"Not bad, passing the history exam of Naranja Academy at such a young age?"
Seeing Axel's profile, the staff member at the entrance looked a bit surprised.
As the largest academy in the Paldea region, Naranja Academy maintained extremely strict educational standards.
For students in the Trainer track, the graduation requirement was to gain recognition from eight or more Gym Leaders.
For non-Trainer students, anyone who could pass the exams in various subjects would basically be close to researcher-level ability.
Axel let out an awkward chuckle, too embarrassed to respond to the staff member, and followed the direction she pointed into the museum.
The museum was brightly lit. Most of the items were protected by reflective barriers and light walls, and at the same time, each person had a security guard accompanying them.
The security guard beside Axel was a middle-aged man, and his Pokémon was a Charmeleon that had just reached level 30.
Both the man and his Pokémon were very dedicated, staying by Axel's side the entire time. He also acted as a guide, constantly introducing the museum to him.
"You guys actually came at a bit of a bad time. This place used to be more like a public venue, and those items could be touched freely."
"But things haven't been peaceful lately. They say someone is planning to come and snatch a certain item..."
"Chairwoman Geeta directly gave the order. Outsiders aren't allowed in, and no one is allowed to touch these items privately."
"Only items that pass the auction review have a chance to be handled by you."
"That is a bit of a shame," Axel chatted along with the man for a couple of sentences, then quickly steered the conversation to the main point.
"Sir, do you know the auction process?"
"Oh?", The man paused for a moment, then reacted.
"You're interested in the auction too? That stuff costs a lot of money. The items in the museum are all very valuable, and most of them are things many people want to study."
"Just asking," Axel smiled, not revealing much.
Geeta had already discussed things with Cynthia. As long as Axel participated in the auction for the Great Lustrous Orb, the Paldea League would cover all the costs.
After all, the Great Lustrous Orb itself was an asset of the Paldea League. It was just moving it from one hand to the other.
In other words, when it came to the auction for the Great Lustrous Orb, Axel's funds were effectively unlimited. There was no need to worry about failing to win it.
Of course, Axel understood clearly that this wasn't for his protection, but for Geeta's protection of the entire Paldea region.
The current Paldea simply didn't have the means to deal with Giratina.
"No problem, you are just asking anyways," The man was very straightforward and didn't mind the trouble at all, explaining it to Axel in detail.
"If you want to take away any exhibit here, like that genetic fossil of Aerodactyl, you need to apply for an auction."
"Once it's announced to the League and confirmed that the item can be traded, the auction can be held that very night."
Axel nodded thoughtfully.
Geeta hadn't lied. Everything she did was to prevent the Explorers, not to stop others from taking treasures out.
Under this system, it was still quite easy for people who genuinely needed to research something to take a specific item away.
Axel moved straight to the point, "I heard a certain orb appeared recently. Can you take me to see it?"
"An orb?", The security guard uncle was clearly taken aback, obviously not expecting someone to want to look at something so niche.
"Why not go check out the Terastal Hall? That's the most beautiful place in the Zapapico Town Museum."
"A newly unearthed piece of jade probably doesn't have much to look at, right?"
Axel casually explained, "That piece of jade happens to be somewhat related to my research topic, so I want to take a look."
"Alright... but I still suggest you go check out the Terastal Hall after you're done with the orb. The scenery there is really stunning."
"Now, which exhibition hall was that orb in again? Look at my memory, hardly anyone wants to see that thing, I've forgotten which hall it's in..."
The man thought for quite a while, then finally slapped his forehead and led Axel toward the most inconspicuous Hall No. 10.
———
When they reached Hall No. 9, Axel suddenly stopped.
Because he saw several items that looked very familiar, a hairpin used by Diao Chan, as well as jade bracelets and other accessories.
When the man reached Hall No. 10, he suddenly realized no one was behind him and quickly turned back.
"Why did you stop, young man? See something you like?"
"If you do, go ahead and browse Hall No. 9 first. We've got plenty of time."
"Not that I want to look," Axel gently shook his head and pointed at the jade bracelet and other items.
"I just wanted to ask if those things can also be auctioned?"
The man didn't even look, "Of course they can."
"What Zapapico Town is most famous for is trading. Even the museum is different from other regions. Everything you see can be traded."
"Although things are a bit special lately, as long as it passes review, you can still buy it."
At that point, the man added, "Of course, that's assuming you can win the auction."
"Then I'm relieved," Axel noted down the item numbers of those things, planning to bid on them together and give them to Diao Chan as a gift later.
Next was Hall No. 10. After passing through so many halls, Axel had already figured out a pattern.
The further back the exhibition hall, the less valuable the items were considered by the museum.
You could tell just from the interior setup. The first hall was filled with Terastal crystals, lavish and grand, almost as if the entire ancient Paldean royal palace had been moved there.
Hall No. 10, on the other hand, only had a few crystal chandeliers, and the shelves were neatly lined with various items.
But none of them were particularly valuable. Most were shells, pearls, and the like that emitted energy fluctuations but weren't secret treasures.
You could practically call it a large supermarket...
Axel walked around once, and finally saw in a corner a spherical orb, covered in spikes and radiating golden light.
[Great Lustrous Orb: A brilliantly shining great orb. When used on Giratina, it can greatly increase its power and change its form.]
The moment he saw the description of the orb, Axel's breathing instantly became rapid.
He was certain. It was Diao Chan and the white Gardevoir.
He wondered how Diao Chan and the white Gardevoir had been doing after all this time.
Axel hurriedly had Rotom contact Giratina to return, then turned to look at the man responsible for accompanying him.
"Sir, I want to buy this item. Please help me go through the auction process."
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