Su Feng had his reasons for unveiling the Poké Ball early. First, to prove his value to Old Chen and Old Xu, ensuring his voice carried weight in future decisions. Second, to hint at his arsenal of undisclosed tech, cementing his indispensability.
Handing the Premier Ball to Jin, Su Feng instructed, "Tap it gently against Ponyta, like cracking an egg."
Confused but compliant, Jin tapped the ball against Ponyta's head.
Click!
The Premier Ball sprang open, absorbing Ponyta in a flash of red light.
Jin's eyes widened, nearly dropping the ball in shock. "What the—!?"
"Hold it steady," Su Feng advised.
The ball wobbled three times before settling. Ponyta was gone.
"Su Feng! Where's Ponyta!? Is she in this thing!? How do I get her out!? Isn't it cramped in there!?" Jin's voice rose in panic.
"Relax," Su Feng soothed. "She's fine. Press the button to release her. The space inside is vast—no discomfort at all."
Jin fumbled with the ball, pressing the central button. A red beam shot out, materializing Ponyta beside them.
"Ponyta! Are you okay!?" Jin rushed to her side.
"Neigh~" Ponyta nuzzled him, oblivious to his worry.
Jin exhaled deeply. "Thank goodness."
Now calmer, he examined the Premier Ball. How could something so small house Ponyta without discomfort? Was it akin to Su Feng's bottomless backpack?
"Su Feng, what is this?"
"It's called a Poké Ball—a portable device for carrying Pokémon. I call the process 'capturing.'"
"Any Pokémon? Any size!?" Jin's eyes widened.
"Yes, but with one condition: the Pokémon must consent. Like your Ponyta."
"Even if you defeat a Pokémon, it must acknowledge you. If I'd tried capturing Ponyta, it might've failed."
"Once captured, a Pokémon bonds to its Poké Ball. No other ball can claim it, preventing theft."
Jin's shoulders relaxed, though the ball's weight felt heavier with its implications.
"This ball is Ponyta's home now. It's spacious—she'll be comfortable even for long periods."
"Su Feng, this technology… it's monumental. I'll keep my word—only Old Chen and Old Xu will know."
Su Feng waved off the concern. He trusted Jin's integrity.
After ensuring Ponyta was comfortable, Jin stored her in the ball. Haunter and Combusken, intrigued, inspected the device.
Su Feng patted their heads. "Don't worry. You'll get your own Poké Balls soon."
He planned to unlock various ball types, eventually upgrading his team to Luxury Balls—the pinnacle of comfort.
With Ponyta secured, they returned to the military base. Jin, clutching the Premier Ball like a treasure, drove with newfound purpose.
Back at his villa, Su Feng collapsed onto his bed, a glass of iced cola in hand courtesy of Haunter.
"Ah~" He sighed contentedly. Nothing beat a cold drink after a long day.
Opening the system shop, Su Feng browsed his massive point haul. Even the Master Ball was within reach, but who'd splurge on that?
Instead, he purchased a Berry Blender and recipes for common-type Pokéblocks. This trip had underscored their value—Pokéblocks were the Pokémon world's universal currency!
With a mountain of Berries in his bag and Cheng Meng's orchard in the works, investing in a blender was a no-brainer.
"Time to cook!"
The compact Berry Blender, no larger than a microwave, promised efficiency without sacrificing output.
Tossing in a mix of Berries, Su Feng rolled up his sleeves. "Let's make some Pokéblocks!"