Chapter 22: Culinary Experiments
While Kora worked on the chicken coop, Naoki decided to experiment with some unique cooking methods. He wanted to try recreating the "Grass Cake" from the game, a dish said to magically alter the quality of crops.
But could grass really be used for cooking?
Naoki stood in the kitchen, rolled up his sleeves, and gathered his ingredients: the fresh green grass that Koraidon and Cyclizar had collected, some washed stones, and a piece of iron with a metallic sheen.
He knew that Pokémon had diverse diets, with some eating meat, eggs, milk, and vegetables like humans, while others consumed grass, rocks, metal, emotions, or even souls. He was determined to give it a try.
Limited by his kitchen tools, he couldn't make an actual cake out of grass. However, he could still experiment with different cooking methods using the same ingredients.
The early spring grass was vibrant and fresh. He washed it thoroughly, removing any dirt and roots, then placed it in a pot to steam.
"If I were a Grass-type Pokémon," Naoki mused, "I'd probably prefer fresher grass." He reasoned that the grass shouldn't be steamed for too long, lest it become too soft or lose its moisture.
He carefully timed the steaming process, and after five minutes, he donned oven mitts and removed the pot. The steamed grass lay glistening on a white porcelain plate.
Naoki peered at the information that appeared in his mind:
Steamed Grass (D-): A low-level dish that locks in the grass's moisture and flavor, enhancing its taste and making it more appealing to some herbivorous Pokémon.
Cooking Effect: Slightly increases the chance of a Grass-type Pokémon learning a Grass-type move.
Comment: Food that humans can't eat can be a delicacy for Pokémon. Your bold experiment will set a new precedent in the Pokémon world! One day, your magical food will reach the ears of all Pokémon, and they'll go crazy for it! Keep trying your best to create dishes that make Pokémon happy!
Naoki stared at the message in disbelief.
Naoki tore his gaze away from the nonsensical comment section and looked at the steamed grass on the plate with a mixture of shock and elation. He had hoped for this outcome, but seeing it in reality still left him stunned.
Cooking with grass was indeed possible! And it wasn't even the lowest grade, F-!
If grass worked, could he do the same with stones and iron? A daring idea sparked in Naoki's mind.
He focused on the gleaming piece of iron and decided to try a different cooking method. He heated oil in a pan, added the iron block once the oil was hot, and then tossed in various seasonings, mainly chili peppers. When the iron was coated in a fiery red chili oil, he swiftly transferred it to a plate.
The information for the dish materialized before his eyes:
Spicy Iron Nugget (D-): A low-level dish. Due to its hard texture and spicy flavor, most Pokémon won't eat it. However, certain Pokémon might have a particular liking for it.
Cooking Effect: Slightly increases the user's control over Fire and Steel-type moves.
Additional Effect: Feeding this to Heatran will slightly increase its friendliness.
Evaluation: @の#%&*!
"What kind of evaluation is that?" Naoki wondered, but seeing the effects listed above, he felt a sense of vindication.
Just like grass, metal could indeed be used in cooking. Perhaps even the ordinary stones found on the roadside could work. After all, Pokémon like Onix and Rhyhorn thrived on rocks.
But what surprised Naoki the most was the additional effect of the "Spicy Iron Nugget": Increasing Heatran's friendliness.
Heatran was a Legendary Pokémon from the Sinnoh region, linked to ancient myths. According to legend, the creator god Arceus had created the world and, to provide it with material and spiritual foundations, created Dialga, the Pokémon that controls time, Palkia, the Pokémon that controls space, and the three Lake Guardians, Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, who resided in another dimension, bringing emotions, wisdom, and willpower to the world.
Heatran was born during this process. In ancient times, when Dialga and Palkia clashed, fragments of their power fell to earth, becoming the Adamant Ore.
"But Heatran should be in the Sinnoh region, right?" Naoki pondered, deep in thought.
According to the game, Heatran could also be found in the Hoenn region, in addition to Sinnoh. But traveling to either region and even pinpointing Heatran's exact location, was impossible for Naoki at the moment.
With a tinge of regret, he glanced at the Spicy Iron Nugget. He turned and offered it to Koraidon and Cyclizar, teasing, "Want to try this?"
Both Pokémon looked at the chili-covered iron, grimaced, and shook their heads in unison. For once, they were in complete agreement.
Naoki chuckled and tossed the stones and grass into the bin. These unique dishes wouldn't be of use anytime soon. But if he ever had the chance, he would definitely visit the Sinnoh region.
Heatran, the Fire/Steel-type Legendary Pokémon, was a prize worth pursuing! Although considered a lesser Legendary.
Naoki, a former gamer, found himself slipping into a familiar pattern of collecting rare creatures. The idea of filling his ranch with adorable, fluffy, and rare Pokémon from all over the world was incredibly appealing. He could picture himself tending to his farm, surrounded by a menagerie of Pokémon companions.
Hehehe!
Suddenly, Naoki realized he was being watched. Koraidon and Cyclizar were staring at him with puzzled expressions.
He cleared his throat, suppressing a goofy grin, and patted their heads. "Alright, alright," he said, heading outside towards Kora, who was busy with the chicken coop construction.
"Ms. Kora," he began, his eyes sparkling with hope, "do you know where I might find Pokémon like Eevee, Vulpix, Pikachu, Meowth, Pachirisu, or Skitty?"
With the crops still growing and some free time on his hands, Naoki wanted to catch a few new companions. While Koraidon and Cyclizar were adorable in their own right, they were a bit too large for cuddling. He longed for some smaller, fluffier Pokémon to keep him company.
He imagined cozy evenings by the fireplace, Koraidon and Cyclizar sprawled out beside him, while Eevee, Vulpix, Meowth, and other cuddly creatures snuggled on his lap, at the foot of the bed, on his pillow, and in his arms.
That was a life he wouldn't trade for anything.
...
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