Capítulo 2: Flutter Mane and Misdreavus[352]
Naoki immediately recognized Professor Oak.
Smiling, Naoki greeted him, "I've seen you on TV! Hello, Professor Oak!"
Professor Oak nodded warmly, quickly understanding the reference. "Ah, the TV lecture series! The station invited me to provide some educational material for young trainers."
These lectures were designed to introduce Pokémon to children under ten, cultivating interest and knowledge before their journeys began. As an authoritative figure in Pokémon research, Oak's programs aired across various regions, bridging the gap for children eager to learn.
After exchanging pleasantries, Professor Oak's curiosity turned sharply toward the Pokémon gathered around Naoki. His eyes lit up with a mixture of academic intrigue and childlike excitement.
"Would you mind if I examined your Pokémon?" Oak asked eagerly.
Naoki smiled and gestured toward them. "Be my guest."
Professor Oak wasted no time, stepping closer to Koraidon. The Pokémon's vibrant red scales shimmered in the moonlight, its muscular frame a testament to its strength.
"This one is remarkable! Dense, protective scales and... is that a tire on its chest?" Oak crouched, poking at the air-filled sac on Koraidon's chest.
Koraidon seemed startled by Oak's unceremonious inspection. It stepped back, looking flustered, then suddenly transformed into its combat-ready, bipedal form. Its towering posture and rippling muscles exuded an aura of power.
"Ah, gah!" Koraidon roared, the sound deep and resonant.
Oak and Lance both flinched in shock. "It changed form?!" Oak exclaimed, his excitement only growing.
Naoki stepped forward, gently patting Koraidon's shoulder. "Calm down," he said softly.
Koraidon obeyed, reverting to its more docile mount form.
Naoki explained, "This is Koraidon. It's a rare Pokémon from the Paldea region, first discovered and named by Professor Sada and Dr. Turo."
"Koraidon..." Professor Oak repeated thoughtfully. He crouched again, observing the Pokémon with great interest. "Fascinating! And its ability to shift forms—truly remarkable."
Koraidon nodded enthusiastically. "Ah, gah!"
The loud roar made Oak wince and cover his ears. "Alright, alright! I understand!" he said with a chuckle.
Satisfied, Koraidon stopped roaring, and Oak turned his attention to the other Pokémon. His eyes fell on Ogerpon, who had been bouncing around happily.
"This one—was I correct in observing that it can change its type depending on the mask it wears?" Oak inquired.
Naoki nodded. "Exactly. This is Ogerpon, and the masks it uses contain a unique energy called Terastal Energy, which originates in Paldea. This energy allows Ogerpon to shift its type depending on the mask."
"Terastal Energy..." Oak murmured, intrigued. "The ability to change types—remarkable! I wasn't aware Paldea had access to such extraordinary phenomena."
Ogerpon, excited by Oak's interest, danced around in joy. "Oge!" it chirped, its voice cheerful and infectious.
Oak smiled warmly and returned the greeting. "Hello, Ogerpon!"
"Pon~" Ogerpon responded, even more delighted. Its happiness was contagious, as it twirled and hopped around the group.
Watching Ogerpon's cheerful demeanor, Naoki felt a pang of emotion. He recalled its difficult past but reminded himself that those days were behind them. Ogerpon was safe and happy now, surrounded by friends.
Professor Oak's attention then shifted to Pawmot, who stood nearby in its superhero-inspired cape and wielding a hammer. The sight immediately reminded Oak of a certain movie franchise he had once seen.
Chuckling, Oak knelt and greeted Pawmot. "Hello, little hero!"
Pawmot froze for a moment when he heard the stranger call him a hero, and then a bashful expression spread across his face.
In a blur, he zipped behind Naoki, clearly embarrassed.
Naoki chuckled. "This Pokémon is called Pawmot. The costume it's wearing was specially made by me."
Professor Oak smiled warmly. "Pawmo, you say? Well, it's certainly brimming with energy!"
Having introduced the Pokémon nearby, Professor Oak suddenly paused and looked around. "Where's that ethereal Pokémon I saw earlier? The one that looked like Misdreavus. It was just here, wasn't it?"
Naoki froze, quickly glancing around the area. Sure enough, Flutter Mane was nowhere to be seen. Concern flickered across his face.
Turning to the other Pokémon, Naoki asked if anyone had noticed where Flutter Mane had gone. The Pokémon, engrossed in their chatter with Professor Oak, shook their heads, oblivious to what had happened.
This isn't good, Naoki thought, frowning deeply.
Noticing Naoki's unease, Professor Oak asked gently, "Is something wrong? It couldn't have wandered far. We can search the manor for it."
Naoki hesitated before responding, "Flutter Mane is a bit… different. It has a more cautious and unpredictable temperament than most Pokémon. I'm worried it might have been startled by something and could unintentionally hurt someone."
After all, this unfamiliar environment must feel overwhelming for Flutter Mane.
Thinking quickly, Naoki turned to Pawmot. "Pawmot, can you fly around the manor and see if you can spot Flutter Mane? Pay special attention to any dark or quiet areas."
"Pamo!" Pawmot nodded firmly before taking to the skies.
Although neither Professor Oak nor Lance fully understood the situation, they immediately offered their help. "We'll assist you in searching," they said.
Together, the group, accompanied by their Pokémon, began scouring the manor.
...
Meanwhile, on the manor's third floor, far from the party's liveliness, a low, eerie crying sound echoed from a dark room. The sound was faint, like a baby's wail, yet unnervingly hollow.
Flutter Mane, who had been feeling peckish and was casually hunting for something edible, paused. Its curiosity piqued by the sound, it floated toward the source.
The room's windows were wide open, and the wind stirred the curtains, creating a ghostly atmosphere. The cries grew louder as Flutter Mane approached the room.
Hovering near the open window, Flutter Mane peered inside, its eyes narrowing with suspicion. The cries became more distinct, yet the room appeared completely empty.
'Fluur'. 'Where is that sound coming from?' Flutter Mane thought, puzzled.
Drawn by its curiosity, Flutter Mane floated cautiously into the room.
The moment it entered, the crying stopped, only to start again moments later, louder and more insistent. The wails seemed to beg the intruder to delve deeper.
As an ancient predator, Flutter Mane's instincts kicked in. Its senses sharpened, and it realized the truth—this was no ordinary cry. It was a lure.
With practiced stealth, Flutter Mane slipped into the shadows, silently moving behind the ornate sofa in the center of the room.
Peering around the sofa's edge, Flutter Mane spotted the source of the sound: a peculiar Pokémon. It had a dark green, slightly luminescent body, a hairstyle resembling eerie flames, and a string of red beads hanging prominently around its neck.
Yet something about the Pokémon felt oddly familiar.
Flutter Mane's sharp eyes noted the mischievous glint in the Pokémon's gaze, even as it feigned sorrow with its crying. Its expression gave away its intent—it was waiting for prey to approach.
'Fluur'. 'This Pokémon looks like… me?' Flutter Mane thought, perplexed. A smaller, younger version, perhaps?
Emerging from the shadows, Flutter Mane revealed itself without a sound.
The crying stopped abruptly.
The Pokémon finally sensed something amiss and whipped its head around with a startled expression. In that instant, two vastly different gazes locked.
Flutter Mane: (●_●)
Misdreavus: Σ(°△°|||)︴
The Misdreavus, who had been plotting a prank to scare humans, froze in terror before abruptly turning tail and bolting from the room. In its panic, it clumsily knocked over a decorative vase, which shattered on the floor with a loud crash.
Flutter Mane, however, remained calm and composed. As a Pokémon that had spent much of its life in solitude, it felt little interest in meddling with the affairs of other Pokémon, particularly this mischievous little one.
It prepared to leave, but then an image of Naoki flashed in its mind.
If it were Naoki, Flutter Mane thought, he would have helped this juvenile Pokémon without hesitation. During its time at the ranch, Flutter Mane had come to realize how Naoki and the others—especially Koraidon—made great efforts to teach it about this world, ensuring it felt welcomed and integrated.
This was a chance to prove it had been paying attention and learning from them.
Determined, Flutter Mane gave chase.
The Misdreavus fled as fast as it could but risked a glance over its shoulder. To its horror, the "scary big Pokémon" was gaining on it. Misdreavus' nerves were so frayed it felt like it might faint from fright.
'Help! Someone save me!'
Misdreavus zoomed through the air, desperately seeking an escape route. Yet before it could find one, the towering figure of Flutter Mane swooped in, its sharp wing claws gently but firmly capturing the panicked ghost.
The little Misdreavus froze in terror, not daring to move.
Flutter Mane didn't move either, as it appeared to be contemplating what to do next. It mulled over everything it had observed at the ranch, attempting to recall the steps Naoki took when caring for younger Pokémon.
Gradually, the trembling Misdreavus calmed down, realizing that the large Pokémon wasn't harming it. Gathering its courage, it finally spoke in a small voice, "Mis…dreavus?" (What are you going to do?)
Flutter Mane's eyes flickered as it remembered something from a show it had watched with the other Pokémon on the ranch—a program called Pokémon World. It had explained the process by which wild Pokémon formed relationships, raised their young, and cared for them.
Now, how did those Pokémon in the show handle situations like this?
Before Flutter Mane could piece it all together, Misdreavus' stomach let out a loud rumble.
The smaller Pokémon cringed, clutching its midsection in embarrassment. "M-Misdreavus…" (I'm…hungry.)
It explained that its plan had been to frighten humans and absorb their fear to sate its hunger, but things hadn't gone according to plan. Instead of humans, it had attracted this intimidating Pokémon.
Hearing this, Flutter Mane nodded in understanding. Its mind clicked—it remembered the first rule of caring for younger Pokémon: feed them.
Reaching into a hidden stash of berries it kept for emergencies, Flutter Mane offered a few to the Misdreavus. It mimicked the gentle care it had seen Naoki exhibit, nudging the fruit toward the smaller Pokémon.
Misdreavus hesitated but was too hungry to refuse. Though it didn't particularly enjoy the taste of the berries, it ate them anyway, grateful for the gesture.
Seeing that the little one had eaten, Flutter Mane appeared satisfied. It released Misdreavus but continued to watch it carefully, its intense gaze silently instructing the smaller Pokémon to stay put.
Misdreavus didn't dare move.
Just then, Flutter Mane heard the distant call of Pawmot searching for it. It glanced in the direction of the sound, then turned back to Misdreavus. With a tilt of its head, it gestured for the little ghost to follow.
The Misdreavus didn't dare to run. It could sense that the towering Pokémon in front of it was far more intimidating than it appeared. If it tried to escape, it would likely be caught in an instant.
Under such circumstances, it decided it was better not to provoke this enigmatic figure.
When Pawmo finally led Flutter Mane back to Naoki, the trainer was surprised to see a nervous Misdreavus trailing cautiously behind Flutter Mane, its large eyes darting around nervously.
Naoki tilted his head in confusion. "What's this?" he asked.
Flutter Mane's response was simple, its tone steady: "Flurr." (A child.)
Professor Oak, who had been observing the entire exchange, leaned closer and chuckled with fascination. "Ah, this Pokémon—Flutter Mane, as you call it—seems to be caring for the Misdreavus as if it were its offspring."
Naoki's eyes widened in disbelief. "Offspring?" He glanced at Flutter Mane, noting its composed expression. 'That can't be right. Paradox Pokémon like Flutter Mane don't lay eggs, do they?'
Yet, Flutter Mane's demeanor didn't waver. If anything, its calm, unspoken confidence only deepened Naoki's confusion.
A thought suddenly struck Naoki, something that had been brewing in his mind for a while. 'Could Paradox Pokémon like Flutter Mane not be fantastical creations or fabricated legends?'
'Could it be possible that Paradox Pokémon were once real creatures—ancient beings that roamed the world like dinosaurs in prehistoric times? Over millennia, had they gone extinct, leaving behind no evidence of their existence except for the peculiar glimpses provided by Area Zero?'
'Or was there an even stranger explanation?'
'Could the so-called time machine have brought these Pokémon from another dimension entirely—an alternate reality where their evolutionary paths diverged from anything known in this world?'
As Naoki mused, Professor Oak's voice cut through his thoughts. "Flutter Mane… Could it be a unique form of Misdreavus found in the Paldea region? Fascinating! It's much larger than any Misdreavus I've ever seen."
Naoki frowned. He didn't have the answers. Instead, he reached into his backpack, pulled out a handful of seed crisps, and munched on them. After a moment, he asked Flutter Mane,
"What's the story with this Misdreavus?"
Flutter Mane seemed to hesitate for a moment before replying with its characteristic simplicity. "Flurr." (A child, alone, crying. I helped it.)
Naoki: "..."
Naoki sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he turned to Flutter Mane. His expression was a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"It's not a child," he explained patiently. "Even though you two look similar, you're not the same kind of Pokémon."
Flutter Mane tilted its head in visible confusion. "Flurr?" (Not a child?)
Naoki nodded, crouching slightly to meet Flutter Mane's gaze. "That Pokémon is called Misdreavus. It's just how they look."
Turning to the timid Misdreavus hovering nearby, Naoki offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. Flutter Mane didn't mean any harm. It thought you were a baby and wanted to take care of you. It really had good intentions, even if it got a little carried away."
The Misdreavus puffed up indignantly but, noticing Naoki's calm demeanor and sincerity slowly relaxed. With a huff, it responded, "Misdreavus!" (I'm not a baby! But… since it didn't mean any harm, I'll let it go this time!)
After its declaration, the Misdreavus darted off, floating away with a dramatic flair as if it had made a grand gesture of forgiveness.
Flutter Mane made no move to stop it. Instead, it simply watched the smaller Pokémon disappear with a puzzled look. Its expression made it clear that Naoki's explanation had only left it more confused.
Lance and Professor Oak, who had observed the entire exchange, were stunned. Both men exchanged glances before Professor Oak broke the silence.
"Wait a moment… Were you just talking to a Pokémon?" Oak asked, his tone laced with disbelief.
Naoki straightened, meeting the professor's astonished gaze. Without hesitation, he nodded, his demeanor calm and matter-of-fact. "That's right. It's one of my abilities."
"An ability..." Professor Oak murmured, stroking his chin as he pondered. The first thing that came to mind was the Tokiwa Power, a rare ability said to be bestowed upon individuals born near Viridian Forest. Those blessed with it were rumored to be able to sense the emotions of Pokémon and even heal their injuries.
Lance, however, thought of something different. His family's ancient legend spoke of the power to control dragons. This power, granted to only a chosen few, was said to enhance a person's affinity with Dragon-type Pokémon, allowing them to bond with and command these powerful creatures effortlessly.
As both men silently contemplated Naoki's ability, Flutter Mane glanced at Naoki again, seemingly waiting for further clarification. Naoki, however, simply smiled at his Pokémon.
"Don't worry about it," he said, patting its head gently. "You did fine."
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Posting this chapter to let you know that I'll be releasing one chapter daily on Patreon, just like I used to on Webnovel. These posts will be free for everyone, so you won't need a subscription to read them. I'll continue this until all the chapters are fully uploaded on Scribble hub.
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The chapters below, from 1 to 10, are just filler to meet the 15,000-word requirement for the rankings and visibility.
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He opened his eyes to a silent room. The pendulum of an antique clock swung soundlessly on the wall, its rhythmic ticking absent in the stillness. Naoki bolted upright, gasping for air as if he'd been submerged underwater.
"Where... am I?" he muttered, his voice raspy and disoriented.
He scanned his surroundings, bewildered. The room was rustic and sparsely furnished, with a single bed pushed against the wall. The bed creaked beneath him as he shifted, the sound amplified in the quiet room. Across from it stood a simple wooden desk, a worn backpack lying haphazardly on top. A faded calendar hung on the adjacent wall, its pages yellowed with age. A wooden cupboard stood in the corner, its paint chipped and peeling. A coal stove and an assortment of cookware cluttered the space beside it, a cast iron skillet resting precariously on top of a stack of mismatched plates.
The unfamiliar scene deepened Naoki's confusion. What happened? Wasn't I just working overtime? He ran a hand through his hair, trying to piece together the fragmented memories that swirled in his mind like a chaotic whirlwind.
"Ugh... my head..." A wave of disjointed images and sensations surged through him, leaving him reeling.
Had he... time traveled?
After the initial shock subsided, Naoki pieced together the situation. It was true. He had died from exhaustion after five straight days of overtime and found himself reincarnated in this world.
But this wasn't Earth. It was a world where humans coexisted with extraordinary creatures known as Pokémon. They inhabited every corner of the globe - the skies, the seas, the land.
"The Pokémon world..." Naoki whispered, a mixture of awe and disbelief in his voice. He had played the games and watched the anime, even fantasizing about living in this carefree world where trainers embarked on adventures with their Pokémon.
Could he, too, journey through this world like Ash Ketchum, catching Pokémon, battling gym leaders, and unraveling the mysteries of this world?
The thought of escaping the daily grind and living life on his own terms thrilled Naoki. He could almost feel the wind in his hair as he imagined himself exploring lush forests, scaling towering mountains, and sailing across vast oceans. But he quickly tempered his excitement, a sense of foreboding settling in his gut.
This world wasn't all sunshine and rainbows.
The person he inhabited was also named Naoki, originally from the Paldea region. He had moved to the Hoenn region with his parents, who tragically passed away from an illness, leaving him orphaned and alone.
The original Naoki, disillusioned by their deaths, sold their belongings and drifted aimlessly for years, a wandering soul seeking solace in solitude. Finally, at twenty, he returned to his grandfather's abandoned ranch in Paldea, where he lived out his remaining days, his spirit withered and his heart heavy with grief.
Despite living in the world of Pokémon, he never caught one, content with a solitary existence devoid of companionship or adventure.
Naoki felt a pang of sadness for this life he inherited, a life marked by loss and unfulfilled dreams. He glanced at the clock, its hands indicating it was 2:00 AM.
His stomach growled, reminding him that the original Naoki hadn't eaten dinner. With a silent apology, he rose from the bed, his joints creaking in protest, and grabbed a pack of instant ramen from the backpack. He stoked the embers in the coal stove, adding a few pieces of firewood to coax a flame back to life.
As the water heated, Naoki rummaged through the cupboards and drawers but found nothing but basic seasonings. The ranch had been neglected for years, the fields overgrown with weeds, the once-thriving orchard now a tangle of gnarled branches and fallen fruit.
He could almost picture the ranch in its prime - vibrant fields of crops, fruit-laden trees, a bustling Pokémon house filled with Miltanks and Wooloos, rows of beehives buzzing with activity, their honeycombs dripping with golden nectar.
The water began to boil, its steam fogging up the small window above the sink. Just as Naoki opened the ramen packet, a strange message flashed in his mind, its characters glowing with an ethereal light.
Instant Ramen: A low-quality food with little nutritional value. Popular among field workers and travelers due to its ease of preparation. Effects unknown.
Naoki paused, his curiosity piqued. What was that? He had never experienced anything like it before.
He added the noodles to the boiling water, and as they softened, he tossed in the seasoning packet, its artificial aroma filling the air. He wasn't a great cook, but living alone had taught him the basics of survival.
As the ramen finished cooking, another message appeared, its text shimmering in his mind's eye.
Over-Salted Instant Ramen (D-): Low-level food. Due to excessive salt, it has lost any potential benefits and can only fill the stomach. Consuming too much may cause thirst. Pokémon with a preference for salty flavors may enjoy it. Evaluation: It's bad, but not bad enough to make a Pokémon faint.
Naoki's eyes widened. He recognized this! It was like the cooking interface from a mobile game called "Culinary Master" developed by his former company.
It was a pay-to-win game disguised as a cooking simulator, where players' dishes granted characters magical abilities and stat boosts based on their rarity, ranging from F- to SSS. D- was nothing special, but F- could even inflict debuffs!
"Is this... my cheat ability?" Naoki wondered, a glimmer of hope sparking in his eyes. The mention of Pokémon in the description intrigued him. Could this be his chance to turn his life around, to make a difference in this world?
He scooped the noodles into a chipped bowl and took a tentative bite.
His taste buds were assaulted by a wave of salt, the flavor overpowering any hint of the ramen's original taste.
Naoki grimaced. 'Yep, definitely too much salt'.
It was barely edible, but it was the only thing he had. As he forced down the noodles, he pondered this newfound power, his mind racing with possibilities.
.....
Although he had a rough idea about the effect of the golden finger, Naoki had no way to test it out just yet. For one, he didn't have any Pokémon around, and secondly, the original owner was broke!
At three in the morning, Naoki, having barely managed to fill his stomach, started to ponder his situation. Sure, traveling to this world was exciting, but survival came first – no matter where you were.
After washing the dishes, he sat at the desk to go through the original owner's belongings. Being a wandering spirit, the backpack was pretty bare. A few sets of clothes, three packs of instant ramen, and a handful of loose change and bills were all that remained.
Naoki counted the money, about 2,300 in total. This wouldn't last him a month, let alone fund a Pokémon journey. He sighed, calculating the currency conversion in his head. "Man, this is rough..."
But then, thoughts of those adorable and powerful Pokémon from the anime popped into his head, and Naoki perked up. "One step at a time!" he told himself.
Maybe it was the lack of sleep from his old life, or maybe his body was just exhausted, but as soon as he had a full belly, sleepiness washed over Naoki. He didn't fight it, relishing the thought of a good night's rest without worrying about being late for work or struggling to pay the bills. Tomorrow was a new day.
He switched off the lights, lay down on the rickety wooden bed, and was soon fast asleep.
The next morning, a knock on the door startled him awake. Naoki's eyes flew open, and he sat up, disoriented for a moment. Then it hit him – he was in another world!
He let out a relieved sigh, but the knocking continued. Confused, Naoki ran a hand through his messy hair and opened the door to find an older gentleman wearing a brown vest and a black fedora. The man, who appeared to be in his sixties or seventies, had a warm, friendly smile on his face.
Beside him stood a creature that looked like a lizard, standing upright on two legs. Its body was a vibrant green, shimmering in the morning light. A tire-like structure adorned its neck, and its sturdy, thick tail swayed gently behind it.
Naoki's eyes lit up. He instantly recognized the Pokémon – it was a Cyclizar!
The older man spoke, "I heard you say yesterday that you'd be staying to take care of the ranch. I figured you might not be familiar with the work, and cleaning it up alone would be a lot, so I brought this little one along to help."
Naoki blinked, a memory surfacing in his mind: The original owner of this body had indeed agreed to look after a ranch.
Yesterday morning, when the original owner returned to the ranch, he bumped into the kind old mayor. Recognizing him, the mayor greeted him warmly and said, "This is the legacy your grandfather left for you. I knew you'd come back someday, so I've been stopping by to tidy up every now and then. Even though it's been empty for years, the house is still livable. You can stay here without a worry!"
The original owner thanked him politely.
The old mayor smiled and said, "Your grandfather and I were friends in our youth, and I even held you in my arms when you were a baby! This is what your grandfather asked of me before he passed away – to make sure you inherited the ranch."
Naoki thought to himself, "The mayor must think I came back to run the ranch."
With this realization, the current situation made sense, but he was still puzzled about the Cyclizar standing beside the mayor.
Looking at the tall, thin young man before him, the mayor couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow and regret. "What a poor child. All his relatives are gone, and he's all alone in this world."
After seeing his condition yesterday, the mayor had returned home and brought his Cyclizar companion along. One reason was to provide company for the lonely young man, and the other was to have the Cyclizar help him manage the ranch.
The mayor sighed inwardly and asked gently, "Would you be willing to take care of him?"
Naoki was taken aback for a moment before understanding the mayor's intention. He looked at the Cyclizar, who stared back with innocent curiosity.
Cyclizar, a dual-type Normal and Grass Pokémon, had lived alongside the people of the Paldea region since ancient times. With their gentle nature and sensitivity to cold, they often sought warmth from human body heat by letting people ride on their backs. In this way, Cyclizar also served as a mode of transportation in this particular region.
Naoki couldn't find a reason to refuse. After all, he wanted a Pokémon of his own, too. It seemed unlikely that he'd get a starter Pokémon from a local professor and embark on a journey like Ash did in the anime.
He didn't have any Poké Balls and couldn't exactly catch wild Pokémon with his bare hands.
"Thank you," Naoki said. "I'll take good care of him."
Relieved, the mayor beamed. "In that case, I'll leave him in your care. Oh, by the way, it's your first day at the ranch, so you might not be familiar with the work here, right?"
Having been accustomed to the 996 work culture in his previous life, Naoki felt a bit out of his depth.
"Yeah," he admitted. At that moment, the question that had been on his mind the night before was answered.
He had nowhere else to go, and his only knowledge of this world came from the anime he watched and the games he played.
Given his current circumstances, staying put seemed like the best course of action. At least he had shelter from the wind and rain.
The old mayor smiled and said, "Well then, allow me to show you around the ranch! But if I remember correctly, you left Paldea when you were ten and moved to Hoenn, right?"
"Yes," Naoki replied.
The mayor sighed. "Ten years have flown by. How time flies!"
The once prosperous and bustling scenes of the past were still fresh in his mind, but now, all that remained was a deserted and dilapidated ranch.
The farmland was overrun with weeds and rocks, and the Pokémon House had been ravaged by time, leaving only a skeletal frame.
As they walked through the ranch, the Cyclizar followed obediently, observing the young man with curiosity.
Naoki, focused on absorbing the mayor's words, didn't notice Cyclizar's attention. Since he had decided to stay and take care of the ranch, he was eager to learn.
The mayor's eyes were filled with nostalgia. Everywhere he looked, memories of the past flooded back.
"The land in front of us is the ranch's farmland. A long time ago, all sorts of crops grew here. In the autumn, the fields would be overflowing with fruit."
"That house is where the rancher lives. The big box next to it is a shipping container. The daily harvest of crops and Moomoo Milk can be stored in it."
"There's a valley east of the ranch where mostly small, docile Pokémon live. You can go there to gather mountain goods and berries, and then put the things you don't need in the shipping container."
"Every afternoon at five o'clock, someone from town comes to collect the items in the containers and pay you for them. The collected goods are then sent to Mesagoza Market by a special courier for sale."
"When your business thrives in the future, there will be special vehicles coming to transport goods! They'll take the ranch's products to all corners of the Paldea region and sell them to various people."
Naoki thought to himself, "This sounds like a Pokémon version of Harvest Moon!"
Fortunately, he had played farming games before and was familiar with the concept, so he quickly grasped the idea.
His eye caught an abandoned building surrounded by several large trees and overgrown weeds.
"What's that?" he asked curiously.
The mayor glanced over with a hint of regret in his eyes. "That's the Pokémon shed on the ranch. Your grandfather once imported over a dozen Miltank from the Johto region and kept them there."
He frowned and continued, "After he passed away, your parents sold those Miltank, and this Pokémon shed gradually fell into disrepair."
"But don't worry. Once you get settled, you can go to the carpentry shop and ask them to help you expand your house and repair the shed."
"Oh, and by the way, I've placed all the tools you might need for the ranch there for you."
The old mayor pointed to the utility room behind the house and explained, "An axe for chopping wood, a hammer for breaking rocks, a hoe for tilling the land, a watering can, a sickle for cutting grass, and a few bags of crop seeds suitable for spring planting. In short, this ranch is all yours!"
"I hope you'll take good care of it and restore this place to its former glory. Your grandfather would be so happy if you could achieve that."
Naoki paused for a moment, then nodded. "I'll do my best."
Hearing his response, the mayor smiled. "In that case, I won't keep you any longer. I'll leave Cyclizar in your care. He's very strong and will definitely be a great help around the ranch."
The Cyclizar chirped happily, "Groo!"
The mayor smiled and turned to leave, but before he had taken more than a few steps, he turned back around. "Oh, one more thing!"
Naoki urged him, "Go ahead."
The mayor continued, "You can keep the wood and stones you gather with the axe. When you have enough money, you can take them to the carpentry shop and have them help you expand your house and the Pokémon shed. That way, you can save a lot of money on materials!"
Naoki made a mental note of this helpful tip.
The mayor then waved from a distance, saying, "I live in Mesagoza. If you have any problems, feel free to come to me. Cyclizar knows the way, so you can ride him there directly."
"Okay," Naoki nodded.
With that, the mayor departed.
In the 198th year of the Alliance Calendar, spring had just arrived in the Paldea region, and the temperature was still a bit chilly.
Naoki and Cyclizar stood at the door of the cabin, watching the old mayor's figure gradually disappear into the distance.
Only after he was out of sight did Naoki turn to look at the sleek Cyclizar beside him. Even though he was new to this world, he could tell from the Cyclizar's appearance and demeanor that it was healthy and well-cared for.
Thinking of the magical nature of Pokémon, Naoki's curiosity got the better of him. "Cyclizar?" he asked.
"Groo?" The Cyclizar tilted its head and looked back.
Clearly, it understood its name.
Naoki continued, "Can you understand what I'm saying? If you can, just nod your head."
"Groo~"
As expected, the Cyclizar nodded obediently.
Just like in the anime, Pokémon could understand human language!
Naoki's heart swelled with excitement.
According to the lore, Pokémon were extraordinary creatures whose intelligence and emotions far surpassed those of ordinary animals. Some Pokémon even rivaled humans in their intellect and emotional capacity.
Gazing at Cyclizar's shiny skin, Naoki couldn't resist reaching out to touch it. It felt different from what he had imagined, not like a real lizard but more like leather, much like a motorcycle's exterior.
The Cyclizar didn't seem to mind his touch at all. In fact, it closed its eyes contentedly, looking quite pleased.
Naoki mimicked Ash from the anime and said to Cyclizar, "Cyclizar, please take care of me from now on!"
"Groo~"
After saying that, Naoki found himself at a loss for words.
He withdrew his hand, and his stomach rumbled.
The sound caught the Cyclizar's attention, and its eyes drifted towards Naoki's belly.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Naoki asked, "Have you eaten? I'm about to make some food. Want to join me?"
"Groo~"
Even though Cyclizar had already eaten breakfast, it seemed delighted by the invitation from its new owner.
It nodded and followed Naoki back into the cabin.
Looking around at the wooden dwelling, Naoki felt a strange sense of belonging. This was his home now.
He took a deep breath. After years of toiling away in the 996 grind, it would be nice to live a peaceful life as a farmer.
Ranch life might be tiring, but at least he'd be working for himself.
A new chapter was beginning. Naoki glanced at the Cyclizar beside him.
Speak of the devil, he thought. Last night, he was wondering if he had any Pokémon to test his cheat code on, and this morning, he had a Cyclizar!
"Alright then, it's you!" he declared.
Naoki put a pot of water on the stove to boil, preparing to cook some instant ramen. He was eager to see the effects of his cheat code and whether it could provide Pokémon with all sorts of magical benefits, just like in the games.
.....
As a simple staple, clear noodle soup was a breeze to make.
Bring water to a boil, add the instant ramen noodles, and let them simmer. If ingredients are allowed, Naoki would normally add chopped scallions and a dollop of lard, allowing the noodles to soak up the broth before serving them in a bowl. The green onions would float on top, adding a splash of color to the dish and making it more appetizing. Finally, a drizzle of sesame oil and a soft-boiled egg would complete the meal. Just the thought of it made Naoki's mouth water.
However, back in reality, all he had were basic seasonings.
With a silent sigh, Naoki learned from yesterday's experience and added an appropriate amount of salt and chicken bouillon to the pot.
Soon, a simple noodle soup was ready.
As he filled two bowls, a prompt appeared in his mind with information about the dish.
[Instant Ramen (C-): A low-level dish, its taste is somewhat lacking due to the absence of key ingredients, but it's a good choice to warm the body and soul on a cold day.
Cooking effect: Cold Resistance Level 1, provides resistance to cold temperatures. After consumption, the body will feel warm for 30 minutes.
Comment: Despite the low quality of the ingredients, skillful cooking techniques have enhanced the flavor. When the player becomes wealthy and can cook master-level dishes, they may look back on this with nostalgia.]
Naoki was speechless.
Meanwhile, the Cyclizar beside him sniffed the air.
"Groo?"
Naoki looked at it, then placed the two bowls of noodles on the table and beckoned to the Cyclizar. "Want to try some?"
"Groo..."
The Cyclizar frowned hesitantly. To be honest, it didn't really like the taste of ramen.
Moreover, the bowl contained nothing but plain noodles. Judging by its appearance, it didn't seem very appetizing.
Naoki understood immediately. He sighed inwardly, not wanting to force the Cyclizar, and said, "It's okay, you don't have to eat it if you don't want to."
Then, excitement bubbling up, he added, "When I earn enough money to buy other ingredients, I'll make you something you'll love!"
Naoki was full of anticipation for his new life on the ranch.
Hearing this, the Cyclizar felt a pang of guilt. This was food specially prepared by its new owner. Would it be rude not to try it?
With that thought, the Cyclizar looked down at the steaming bowl of noodles and hesitantly chirped, "Groo!"
It would give this bowl of noodles a try!
The Cyclizar reached out with its two little paws, picked up the bowl, and slurped down the noodles in one gulp.
The anticipated unpleasantness didn't come. Despite the simple flavor, after finishing the noodles, Cyclizar suddenly felt a warmth spreading through its body, as if it was nestled in its mother's embrace.
"Groo..."
Witnessing the Cyclizar's reaction, Naoki was surprised at first, but then he quickly understood.
He looked at the Cyclizar, thinking about the effect of the hot noodle soup, and asked with a smile, "How does it feel?"
The Cyclizar snapped out of its reverie and looked down at itself, confused. "Groo?"
Why had it suddenly become warm without anyone riding on its back?
Seeing its reaction, an idea sparked in Naoki's mind.
"It seems that food really can benefit Pokémon," he thought, then asked, "Do you feel warmer, not as cold as before?"
Even though it was spring, the temperature hadn't fully risen yet, and it was still quite chilly, especially in the mornings.
The Cyclizar looked up in surprise, as if asking, "How did you know?"
"Groo?"
Naoki smiled. "It's the power of food."
"Groo..."
The Cyclizar looked puzzled. This concept was a bit too advanced for it. After all, it was just a Cyclizar.
Naoki didn't try to explain further. The Cyclizar would understand eventually as they lived together.
Having confirmed the effect of his cooking on Pokémon, Naoki was in a good mood. He quickly finished his breakfast, washed the dishes, and stepped outside.
The neglected ranch was covered in lush vegetation, with bird Pokémon occasionally flying overhead in search of food.
Breathing in the fresh air, Naoki took a deep breath and decided to explore the area. He wanted to familiarize himself with the place.
As he walked through the ranch with the Cyclizar by his side, Naoki realized it was larger than he had initially thought.
A wooden fence surrounded the ranch, and the area within was quite spacious. To the east was a vibrant valley, the calls of wild Pokémon echoing from within.
The farmland took up a third of the ranch. There was a lake in the southwest corner and a river flowing around it. A wooden bridge spanned the river, connecting the ranch to the other side.
Naoki stood on the bridge, looking at the rotting and broken wooden fence along the riverbank, realizing that he had a lot of work ahead of him.
Clearing weeds, removing rocks, chopping down unwanted trees, and tilling the fields in preparation for planting – these were the tasks that lay ahead.
As for the Pokémon shed where the Miltank used to be kept, Naoki wasn't planning on fixing it up just yet. There wasn't enough wood, and he was short on funds.
After all, rebuilding the shed and purchasing Pokémon like Miltank would require a substantial investment.
Standing in front of the lake at the edge of the farmland, Naoki squatted down and assessed its size and depth. "Raising fish here would be a great idea," he thought.
According to the original owner's memories, in addition to Pokémon, there were also ordinary animals in this world.
However, Naoki preferred to raise Water-type Pokémon instead of regular fish.
Pokémon like Magikarp, Goldeen, Finneon, and Palpitoad.
Or, to be a bit more daring, Gyarados, Milotic, Vaporeon, and Ludicolo.
Although these fish weren't edible, as a collector at heart, Naoki would be satisfied just keeping them here and watching them thrive.
Naoki mentally ticked off all the tasks he needed to accomplish, realizing that it would be a long journey ahead.
The ranch management games he had played before flashed through his mind, and Naoki couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
He had just escaped the 996 grind, and now he might be facing 007 – working from midnight to midnight, seven days a week!
....
After exploring the ranch, Naoki had a good grasp of the layout. As he hurried back with the Cyclizar, he remembered that the old mayor had left some things for him in the utility room behind the house.
Naoki rounded the wooden house and arrived at the utility room. Opening the door, he found various tools neatly placed on a large box: a hammer, a sickle, a hoe, a watering can, an axe, a bag of crop seeds wrapped in red cloth, and a brown book titled "Ranch Handbook."
Most of the tools were made of iron and looked brand new, likely purchased by the kind old mayor as a gift. Naoki felt a surge of gratitude; he was indeed short on cash at the moment.
After storing the tools, Naoki picked up the bag of seeds. Information about them immediately appeared in his mind.
[Turnip Seeds: A spring crop that typically takes three months to mature, but in this world, it only takes about a month to harvest. Very suitable for novice ranchers. If cared for by Grass-type Pokémon, its growth cycle can be shortened even further.]
"Wow," Naoki was surprised. "It grows that fast?"
He searched his memories for information and eventually found something relevant.
The world was like this: crops grew quickly and had short cycles.
This was why food shortages were rare here.
"No wonder the Pokémon world feels like a utopia..." Naoki thought to himself.
Humans didn't have to worry about food, and the existence of Pokémon greatly increased productivity, allowing young people to travel freely and pursue their dreams.
However, Naoki also learned from the original owner's memories that not all crops grew so rapidly. Some had extremely long growth cycles and only matured once a season.
Naoki nodded silently, then picked up the book and opened it to the first page. It contained information on how to plant and cultivate crops. Each page featured a different crop, with detailed instructions on soil preparation, planting times, fertilization, watering cycles, and more.
After flipping through it a few times, Naoki carefully put the book away and left the utility room with the Cyclizar.
Opposite the utility room was a cave. Naoki ventured inside and found that the space within wasn't very large.
From the original owner's childhood memories, he learned that this cave served two main purposes.
One was to grow mushrooms. The dark and humid environment was perfect for mushroom cultivation.
The other was to house Woobat. The Woobat raised here would go out after sunset, foraging for food and bringing back various berries and fruits for the rancher.
This incredible Pokémon was a natural gourmand.
It could emit 200,000 Hz ultrasound from its ears to locate ripe fruit to satisfy its hunger. It would then use ultrasound waves to knock down the fruit, carefully selecting only the ripest ones to eat.
"Interesting," Naoki thought.
After understanding the purpose of the cave, Naoki didn't linger.
He returned to the front with his tools, surveyed the weed-infested farmland, and prepared to start small, clearing a patch to plant turnips.
Seeing his actions, the Cyclizar eagerly volunteered to help, chirping, "Groo!"
It swung its tail, and with a powerful thud, a rock shattered as if struck by a sledgehammer.
Naoki was dumbfounded.
He looked down at the hammer in his hand and the rock he had struggled to break, momentarily speechless.
The Cyclizar seemed delighted to be useful.
Naoki sighed with a mix of amusement and relief. "Alright then, let's work together!"
"Groo!"
....
Meanwhile, in the central Paldea region, a basin nestled amidst towering, steep mountains housed a mysterious area known as "Area Zero."
Beneath this area lay a modern, advanced laboratory.
In the deepest part of the lab, Professor Olim, a Pokémon researcher specializing in the legends of Paldea, and her husband, Professor Turo, gazed excitedly at the tall, enigmatic machine before them.
"The time machine is finally complete!" exclaimed Professor Olim, who wore a white coat and a necklace adorned with ancient animal teeth.
"Finally, I can see the Pokémon from the future and the past mentioned in the Scarlet Book!" Professor Turo was equally thrilled.
The couple had spent years in the depths of Area Zero, conducting their research. One focused on the ancient past, the other on the future. With the unique properties of Area Zero, they had finally developed this device.
It could teleport Poké Balls and capture Pokémon from different timelines, bringing them to the present.
"Let's try it now! I want to see Pokémon from different eras with my own eyes!" Professor Olim declared.
Professor Turo nodded, a hint of tenderness crossing his face as he asked, "Isn't Pepper's eighth birthday coming up soon?"
"Perfect timing!" Olim hummed. "This time I can bring back Pokémon from various eras for Pepper to befriend."
"Let's get started!" Turo echoed his wife's enthusiasm.
He took a deep breath, imagining Pepper's reaction to seeing those Pokémon. The child had always loved Pokémon. If he saw Pokémon from the future and the past, he would surely be overjoyed, right?
Parents couldn't help but love their children. Come to think of it, they hadn't been back to spend time with Pepper in a while. This was a good opportunity to return home and take some time off to be with their son.
Lost in thought, Professor Turo and his wife activated the time machine using an ID code.
"Buzz!"
With a strange hum, the time machine silently sprang to life.
The space around the laboratory warped and twisted. The walls shimmered like mirrors, emitting rhythmic red and purple lights.
The two professors stared intently at the machine, both excited and nervous.
Soon, the rhythmic hum slowed down.
Then, a dazzling red light flashed from the center of the time machine.
Tension filled the air.
As the light faded, a Pokémon they had never seen before materialized beneath the machine.
It was a mysterious Pokémon, tall and robust, standing on two legs.
Its body was scarlet, with white markings on its face, abdomen, thick legs, and tail. A thin, long tendril resembling a dragon's whisker extended from its head, with a cluster of bright blue-purple feathers beneath it, giving it a domineering and flamboyant appearance.
Its golden eyes glared fiercely at the two humans before it.
Success!
Professor Olim and Professor Turo were relieved to see the Pokémon.
Finally! Their efforts had paid off!
"Let's get it into a Poké Ball first!" Professor Turo said calmly.
Professor Olim nodded, raised her hand, and threw a pre-prepared Poké Ball at the Pokémon.
However, the moment the Pokémon saw the Poké Ball, its golden eyes narrowed.
It let out an unintelligible roar and casually swatted the Poké Ball away with its right paw.
The professors sensed hostility from the creature.
Their expressions tightened, and they were about to release their own Pokémon.
But then, the mysterious Pokémon from the past suddenly turned its head and looked around, as if confirming something.
Soon, it seemed to have found its answer.
In the next second, an unreadable emotion flickered in the Pokémon's eyes. It suddenly sprang forward, ignoring the two professors, and dashed out of the laboratory.
It was so fast that it was gone before Professor Olim and Professor Turo could react.
Then, it looked upward, the feathers on its head extending and transforming into wing-like structures, and it soared into the sky.
How many years had it been waiting?
Koraidon couldn't remember anymore.
The expression on that person's face, when it fell into the time machine, flashed through its mind.
Worry, anxiety, panic, and the arm reaching out to grab it.
That day, it was still a Cyclizar.
That day, it had fallen into a time machine and traveled back to ancient times. There, it was transformed by an unknown force into its current form.
...
By noon, Naoki and Cyclizar had cleared a small patch of land for planting and moved the chopped wood and stones into the utility room for storage.
"Groo~"
After a busy morning, Cyclizar's stomach started rumbling.
It looked down and said, "Groo..."
"Hungry?" Naoki smiled. "Just a minute, I'll make lunch."
The Cyclizar's face brightened. "Groo!"
They washed their hands in the outdoor sink and went back inside.
Cyclizar sat under the eaves to enjoy the cool breeze while Naoki gathered ingredients and started cooking.
Lunch was instant ramen again, but this time Naoki added some wild leeks he found on the ranch to enhance the flavor.
Practice makes perfect, and in just a few minutes, a steaming bowl was ready.
After pouring the noodles into a bowl, Naoki noticed that the grade of the instant ramen had changed from C- to C, and the cold resistance buff duration had increased by five minutes.
"So the ingredients do affect the dish's rating," he mused.
He picked up the bowl and placed it in front of the Cyclizar, who was already waiting at the table.
Cyclizar looked down and saw the same plain noodles as before. A pitiful expression immediately appeared on its face.
"Groo..."
Impoverished Naoki could only sigh. He thought of the little money left by the original owner and said reassuringly, "Just be patient. I'll take you to town to buy some delicious food this afternoon."
"Groo!"
Luckily, Cyclizar didn't seem to mind Naoki's lack of funds. It was a simple and optimistic creature, and hearing Naoki's promise, it immediately perked up, looking forward to the evening's treats.
Watching Cyclizar slurp up the noodles, Naoki began to eat his own bowl with a worried expression.
"The remaining money will be gone soon after buying food. The land is just tilled, and the seeds can only be planted tomorrow. It'll take a month for them to mature..."
The weed-infested farmland had been hard and unsuitable for crop growth. This morning, Naoki had turned the soil and watered it to loosen it up.
Although he didn't have any fertilizer, turnips were fortunately not picky about soil quality.
"I need to find another way to make money until the turnips are harvested."
Naoki fell into deep thought.
Ways to make money...
He thought back to his ranch management game days.
One option was fishing, and another was to gather mushrooms and fruits in the back mountains to get through the early stages of the game.
But he didn't have a fishing rod now, so the only option was to try his luck in the back mountains and see if he could find anything valuable.
No sooner said than done. After lunch, Naoki prepared to head for the mountains.
Upon learning of his intention, the Cyclizar, which had been walking upright, suddenly dropped to all fours, turned around, and called out, "Groo!"
Naoki was startled for a moment, then realized that Cyclizar had switched to riding mode. "Are you asking me to ride you?"
The Cyclizar nodded enthusiastically. "Groo!"
Curious, Naoki climbed onto its back.
As soon as he was settled, Cyclizar took off at a moderate pace, neither too fast nor too slow, carrying Naoki steadily towards the back mountains.
Feeling the wind in his hair, Naoki thought, "No wonder Cyclizar is used for transportation in Paldea. This feels just like riding a motorcycle."
After crossing a country road, they entered a lush forest. Sunlight streamed through the leaves, creating a dappled pattern on the ground.
There were green Caterpie nestled in bushes, Fletchling perched on branches, rustling sounds emanating from the undergrowth, and strange, juicy fruits hanging from the trees.
Life was vibrant everywhere.
Naoki dismounted from Cyclizar and observed the various Pokémon around them with interest.
The Pokémon, in turn, tilted their heads curiously, studying this unfamiliar human who had intruded into their forest.
"Caterpie... Evolves into Metapod at level 7, then Butterfree at level 10. A good choice for novice trainers."
"Fletchling? If I remember correctly, it's a regional bird in Kalos. Its final evolution, Talonflame, is a Fire/Flying type. Seems like a pretty cool Pokémon!"
"Hmm? Could that little white mouse be a Pachirisu, native to Paldea?"
Naoki spotted three small figures in the grass.
Two slightly larger white mice cautiously poked their heads out, protectively shielding a tiny white mouse behind them.
"A family of three..." Naoki looked around but didn't see a fourth mouse.
Sensing his gaze, the three mice trembled, then turned and scurried into the bushes, vanishing without a trace.
Naoki was momentarily disappointed, but he had to admit, Pokémon like Pachirisu were quite cute.
He hadn't considered himself a fan of furry creatures before, but seeing the adorable Pachirisu and their soft white fur, he felt a certain warmth in his heart.
"I wonder how they feel to the touch."
The forest was teeming with Pokémon, and after taking a walk with Cyclizar, Naoki was filled with excitement.
If he were a Trainer, he would definitely pull out Poké Balls and battle them, then capture them after earning their trust.
Both the fast-growing Caterpie and the promising Fletchling would be perfect additions to his team!
Unfortunately, according to the original owner's memories, a standard Poké Ball cost 200 Pokédollars, which he couldn't afford right now.
With a sigh, Naoki shifted his focus from the Pokémon to the wild produce growing in the forest.
He walked over to a fruit-laden tree and reached out to pluck one.
As he examined the fruit, information about it appeared in his mind.
[ Oran Berry: A magical fruit that can cure poisoning. It has a sweet taste and can be used to make jam, poffins, and fruit cakes. It can also be added to yogurt to make fruit yogurt. Its unique flavor is loved by many Pokémon.]
Oran Berry?
Naoki picked the berry and held it up to his nose, taking in its faint peach-like scent.
He offered it to Cyclizar. "Want to eat it?"
The Cyclizar took a look, then opened its mouth wide and swallowed the Oran Berry in one gulp.
"Groo~"
It seemed to taste pretty good.
"It looks like berries are a staple food for Pokémon, just like in the anime," Naoki thought, nodding to himself. He picked a few more Oran Berries from the tree, intending to take them back to the ranch.
However, he only took a small portion.
If berries were food for Pokémon, then other Pokémon in this forest also needed them.
If he took all the Oran Berries, many Pokémon would likely go hungry.
After gathering the Oran Berries, Naoki and Cyclizar ventured deeper into the forest.
The forest was vast, and perhaps they were heading in the wrong direction, but along the way, Naoki didn't encounter any other fruit-bearing trees.
Time passed unnoticed until it was evening. Tired from walking, Naoki sat down to rest under a large tree, glancing at the sky and deciding it was time to head back.
Just then, the Cyclizar's nose twitched.
"What's wrong?" Naoki asked, turning to look.
"Groo..."
The Cyclizar turned its head, sniffing the air as if trying to pinpoint a direction.
After a moment, it seemed to have located something. It stood up and pointed in one direction.
Naoki followed its gaze to a patch of bare ground, confused at first, but then he noticed something odd.
The grass in a circular area around the base of a tree had withered.
"Groo!"
The Cyclizar pointed excitedly in that direction.
Intrigued, Naoki stood up and walked over with Cyclizar to investigate the strange area.
He brushed aside the fallen leaves and yellowed grass to reveal a pitch-black object underneath.
At that moment, a peculiar scent wafted into Naoki's nostrils.
It was a unique smell, difficult to describe in words.
He wondered what it could be, but the next second, information about the object appeared in his mind.
[Black Truffle: A premium ingredient of the highest quality, it is a rare delicacy. It can be made into black truffle steamed eggs or cream soup with butter. Although it doesn't have any special effects on its own, it can significantly enhance the effect of cooking.]
......
Black Truffle.
Perhaps due to his financial struggles, Naoki's first thought upon seeing it was: This thing must be worth a lot, right?
But then, he noticed the buff effect:
[Although it doesn't have any beneficial effects, it can significantly enhance the effect of cooking.]
What was this? Some kind of advanced ingredient?
Naoki could vaguely understand its value based on his experience with similar ingredients in games from his previous life.
In those games, adding such ingredients to dishes not only increased the level of effects from lv1 to lv3 but also had the potential to turn temporary buffs into permanent ones.
This made black truffles incredibly valuable.
This was a good find!
Naoki carefully unearthed the entire black truffle.
Seeing his actions, the Cyclizar laid down beside him, holding its breath. Only after the palm-sized truffle was safely tucked into Naoki's backpack did it look up and ask curiously, "Groo?"
"This is great stuff that can improve our quality of life!" Naoki explained to the Cyclizar with a smile. He weighed it in his hand and estimated the black truffle to be about one kilogram.
As a layman, he didn't know the exact price of black truffles, but judging by its size and quality, he could tell it wouldn't be cheap.
Glancing at the sky, Naoki saw that it was getting late, so he hopped onto the Cyclizar and let it carry him back to the ranch.
At five o'clock in the afternoon, Naoki had just returned to the ranch and was about to pour himself a glass of water when he heard a whistle from outside.
"Ding ding ding!"
He walked out the door and saw a van with a wave logo pulling up.
The driver, a burly man with muscular arms and a buzz cut, leaned out the window and said enthusiastically, "You must be Naoki, the new owner of this ranch? Mayor Clavell told me about you. I'm Jacq from Mesagoza Market, and I'm responsible for purchasing goods from nearby ranches. Pleased to meet you!"
"Hello, Mr. Jacq," Naoki greeted politely.
Jacq turned off the engine and jumped out of the van. He looked around and noticed the freshly tilled farmland. Grinning, he said, "Looks like you've got the hang of ranch life! Got anything to sell?"
Jacq was just making casual conversation. He knew a novice rancher wouldn't have mature crops, wool, or milk to sell yet.
After all, developing a ranch took time.
But the next second, he saw the new ranch owner pull out a large, black object.
Jacq, with his extensive knowledge, instantly recognized it.
His eyes widened in surprise. "A Black Truffle? Wow! This size is incredibly rare. Where did you find it?!"
"The back mountains," Naoki replied. "Can I sell it?"
Jacq nodded eagerly. "Of course! This thing fetches a high price! Normal quality black truffles go for about 5,000 Pokédollars per kilogram. The quality and size of the one you have are top-notch. This kind of black truffle is hard to come by in the market, and the price is around 15,000 Pokédollars per kilogram."
Its unique taste was sought after by many, especially the upper class among the wealthy and aristocratic families.
They weren't short on money.
Fifteen thousand Pokédollars per kilogram?
Naoki did the math. In other words, the black truffle in his hand was worth a total of thirty thousand Pokédollars?
Naoki was tempted by the price.
Should he sell it?
This level of rare ingredient could greatly enhance the effects of Pokémon food when cooked.
Could he...?
If he sold it, he would have enough money to buy seeds, repair the ranch, and stock up on food.
For a moment, Naoki hesitated.
But then, he made a decision.
He had to think long-term. Even though the black truffle could improve his cooking, exchanging it for cash would accelerate the ranch's development and ultimately generate more income.
Once the ranch was thriving, he could use the money to buy other high-quality ingredients with similar effects.
With that in mind, Naoki no longer hesitated and decided to sell it.
Jacq retrieved a scale from his van, weighed the truffle, and pointed to the reading. "One kilogram and one hundred grams."
He pulled out a calculator and a small notebook, did some quick calculations, and then announced, "The total comes to 33,000 Pokédollars."
"Okay," Naoki nodded.
"Then I'll take this black truffle off your hands!" Jacq said as he pulled out a stack of bills from his wallet and handed it over.
Naoki took the money, counted it carefully, and let out a sigh of relief.
The first money he had earned as a rancher was now in his hands! He could finally stop eating bland instant ramen!
Jacq still had to visit other ranches to collect goods. Before leaving, he looked around the ranch and suggested, "Aside from growing crops and raising Pokémon, there are many other ways to make money. Haven't you been to Cascarrafa yet? If you go there, remember to buy a fishing rod from the general store. While your crops are growing, you can earn some money by fishing."
"Ah, but don't worry too much. It's tough at the beginning, but it gets much easier in the summer. Then, besides growing regular crops, you can also cultivate Leppa Berries to make juice. Berry juice with that farm-fresh flavor is very popular in big cities!"
Leppa Berries?
Naoki raised an eyebrow at the familiar name.
However, he wasn't thinking about brewing juice. Instead, he wondered if the berry juice he made might have some strange effects, like his cooking...
Naoki nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself, and said to Jacq, "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you very much."
Jacq smiled cheerfully. "Good luck!"
After seeing Jacq off, Naoki returned to the cabin and eyed the small piece of black truffle left on the table - a fragment that had broken off while he was digging it up.
"Black truffles are so valuable. I wonder if training a Diglett could help uncover more hidden underground..." Naoki mused.
He decided to keep this small piece, saving it to enhance a future dish when the time was right.
As for now...
Looking at the thick stack of Pokédollars in his hand, Naoki's spirits soared.
It was time to go shopping in town and buy some new ingredients for cooking!
Naoki hopped onto Cyclizar, pointed in the direction of town, and the Cyclizar took off.
As they rode, Naoki gazed at the sunset-painted sky and hummed a tune, "Riding on my beloved little motorcycle~"
"Groo?"
The Cyclizar looked back, puzzled. His beloved little motorcycle? Was he talking about him?
....
Mesagoza was located in the northwest of the Paldea region, a bustling coastal town.
From the original owner's memories, Naoki knew the town was known for its various local festivals.
For example, the Spring Festival, the Water Pokémon Rally, and the summer-only fireworks display.
These unique events attracted many visitors and combined with the flourishing agriculture and animal husbandry around the town, Mesagoza had developed steadily over time.
The "Mesagoza Market" within the town was even more famous.
Naoki walked down the street with Cyclizar, observing pedestrians with various Pokémon strolling leisurely in the sea breeze. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed.
This time, besides buying food, Naoki had other important tasks.
He needed to visit the town's carpentry shop, general store, seed shop, and the store that sold ranch Pokémon and ordinary animals.
"It's almost six o'clock," Naoki thought, a little worried the shops might close soon. He paused and asked the Cyclizar, "Are you hungry?"
"Groo!"
The Cyclizar nodded, then shook its head. It was intelligent enough to understand that Naoki had things to do, so it could wait a little longer.
Seeing its response, Naoki smiled, patted its head, and said, "Good boy, then let's go to the general store first."
"Groo~"
The town wasn't big. Perhaps to prevent visitors from getting lost, the locations of various shops were clearly marked on both street signs and billboards.
Locating the general store on the map, Naoki headed straight for it.
After crossing an intersection, a red brick building appeared before Naoki.
It was evening, and the store was empty except for a bald man wearing glasses sitting behind the counter, fiddling with a Foongus bag.
Hearing the wind chimes jingle as the door opened, the man looked up. "Ah? A customer! Welcome!"
Naoki greeted him politely, then asked, "Do you have any seasonings here?"
"Yes! On the innermost shelf!"
Naoki walked over and found a wide variety of seasonings on the shelves, just as the man had said.
Oil, salt, vinegar, soy sauce, flour, spices, red bean paste, butter, sugar, pepper.
Their prices were clearly marked on the shelves.
For example, a bag of flour cost 200 Pokédollars, a bottle of oil cost 100 Pokédollars, and red bean paste cost 150 Pokédollars.
Looking at these prices, Naoki was a bit puzzled about the cost of things in the Pokémon world.
A small bag of flour was the same price as a Poké Ball. From that perspective, Poké Balls didn't seem that expensive.
After a moment's consideration, Naoki bought one of each seasoning.
When he brought his items to the counter, the shopkeeper looked surprised. He took out a bag and asked, "Did you just move to Mesagoza?"
"Yes," Naoki nodded.
The shopkeeper smiled. "Then enjoy your life in Mesagoza! Alright, the total comes to 2,820 Pokédollars."
Naoki didn't pay immediately. Instead, he asked, "Do you have fishing rods here?"
"Fishing rods? Yes!"
The shopkeeper turned around and retrieved a few fishing rods from a shelf, placing them on the counter. "Each fishing rod has a different price," he explained. "This one is 2,000 Pokédollars. If you pair it with bait, you can catch Pokémon and fish anywhere there's water."
"This fishing rod costs 5,000 Pokédollars. It's made of higher quality materials, so it performs better than the 2,000-Pokédollar rod and is more durable."
"And this one here is 15,000 Pokédollars. It's the newest and most powerful fishing rod, made with the most advanced materials and boasting top-notch performance."
Naoki's eyes scanned the three fishing rods. He ultimately chose the standard 2,000-Pokédollar rod, planning to use it for the time being.
"The total comes to 4,820 Pokédollars. Since this is your first time shopping here, I'll give you a box of bait for free. Please come again!" The shopkeeper smiled and handed him a tin can.
"Thank you," Naoki said, taking his purchases and leaving the store.
His next stop was the carpentry shop, located on the edge of town with a forest behind it.
A wooden stake stood outside the shop, a saw stuck in it.
Just as Naoki was about to knock, the door opened.
A sturdy woman with a high pink ponytail and a headband emerged.
After Naoki explained his purpose, she led him into the workshop at the back.
"Are you the new ranch owner who just moved here?" she asked curiously.
Naoki was slightly taken aback, then realized that Mayor Clavell had probably informed her of his arrival.
He nodded. "My name is Naoki."
"Just call me Kora," the woman replied.
"Yes, Miss Kora."
As they walked, Kora explained the process of expanding the ranch house. "You haven't named the ranch yet, have you?"
Naoki shook his head. "Not yet. I only arrived yesterday."
"No worries, just making conversation," Kora said with a smile. "Well, Mayor Clavell filled me in. You're here to learn about restoring the Pokémon shed and expanding the house, right?"
"That's right."
"Then let me explain. Repairing the Pokémon shed requires 50,000 Pokédollars and 300 pieces of lumber. Once repaired, you can raise Miltank and Mareep there. Of course, that's a bit pricey for you right now."
"So I recommend starting with building a chicken coop and raising regular chickens. The eggs they lay can be sold for profit. A chicken coop only needs 20,000 Pokédollars and 150 pieces of lumber."
"Also, you'll need to build a silo on the ranch to store feed. We'll give you one for free the first time you build it."
Naoki nodded thoughtfully, taking mental note of the prices.
"What about expanding the house?" he asked.
"That's much simpler," Kora replied. "A fully functional house would cost around two million Pokédollars. We can help you add a second floor, a separate kitchen and bathroom, and renovate the basement. Usually, ranchers use the basement for making wine."
"We also offer custom furniture services. Besides basic tables, chairs, and benches, you can also buy wallpaper, carpets, refrigerators, storage cabinets, various light fixtures, and so on."
Five minutes later, Naoki walked out of the carpentry shop.
Calculating the remaining money, he realized he still had a long way to go.
"This feels even busier than my 996 job..." he sighed, then envisioned the day when the ranch would be restored to its former glory. A look of anticipation appeared on his face – by then, he could relax and enjoy the leisurely life of a rancher.
Since the Pokémon shed wasn't a priority at the moment, there was no need to visit the shop that sold ranch Pokémon just yet.
Riding Cyclizar, Naoki headed to his final destination – the seed shop.
The seed shop owner was a middle-aged man with brown hair and a slightly plump figure, wearing a brown coat.
When Naoki arrived, the man was having dinner with his wife and daughter.
Seeing a customer, the owner immediately stood up and greeted him. "Welcome! Take a look around and see what seeds you'd like to buy."
Naoki wasn't sure what to get since he only had a bag of turnip seeds given by the mayor.
Following the owner's lead, he saw a vast array of seeds in containers.
Potatoes, turnips, garlic, strawberries, cabbage, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, grass, and even seeds for fruit trees like peaches and oranges.
Naoki was dazzled by the variety. The seed shop owner explained, "These are crops and fruit trees suitable for spring planting. They're easy to grow after cultivation. As long as you water and fertilize them on time, they'll grow big and healthy."
Naoki nodded silently.
The seeds in this world were different from those in the Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley games he had played.
There were many seeds in each packet here, enough to plant a large area, unlike in the games where one packet only covered one tile of land.
After some thought, Naoki decided to buy a packet of each seed, including those for the fruit trees.
The seed prices varied. The basic turnips were only 60 Pokédollars per packet, while strawberries, cucumbers, and the like cost 120 or 150 per packet.
Altogether, the seeds came to 1,370 Pokédollars.
As a result, he only had 27,000 Pokédollars left from selling the black truffle.
After packing up the seeds, Naoki left the store with Cyclizar.
It was getting dark outside.
Naoki looked up at the starry sky, took a deep breath, and said, "Alright, let's go grab some dinner!"
"Groo..." The Cyclizar looked a little downcast.
Naoki smiled and patted its head, then led it into a restaurant.
After a long day, he planned to eat out tonight.
The waiter handed him the menu, which included both human food and dishes specifically for Pokémon.
A Pokémon like Cyclizar... probably preferred meat, right?
Thinking of this, Naoki ordered a meat dish for Cyclizar and a fruit platter as a reward for its hard work today.
Soon, the food arrived at their table.
Watching Cyclizar eat with gusto, Naoki felt a warm glow in his heart.
Pokémon were so innocent and adorable.
He looked down at the fragrant vegetable stew and corn soup in front of him, and their information popped up in his mind.
As expected, these dishes didn't have any special abilities that could enhance Pokémon.
Naoki was sure of it now: "It seems only the food I cook has that kind of power."
After dinner, Naoki went back to the general store to buy ingredients for the next few days.
Since he didn't have a refrigerator at home, he only bought enough for three days.
The temperature was still cool this time of year, so the food wouldn't spoil easily if left indoors.
Naoki carried his bags of groceries and climbed back onto Cyclizar. In the darkness, the man and Pokémon headed home.
The night air was chilly, and the wind felt cold against his skin.
Cyclizar was sensitive to the cold, but Naoki, riding on its back, felt warm, which helped to ward off the chill.
At that moment, Cyclizar suddenly craved another bowl of Naoki's hot noodle soup.
Cyclizar was fast, and they returned to the ranch in less than thirty minutes.
The ranch was pitch black at night. Naoki had anticipated this and brought a flashlight with him.
He fumbled for it in the dark, but before he could find it, he heard a loud "bang!"
The sound was deafening, accompanied by the cracking of trees.
It was as if something had fallen from the sky, crashing into the ranch and knocking down a group of trees.
Startled, Naoki finally located the flashlight and quickly shone it towards the sound.
Soon, he saw a strange, dark figure in his farmland.
Naoki froze, and Cyclizar beside him rose from its riding position, looking warily in the same direction.
It sensed an unusual presence.
The flashlight beam illuminated the dark figure, which lay motionless on the ground, seemingly unconscious.
With the help of the light, Naoki finally made out the figure's true form.
A scarlet body, a thick tail, flamboyant dragon whiskers, and an airbag on its chest that resembled a motorcycle tire.
It was...
Naoki was stunned.
...
Inside the lit cabin, Naoki and Cyclizar stared at the Pokémon they had dragged in from the field.
With a single glance, Naoki recognized the Pokémon.
The guardian deity of paradise, the Winged King, the ancient god.
These were the names associated with this Pokémon.
Originally nameless, it was dubbed Koraidon by the doctor who discovered it after it was summoned to this era.
That's right, Koraidon.
One of the legendary Pokémon from the game "Pokémon Scarlet." According to legend, it could split the earth with its fists.
There was no information about its ecology in the world yet, but some people believed it to be the ancient ancestor of Pokémon like Cyclizar.
Although similar in appearance to Cyclizar, Koraidon was known for its tenacious and violent nature.
Naoki looked at Koraidon, then at Cyclizar, and noticed the similarities in their appearance and skeletal structure.
So, the question was...
How did Koraidon end up here?
Naoki fell into deep thought.
He was recalling information about Koraidon from the game.
Summoned by Professor Olim through a time machine, it fled Area Zero after losing a territorial battle with another Koraidon. It eventually collapsed from exhaustion on a beach in southern Paldea and was found by the game's protagonist.
"So, what's the situation now?"
Naoki was confused. He looked at the innocent-looking Cyclizar across from him, then down at Koraidon.
Suddenly, Koraidon's closed eyes snapped open, its golden pupils filled with a ferocious aura, locking onto the human in front of it.
Naoki was shocked.
But then, the violent aura vanished, though Koraidon continued to stare at him.
Naoki tilted his head in confusion.
"Groo?" Cyclizar tilted its head as well.
Hearing the third party's call, Koraidon's expression changed slightly.
Upon seeing Cyclizar clearly, disbelief flashed in Koraidon's eyes, then a flicker of understanding.
Memories flooded back.
A long, long time ago, when it was still a Cyclizar, it had also encountered a Koraidon one night.
Today was just like that day.
However, back then, it was in the same position as the Cyclizar opposite it.
It looked at the Cyclizar, slightly frightened by its aura, and suddenly realized what had happened to the Koraidon it met when it was a Cyclizar.
That was itself.
It had fallen through a time warp, spending ten thousand years in a distant epoch. Finally recalled, it had arrived in an even earlier time period.
The Cyclizar's eyes were fixed on Koraidon, a tense energy crackling between them. Naoki, sensing the potential danger, quickly stepped in front of Cyclizar, shielding it from Koraidon's gaze.
"Hey there," he said, forcing a friendly tone, "are you alright? I saw you fall from the sky, so I brought you back to my place." It was best to tread carefully with this strange, seemingly aggressive Pokémon.
Koraidon's gaze shifted to Naoki, its eyes narrowing. A complex mix of emotions flickered across its face—disappointment, resentment, a tinge of jealousy. This Cyclizar was its past self, a reminder of a time before its evolution, before its journey through time and space.
Naoki silently observed Koraidon, his own heart pounding with a mixture of fear and curiosity. He mirrored Koraidon's stillness, hoping to avoid provoking it.
Suddenly, a loud growl erupted from Koraidon's stomach, shattering the tense silence. Naoki blinked, a wry smile tugging at his lips. He and Cyclizar had already eaten, but it seemed their unexpected guest was famished.
"Are you hungry?" Naoki ventured, "I have some food here. Would you like some?"
Koraidon's demeanor changed instantly, its aggressive posture softening. It nodded eagerly, its earlier ferocity replaced by a childlike eagerness for sustenance.
Naoki couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the Pokémon's sudden change of heart. He stood up, beckoning Cyclizar to follow him to the cupboard. There, he retrieved a fresh piece of pork belly he had purchased earlier that day.
Pork belly, with its perfect balance of lean and fatty meat, was ideal for hearty Pokémon like Koraidon. He carefully washed and trimmed the meat, then sliced it into bite-sized pieces, placing them in a bowl.
Next, Naoki gathered the seasonings he had purchased: dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch for thickening. He combined these in a bowl, mixing them thoroughly with the pork belly until the meat was evenly coated. Once the flavors had melded, he transferred the pork to a skillet and began to cook it slowly over medium-low heat.
Soon, golden fat began to sizzle, filling the room with an irresistible aroma. The marinated pork slowly turned a rich golden brown, its succulent juices bubbling enticingly.
Naoki glanced back at Koraidon, who had shifted to a quadrupedal stance, its eyes glued to the pan, drool dripping from its chin. Even Cyclizar, despite having already eaten, couldn't help but salivate at the tantalizing smell.
Naoki smiled to himself. He estimated the cooking time, and when the pork was done, he divided it into two plates. As he looked down, information about the dish materialized in his mind.
Pan-Seared Pork Belly (B): Ingredients, heat, seasoning, and unique cooking techniques create this popular dish. The juicy, flavorful pork belly provides unparalleled vitality to Pokémon.
Cooking Effects: Major Physical Recovery, Major Strength Increase, Minor Experience, and Insight Gain for Pokémon. Duration: 60 minutes.
Comment: Fresh ingredients and excellent cooking skills combine to create this delicious pan-seared pork belly, perfect for Pokémon who crave power.
"Huh?" Naoki was surprised by the high quality of the dish. But he noticed the short duration of its effects. He recalled the black truffle he had found earlier. Could adding this rare ingredient make the effects permanent? He would have to experiment later.
He brought the plates to Cyclizar and Koraidon, watching as they devoured the pork with gusto. Then, an idea struck him. He retrieved two glasses, two berries, and two bottles of Moomoo Milk. A refreshing juice would be the perfect complement to the rich meal, and he was curious to see if squeezing juice directly from the fruit would trigger his cooking ability.
The berries resembled ordinary fruits, but there weren't enough to make a full serving of juice. Naoki decided to add some milk to the mix. After washing his hands, he squeezed the juice from the berries into the glasses, then added the Moomoo Milk and stirred.
The milk, purchased from the Littleroot Market, was a 500 ml bottle and had cost him 120 Pokédollars. As the juice and milk blended, Naoki watched as information about the concoction appeared in his mind.
Berry Milk (C): A blend of fresh berries and nutritious Moomoo Milk, this fruity drink is a delightful treat for Pokémon.
Cooking Effect: Limited to Miltank or Tauros. After consumption, the quality of milk produced by the drinker will be slightly improved, making it tastier and more nutritious.
Comment: Delicious berry milk, a treat you deserve!
.....
Improve the quality of milk? Exclusive to Miltank or Tauros? Naoki raised an eyebrow, surprised. He had assumed his cooking would enhance a Pokémon's strength, and speed, or provide other direct benefits. But this indirect buff, this enhancement of a specific product, was a new revelation. It would be incredibly useful on the ranch!
Would other dishes yield similar effects? There were so many possibilities and so many recipes to discover. It would take a lifetime, perhaps even fifty years, to explore them all.
But regardless, Naoki's curiosity was piqued. He was eager to experiment and uncover the hidden potential of his culinary creations.
"Plenty of time for that," he mused, turning to offer the glasses of berry milk to Cyclizar and Koraidon. While neither were milk-producing Pokémon, the drink would still be a refreshing treat.
Before being summoned by the time machine, Koraidon had just finished a fierce battle with another Koraidon. It had sustained minor injuries, but the urgency to return to this time and space had driven it to rush home without rest.
Now, having devoured Naoki's cooking and savoring the familiar flavors, Koraidon felt rejuvenated, its injuries healing rapidly. Overcome with gratitude and affection, it approached Naoki, licking his face with its long tongue.
Naoki, initially startled, remembered Koraidon's playful nature from the anime. He relaxed, a chuckle escaping his lips. But as Koraidon's saliva dripped down his face, he gently pushed the Pokémon away.
Koraidon, unfazed, crouched nearby with a goofy grin, its thick tail thumping against the floor as it watched Naoki wash his face.
After Cyclizar finished its meal, Naoki cleared the table, washed the dishes, and stretched his weary muscles. It had been a long day, and it was time for some much-needed rest.
There was no bathroom in the ranch house, so Naoki stepped outside and rinsed himself off with the garden hose. He then retreated to bed, yawning as he flipped through the "Ranch Encyclopedia," studying the information on spring crops.
He had a lot to do tomorrow: clear the fields of unnecessary trees and rocks, till the soil, plant seeds and saplings. He also planned to try fishing, hoping to catch something he could sell to supplement his income. Until the crops matured and the Pokémon house was repaired, this was his only means of making money.
As Naoki drifted to sleep, he glanced at the bedside where Cyclizar lay sprawled on the floor, yawning sleepily. Koraidon had also found a comfortable spot and closed its eyes, the familiar scent of Naoki, the comforting environment, and the lingering aroma of food created a sense of ease and security.
Despite the ranch's remote location, Naoki wasn't afraid. Cyclizar's presence offered a sense of protection, and Koraidon, despite its initial aggression, seemed to have settled into a peaceful slumber.
Naoki smiled, then turned off the light and surrendered to sleep.
The next morning, his internal alarm clock, honed from years of corporate life, woke him at the crack of dawn. A glance at the pendulum clock on the wall told him it was only 6:15 AM. He briefly considered going back to sleep, but the thought of the day's tasks ahead quickly dispelled any lingering drowsiness.
He rubbed his eyes, got out of bed, and started preparing breakfast. The rustling sounds woke Koraidon, who, upon seeing Naoki up and about, simply rolled over and went back to sleep.
Cyclizar, however, perked up immediately. Naoki chuckled as he passed by, patting the Pokémon's head. "Go back to sleep," he said softly. "I'll wake you when breakfast is ready."
Cyclizar let out a soft "Graaaah" and obediently curled back up on the floor.
For breakfast, Naoki decided to make a sandwich for Cyclizar. He combined toast from the Littleroot Market with leftover steak, freshly sliced tomatoes and lettuce, and a generous slathering of cheese sauce.
As he assembled the sandwich, the familiar information popped up in his mind:
Sandwich (D): A combination of fresh ingredients, meat and vegetables, rich in nutrition, and ideal for breakfast.
Cooking Effect: Minor Energy Increase, making Pokémon more energetic and less prone to sleepiness.
Evaluation: A basic sandwich, but a great choice for breakfast.
"Just a minor energy boost?" Naoki mused, a hint of disappointment in his voice. But then, he considered that the only ingredient he had actually cooked was the steak, and the result seemed rather impressive.
After serving Cyclizar its breakfast sandwich, Naoki turned to prepare his own. He eyed the remaining pack of instant ramen, deciding against wastefulness. However, as he was about to dig in, Koraidon, ever vigilant, noticed the discrepancy.
It glanced down at its own sandwich, then at Naoki's bowl of steaming noodles. With a sudden burst of energy, it switched to a bipedal stance, snatched the bowl, and began to slurp down the noodles with gusto.
Naoki watched in astonishment, "You like that stuff?"
For Koraidon, this bowl of ramen was a taste of home, the first meal Naoki had prepared for it—a meal with special significance. In the future, as the ranch prospered, Naoki would rarely make instant ramen again. Now, seeing it once more, nostalgia flooded over Koraidon.
"Graaoaoaoshi~" Koraidon exclaimed, its voice muffled by noodles.
Naoki couldn't understand the exact words, but Koraidon's expression clearly conveyed its delight. It was a stark contrast to Cyclizar's indifference towards the ramen.
After washing the dishes, Naoki grabbed his hoe and headed outside, ready to tackle the day's work.
Thanks to yesterday's practice, Naoki and Cyclizar had developed a good working rhythm. Cyclizar used its powerful tail to smash rocks and clear debris, while Naoki followed behind, tilling the soil with his hoe.
They encountered a few large trees that were too tough for Naoki to handle alone. He handed the axe to Cyclizar, who expertly felled them with swift, precise strikes.
Koraidon observed this from a distance. Suddenly, it let out a series of excited cries and then charged towards a large tree. It wrapped its arms around the trunk, muscles bulging, and with a mighty heave, uprooted the entire tree, tossing it aside as if it were a mere twig.
Naoki and Cyclizar watched in stunned silence. Koraidon, seemingly energized by its feat, continued to help, clearing the land with surprising efficiency.
Naoki's eyes widened. "What incredible strength! Is it trying to repay the favor?"
Koraidon's assistance significantly reduced their workload. With the Grass-type Pokémon's help, they cleared a large portion of the farmland in just one morning.
Naoki wiped the sweat from his brow as he watered the newly cleared land, making it softer and more suitable for planting. "A Water-type Pokémon would be handy right now," he thought.
After watering, the soil needed time to settle before planting could begin. Naoki wasn't in a rush to clear the entire field at once. There weren't enough seeds, and they were short on manpower.
The progress they had made was more than enough to keep them busy for the foreseeable future.
.....
Estado de energía semanal
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