"What do you mean?"
Though Ron sensed something was off, he maintained his composure, carefully asking the question to uphold his image.
"It's simple. You can fulfill my wish by helping me set up a breeding house."
"My original plan was to obtain a breeder qualification, join an existing breeding house, accumulate experience and savings, and eventually open a small breeding house that would slowly expand. But that plan isn't viable anymore. Luckily, you've appeared, boss."
"Now I've changed my mind. You'll fund the breeding house, and I'll handle everything else. Within two years, I'll make it profitable. Until then, I'll need your investment."
The typically reserved Lars Flavian spoke with unusual enthusiasm, clearly energized by the topic.
"The initial investment will be around 100 million League coins, but I might need more later."
He finished his estimate and quietly observed Ron, waiting for his answer.
Several people had considered investing in Lars, recognizing his potential as a breeder. However, once they learned he was being targeted by the League and asking for such a large sum with no guaranteed return, they quickly backed off.
If Lars had a higher breeder qualification, it might have been a different story. Unfortunately, he was only an apprentice breeder, making him a risky bet.
Lars had previously sought protection from the Elite Four or tried exposing the League's corruption, but no one helped. An apprentice breeder had little to offer, and the Elite Four weren't willing to strain their already tense relationship with the Five Great Families for him.
After repeated disappointments, Lars even considered joining Team Rocket.
Before he made that choice, Ron appeared. Lars decided to test him, curious if Ron would invest such a large sum.
Hearing the price, Ron felt a headache coming on.
His entire fortune from the Indigo League and dangerous hunts against poachers amounted to just over 200 million League coins. After spending heavily on minerals for Larvitar, he only had 200 million left.
100 million coins might not even cover everything. Lars hinted at further investments and no profits for two years—a bottomless pit.
The biggest worry was Lars potentially betraying him or reporting him to the League later.
Most would refuse immediately. However, with Gardevoir's help, Ron could sense Lars' current thoughts. Still, human hearts could change.
The question was: did Ron dare to gamble?
"I agree. Follow me. I'll give you 150 million coins as startup capital. If you need more, contact me directly."
After a brief contemplation, Ron decided to take the risk. If Lars betrayed him, Ron would ensure he lived in regret. If Lars stayed loyal, Ron would support him fully. 150 million coins was a price Ron could accept.
Lars was stunned. He couldn't tell if Ron was overly confident or just naive.
What he did know was that working under Ron would likely be very comfortable.
Ron immediately set about making arrangements to resolve Lars' situation before heading to the Yolton District.
After this heavy investment, Ron urgently needed the Terraberries promised by Aki Murrigan.
Before that, Ron gave Lars a human-skin mask he'd purchased for disguise.
The League targeted Lars because of a secret breeding technique passed down from his master—a method to accelerate Pokémon growth.
Most Grade Nine Breeders had their own secret techniques, often special food formulas combined with unique methods to enhance Pokémon abilities.
However, Lars and his master had developed a technique to accelerate growth—shortening the juvenile phase and helping Pokémon quickly absorb energy to break through levels.
Unfortunately, Lars' master died before testing the technique, leaving its effectiveness uncertain.
If the technique had been proven, the League would have sent far more resources after Lars.
Moreover, replicating the technique required precise ingredients and psychic hypnosis, making it nearly impossible to duplicate without the exact formula.
These factors allowed Lars to survive despite the League's pursuit, aided by his Mid Elite strength.
After teaching Lars Flavian how to use the human-skin mask, Ron began paving the way with money, helping Lars rapidly build a Breeding House in the shortest time possible. The chosen location was Cerulean City.
The reason for selecting Cerulean City was simple—first, it wasn't too remote, and second, the land was cheap.
On the other side, after discovering Lars Flavian's disappearance, the League personnel who had been following him began a frantic search.
Unfortunately, with Gardevoir's Teleport, their efforts were destined to be in vain.
The next day, Ron instructed Lars Flavian to handle the upcoming matters independently, contacting him only if necessary. The communication account was the same newly registered one Ron had previously handed to Amon.
Looking at Ron—who had only known him for less than a day, yet entrusted him with one hundred and fifty million as startup capital—Lars Flavian couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
However, Lars Flavian wouldn't express his gratitude in words but would instead silently prove himself through his actions.
The first step was the construction of the Breeding House. Lars Flavian would spare no effort to ensure the Breeding House became profitable as soon as possible.
The second step involved the secret art of rapidly enhancing Pokémon growth—something only Lars Flavian could offer Ron.
While Lars Flavian steeled his resolve, Ron left Cerulean City with eyes shimmering brightly, wishing a horde of Pokémon Hunters would appear before him to replenish his withered wallet!
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