The effects of specially made alloy Metal Coats were undoubtedly more enticing, but that meant investing more expensive Metal Coat materials and paying additional processing fees. Besides, there was currently no Steel type mainstay on the team urgently in need of being "fully plated."
For him at this stage, converting this haul into more versatile resources and funds for his partners' overall development and future travels was undoubtedly the more practical choice.
After thinking it over, he politely declined. "Thank you for the suggestion, Master Li. But I don't need custom alloy for now. Sorry for the trouble, but please just purify these raw ores and forge them into standard Metal Coat Ingots."
"Sure, no problem!" Iron Hammer Old Li nodded readily and did not try to persuade him further, clearly respecting his customer's choice.
"Since you've got a large quantity, I'll give you a round figure for the processing fee: one hundred thousand League Coins. It'll take about three days. Leave me your contact information, and I'll notify you when it's ready for pickup."
"Sounds good." Xinhai had no objections to the price. Professional forging and purification required special fuel, labor, and precise control over both the furnace and the technique. It was a fair price.
He readily completed the transfer through his Pokédex and left his contact information.
With the deal settled, Iron Hammer Old Li's expression grew even more amiable. He had an apprentice carefully carry the Metal Coat Ore to the materials storeroom in the back.
After a moment's thought, Xinhai asked again, "Master Li, I'd also like to ask whether you have any Bio-Alloy materials for Bug-type Pokémon?"
"Bio-Alloy?" Iron Hammer Old Li raised a thick brow at that, sizing Xinhai up before shaking his head.
"This stuff... I really don't have any in stock