Chương 19: Chapter 19: Pharmacy and Alchemy
"Are you thinking about traveling?" Maple asked while eating the dinner prepared by Heath.
"Yes, Sister Maple. I plan to visit other cities to explore their local delicacies," Heath nodded. He had decided to become a traveling chef, gathering special foods from each city he visited.
This way, he could complete the tasks given by his cheats and fulfill his dream of traveling in the Pokémon world.
"I knew you'd leave Viridian City someday when you decided not to join me at the police force. When are you planning to leave?" Maple asked calmly, her expression unchanged.
Heath chewed on the braised pork, pondering the question. Theoretically, all he needed for traveling was his Pokémon, but since he wanted to gather ingredients from different cities, he needed some funds.
"Maybe in a few weeks?" Heath replied uncertainly. Although he had earned some money from Gengar today, he was still far from having enough for his travels.
Traveling wasn't as simple as grabbing Poké Balls and a backpack. At the very least, some money was necessary. Unlike in games, losing battles here didn't result in losing money.
Relying on earning money through battles, as in games, was unrealistic. Moreover, the world was vast. Walking from Viridian City to Pewter City took four to five days.
"Alright, let me know when you're leaving. I'll see you off," Maple said, wiping her mouth, having finished her meal.
Heath helplessly watched Maple. He had told her countless times not to eat so quickly, as it was bad for digestion, but she never listened. Despite his frequent reminders, she never changed. Every meal felt like a slow-paced contest for Heath, with Maple Jenny finishing long before he did.
"Sister Maple, any news in Viridian City lately?" Heath asked, noticing her calm demeanor and sensing she might be upset.
"No big news, but are you interested in making some money?" Maple paused, glancing back at Heath.
Heath instinctively nodded. Those who hadn't experienced poverty couldn't understand Heath's desperation. The feeling of debt weighing him down had almost driven him crazy. Even though he had cleared his debts, he still maintained frugal habits.
"The Viridian City prison is transferring a batch of prisoners to Ever Grande Island. They plan to grant them a last meal. Your cooking skills are good. How about fifty League coins per person for fifty people? Do you want to take it?" Maple shared an enticing opportunity.
In the Pokémon world, prisons and a justice system existed. While death penalties were rare, the harshest punishment was being sent to Ever Grande Island, a scorching, isolated place surrounded by the sea. Prisoners there often wished they could jump into the ocean to cool off, only to find the water was hot too. Therefore, prisoners sent to Ever Grande Island were allowed one final request, provided it wasn't too excessive.
"I'll take it!" Heath agreed without hesitation. Although fifty League coins per person seemed low, there was still profit to be made.
"Don't be too greedy. Ms. Lori complained today about you charging Gengar a thousand League coins," Maple warned, her tone stern as she punched the wall, leaving an indentation.
Heath quickly nodded. Only then did Maple return to her room. Heath took a deep breath, staring at the fist mark on the wall.
People in the Pokémon world were extraordinary. With super rookie Ash and now Maple's incredible strength, Heath wondered if Maple even needed Pokémon to apprehend criminals; her sheer force would suffice.
"Unbelievable," Heath muttered as he cleaned up the dishes and lay down on his bed.
Farfetch'd was practicing cooking in the kitchen. Heath remained calm, even as wisps of smoke drifted by. Despite Farfetch'd's cooking disasters, it usually managed to stay barely passable. In contrast, Maple's cooking was akin to experimenting with biological weapons.
Heath had once tasted Maple's pink pork rib radish soup, a dish so peculiar it made him tremble when served. One sip had enlightened him to the culinary pinnacle of creating something from nothing. Since then, Heath had banned Maple from the kitchen, knowing he had to cook himself for a decent meal.
"This smell isn't right," Heath sniffed the air, quickly getting up and heading to the kitchen.
"Farfetch'd, did you discover a coal mine?" Heath asked, seeing the Pokémon trying to discreetly dispose of some burnt pieces. His face darkened.
Heath was baffled by the blackened, coal-like objects. Breaking one apart, it crumbled with a snap, leaving Heath in a daze.
Heath felt he must have done something saintly in a past life to end up in such a bizarre place. With Maple's alchemy-like cooking and Farfetch'd's disastrous culinary attempts, Heath wondered how he had encountered these two marvels.
"What did I do to deserve you two geniuses?" Heath lamented. Farfetch'd seemed to have a negative talent for cooking, despite Heath's previous lessons on making braised pork.
(End of Chapter)
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