His immediate goal was to see if he could find the Golden Spirit Fruit Warner had mentioned.
On his way, Ron avoided unnecessary battles, instructing his Persian and Machoke to engage only when absolutely necessary.
Eventually, he arrived at the designated location by late afternoon.
Hiding in the shadows, Ron spotted a Skarmory resting on the ground.
Wild Pokémon often sought out energy-rich food or berries, and this Skarmory was no exception. Beside it was a small golden tree, about a few dozen centimeters tall.
Recognizing it immediately, Ron confirmed it was the Golden Spirit Fruit tree, its branches bearing five fruits.
According to records, a fully matured Golden Spirit Fruit tree could produce nine fruits at a time. This tree, however, was not yet fully grown.
But Ron hesitated to act.
The Skarmory's strength was impressive, at an elite high level—a daunting Level 53.
Moreover, being a native of Johto, Skarmory would face hostility in the Kanto region. For it to thrive here at such a high level spoke volumes about its strength and ferocity.
Its ability to fly added another layer of difficulty, explaining why Warner hadn't dared to claim the fruits himself.
Unlike Warner, however, Ron wasn't ready to give up. He resolved to find a way to succeed.
Quietly, he positioned himself at a safe distance from the Skarmory, preparing to act.
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