《Get Stronger by Making Pokémon Happy? Who Want to Be a Trainer! (Pokemon Fanfiction)》 Chapter 1: The Pokémon Happiness System Brain Parking Zone: The author''s brain has been parked here! A note from the author: The pacing might be a bit slow at first, as the focus is mainly on daily life and Pokmon breeding. Now, onto the story. Ethans Pokmon entrance exam results were a mixed baghalf good, half bad. Just ten minutes ago, he had been facing one of the biggest decisions of his life: Should he become a Breeder and take over his parents Pokmon Daycare, or give it all up and pursue the life of a Pokmon Trainer? It was a tough question, one that weighed heavily on his mind. But now, his indecision was gone. Ding! System detected: Host has lived in this world for 18 years. Anti-addiction protocol lifted. Pokmon Happiness System activated. Increase the happiness of Pokmon to receive corresponding rewards. Rewarding host with: God-tier Viridian Force, God-tier Breeder Skills, and Master-level auxiliary profession skills! Additionally compensating host with the skills: Insight Eye and True Newcomer Physique. This was what had just happened to Ethan. Having been reincarnated into this parallel Pokmon world for 18 years, Ethan had long since given up hope of ever activating a system. He never expected it to merely be delayed
In the small town of Wutong, a settlement under the jurisdiction of Wutong City, Ethans quiet life was about to change. The soft morning sunlight filtered gently through the window, scattering delicate patterns of light and shadow across the room. The house was a small cabin built entirely from wood, with bold, chiselled letters above the doorway that read Neighbourhood Daycare. Ethan still remembered how those words were carved by his fathers Scyther, using its relentless Fury Cutter. Now, however, the sign was covered in a thick layer of dust. Ten years ago, his parents went missing while exploring a Pokmon nature reserve. At just eight years old, Ethan had received the devastating news from the League: his parents were gone. The League had originally intended to send him to an orphanage, but Ethanbeing a soul who had lived another life beforeadamantly refused. Instead, he immediately sold off the Pokmon eggs stored in the daycare, offering them at a fair price to the League. This gave him his first pot of money. That money had sustained him until he turned eighteen, and there was still a fair amount leftenough to choose a starter Pokmon and take his first step towards becoming a Trainer! And yet If he truly became a Trainer, this daycarehis parents pride and joywould lose its purpose. Despite everything, Ethan found it hard to let go. After all, this daycare was a symbol of his parents dedication and love, even if he had spent years convincing himself otherwise.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Now that the system had finally arrived, there was no need to overthink things. Becoming a Breeder was the obvious choice! Make Pokmon happy and get rewards? Ethans interest was piqued. This method of earning rewards was perfect for running a daycare. As he processed the god-tier breeding knowledge and the Insight Eye that had just appeared in his mind, Ethan couldnt help but marvel at how powerful he had suddenly become. Well then, time to tidy up and reopen the daycare Of course, "tidy up" really just meant giving the place a quick clean. And then give this happiness thing a try? Ethan stood up and stepped outside. The first thing that greeted his eyes was the wide cobblestone road stretching ahead. Following it for a short distance would lead to vibrant green paddy fields. By the edge of the fields, an elderly man was working with a Sandslash to plough the land, seemingly planting something as they went. This was Wutong Towna small, self-sufficient community nestled near the city, where life moved at a slower, simpler pace. Has the True Newcomer Physique enhanced my vision as well? Even from hundreds of metres away, Ethan could clearly see the individual scales on the Sandslashs body. He walked towards the elderly man. Up so early and already working, Mr. Turner? Mr. Turner was dressed in a yellow-and-white, slightly tattered vest, with a smear of dirt across his face from his labour. When he casually wiped it with his hand, the dirt spread further, leaving a noticeable mark on his weathered face. Ah, Ethan, its the season for planting, isnt it? Im getting ready to sow some Tamato Berries. You know how this little guy here loves anything spicy! The elderly man lightly nudged the Sandslash with his foot, his eyes shining with affection. Squeak, squeak Sandslash responded with a hearty, honest smile. Is that so? Haha, Mr. Turner, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favour. Of course, Ethan, what is it? Well, Id like to borrow Sandslash for a bit to help plough the land behind my house and clear out the stones there. Since Ethan had decided to inherit the family daycare, it was only natural to reopen the farmland behind it. He planned to grow essential berries and plants commonly used for Pokmon care. Hearing this, Mr. Turner looked surprised. Child, does this mean youre not planning to go to university anymore? Has the True Newcomer Physique enhanced my vision as well? Even from hundreds of metres away, Ethan could clearly see the individual scales on the Sandslashs body. He walked towards the elderly man. Up so early and already working, Mr. Turner? Mr. Turner was dressed in a yellow-and-white, slightly tattered vest, with a smear of dirt across his face from his labour. When he casually wiped it with his hand, the dirt spread further, leaving a noticeable mark on his weathered face. Ah, Ethan, its the season for planting, isnt it? Im getting ready to sow some Tamato Berries. You know how this little guy here loves anything spicy! The elderly man lightly nudged the Sandslash with his foot, his eyes shining with affection. Squeak, squeak Sandslash responded with a hearty, honest smile. Is that so? Haha, Mr. Turner, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favour. Of course, Ethan, what is it? Well, Id like to borrow Sandslash for a bit to help plough the land behind my house and clear out the stones there. Since Ethan had decided to inherit the family daycare, it was only natural to reopen the farmland behind it. He planned to grow essential berries and plants commonly used for Pokmon care. Hearing this, Mr. Turner looked surprised. Child, does this mean youre not planning to go to university anymore? Ethan replied, I dont plan to go. Universities nowadays feel more like extended vacations. Besides, I still dont have a single Pokmon of my own. Going now would feel a bit too late. I think Ill just focus on becoming a Breeder. Its perfect timing anywayI received my Intermediate Breeder Certificate a few days ago! I also believe giving Pokmon a place to relax and recover, outside of battles, is a pretty good idea. Hearing this, Mr. Turner nodded and smiled. Every young person has their own path in life. Still, you cant keep the daycare confined to Wutong Town forever. Someday, youll need to expandmaybe to Wutong City, or even somewhere bigger. While youre young, you should see the world. Dont stay cooped up in this little town forever. If you need this little fellow, he gestured to Sandslash, just swing by my place anytime. Got it, thanks, Mr. Turner, Ethan said with a grateful smile. He then turned to Sandslash. And you, little one, Im counting on you. Once the work is done, Ill treat you to some spicy ramen! Sandslashs eyes lit up instantly, as if it was asking, Really? (??): Squeak squeak? You glutton! Come on, lets get to work, Ethan chuckled. The old man chuckled and gave Sandslash another playful nudge with his foot before heading off with it to continue ploughing the field. Ethan smiled, but his grin quickly froze in place. Congratulations! The happiness level of Sandslash has increased from 50% to 60%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x5 (can accelerate the growth of ordinary crops by tenfold), Rare Candy x1 (enhances a Pokmons energy slightly), Earth Sand (consumed by Ground-type Pokmon to increase the hardness of their outer body). Staring at Sandslashs squinted, contented eyes, Ethan was momentarily stunned. Does this really count as making a Pokmon happy? And wasnt this reward just a little too generous? Chapter 2: Feebas’ Happiness and the Perfect-Grade Prism Scale After parting ways with Mr. Turner, Ethan made his way to a nearby river and skillfully whistled a tune. Before long, a Feebas surfaced. Its body was a dull brownish-grey, and its scales were in poor condition, with some areas even torn. Ethan casually pulled out a Water-type Pokblock and tossed it into the river. Feebas wasted no time and gulped it down in one swift motion. Congratulations! The happiness level of Feebas has increased from 10% to 40%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x10, Rare Candy x1, Life Fruit (permanently enhances a Pokmons HP individual value). The rewards were identical to before. Ethan didnt mind, though. He simply reached out and gently patted Feebas on the head. Feebas, how about coming home with me? This particular Feebas had been discovered during the spring equinox, right after a heavy rain. Ethan had found it struggling in a muddy puddle. At the time, hed taken it home and cared for it for a short while. But due to school commitments, he eventually had no choice but to return it to the river temporarily. Over time, he realised that this Feebas seemed to have developed the ability to sense his presence. Whenever Ethan came to the river, this Feebas would always show up and follow him around. Now that he had decided not to go to university, it was time to bring it back to the daycare. It would certainly bring a bit more life to the place. Splash! Feebas paused for a moment upon hearing Ethans words. Its dull, fishy eyes widened in disbelief as it stared at him, almost as if asking, Really? They had spent enough time together that Feebas could more or less understand the meaning behind his words. Besides, Ethan now had the Viridian Force, which made it even easier to communicate. Of course, he said with a warm smile. Ethan then reached for his belt and pulled out a Pok Ball. At the same time, he activated the Insight Eye. Pokmon: Feebas Gender: Female Ability: Adaptability Potential: Green Grade Individual Values: HP (25), Attack (13), Special Attack (11), Defence (14), Special Defence (16), Speed (10) Level: 6C9 Moves: Splash, Tackle Description: An ordinary Feebas with a touch of unique spirit. Affection: 85 Happiness: 95 Congratulations! Feebas'' Happiness has increased from 40% to 95%. Rewards: Aptitude Enhancement Pokblock Recipe x1, Perfect-Grade Prism Scale, Rare Candies x10. Huh? Ethans eyes lit up as he noticed the uncontrollable joy reflected in Feebas usually dull, fishy eyes. He couldnt help but gently tap its head. Youre so easy to please, arent you? Just the promise of taking it home had been enough to boost its Happiness from 40% to 95%. If he had to describe this level of happiness, it would be akin to an overwhelming, blissful state where the brain just blanks out completely. After taking a quick glance at the recipe for the Aptitude Enhancement Pokblock, Ethan found it even more interesting. Not bad, these are both perfect for you. Without saying anything further, he calmly captured Feebas into a Pok Ball. As for the Prism Scale, Ethan decided against using it on Feebas just yet.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. As a god-tier Breeder, he naturally knew the optimal time to give Feebas the Prism Scale for the best results. Ding ding ding-dong! With a series of soft chimes, Feebas was successfully captured into the Pok Ball, the red light fading. Though Ethan had long since outgrown his edgy teenage phase, he still couldnt help but feel a flicker of excitement. At that moment, having just captured his first Pokmon, Ethan couldnt help but feel a surge of excitement. Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, he raised the Pok Ball and struck a classic victory pose, exclaiming, I caught a Feebas! When he snapped back to reality, Ethan found the whole thing amusing and quickly tucked the Pok Ball back into his belt. He then began following the riverbank, his purpose extending beyond just capturing Feebas. He also needed to check on the state of the irrigation channel. Back when his parents were still around, they had redirected water from this river to create a small channel that flowed directly into their plantation. Theyd even dug a reservoir within the plantation to store the water. Now, Ethan needed to inspect the channel to see how it was holding up. When he reached it, he breathed a sigh of relief. The channel was merely dry, with a few branches clogging itnothing serious. All it needed was for the blocked source to be cleared out. Ethan didnt head to the source straight away, though. Instead, he decided to return home first and take a look at the plantation behind the daycare. Since his parents passing, Ethan had barely tended to the plantation. He only visited occasionally when the Pecha trees bore fruit, picking a few Pecha Berries to enjoy as a snack. By his calculations, it was about the right time for the Pecha Berries to ripen againjust perfect for grabbing a few to satisfy his cravings. As he walked, Ethan fell into thought. It had been eighteen years since hed arrived in this world. By now, he had a thorough understanding of it. It was obviousthis was a parallel Pokmon world! And not just any Pokmon world, but one in its purest, most untouched form. There were no influences from other worlds or bizarre elements intruding on its natural state. History books in this world even divided its timeline based on Pokmon. Broadly speaking, the eras were classified as Ancient, Early Modern, and Modern. In ancient history, it was said that Arceus created the first PokmonMew. From Mew, the diversity of Pokmon gradually emerged, giving rise to countless species over time. In early modern history, a significant turning point occurred in 1897 when Professor Bruce P. successfully developed the first Pok Ball using Berries. This achievement marked the beginning of modern Pokmon Studies. From that moment, the field of Pokmon Studies advanced rapidly. The profession of Pokmon Trainer became a key role in fostering the relationship between humans and Pokmon. The approach to Pokmon power also shiftedfrom brute control to more balanced and rational guidance. For instance, in 1924, the inaugural Pokmon League Championship was held. The Trainer who emerged victorious earned immense honour and valuable rewards. Since then, Pokmon Leagues and tournaments, both large and small, began to sprout up like mushrooms after the rain, both between regions and within individual Leagues. The status of Trainers continued to rise, becoming a respected and aspirational profession. In the present day, Pokmon had become an essential part of everyday life, finding their way into every household as indispensable companions. With this societal integration, the structure of global power began to evolve. Gradually, centralised organisations such as the Pokmon Leagues emerged as the dominant authorities. In this parallel world, Ethan resided in Wutong Town, a small settlement within the sphere of influence of Wutong City, under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Hua League. As for other Leagues, they were remarkably similar to those Ethan had seen in the animated series from his previous world. The Kalos League, the Unova League, the Alola region they all existed here. And then, at the age of fifteen, Ethan had witnessed a familiar face during the Pokmon League ChampionshipLeon! With his iconic Charizard, Leon had delivered a spectacular one-hit knockout against his challenger, displaying an unmatched aura of dominance. It was only now that Ethan realised something profound. This world didnt just have Leon. It also had Lance from the Elite Four, currently challenging Sinnohs own Champion, Cynthia Most of the figures from his memories had their counterparts here, leaving traces of familiarity in this parallel world. A truly fascinating reality. When Ethan first crossed into this world, his initial dream was to become a Pokmon Master. But things were different now. Eighteen years of a quiet, uneventful life had gradually smoothed out the fiery passion he once held. Being a Breeder sounded much more appealing. After all, a Breeder could spend time with even more Pokmon, forging bonds that went beyond battles. Lost in thought, Ethan found himself standing in the plantation behind his house. Years of neglect had left the once-thriving fields overrun with weeds. The greenery was lush, but it sprawled chaotically, with no semblance of order. The plantation itself was quite large, roughly the size of a football pitch. In its prime, each season had seen the fields bursting with carefully cultivated plants, thriving in vibrant abundance. Now, only a few flourishing Pecha Berry and Oran Berry trees remained. The Pecha Berry trees were particularly verdant, their branches laden with ripening fruit. Hm? As Ethan admired the scene, a blur of green streaked past the corner of his vision. Chapter 3: A Contrary Red-Grade Snivy? It seemed to be just a fleeting glimpse, but Ethan was certain he had caught sight of it. Pokmon: Snivy Gender: Female Ability: Contrary Potential: Red Grade Individual Values: HP (23), Attack (21), Special Attack (24), Defence (25), Special Defence (24), Speed (31) Level: 12C18 Moves: Leaf Blade, Grass Mixer, Glare, Vine Whip, Leech Seed Description: This appears to be a Snivy with a fondness for Pecha Berries. Affection: 5 Happiness: 10 A Snivy? A Snivy with Red-Grade Potential! A Snivy with the Contrary ability!? Ethans eyes widened in surprise. While Pokmon were creatures of boundless potential, their growth was often subject to innate limitations. These limitations, according to the information provided by the Insight Eye, were categorised into tiers: White, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, and Gold. The further up the scale, the greater a Pokmons potential achievements. However, this wasnt an absolute rule. It didnt mean that a Pokmon with White-Grade Potential couldnt become a top-tier powerhouse. It would just require a unique opportunityperhaps exceptional care from a Breeder, or the development of a profound bond. Are you going to stay hidden after stealing my fruit? Could it be youre a thief? Ethan called out teasingly, his tone light but deliberate. Instead of rushing behind the Pecha tree to grab it, Ethan used his Viridian Force to convey his thoughts and intentions. As a Breeder, he understood Snivys temperament well. Snivy was a Pokmon known for its intelligence and pride. It tended to be selective when it came to choosing a Trainer, often exercising a certain level of discernment. Behind the tree, the Snivy was initially bewildered, but its face quickly flushed. It had clearly realised that this abandoned plantation wasnt as ownerless as it had thought. With that understanding, it willingly stepped out from behind the tree. Its slender body and green back bore elegant, lily-like patterns, while its cream-coloured belly gleamed in the sunlight, its smooth texture reminiscent of polished jade. Even in reality, Snivys skin looked so pristine that it seemed almost unreal. It fidgeted with its short, stubby hands and lowered its head, looking bashful. Snivy? (Is this your Pecha tree?) With the Viridian Force, Ethan could easily grasp the meaning behind its words. Of course it is. Ethan gave the Snivy an amused smile before glancing meaningfully at the ground, which was littered with Pecha Berry pits. Judging by the mess, it seems like youve eaten quite a few of my berries.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Stealing other peoples food isnt a very good habit, you know. Snivy (But I didnt know it was your Pecha tree) Snivy looked even more embarrassed now. It had simply found the berries here tastier than the ones in the wild. Snivy (Ill go pick some Pecha Berries from outside to repay you!) Ethan shook his head. The Pecha Berries outside cant compare to the ones Ive carefully cultivated here. How about thissince Im planning to tidy up the plantation over the next few days, why dont you stay and help out a bit? Snivy? Snivy tilted its head, its amber eyes sparkling with curiosity. Like this, Ethan said, demonstrating. He grabbed a tuft of weeds in front of him, yanked it out of the ground, and placed it neatly by the path. Snivy (Alright.) Snivy breathed a sigh of relief. Its pride wouldnt allow it to simply walk away after being caught in an act that felt so close to theft. Of course, Ethan added with a smile, Ill take care of your meals while youre here. Seeing Snivy agree, Ethan couldnt help but smile. Having a helper during the initial stages of restoring the plantation was a stroke of luckhe couldnt have asked for more. At the very least, these weeds wouldve taken him two or three days to clear on his own. Moreover, once the crops were planted, hed need a reliable helper to guard them. After all, wild Rattata might burrow through the soil, and Spearow could swoop down from the skies. Both would find ways to snack on the plants if left unchecked. If Snivy was willing to agree to its first work contract, it would naturally agree to a second one in the future! As a mid-tier (scratch thatgod-tier) Breeder, Ethan had absolute confidence in his abilities. Watching Snivy already hard at work, he nodded in satisfaction. You keep pulling weeds. Ill go make you some Pokblocks. Snivy~ (Leave it to me!) Snivy nodded earnestly, completely unaware that Ethan was already planning ways to keep it around permanently. Crushing, heating, solidifyingthe process of making Pokblocks wasnt particularly complicated. Even before gaining the system, Ethan had been a student with Intermediate Breeder qualifications. His house was naturally equipped with all the necessary tools: a Berry blender, a freeze-drying machine, and various other devices. In less than an hour, a batch of Pokblocks made primarily from Pecha Berries was ready. This is much faster than before Ethan looked at the dozen or so pale pink blocks in his hand and nodded in satisfaction. Grade B Pokblock C Crafted from Pecha Berries. The creator seems to specialise in enhancing the aroma of Pecha Berries and has added a touch of yoghurt. As a result, the block does not fully utilise the Pecha Berries detoxifying properties but can neutralise poison-type moves released by Totem-level Pokmon. Culinary Effect: The blend of sweet and tangy flavours provides a balanced taste. When consumed, it grants a 10% immunity to poison-type damage for half an hour. This was the information provided by the Insight Eye. In the past, the Pokblocks Ethan made were mostly of standard quality. But now, producing a Grade B Pokblock capable of further unlocking the detoxifying properties of Pecha Berries This was something that only Advancedor even Top-TierBreeders could achieve. And on top of that, it came with a culinary effect. Is this the benefit of being a god-tier Breeder? Ethans confidence in convincing Snivy to stay grew even stronger. When he returned to the plantation, he saw Snivy still diligently pulling weeds. In just an hour, it had already cleared half the weeds in one plot of land. At this rate, it might finish the entire area by tonight. The plantation was quite expansive. Aside from the space occupied by the reservoir, the rest was enclosed by wooden fences. At its furthest edge, the plantation connected to a foresta wild area near Wutong Town. In the centre lay a large patch of paddy fields. Outside the fence stood a towering pine tree. Snivy was currently focused on clearing weeds from the entry area of the plantation. Great job! Here, have something to eat. Ethan called out, waving at Snivy with a smile. Snivy? Snivy curiously approached Ethan, tilting its head. It hadnt expected that when this human said meals included, he actually meant it. The pale pink Pokblock gave off a tantalising aroma of Pecha Berries. After working for a while, Snivy couldnt help but lick its lips. It glanced at Ethan, and when he nodded in confirmation, it hesitated no longer. Picking up a block, it licked it with its tongue before slipping it into its mouth. !! Snivys eyes widened in shock as a wave of soothing warmth washed over its entire body. For a moment, it froze, the sensation completely overwhelming. Then it began chewing eagerly. How how can it taste this good? Chapter 4: Luring Snivy to Work with Pokéblocks Congratulations! The happiness level of Snivy has increased from 10% to 30%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x10, Rare Candy x1, Teklin Berry (permanently boosts a Pokmons Special Attack). Does it taste good? Ethan asked knowingly, feeling the joy radiating from Snivy as the system notification echoed in his mind. Snivy Snivys bright eyes sparkled with delight, and its head bobbed up and down enthusiastically. But then, realising it might be a bit too obvious, it quickly slowed the pace of its nodding and even closed its eyes to appear more composed. As long as you like it. Ill keep providing these Pokblocks for you as long as you finish weeding. Watching Snivys reaction, Ethan couldnt help but laugh inwardly. This little one... It clearly loved the Pokblock, but still tried to maintain a facade of aloofness. Its slightly lowered head and those shy, flickering orange eyes... This look its honestly a bit too cute. Well then, heres the deal. While youre weeding, your meals will consist of these Pokblocks. Snivy? Snivy glanced at the Pokblocks on the ground, then at the weeds it had already cleared from one plot of land. Its movements slowed noticeably. No more Pokblocks once the weeding is done? But I could finish all the weeds in a single day! No, that wont do. I need to slow down With that thought, Snivy even began eating the Pokblocks at a snails pace, stretching the experience as long as possible. It took a full half hour to finish one block before returning to its weeding duties. However, this time, its efficiency Ethan had to stifle a laugh as he watched but still decided to offer some constructive advice. If you want to practise your weeding skills, you could try using your Vine Whip to pull out the weeds. That way, youll get better at controlling the strength and precision of your moves. For example, using tasks like this, you could improve both the power and accuracy of your Vine Whip. Ethan wasnt just making things up. With his god-tier Breeding knowledge, the training methods he devised were highly effective. Snivy? Snivy straightened up, its bright eyes fixed on Ethan as it nodded eagerly. This human is so clever!Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. He actually came up with such a great idea! Snivy~ (Makes sense!) Not only could it practise its Vine Whip, but it could also conveniently slow down its weeding pace! Its two vines extended gracefully towards the nearby weeds, ready to start work. Heh. Ethan chuckled at the sight and got down to weeding himself. His goal was to clear one plot of land by the end of the day, at the very least. He needed to plant some urgent cropsthose that could produce ingredients for Potions, as well as some that could be used to make simple Pokblocks. Ethans weeding speed was impressive. In just ten minutes, he had already cleared about half of the plot. Snivy Snivy was in a complete panic. Slow down! Dont pull the weeds so quickly! If you finish this fast, I wont get any more Pokblocks! But Ethan continued at his own pace, methodically clearing the plot. Before long, the first section was nearly done, with all the weeds pulled clean. Now, all that remained was to borrow Sandslash to plough the soil, and it would be ready for planting. Snivy. At that moment, Snivy reached out with its Vine Whip and grabbed the hem of Ethans trousers. Whats wrong, Snivy? Ethan turned around curiously, wondering what had gotten into the little Pokmon. (This pulling weeds its because I ate your Pecha Berries, so this should be my job.) Snivys words were a bit jumbled, but Ethan understood the gist. Essentially, it was saying, This is my work, you dont need to do it. Well Ethan couldnt help but chuckle. Squatting down to meet the 80cm-tall Snivy at eye level, he instinctively reached out to pat its head, only for the little Pokmon to deftly dodge. Ethan didnt mind and simply smiled. Alright, Ill leave it to you then. Do your best. Standing up, he made his way to the reservoir. The July heat had long since dried up the rainwater that once filled it, leaving behind cracked soil, along with some dried weeds and branches. Once this was cleaned out, he could redirect water into the reservoir and give Feebas a proper home. No time like the present, Ethan thought as he descended the steps into the empty reservoir and began clearing it out. The reservoir was fairly large, built to supply the entire plantation with water, so the task was a bit tedious. Still, Ethan found himself enjoying the work. This was the start of something new, and he didnt feel tired at all. In no time, he had pulled out the weeds and branches, piling them neatly by the path. Snivy Snivy~ After finishing his tasks, Ethan glanced over at Snivy, who seemed to be slacking off while half-heartedly pulling weeds. He shook his head with a chuckle. Snivy, want to take a break and come out with me? He needed to visit Mr. Turner to borrow Sandslash and clear the irrigation channel to redirect the water. Two plots of land would be enough to plant a variety of crops for now. Snivy? Snivy paused mid-movement, retracting its Vine Whip quickly. Its expression brightened immediately. Snivy~ (Sure!) Doing this kind of work was dull enough, but having to deliberately slow down only made it worse. Help me bundle up these weeds and branches, and well toss them out. Snivy~ The little Pokmon readily agreed, using its vines to gather and bind all the debris together. It then followed Ethan step by step as they walked out of the plantation. Back on the cobblestone path, they noticed that Mr. Turner was no longer by the paddy fields. The midday sun was quite intense, and most people wouldnt choose to work during this time. But Snivy, being a Grass-type Pokmon, appeared to enjoy the sunlight bathing its body, a look of pure contentment spreading across its face. Ethan pulled out another Pokblock. Here you go, Snivy. Help me clear out the branches and stones in the channel using your Vine Whip. Snivy? Snivy hesitated as it accepted the Pokblock with its tiny hands. It couldnt shake the feeling that it was being ordered around, but the enticing aroma of the Pokblock was simply irresistible. In the end, it gave in, popping the Pokblock into its mouth before starting to clear the debris from the irrigation channel with its vines. After about half an hour of work, the channel was mostly cleared. Ethan made his way to the riverbank. He lifted the wooden board blocking the water and tossed it aside, then used a hoe to adjust the surrounding soil. Cool, clear water began flowing steadily through the channel, rushing towards the plantation and flushing it clean. Thanks for your help, Snivy. Here, have another Pokblock as a reward. Ethan held out another Pokblock, and while Snivy seemed a little embarrassed, the delicious scent ultimately won it over. Unable to resist, it took the Pokblock and placed it into its mouth, savouring the treat once again. Snivy This is bad. I think Im getting hooked on these Pokblocks As it munched on the Pokblock, the clever Snivy couldnt help but start plotting. How can I stay here longer? Chapter 5: Spicy Ramen That Boosts Special Attack Mr. Turner, Ill bring this little guy back by this afternoon Standing in front of a small country house, Ethan greeted Mr. Turner. On his left was Snivy, and on his right was Sandslash. Alright, Mr. Turner replied with a chuckle. By the way, Ethan, is this Snivy your Pokmon? His gaze rested on Snivy, who was half-hiding behind Ethan, and his question was filled with curiosity. Snivys heart skipped a beat. Oh no! It was terrified that Ethan might reveal the truth to this human. That would be utterly humiliating. Please, please, please dont say it! Yes, Ethan replied without hesitation, I mean, with a plantation that big, I had to catch a Pokmon to help me out, didnt I? Ha ha ha Mr. Turner burst into laughter, amused by Ethans response. After leaving Mr. Turners house, Ethan made a quick stop in town to buy some Tamato Berries. Sandslash, who had followed him, was practically drooling at the sight. Pokmon: Sandslash Gender: Male Ability: Sand Veil Potential: White Grade Individual Values: HP (14), Attack (15), Special Attack (12), Defence (18), Special Defence (16), Speed (11) Level: 11C12 Moves: Scratch, Defence Curl, Poison Sting, Sand Attack, Rollout Description: A very easily satisfied Sandslash. Affection: 65 (It has a good impression of you.) Happiness: 60 (Feeling pretty good.) Sand~ Dont worry. Ill make you some noodles with this later, Ethan said with a laugh, noticing how Sandslash couldnt take its eyes off the Tamato Berries. Sand~ Sandslash nodded eagerly, unable to contain its excitement as it began rolling along the path in joy. Snivy, walking alongside, shot it a look that clearly said, How undignified. Just for some noodles made with Tamato Berries? How good could it even be? Certainly not as good as a Pokblock. By the time they returned to the plantation, it was nearly midday. Ethan decided not to have Sandslash start working right away and instead headed to the kitchen. Having lived alone for so many years, Ethan had long since honed his cooking skills. Thankfully, the pantry was still well-stocked with basic ingredients. Now, armed with god-tier Breeder knowledge and master-level culinary techniques, he couldnt help but wonder: How good will my cooking taste now? He started by boiling a pot of water. Once it reached a rolling boil, he added the egg noodles hed bought in town. Next, he scooped out a spoonful of lard, letting the noodles soak up the rich broth. A touch of basic seasoning went in, and soon, a bowl of simple clear soup noodles was ready. Of course, this was just the first step. Ethan carefully plated the noodles into a bowl. Then, he cracked a few eggs and poured them into a pan lightly coated with warm rapeseed oil. Once the eggs set, he quickly removed them from the pan.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Next, he diced the Tamato Berries into small cubes and stir-fried them over medium heat until they released their sandy texture. Returning the egg pieces to the pan, he tossed them together, allowing the golden eggs to absorb the bright red hue of the berries. Finally, he added a touch of cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture before pouring it over the noodles. The result was a slightly sticky, tangy, and spicy bowl of Tamato Noodles, now ready to serve! Grade B Cuisine C Tamato Noodles: Though made with simple ingredients, the chefs extraordinary skill transforms them into a truly delightful dish. After all, who could resist a bowl of spicy and sour Tamato Noodles? Cooking Effect: Special Attack Boost. After consuming, a Pokmons Special Attack increases by 10% for one hour. Regular consumption may further enhance a Pokmons Special Attack. Not bad Ethan murmured in admiration as he read the effect provided by the Insight Eye. It felt like he hadnt done anything particularly different, yet the results were on a completely different level. Alright. Ethan glanced down at Sandslash, who had eagerly entered the kitchen. He was about to hand over a bowl of Tamato Noodles when he noticed something unexpected. At his feet, beside Sandslash, was Snivy. Its slightly open mouth was already drooling, and its amber eyes were filled with anticipation. It was clear that Snivy, too, had been waiting for this moment for quite some time. From the drool dripping from its slightly open mouth and the anticipation shining in its eyes, it was obviousSnivy had been waiting a long time for this. Do you want some too? Ethan asked with a smirk. Snivy! (Yes!) No hesitation. Just one wordyes. Snivy had completely forgotten how it had just been looking down on Sandslash moments ago. Well then Ethan couldnt help but laugh. He didnt know what expression Snivy had earlier, but seeing its eager, drooling face now was absolutely delightful. Alright, here you go. Smells amazing, doesnt it? Dividing the two bowls of noodles into three, Ethan served them to his two little helpers. Sandslash, lacking the dexterity for chopsticks, didnt bother with whether the noodles were too hot. It simply grabbed a handful with its claws and stuffed them into its mouth. The moment it took its first bite, the combination of heat, tangy sweetness, and spiciness exploded across its tongue. Its eyes widened in astonishment. Sandslash couldnt seem to get enough. It practically buried its entire face into the bowl, devouring the noodles with unrestrained enthusiasm. Congratulations! Sandslashs Happiness has increased from 60% to 85%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x10, Rare Candy x1, Earth Sand (500g). Snivy? Snivy and Ethan were both startled by the sheer intensity of Sandslashs reaction. What the Is it really that good? Seeing Ethan pick up a pair of chopsticks, Snivy decided to follow suit. Using its Vine Whip, it deftly grabbed a pair of chopsticks from the table. It realised that after practising pulling weeds with its vines, its control over them had indeed improved significantly. Even something as delicate as chopsticks felt surprisingly manageable now. Slurping up a mouthful of noodles, Snivys expression shifted dramatically. Congratulations! Snivys Happiness has increased from 15% to 35%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x8, Rare Candy x1. Ethan: ??? Is it really that good? He was starting to doubt his own cooking skills. To test it out, he slurped up a mouthful of noodles himself... Three minutes later... With sweat dripping down his forehead, Ethan gulped down the last bit of broth and shouted, Amazing! Beside him, the two Pokmon also wore expressions of utter satisfaction. But I didnt do anything different, did I? Why does it taste so much better? Ethan couldnt wrap his head around the change in flavour. In the end, he chalked it up to some subconscious improvement in his technique, likely influenced by the systems enhancement of his skills. Alright then, Sandslash, its your turn now. Ethan reached into the system storage and pulled out a small package of Golden Fertiliser. It wasnt very large, only about 500 grams. In this world, technology related to storage was maxed out. There were even storage devices resembling Pok Balls. Because of this, Ethan had no concerns about pulling items out of his system space in front of the two Pokmonit wouldnt raise any suspicion. Sand! Sandslash, still buzzing with excitement from the delicious noodles, looked visibly energised and eagerly promised to carry out Ethans instructions perfectly. Leading the two Pokmon back to the plantation, Ethan began by evenly spreading the Golden Fertiliser over a plot of land. According to the system, this fertiliser could boost the growth rate of ordinary crops by tenfold within a 10x10m area. For standard crops, one bag of Golden Fertiliser was enough for one plot of land. Honestly, the system is really generous with this stuff, Ethan thought. He already had dozens of bags of it... not to mention over ten Rare Candies. Alright, Sandslash, just turn over the soil in this plot, and thatll do... Chapter 6: The Grassy Terrain TM As the sun set, Ethan stood in the freshly tilled plots of land. One plot had been sown with plants specifically for making Potions, while the other was filled with seeds hed bought from the towns seed shop: Tamato Berries, birds eye chillies, turnips, and a few other vegetables. On his way back, Ethan had also purchased a fish tank. As a gesture of appreciation for Sandslashs hard work, Ethan made another batch of Tamato Noodles that evening. Sandslash was absolutely overjoyed. Its small eyes kept darting toward the untouched land in the plantation, its eager gaze practically shouting, All of this is mine toojust let me know when its time! Here, have a treat. Before Sandslash left, Ethan took out a Rare Candy. Sand? Sandslash tilted its head in confusion, carefully taking the candy with its paws. Its delicious, Ethan said with a smile. Sandslash sniffed the candy curiously, then popped it into its mouth without hesitation. The moment it swallowed, it felt as though the days exhaustion had melted away, leaving it refreshed and brimming with energy. With its usual simple-minded cheerfulness, Sandslash didnt think much of it. It bowed twice toward Ethan in gratitude before waddling off. Only Ethan, through the Insight Eye, could see the difference. Sandslashs energy level, which had been 11C12, had now risen to 13C14. A two-level increase in an instant! Snivy Beside him, Snivy let out a soft, plaintive sound. By now, it had figured something out: any food made or offered by this human was bound to be top-tier. Alright, youve worked hard too, clearing the weeds from two plots of land today, Ethan said, crouching down with a knowing smile as he looked at Snivy. But Ethans smile made Snivy feel strangely embarrassed. After accepting the Rare Candy, it seemed to come to a decision. Lowering its head slightly, it scooted closer to Ethan, its posture suggesting... Was it inviting him to pat its head? Haha Ethan couldnt help but laugh softly. As he handed over the candy, he also placed his hand gently on Snivys head. The smooth texture was reminiscent of jellysoft yet sleek, with a slight coolness beneath his fingertips. In short, the feeling was... Incredible. Having reached a point where Snivy would willingly let him pat its head, Ethan decided not to tease it further. Instead, he took out a Pok Ball and placed it earnestly on the ground in front of Snivy.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Snivy? Snivy had just popped the Rare Candy into its mouth and hadnt even begun to chew when it spotted the large Pok Ball in front of it. Its chewing froze mid-motion, and it went completely still, its entire body stiffening in surprise. Ethan looked at it seriously and asked, Will you become my Pokmon? After spending the day together, Ethan had grown quite fond of this Snivy. Snivy~? (This is so sudden) Snivy turned its head awkwardly, feeling a little overwhelmed. It had a good impression of Ethan, and when it heard his question, it instinctively wanted to agree. But wasnt it a bit too soon after just one day? Ethan smiled. When fate brings us together, how can it be sudden? Besides, Im sincerely asking you to become my Pokmon. Snivy swallowed the Rare Candy in its mouth and stared at the Pok Ball in front of it. After a moment of hesitation, it finally turned back, extending its vine to touch the Pok Ball. Snivy~! (Since youre being so serious fine, Ill agree) With a flash of red light, Snivys form disappeared into the Pok Ball. Ah, what a proud yet adorable little one, Ethan said with a shake of his head. Without hesitation, he released Snivy back out from the Pok Ball. Pokmon: Snivy Gender: Female Ability: Contrary Potential: Red Grade Individual Values: HP (23), Attack (21), Special Attack (25), Defence (25), Special Defence (24), Speed (31) Level: 14C19 Moves: Leaf Blade, Grass Mixer, Glare, Vine Whip, Leech Seed Description: It feels like it might have met a decent human. Affection: 60 (It thinks youre alright.) Happiness: 60 (Happy but tinged with a hint of hesitation.) Snivy~? Come on, Ill introduce you to a new friend, Ethan said with a smile as he pulled out Feebass Pok Ball. After a full day of work, he realised he still hadnt had the chance to let Feebas out. Snivy. Seeing that Ethan was the same as alwayscalm and unhurriedSnivy felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Taking small, careful steps, it followed him. When they arrived at the reservoir, the water had settled and become crystal clear after a day. With a gentle tap, Ethan released Feebas from its Pok Ball. Having been inside for half a day, Feebas immediately swam out, its dull eyes lighting up with a hint of joy upon seeing Ethan again. Ethan scooped it up from the water and brought it closer to Snivy, who observed it curiously. As he examined Feebass rough, pitted scales, Ethan fell into thought. The systems rewarda Perfect-Grade Prism Scalewas unquestionably of top quality. However, Feebass scales were a bit dirty and uneven at the moment. If it was going to evolve, Ethan wanted to ensure it was in its best possible condition beforehand. That way, its evolution would result in the highest quality outcome. Taking out the fish tank hed purchased earlier, Ethan filled it with clean water and carefully placed Feebas inside. Ethan called out to Snivy, motioning for it and Feebas to follow him back into the house. Feebas was easy to accommodateit could simply stay on the table in its fish tank. As for Snivy, that wasnt much of an issue either. Ethans mother had once carved a wooden house for her Scyther, and though it was a bit old and weathered now, it was still perfectly suitable for Snivy. Snivy? Snivy tilted its head curiously, eyeing the wooden house that was clearly far larger than its current size. It then turned to Ethan for an explanation. This was built with the thought that youd evolve into a Serperior someday, Ethan said with a completely straight face. Youll need the extra space when your body gets bigger. Of course, that wasnt entirely true, but it sounded convincing enough. However, Ethans thoughts shifted as he recalled something. According to the Insight Eye, Snivy was already at least Level 14. If it evolved at Level 16, then it wasnt far off at all, was it? Once its fully absorbed the energy from the Rare Candy, Ill give it another one. That should be enough. Snivy Snivy shot Ethan a sidelong glance, as if to say, Do you think Im as gullible as a Magikarp? The wooden house clearly wasnt newit had obviously been around for a while. And now he was claiming it was made specifically for her? Still, the house was spacious, and the interior had been freshly cleaned. It gave off a cosy and inviting feeling. She liked it. If she had to prove it? Congratulations! Snivys Happiness has increased from 60% to 75%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x8, Rare Candy x3, Grassy Terrain TM. That was as clear as it could get. Snivy genuinely liked its new home. Chapter 7: The Jogging Girl and Squirtle At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight filtered into the wooden house, Ethan was already up and about. He headed straight to the plantation, eager to check on the crops he had planted the day before. In just one night, some of the seeds had already sprouted tender green shoots, with some even reaching a few centimetres tall. Ethan couldnt help but nod repeatedly in approval. This Golden Fertiliser from the system is seriously impressive! In this world, while most crops did grow faster than they would have in his previous life, they didnt grow this fast. At most, they would be two or three times quicker. The key difference was the environmentgrowth conditions here were far easier to manage. After all, with Pokmon, these extraordinary creatures that defied logic, anything was possible. After watering the crops, Ethan returned to his room. Both Snivy and Feebas were already awake. Snivy stood by the window, basking in the morning sunlight, while Feebas, like a motionless statue, rested its dull eyes on Ethan with an expressionless yet somehow expectant gaze. Ethan took out the leftover Pecha Berry Pokblocks from the day before, placing them in a small bowl. Breakfast time! he called to Snivy. Snivy. Snivy responded with a soft cry. Though it still felt a bit shy about its current role, it was beginning to accept its place. Carrying the bowl to the table, Snivy gracefully picked up a Pokblock and began eating with an air of elegance. Ethan then turned to Feebas, carefully crumbling a Pokblock into the tank. Feebass scales still had a rough, pitted appearance. If it were to evolve now, while the Perfect-Grade Prism Scale could compensate for most imperfections, these minor blemishes would still slightly detract from its final beauty. It was much better to address the issue now, while it was still a Feebas. The solution wasnt complicated. With regular water changes and consistent feeding of quality Pokblocks, the scales would likely smooth out within about half a month. But just as Ethan was forming a plan, the system delivered a message that completely disrupted his thoughts. Congratulations! Feebass Happiness has increased from 60% to 75%. Rewards: Golden Fertiliser x10, Rare Candy x1, Maintenance Pokblock Recipe. Hm Maybe it wont even take half a month? Ethan cast a curious glance at Feebas, who was happily munching on the Pokblocks in its tank. Completely unaware of its contribution to yet another useful reward, Feebas seemed content as ever. Looks like the ugly ducklings transformation into a beautiful swan isnt far off, Ethan mused with a smile.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Deciding not to dwell further, he moved to the door and opened the daycares entrance wide. Todays task was to collect his Breeder Certificate, purchase some supplies for the daycare, and officially register Snivy and Feebas under the daycares care. According to Eastern Hua League regulations, any captured Pokmon had to be registered within seven days. Moreover, rookie Trainers were limited to owning only one Pokmon at a time. As a Trainers level increased, the number of Pokmon they could capture and care for would gradually expand. But Breeders werent bound by such restrictions. As long as they were officially managing a daycare, they could capture and care for far more Pokmon. Ethan glanced at the two Pokmon, now finished with their meal, and was just about to return them to their Pok Balls when a voice suddenly called out from behind him. Ethan! Turning around, he saw a youthful figure clad in white jogging towards him. The girl wore a white T-shirt and cotton sweatpants, her short ponytail bouncing with each step. Her eyes were clear as water, with a slightly dazed expression that gave her an innocent charm. Her round face, brimming with collagen, radiated youthful vitality. It seemed she was out for a morning jog. The moment she spotted Ethan, her eyes lit up, and she immediately turned and sprinted in his direction. Beside her was a Squirtle, its expression one of utter despair as it panted heavily, clearly struggling to keep up with her pace. The girl was Emma, Mr. Turners granddaughter. Like Ethan, she attended Wutong Pokmon High School in Wutong City. The difference was that Emma was currently a second-year student, while Ethan had already graduated. Both of them had grown up in the same small town. After Ethans parents went missing, Mr. Turner often looked out for him, bringing him seasonal food and reminding him to keep an eye on Emma at school. Over time, the two developed a good friendship. Thats right, thats right! Summer break started yesterday, so I came back last night! Emma said excitedly. She tugged on the Squirtle beside her. Look, Ethan! This is the Pokmon I just caught! Squirtle, say hello! Squirtle Squirtle The Squirtle gave a weak greeting, its forehead drenched in sweat as it panted heavily. It was obvious that Squirtle held a great deal of resentment for being dragged out for a morning jog so early. Pfft Seeing Squirtles exasperated expression, Ethan couldnt help but laugh. Starter Pokmon, or The Big Three, werent exactly rare in this world, but they werent common either. Typically, only middle-class families could afford to purchase one. Ethan was well aware of Emmas family situation. Her father worked as a trainer at a local gym, while her mother was a nurse at a Pokmon hospital. If the two saved up, buying a Squirtle for their only daughter was certainly within reach. Not bad, Ethan remarked, examining the Squirtle. Aside from its eyes lacking a bit of sparkle, its skin is vibrant, and its limbs look strong. Its a solid Pokmon. So, you finally passed the basic Trainer exam? There was a hint of sentiment in Ethans tone. After nine years of education, anyone aspiring to become an official Trainer had to pass the Trainer Certification Exam! The basic Trainer Certification Exam primarily tested theoretical knowledge. For most people, it wasnt particularly challenging. Ethan himself had passed it back in his first year of high school. After all, if you couldnt grasp even the basics of Pokmon knowledge, how could you hope to become a Trainer? But as for Emma... From what Ethan knew, shed already attempted the Trainer Certification Exam three times. And failed all three. Still, her personality was lively and full of energyshe was the epitome of an athletic girl. Sometimes, Ethan couldnt help but wonder if all the nutrients she consumed were going straight toward her physical development rather than her mental acuity. Her demeanor often gave the impression of someone not particularly gifted in intelligence. Squirtle, now following her, would probably have to endure some tough times ahead. Hehe. I finally passed the exam last time Emma said sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. Suddenly, as if remembering something important, she asked, I heard youre not planning to become a Trainer anymore? Why? Your academic scores are so good! Why not just catch a Pokmon and go for it!? Precisely because my academic scores are good, I should become a Breeder, Ethan explained, stepping aside to let her in. Im not particularly interested in traveling all over the place right now. Ohhh. Emma nodded with a thoughtful expression, but her attention quickly shifted as she spotted Snivy elegantly nibbling on a Pokblock. Her eyes lit up with excitement. Ethan, is this your Pokmon? A Snivy! Lets have a Trainer battle! Ethan: ??? So you didnt process a single word I just said Snivy? Having just finished its last Pokblock, Snivy glanced at the panting Squirtle, then turned to Ethan. Its expression seemed to ask, Are we doing this? Chapter 8: Snivy vs. Squirtle Pokmon: Squirtle Gender: Female Ability: Torrent Potential: Blue Grade Individual Values: HP (18), Attack (20), Special Attack (21), Defence (25), Special Defence (24), Speed (16) Level: 5C8 Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw Description: A Squirtle brimming with resentment. It seems to be wondering if it picked the wrong Trainer. The thought of having to wake up so early every day leaves it on the verge of collapse Affection: 20 (Youve made it start to regret its choice.) Happiness: -15 (Its acutely aware of the differences between Pokmon, and it envies Snivys current situation.) As Ethan read through Squirtles information, his expression grew increasingly odd. Well, well who wouldve thought this Squirtle had so many thoughts running through its head Exactly! Exactly! Theyre both Starter Pokmon. Sure, Water-types are weak against Grass-types, but I believe in my brilliant, unparalleled strategies! My Squirtle will definitely fight your Snivy to a draw! Emma declared, punching the air with confidence. Uh sure, I guess? Ethan replied, suppressing a laugh. He figured it might be time to give her a reality check. Both were Starter Pokmon, but he needed to make it clear that even among Starters, there could be a world of difference. Come on, a ten-level gap on top of a type advantage? If Snivy cant win this, Id seriously need to check if somethings wrong with it. The two quickly made their way to a nearby cobblestone path. Since Starter Pokmon didnt have the kind of destructive power that would ruin the terrain, any open space would do for the battle. Squirtle, this is our very first battle! Youve got to give it your all and show them what youve got. That way, we can make a name for ourselves at the Rookie Cup, okay? All the way to the battleground, Emma kept enthusiastically cheering for her Squirtle. Squirtles reaction, however, was rather amusing. It kept staring at Snivy, its large, watery eyes filled with a hint of longing. Squirtle, Squirtle (Whered you find a Trainer like that? They seem pretty greatmind helping me find one too?) Snivy: It hadnt expected this Squirtle to be such a clown. Rolling its eyes, Snivy simply ignored it and walked beside Ethan with a cool, composed air. The contrast couldnt have been clearer. Without comparison, you couldnt see the gap. This human really doesnt seem all that sharp, Snivy thought, glancing at Emma. In contrast, Ethan appeared far more competent. With that thought, Snivy couldnt help but let a faint smile tug at the corner of its mouth.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. On the cobblestone path, the two stood ready, taking their positions. Ready? At Emmas enthusiastic and heartfelt question, Ethan gave a small nod. Alright, here we go! Squirtle, use Tackle! Squirtles expression grew serious. Despite its earlier complaints, it was still obedient to its Trainers commands. With a gleaming, polished head, it charged straight at Snivy. To be fair, all that jogging seemed to have paid offits speed wasnt bad at all. If only it would lift its head while charging, that is. Ethan couldnt help but wonder why Squirtle insisted on keeping its head down during its Tackle attack. Snivy, on the other hand, remained calm and indifferent, its gaze steady and composed. Uh Snivy, maybe go easy on it? Ethan suggested, noticing how Snivy hadnt even bothered to move. Snivy (Whatever you say) Snivy spread its small hands in a casual gesture, as if to say it didnt really care either way. Alright then, Snivy, use Vine Whip! With a flick of his finger, Ethan gave the command, a surge of confidence rising in his chest. Though Ethan had seen countless Pokmon battles before, being in the middle of one himself stirred an undeniable excitement. Snivy Snivys amber eyes glimmered with amusement as it watched Squirtle charge forward, head down, completely unaware it was veering further and further off target. With a subtle sidestep, Snivy allowed Squirtle to miss entirely, the two Pokmon brushing past each other. It wasnt until two green vines landed firmly at its feet that Squirtle realised it was in trouble and tried to dodge. But by then, its momentum was too great. The inertia carried it forward, and it couldnt avoid Snivys Vine Whip. Bang! The loud thud of Squirtles head hitting the cobblestones echoed sharply, prompting Ethan to let out a soft tsk as he winced. That sound so crisp. Almost makes you think, A good thud must mean a good head. Snivy Snivy sighed, rubbing its own forehead with a small hand as realisation dawned. So thats why these two ended up together... Like Trainer, like Pokmon. Squirtle!? On the other side, Emma watched in alarm as Squirtle landed heavily on the ground. She immediately shouted, The battles just starting! Get up! Hang in there! Squirtle Squirtle Rubbing the large bump on its head, a dazed Squirtle wobbled to its feet. It looked around in confusion, finding no one in front of it except Ethan. For a moment, it seemed utterly lost as to where Snivy had gone. It wasnt until Ethan subtly pointed behind it and Emma yelled, Behind you! Its behind you, with Vine Whip! Realisation struck Squirtle, and it hurriedly turned around. But by then, two vines were already within ten centimetres of its back. In the next instant, the vines wrapped tightly around its body, lifting it into the air. No matter how much it thrashed, it couldnt break free from Snivys grip. With a quick flick, Snivy sent Squirtle flying. Glancing at its Trainer, Snivy looked slightly exasperated. Helping the opponent in the middle of a battle? Really? Cough, cough. You know, just trying to give them a bit of a battle experience, Ethan said, clearing his throat in a feeble attempt to mask his embarrassment. Though, clearly, that experience wasnt working out as intended. Meanwhile, Squirtle, who had been flung through the air, landed heavily on the ground and took quite a while to recover. It couldnt wrap its head around why Snivy had somehow ended up behind it mid-battle. Are you okay, Squirtle? Emma quickly ran to its side, her voice filled with concern. Squirtle, Squirtle Squirtle initially wanted to say it was fine but then quickly changed its tune, flopping dramatically and looking utterly drained. Squirtle, Squirtle (Ive got no strength left) Emma, ever the trusting one, didnt pick up on Squirtles act. She sighed in regret but then turned to Snivy with shining eyes. What an amazing Snivy! As expected of Ethans Pokmon! Ethan walked over with Snivy at his side. Done already? Though Squirtle was a newly caught Pokmon, it shouldnt have been out of commission from just a couple of throws. Ethan wanted to check on the situation. Squirtle says it doesnt have any energy left, Emma explained earnestly. Emma sighed, rubbing her temples. This left Ethan momentarily puzzled. Squirtle looked perfectly fineits energy and spirit were clearly intact. Then it dawned on him, and a faint smile crept onto his face. Ethan! How was my performance just now? Wasnt it pretty good? Emma suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She was clearly hoping for some positive feedback. Hmm not bad, Ethan replied thoughtfully. Though next time, itd be even better if Squirtle lifted its head when using Tackle. Chapter 9: The Rookie Cup at Woof Supermarket Watching Emma leave with renewed confidence, Ethan couldnt help but shake his head. All hed done was suggest that she have Squirtle lift its head during Tackle attacks, and shed immediately latched onto it as the sole reason for her loss in the battle. Off she went, dragging Squirtle along to start targeted training But How could the loss possibly be because of Tackles execution? Ethan muttered, exasperated. Snivy. Even Snivy couldnt hold back its laughter, letting out a faint snicker. Never mind. Lets head to the city, shall we? Want to stay out of your Pok Ball? Ethan asked, holding the ball up for Snivy to see. Snivy? (Do I have to?) Snivy glanced at the Pok Ball in Ethans hand with a look of disdain. Theres no way Im staying in such a cramped space. Alright then, do you want me to carry you, or would you prefer to sit on my shoulder? Otherwise, you wont be allowed on the bus. According to Pokmon regulations, large Pokmon werent permitted on public transportation, and Trainers had to maintain physical contact with their Pokmon while onboard. Snivy? Snivy shot Ethan a skeptical look. Im serious! Ethan replied earnestly, though part of him did enjoy the thought of holding Snivy. Its summer, after all. A Pokmon with cool, smooth skin is like natures air conditioner. Snivy Snivy reluctantly nodded in agreement, conceding to Ethans reasoning. Wutong City Pokmon League Branch Office. Ethan walked out with Snivy cradled in his arms. Initially, Snivy had insisted on perching on his shoulder. However, its height made it quite conspicuous when standing up there, especially on a bus, which quickly led to some awkwardness. Uncomfortable with the attention, Snivy reluctantly settled for resting in Ethans arms. Its not bad, really nice and warm, Snivy thought. If only his hands would stop moving around so much The constant shifting and adjusting made Snivy feel a little embarrassed. At the Pokmon League branch, the process of getting his certificate was quick and efficient. The receptionist, a cheerful and lovely young lady, even praised Ethan, calling him exceptional for achieving the rank of Intermediate Breeder at such a young age. She also activated the daycare license for his breeding house, making it official.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Ill need to pick up some basic suppliesbandages, Potions, and materials for making Maintenance Pokblocks. With that thought in mind, Ethan strode confidently toward the Woof Supermarket, located just across from the League office. This was the Leagues largest chain department store, stocked with everything from Pokmon supplies to everyday essentials. Crossing the street, Ethan noticed a large banner hanging at the entrance of Woof Supermarket. Become an outstanding Trainerstart with battles! This summer, Woof Supermarket and the Pokmon League proudly present the Rookie Trainer Battle Tournament: The Rookie Cup! All rookie Trainers are welcome to participate for free! Exciting prizes await you! Beside the banner was a vibrant illustration of a Gardevoir blowing a kiss, clearly designed to capture the attention of the target age group. But that wasnt what caught Ethans attention. What intrigued him was this: First Prize: One Starter Pokmon Egg, an 88,000 Woof Supermarket gift card, and a special Egg Guessing Game opportunity at Woof Supermarket Headquarters! Second Prize: An 88,000 Woof Supermarket gift card and a special Egg Guessing Game opportunity at Woof Supermarket Headquarters! Third Prize: An 88,000 Woof Supermarket gift card. Hmm These prizes seem quite generous. Ethan studied the banner intently, his gaze shifting from the Gardevoir illustration to the section below it detailing the competitions schedule and rules. July 15th. Rules: Only first-stage Pokmon are allowed to participate, and their strength must be below the Elite level. The classification system for Pokmon strength, excluding legendary Pokmon, was roughly as follows: Beginner, Ordinary, Elite, Gym Leader, Dominator, Elite Four, and Champion. For Pokmon below the Elite level, that meant those around Level 0 to 20 were eligible to compete. Although entering the competition didnt quite align with his goals as a Breeder The prizes are just too tempting! Snivy, what do you think? Ethan asked, deciding to throw the dilemma at Snivy. Snivy? Snivy tilted its head and then gave a shrug, gesturing at the banner. Snivy Snivy (I cant read this stuff. The only thing I recognise is Gardevoir.) So, you agree, right? Alright then, Im signing us up! Ethan said enthusiastically, striding into the supermarket. Snivy: ??? Did you just completely misinterpret what I said? As Ethan entered the store, he was surprised to see quite a crowd gathered at the registration desk. He quickly realised why. Its summer break. And the Rookie Trainer Certification Exam just ended. This was prime downtime for rookie Trainers, and the supermarket had cleverly timed the Rookie Cup to capitalise on this lull. The event wasnt just about sparking excitement in new Trainers by encouraging them to train their Pokmon. It was also a brilliant business strategy. After all, training Pokmon required resources. And where would those resources come from? From the supermarket, of course. By offering a few enticing rewards, the store could significantly boost its sales. Clever. Such high-level tactics! Ethan silently cursed in his heart, only to quickly admit to himself that the strategy was actually quite brilliant. When my daycare opens, Ill have to try something like this myself! Excuse me, handsome, is this your Pokmon? Its so adorable, a supermarket employee said as she approached, her gaze falling on Snivy. Ethan followed her lead, nodding with a smile. Yes, it is. A very adorable Pokmon indeed. Snivys face flushed slightly at the compliment, and its posture grew a bit stiff, clearly unused to the attention. Are you here to sign up for the Rookie Cup? What do you think of our event? The employees tone made it clear she was conducting some informal market research. I think its fantastic, Ethan replied seriously. It not only gives rookie Trainers a chance to battle, but it also inspires them to train their Pokmon with enthusiasm. Though, if I may suggest, the rewards could be even more generous. You know, so when I take first place, Ill feel even happier! Ethans straightforward response left the seasoned supermarket employee momentarily stunned. Then, unable to hold back, she burst into laughter. Youre pretty confident, arent you, handsome? Are you a Trainer from one of the local Pokmon schools? No, not really. To be precise, Im a Breeder just moonlighting as a Trainer for now, Ethan replied with a bright smile. Uh okay, the employee said, a bit at a loss for words. After exchanging a couple of polite remarks, she excused herself. But as she walked away, she couldnt help but mutter internally, Ah, the fearlessness of youth Does he really think the supermarket would let just anyone take first place? Shaking her head, she recalled a certain detail about the competition. She knew that the store owners son would also be entering the Rookie Cup. And his Pokmon? A Lapras. Chapter 10: The Use of Snivy’s “Grassy Terrain” Signing up for the Rookie Cup was straightforward. All Ethan had to do was fill out some basic information and pay a 1,000-credit deposit. This deposit served as a guarantee to ensure Trainers showed up on time. After all, matches were pre-scheduled, and if too many participants failed to show up, it could make the event awkward and chaotic. But with money on the line, people were far more likely to remember their commitments. Of course, the deposit would be refunded once the competition was over. After finishing the registration process, Ethan noted that it was already around 10 a.m. Deciding he might as well pick up some supplies while he was here, he made his way to the supermarkets Berry section. After selecting the ingredients he needed for crafting Maintenance Pokblocks, he glanced down at the Snivy nestled in his arms. Anything you want me to buy for you? he asked. Snivy? Snivy tilted its head and shook it gently. It had only ever observed humans from the edge of the forest, so it didnt really know what it could ask for. Snivy had never seen a place like this supermarket before. Still, it secretly noted one thing: using that small, square machine (a smartphone), humans could exchange for all sorts of items. Should I buy a Rotom? Ethan muttered, falling into thought. For a Gym or a daycare, Rotom was undoubtedly the perfect assistant. It could handle everything from data recording to weather forecasting and monitoring soil moisture. Best of all, it didnt count toward a Trainers Pokmon limit. However, the idea quickly passed, and Ethan dismissed it with a quiet, Forget it. Ill buy one when I have more money. The funds his parents had left him were already dwindling. After checking his finances yesterday, he found he only had around 320,000 credits remaining. A single Rotom would cost him 250,000. It was important to keep some money in reserve for emergencies. Besides, with the plantations current size, he could still manage it on his own. With his supplies purchased, Ethan noticed some grass seeds on the way out. After a moment of thought, he decided theyd be a good investment. Instead of letting the unused plots grow wild with weeds again, why not plant some grass instead? He recalled that in Huqiao Village, a settlement under Wutong Citys jurisdiction, someone had established a large Miltank farm. Occasionally, theyd even purchase dried grass from others. Even if no one bought it, Ethan figured he could always use the grass himself someday.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. The idea of raising Miltank to produce milk had long taken root in his mind. As a proper Breeder, a daycare shouldnt focus on just one type of Pokmon. After all, League-certified breeding houses often raised dozens of Pokmon species. Some even served as a starting point for rookie Trainers to choose their Starter Pokmon. Of course, that kind of operation would be incredibly busy. Thinking about it, being a Breeder seemed to share some similarities with working a nine-to-five job. (Sigh~) Once all the errands were done, Ethan treated himself and Snivy to a steak dinner. Snivy, however, offered its critique. Snivy, (Its not as good as your noodles...) Ethan couldnt help but laugh. Of course not! Im a god-tier Breeder, after all! In this world, thanks to the incredible power of Pokmon, a small number of ordinary animal species had already gone extinct. Those that survived could only do so under human protection and careful conservation efforts. Back home, the first thing Ethan did was prepare Maintenance Pokblocks for Feebas. By now, the process was second nature. In just ten minutes, he had a fresh batch of Pokblocks ready. Maintenance Pokblock: Grade C. Crafted from Beauty Berries and Spotless Grass, this Pokblock is designed to maintain smooth and lustrous skin (or scales) with long-term use. Effect: By combining the properties of Beauty Berries and Spotless Grass, this Pokblock fully enhances their individual benefits. Upon consumption, it increases Charm by 15% for one hour. Hm? Ethan let out a curious hum. Charm as an attribute? How does that even work? Would it affect me if I ate one? He crumbled a warm Pokblock into Feebass tank, watching as the little Pokmon eagerly devoured it. As Feebas consumed the Pokblock, a subtle transformation began. Ethan rubbed his eyes, thinking he might be imagining things, but Feebas genuinely seemed to look a bit better. Its scales, once dull and greyish-black, now appeared smoother and were starting to take on a creamy-white hue. Even its once-vacant eyes looked a touch more refined. The change was significant. The effects are this good? Ethan glanced at Snivy and placed another Pokblock in front of it. Snivy, want to try one? Snivy eagerly accepted and began nibbling on the Pokblock. While the change wasnt as pronounced as it was with Feebas, Snivys skin did appear smoother and shinier afterward. Looks like itll only take three or four more days before you can evolve, Ethan mused, his gaze returning to Feebas. After some time, he gently lifted Feebas out of its tank. Examining its scales, which had been rough and uneven before, Ethan saw that they were now steadily improving. Satisfied, he smiled. With Milotic, he could Hehehe He could finally slack off! In the summer heat, newly planted crops required frequent watering. With the added fertiliser, their water demands would only increase. If Ethan had to manage it all himself, once the plantation was fully planted, hed have to spend every day out there working. But with a Milotic? Watering would be a breeze. (Whats wrong?) (Ill finish pulling the grass quickly.) But for now Looking out at the sweltering heat outside, Ethan sighed. Resigned to his fate, he stepped into the blazing sun and headed toward the plantation. As he expected, despite being planted just last night, the seedlings had already grown to around ten centimetres tall. However, their leaves looked a bit wilted. Snivy followed behind him, and upon seeing the patches of grass everywhere, it automatically began pulling them out. This time, there was no pretenseits speed had significantly increased. Wait, Snivy, stop for a moment. Come here first, Ethan called out, suddenly remembering hed forgotten to teach Snivy its Grassy Terrain move. Snivy? Snivy froze, momentarily worried that Ethan had noticed its deliberate slowness yesterday. Feeling a bit embarrassed, it shuffled over with small, hesitant steps. Snivy (What is it?) Ah? No, not about that. Im going to teach you something cool! Ethan grinned as he excitedly pulled a greenish-blue disc from his system storage. According to the systems instructions, the method for using the TM was straightforwardjust press it against the Grass-type Pokmon. This meant any Grass-type Pokmon could learn the move, regardless of species limitations. Snivy. Just as Snivy breathed a sigh of relief, it suddenly felt its mind fill with new information. The next second, it instinctively activated the move. A vibrant green energy radiated outward, and the two plots of land it had cleared yesterday were instantly overgrown with lush, green grass once again. Snivys expression darkened. Chapter 11: Could Squirtle Help Water the Plantation? "Not bad," Ethan muttered as he watched the progress in the garden. He wondered if Squirtle might make a good helper for watering the plantation. But it was Snivy''s little experiment that really caught his attention. With just a simple attempt, the weeds surrounding it began to dissipate, as if melting away under the overflow of its energy. Whats more, Snivy noticed its energy seemed to resonate with the plants in other areas. It closed its eyes, focusing on this peculiar energy wave, and started attempting something new. Channeling its power, Snivy began assimilating the life force of the weeds in the grass field, infusing them with a faint green glow. The process wasnt slow. Within five or six seconds, the remaining weeds were fully assimilated into the grass fields energy. Then, with just a single thought, Snivy exerted its willevery weed within a 30-meter radius was uprooted and neatly separated from the ground. "Snivy?" Snivy opened its eyes to meet Ethans astonished gaze. "You''re a quick learner!" Ethan said with a whistle of admiration. "I was just wondering if you could use your Grassy Terrain to assimilate the other plants here, and before I even said anything, you nailed it." "Snivy, sniv!" Snivy tilted its head nonchalantly, wearing a calm, collected expression. However, the cheerful notification sound of the Happiness System betrayed its true feelings. "Perfect. This way, we can clear all the weeds in the plantation in no time," Ethan said with a smile. After praising Snivy once more, Ethan turned his attention to the system. It was clear that the systems latest rewards were once again Golden Fertilizer and Rare Candy. After receiving so many rewards, Ethan had made a few observations: First, the system required a single boost of at least 10 points in a Pokmons Happiness Level to trigger the reward mechanism. Second, every Pokmons first time always came with a special bonus. For example: Sandshrews Ground Sand, Feebass Life Fruit, and Snivys Special Scale Fruit. Moreover, the greater the one-time boost in happiness, the more generous the rewards. Take, for instance, the TM Discs and Aptitude Energy Blocks he received when catching Snivy and Feebas. The Aptitude Energy Blocks were particularly noteworthy. These items could directly enhance a Pokmons aptitudesomething that was exceedingly rare in the Pokmon breeding community. Normally, such enhancements were only considered feasible when dealing with Legendary Pokmon. Although the raw materials for crafting these items were somewhat expensive, compared to the cost of acquiring a Legendary Pokmon, anything that could be bought with money seemed trivial.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Besides, the system also provided additional rewards. Items like Life Fruit and Special Scale Fruit were essential ingredients for crafting Aptitude Energy Blocks, making them invaluable. The difference lay in the focus of the effects. Energy blocks crafted from Life Fruit significantly enhanced stamina, while those made from Special Scale Fruit provided a notable boost to special attack. Watching Snivy diligently working, a satisfied smile appeared on Ethans face. A little attitude wasnt a problemas long as it listened and got the job done, he was fine with it. Ethan! Ethan! Are you here? A crisp voice rang out from outside, followed by a hurried figure pushing open the plantations gate. Ethan didnt need to guess to know who it was. With such an impatient personality, barging into his property unannouncedthere was no one else it could be but Emma. Whats the matter? Turning around with a touch of helplessness, Ethan saw the girl in a white T-shirt with her hair tied in a bun. The moment she spotted him, her eyes lit up with excitement. "I knew you''d be here," Emma said as she walked in. Her eyes scanned the area before settling on Snivy. Watching it use its energy to uproot weeds with ease, her mouth fell slightly open, and her expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Snivy... what kind of move is that?" "Grassy Terrain. What, didn''t they teach this in school?" Ethan shot her a sideways glance. "Or did you just not pay attention?" "Uh... maybe we havent covered that yet?" Emmas lips twitched as she tried to explain herself. Her already sun-kissed cheeks turned even redder, almost as if mimicking a monkeys backside. In truth, she hadnt paid attention in class at all. "Heh." Ethan let out two dry, merciless laughs. "Alright, spill it. What do you need?" "Hehe..." Emma quickly switched to a pleading tone. "So, um, Ethan, theres this really annoying guy in my class whos always trying to pick fights with me. Even during summer break, he keeps messaging me! I told him to stop, but he said hed only leave me alone if I beat him in a Pokmon battle." "And now hes bragging about entering the Baby Cup tournament hosted by Woofmart Supermarket, saying hes going to win it there!" "But his Pokmon is a Grass-type Bulbasaur, and Im worried my Squirtle might not stand a chance..." Ethan cut her off with a raised eyebrow. "So, youre asking if my Snivy can help train your Squirtle?" "Exactly!" Emma nodded earnestly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Ugh..." Ethan couldnt help but throw shade. "What a childish way to settle things" He had a pretty good guessprobably that boy liked Emma and was using the endless messages as an excuse to get her attention. "You dont get it! Hes so annoying, Ethan!" Emma pouted, shaking his arm in a dramatic plea. "Please help me out, Ethan~ Pretty please!" "Alright, alright." Ethan sighed, pulling his arm free from her determined grip. It wasnt that he was unwilling to help. On the contrary, as a breeder, this might even count as his first official gig. Plus, he still needed to borrow her grandpas Sandshrew. His only concern? Whether Snivy would cooperate. After all, her Squirtle had a how to put it rather clueless vibe that might not sit well with Snivys personality. "Snivy?" At that moment, Snivy finished clearing all the weeds and returned to Ethan''s side. "Wow, Snivy, youre amazing!" Emma gushed as she watched the now spotless plantation. Her praise was heartfeltsuch a diligent and obedient Pokmon was something she had only ever seen in her grandpas Sandshrew. Snivy glanced at her without a hint of emotion. It wasnt until Ethan crouched down and wiped a dried twig off its forehead that the corners of its mouth faintly lifted. "Snivy~" (Ive done what I promised.) "Great job," Ethan praised without hesitation, giving it a genuine pat on the head. Then, he relayed Emmas request to Snivy. "Snivy?" (Help that big, clueless turtle who cant even muster the courage to use Tackle?) As expected, Snivys brow immediately furrowed at the idea. "Dont worry," Ethan reassured, stroking its head again. "Ill come up with a plan. All you need to do is cooperate with me." Maybe he could find a way to make Squirtle useful around the plantation? After all, a Water-type Pokmon would be perfect for watering the crops. Chapter 12: A Breeder? No, I’m a Capitalist. Early the next morning. Inside the plantation. The water streams too strong! Slow it down, slow it down! Dont flood my fields! Water Gun is your most basic attack skill. If you cant even control this, how are you going to battle? Ethan and Snivy were comfortably lounging under the shade of a Pecha Berry tree. Ethan was giving instructions to Squirtle, while Snivy extended its Vine Whip, snapping it relentlessly near Squirtles feet. Forced to dodge the vines, Squirtle had no choice but to keep moving around, spraying water in various directions, its face full of resentment. Earlier that morning, its Trainer had told it theyd found a great teachersomeone who was guaranteed to train it well. Out of curiosity, Squirtle agreed. When it saw that the teacher was the human from yesterday, it was initially delighted. But now... Squirtles frustration with Ethan had reached its peak. This wasnt training Water Gunit was blatant labor! And what was it doing? Watering his fields! Its water reserves were completely drained. Really, not a single drop left... After irrigating yet another patch of land, Squirtles cheeks had visibly sunk from the effort. "Alright, come take a break," Ethan finally said, having monitored Squirtles condition with his Insight Eye the whole time. Snivys Vine Whip stopped as well. Squirtle shuffled over, radiating nothing but pure resentment. [Pokmon: Squirtle] [Gender: Female] [Ability: Torrent] [Aptitude: Blue] [Individual Values: HP (18), Attack (20), Special Attack (21), Defense (25), Special Defense (24), Speed (16)] [Level: 6C8] [Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw] [Description: It doesnt want to work anymore!!] [Friendship: -20 (It thinks youre worse than its Trainer.)] [Happiness: 25 (A grumpy turtle forced to wake up early.)] "Here, have an Energy Block," Ethan said, pulling out a recovery Energy Block he had crafted. The block was made from berries he had purchased the day before. [C-Rank Energy Block Crafted using Wacan Berries and Clear Spring Water, this Energy Block restores stamina in a very short time. With prolonged use, it can permanently increase a Pokmon''s stamina. Effect: Enhances a Pokmon''s ability to comprehend moves after consumption.] The description was short and simple, but the implications were profound. Energy Blocks capable of permanently enhancing a Pokmon''s stats were incredibly rare in this worldso rare that even money couldnt always buy them.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Of course, Ethan wasnt about to reveal the true value of this Energy Block to Squirtle. Instead, he adopted a gentle, coaxing approach. "Here, want to try a piece?" he offered casually. "Squirtle" Squirtle grumbled with resentment, but its hunger had already reached critical levels. It reluctantly accepted the Energy Block and took a bite. In an instant, a refreshing and soothing sensation spread through its mouth. Squirtles eyes lit up with delight, and it devoured the rest of the block in seconds. The dull, lifeless look in its previously dim eyes was now replaced with a newfound sparkle. "No worries, theres plenty of Energy Blocks to go around," Ethan said with a grin, generously offering more to his newly recruited "employee." After all, whatever Squirtle could eat, he would provide. [System Notification: Congratulations! Youve raised Squirtles Happiness Level from -20% to 30%. Rewards: 20 bags of Golden Fertilizer, 3 Rare Candies, and a Clear Stream Essence (enhances the purity of a Water-type Pokmon''s water moves and improves their mastery of Water-type skills).] Finally utterly stuffed, Squirtle sprawled on the ground without a shred of dignity, its face radiating satisfaction. Ethan, seeing its blissful state, didnt immediately "push it to work." Instead, he stood calmly, watching with a faint smile on his lips. This familiar scene brought a wave of realization to Snivy, who was observing from the side. Wait a minute wasnt this exactly how it had been lured in with Energy Blocks too? At the thought, Snivy couldnt help but let out a silent sigh, resigning itself to the truth. Snivy had been wandering near human settlements after hearing from other Pokmon that having a Trainer meant faster growth, along with free food and shelter. It had been intrigued by the idea of finding a Trainer to grow stronger with. However, the proud Snivy had set extremely high standards for its potential Trainer. It had always imagined that the Trainer it chose would have to be exceptionalnot just in battle strategies but also in breeding skills, someone who could truly impress it. But in the end All it took was a few Energy Blocks to completely win it over. Ah, the unpredictability of life as a snake. "Squirtle?" After a good while, Squirtle finally snapped out of its post-meal daze. Its gaze toward Ethan had shifted. The resentment had mostly faded, replaced by a subtle, complicated emotion. How had he managed to inspire both love and hate in a simple turtle? "Ethan! Ethan! Im here!" Emmas cheerful voice rang out as she burst into the plantation, full of energy. Beside her was a familiar faceher grandpas Sandshrew. Compared to Squirtle, Sandshrew looked even more enthusiastic. Its expression was one of pure anticipation, as though it had been waiting for this moment forever. "Im counting on you, Sandshrew~" Emma said sweetly. Seeing such a hardworking and eager employee, Ethan naturally responded with a satisfied smile. "Theres a bit more land to work on today, but dont worry if you cant finish. Ill make spicy noodles for you later." "Sand!" Sandshrew nodded seriously, not needing any instructions. It immediately trotted off to the remaining land and started plowing on its own initiative. Meanwhile, Ethan stayed back, pondering his plans. For the remaining land, he decided to use half of it for growing forage crops, aiming to transform it into a lush grassland. But then Ethan reconsideredwas the grassland going to be too small? If it was just for raising Miltank, it would probably be fine. But if he wanted to eventually breed them, that meant introducing Tauros into the mix. And Tauros well, they were notoriously energetic. A space this small would definitely be too cramped for their antics. Ethan also planned to plant a few birch trees and raise some Caterpie. He could collect the silk threads they spun, which could be sold for a good profit. His parents had done this before, and the silk they produced was not only valuable but also highly sought after. After all, in the Pokmon world, clothing wasnt just a luxuryit was a necessity. If you didnt wear durable clothes, venturing into the wild could be risky. A stray shockwave from a Pokmon battle might leave you... well, exposed. For men, it might not be such a big deal. But for women Moreover, the type of silk Caterpie produced depended on the leaves they ate. For instance, Caterpie that fed on birch leaves would produce silk with a cooling effect, perfect for summer clothing... "Alright, its decided! Snivy, time to get to work!" Ethan declared with enthusiasm. "And you too, Emma! Come over here." One job for each helper, no excuses. Fertilizing, sowing seeds... Snivy and Emma, too, found themselves dragged aboard Ethan''s metaphorical pirate ship.Left with no choice, they joined him in scattering forage grass seeds across the field... Chapter 13: Evolution—A Golden-Aptitude Milotic Three days later As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and orange, Ethan stood at the edge of the field, admiring the lush, neatly arranged forage grass. In another day or two, it would be ready for harvesting. Nearby, Squirtle was hard at work, diligently spraying water over the freshly planted field. Once all the grass and crops had been thoroughly watered, Ethan called out, "Stop." Squirtle immediately trotted over, its shell bobbing with each step, creating a comical sight. Ethan, anticipating its eagerness, pulled out its favorite Energy Block as a reward. [Pokmon: Squirtle] [Gender: Female] [Ability: Torrent] [Aptitude: Blue] [Level: 9] [Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw] [Friendship: 60 (It has a very good impression of you.)] [Happiness: 60 (In a great mood.)] Over the past three days, Ethan hadnt fed Squirtle any Rare Candies, yet its level had steadily risen to 9. This gave Ethan a better understanding of the Insight Eye''s level assessment system. Pokmon seemed to gradually approach the peak of their current stage before hitting a bottleneck. The same applied to Snivy. After feeding it two Rare Candies and allowing it time to digest them, Snivy''s strength had climbed to the 17C19 level range, with a noticeable increase in its overall energy intensity. But it still hadnt evolved. It seemed that evolution in this world didnt strictly adhere to the level 16 benchmark he had imagined. Other factors must be at play. "Snivy." Once Squirtle finished watering the field, Snivy activated its Grassy Terrain to accelerate the growth of all the crops. With the help of these two Pokmon, it only took three days for the first batch of planted vegetables to approach full maturity. Take the Cheri Berries, for example. The plants had grown over a meter tall, and the sheer number of berries hanging from them left Ethan astonished. Dozens of berries crowded each plant, with even more blossoms ready to bear fruit. Ethan had planted thirty Cheri Berry bushes. At this rate, each bush could yield dozens, if not hundreds, of pounds of berries. And it wasnt just the berriesother crops like eggplants and beans were thriving as well, their vibrant growth promising an impressive harvest in just a couple more days. Ethan couldnt help but imagine the possibilities. Using the fertilizer provided by the system, combined with the dedicated care of his two Pokmon, what kind of dishes could he create from such vegetables? Would the effects of these dishes be even more enhanced? "Alright, Squirtle, your first-phase task is complete. Starting tomorrow, you wont need to help with watering anymore." Squirtle, happily munching on an Energy Block, froze mid-bite. A sense of despair, akin to a worker being laid off, hit it like a ton of bricks.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. What?! Squirtle stared at Ethan in disbelief, its big eyes welling up with tears. Since the first day, it had discovered the benefits of working for Ethan. Not only had its move proficiency improved, but the energy within its body had also increased rapidly. At this point, Squirtle only wanted to come work every single day! "Uh I only meant the first phase is over," Ethan explained, tapping it lightly on the head. "Next comes the second phase. Dont worry, youll still get your Energy Blocks every day." He then pulled out a Rare Candy and held it up. "Here, eat this." The effect of Rare Candies had become clear to Ethan over the past few days: they simply boosted a Pokmon''s energy intensity. From his observations, feeding one every three days was optimal, as it allowed the Pokmons internal energy to grow naturally and absorb the boost more efficiently. Of course, the higher the Pokmons aptitude, the shorter the ideal interval. However... Rare Candies would likely lose their effectiveness once a Pokmon reached the elite stage. By then, their energy intensity would have already hit the upper limit of what the candies could enhance. "Squirtle..." With a single gulp, Squirtle swallowed the Rare Candy, the metaphorical weight in its heart lifting instantly. Its emotions had fluctuated so wildly that it didnt even notice the surge of energy within its body. "Alright, you can head back for today. Come back tomorrow," Ethan said, cutting their time short with a casual wave. "Squirtle!" Relieved that it wasnt being fired, Squirtle happily took its Energy Block and waddled off cheerfully toward the exit. Ethan lingered in the field for a while, watching as Snivy used Grassy Terrain to apply a "growth buff" to all the crops. Once the task was complete, he led Snivy back to the breeding house. Splash! A graceful ripple broke across the waters surface as Feebas swam energetically in its tank the moment it spotted Ethan. It was obviousjust seeing Ethan caused Feebass mood to spike inexplicably. This had earned Ethan a fair share of Rare Candies and Golden Fertilizer from the Happiness System, thanks to Feebass consistently high emotions whenever he was around. Of course, it might also have something to do with Feebas noticing its own changes recently. Lately, it had been spending more time in front of the tank''s glass. Its once-dull fish eyes now showed hints of curiosity, as if it were examining itself in the reflection. The previously rough, uneven patches on its scales had grown smoother and shinier under the effects of the nurturing Energy Blocks. Was it starting to look pretty? Ethans eyes lit up. It was time for Feebas to evolve! Ethan activated his Viridian Force, gently communicating with Feebas. Blub, blub~ Two bubbles rose to the surface, a clear indication of Feebass emotions. "Got it." Ethan smiled, then carefully lifted the fish tank, walking back to the plantation. Without hesitation, he poured the water and Feebas into the larger irrigation pond. Blub?! This time, Feebas appeared noticeably panicked. The sudden, vast swimming space made it think it was about to be released back into the wild. "Relax..." Ethan reassured it, pulling out a nurturing Energy Block and holding it out over the water. "Im not putting you into the river this time. Youll be staying here to guard the plantationand help with the watering, of course." Using Viridian Force, he conveyed his intentions. With its emotions stabilized, Ethan retrieved a Perfect-Grade Beauty Scale from his inventory. Perfect-Grade... paired with your current Beauty stat, this should significantly boost your aptitude, right? Feebass anxiety visibly eased under Ethans comforting presence, its fins gliding more smoothly as it floated in the pond, its emotions calm and receptive. Ethan gently cradled Feebas, carefully pressing the Perfect-Grade Beauty Scale onto a patch of its uneven scales. It felt almost ceremonial. In an instant, a dazzling white light enveloped Feebas, its entire body glowing brilliantly. Within the radiance, Feebass small, stubby form began to stretch and transform, growing slender and elegant. In mere moments, it had elongated to an impressive seven or eight meters. As the light faded, the creature before Ethan left him utterly mesmerized, unable to even blink. A gracefully long body shimmered with creamy white tones, its curves exuding a sense of fullness and elegance. Two flowing, pinkish filaments cascaded like willow branches from its head, while its neck was adorned with two wide, ribbon-like fins. Its tail, a fan of blue and pale red hues, reflected a stunning iridescent sheen, casting a soft, multicolored glow. There was no mistaking it. In the Pokmon world, no other creature could rival the sheer beauty of Milotic. In that moment, Ethan fully understood why it was hailed as the most beautiful Pokmon. [Pokmon: Milotic] [Gender: Female] [Ability: Cute Charm] [Aptitude: Gold] [Strength: Level 23C28] [Moves: Water Gun, Water Pulse, Tackle, Disarming Voice, Aqua Ring, Twister, Dragon Tail, Recover] [Friendship: 97 (It trusts you unconditionally.)] [Happiness: 70 (In a great mood.)] Chapter 14: Using Grassy Blender in the Grassy Blender! Advanced Version! Gold Aptitude Feebas had only been at Green Aptitude before. Ethan had anticipated some improvement upon evolution, but he never expected such a massive leap. It had jumped straight to Gold. "Miloo~?" [System Notification: Congratulations! Youve raised Milotics Happiness Level from 70% to 98%. Rewards: 20 bags of Golden Fertilizer, 1 Intermediate Rare Candy (moderately increases energy intensity), and a Rain Dance TM.] At that moment, Milotic finally snapped out of the lingering glow of its evolution. It turned to the waters surface, gazing at its reflection with disbelief. Its mind felt clearer than ever. Ive evolved? Every Feebas inherently knew it could evolve into Milotic. But they also knew how slim the chances were. Feebas evolving into Milotic was like a dream come truea near-mythical transformation. Most Feebas spend their entire lives as Feebas Only a lucky few ever manage to evolve, often due to some extraordinary, unforeseen event. It was akin to a Magikarp leaping over the Dragon Gatean almost mythical transformation. Because of this, Feebas had never dared to dream of evolving into Milotic. It had even thought Ethans words earlier, spoken at the tank, were just to cheer it up. Miloo~! (Ive evolved!) "Yes, youve evolved!" Ethan said with a grin. After evolving into Milotic, Ethans Viridian Force allowed him to understand its emotions and words with remarkable clarity. Milotic! (Im so happy!) Overwhelmed with joy, Milotic couldnt contain itself. Its tail instinctively wrapped around Ethans body, lifting him off the ground as if trying to give him a ride. The sudden sensation of weightlessness, combined with the constricting grip akin to a pythons embrace, left Ethan momentarily breathless. "Whoa, whoa! Milotic, put me down!" he shouted, caught off guard. But Milotic, too thrilled to notice, happily swam around the small irrigation pond with Ethan still in tow, splashing water as it went. "Alright, alright, Milotic, thats enough. Let me down," Ethan said with a mix of exasperation and amusement, his hands pressing gently against Milotics smooth, elegant body. Although Ethan understood Milotics excitement, if this continued, he was definitely going to end up soaked. "Miloo~" A long, melodic cry echoed as Milotic seemed to realize its enthusiasm might have gone overboard. With a gentle, trembling motion, it carefully set Ethan back down. "Youre way too big nowliving in the fish tank isnt an option anymore. For now, youll stay here by the pond. Keep an eye on the crops for me, and if you have time, help water them, alright?" "Miloo~!" Milotic nodded earnestly. After evolving, it could clearly feel that its mind was much sharper. Unlike before, when it needed ages to process Ethans words, now it understood him instantly. "Then Ill leave it to you!" Ethan said with a cheerful grin. "Snivy~?" Beside them, Snivy had been watching the entire interaction. Its face was filled with astonishment, unable to hide its surprise at the spectacle.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Snivy knew that Pokmon could evolve, but witnessing such an extreme transformationfrom plain and awkward to stunningly beautifulwas truly the pinnacle of lifes mysteries. Maybe it would be its turn soon? Feeling the occasional restless energy within itself recently, Snivy found its thoughts drifting toward the anticipation of its own evolution. "Dont worry, your turn is coming soon," Ethan said with a knowing smile, as if sensing Snivys emotions. He gently patted its head. However, in his heart, Ethan felt a tinge of reluctance. That evolution happened a bit too fast he thought to himself. I havent even gotten enough chances to enjoy cuddling it yet. The next day. July 12th. Two days remained until the Baby Cup tournament. With Milotic now stationed in the plantation, Ethan no longer had to wake up at the crack of dawn to supervise Squirtles watering tasks. With Milotic''s golden aptitude, it mastered the Rain Dance TM in mere moments. It could now condense water vapor in the air over small areas for irrigation, making it an ideal caretaker for the plantation. This was also why Ethan had sent Squirtle back. With Rain Dance in the mix, the clumsy turtle could finally "retire." The only regret Squirtle''s arms were too short. Otherwise, Ethan couldve had it help harvest the forage grass in a couple of days. On the cobblestone path leading to the plantation, Ethan glanced at Snivy, who was brimming with determination, and nodded approvingly. The plantation was mostly complete for now, so his next focus was clear: the Baby Cup! Two days of training should be more than enough to prepare for the tournament. Ethan took out an Energy Block crafted from Wacan Berries and handed it to Snivy with a smile. This Energy Block was designed to enhance move comprehensionperfect for Snivy at this moment. "Snivy, youve done a great job mastering Vine Whip and Grassy Terrain while clearing weeds. I also noticed you know Leaf Tornado and Leaf Blade. Leaf Tornado works great as a ranged move, while Leaf Blade is excellent for close combat. Lets see how well youve grasped these two skills." "Snivy?" Snivy tilted its head. It didnt recall ever showing Ethan its Leaf Tornado or Leaf Blade before. How did he know? No way Is my Trainer really this sharp? He sees through me completely! But as the thought settled, Snivys lips curled into a proud smirk. In the wild, it had spent the most time practicing these two moves. This was its chance to truly impress Ethan! Its resolve firm, Snivys orange-yellow eyes turned sharp and focused. With a graceful leap onto an empty patch beside the cobblestone path, its tail began to glow with a verdant green light. The leaf-like tip of its tail swirled gently, as if preparing to unleash its skill. In the blink of an eye, a towering vortex formed, almost as tall as a person. Emerald green leaves whirled violently within the wind, creating a sharp slicing sound as they cut through the air. The base of the vortex churned with such intensity that it tore through the ground, revealing the yellow-brown soil beneath. "Not bad! Now lets see if you can add another Leaf Tornado into the existing one!" Just as Snivy prepared to release the move, Ethans voice rang out, catching it off guard. [Leaf Tornado C A move that uses wind currents to drive leaves, enveloping and attacking the opponent.] The skill worked by utilizing wind flow to propel leaves; the faster the wind, the stronger the attack. Ethan had suddenly recalled a theory: if Snivy could release a second Leaf Tornado within the existing vortex, syncing their frequencies, the combined attack would double in power. And theoretically, this stacking process could be repeated multiple times. In essence, it was a weaker version of Leaf Storm with immense potential for growth. Snivy froze momentarily, then its eyes lit up with realization. Focusing intently on the spinning vortex before it, Snivy channeled its Grass-type energy through its tail. Within the vortex, a second, smaller whirlwind began to form. However, the moment the two whirlwinds merged, their conflicting wind speeds and directions caused chaos. What had been a well-controlled Leaf Tornado turned into a wild, unruly force, spiraling out of control like an untamed horse. The chaotic tornado veered off course, heading straight toward a nearby paddy field. Snivys eyes widened in panic. That was someone elses rice field! Just as Snivy froze, unsure of what to do, Ethans calm voice cut through the tension. "Dont panic! The speed of an out-of-control vortex is actually quite slow. Focus on controlling it! Match the wind speeds and frequencies of the two Leaf Tornadoeskeep them in sync." Hearing these words, Snivy snapped out of its panic and refocused, its determination rekindled. There was only one thought in its mind: I cant cause trouble for my Trainer. It concentrated intently, slowly bringing the turbulent vortex back under control. The wind speeds within the tornado began to harmonize, the chaotic spinning gradually smoothing out. Finally, with full control regained, Snivy directed the combined Leaf Tornado toward a large boulder. Clang! The sound of leaves slicing into the rock echoed, leaving deep cuts on its surface. Snivy stood tall, proud of its achievement. As the vortex dissipated, every single leaf had left gashes over ten centimeters deep in the surface of the rock. "Snivy~!" (I did it!) Snivy let out a sigh of relief before its face lit up with excitement. The power of this double Leaf Tornado was at least twice as strong as before! "Not bad," Ethan said with a nod, his expression full of praise. Initially, he had been worried that attempting a double Leaf Tornado would be too much for Snivy on its first try. He had even been prepared to dash to the paddy field and manually disperse the vortex if things got out of hand. But to his surprise, Snivy had managed to pull it off. And as long as it succeeded the first time, the rest was just a matter of practice and refinement. Chapter 15: The Predicament of Big Gloom Foods Co. Leaving Snivy to practice the dual-layered form of Leaf Tornado, Ethan pulled a stool out of his storage capsule, sat down, and started scrolling through his phone. He wasnt slacking offhe was searching for traders who might buy his crops. A portion of the plantations harvest would be kept for himself. These, combined with the years Pecha Berries and Oran Berries, would be used to craft Antidote Energy Blocks and Stamina Energy Blocks. These were not only easy to store but could also serve as products for his breeding house. He planned to send some to Grandpa Qin as a token of gratitude, while the rest would be sold off. As for finding buyers Ethan wasnt worried. His parents had once visited many wholesalers and markets specializing in vegetables and farm produce. One of the most renowned places was once called the Bellsprout Produce and Grocery Supermarket, but a quick search revealed that it had since evolved into Big Gloom Foods Co. It seemed that, over the past decade, even the business had "evolved." "This will do," Ethan decided, locking in on his target. Big Gloom Foods Co. C Owners Office Charles, the owner of Big Gloom Foods Co., was feeling a bit troubled. The company had just gone public, but it was already facing its first major hurdle: competition pressure. To be precise, it wasnt exactly competition from peers but from a supermarket that only marginally overlapped with their business. However This wasnt just any supermarket. It was Woofmart Ltd., the largest company in Wutong City. Even back when Big Gloom was still a small produce supermarket, Woofmart had already shown signs of trying to suppress them. This trend had become blatantly aggressive after Big Gloom Foods Co. went public.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. First, Woofmart slashed prices in their produce sections, triggering a price war. Then, they began intercepting Big Glooms supply chains at the source by offering higher prices to suppliers. As a result, Big Glooms grocery stores and markets were left with unsold produce while their access to fresh supplies was being cut off. If this continued, it was only a matter of time before the company went under. The pressing issue now was finding a stable supplier. "Whats wrong? Still worrying about the supermarket situation?" As Charles rubbed his temples in frustration, a woman entered the office. She wore a yellow floral-patterned dress, her figure curvaceous and graceful. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, framing her strikingly beautiful face. Charles sighed and looked at his wife, shaking his head silently. He was an older man with a much younger wife, and they also had a daughter currently in high school. The weight of his responsibilities was immense. Right now was the time when he needed to conserve his energy, yet at just over forty years old, Charles was already losing hair by the handful. "I cant help it. Woofmarts suppression is relentless. Without reliable supply channels, the company might collapse right after going public," Charles finally admitted, unable to hide the situation from his wife any longer. "Then why dont we scale back to a small supermarket?" his wife suggested gently. "Moons Pokmon doesnt have to be a pseudo-legendary. We can pick one of the starter Pokmonthose are great too." "If we choose a pseudo-legendary Pokmon, the cost of raising it will be astronomical. And if something goes wrong later and we cant keep up with the expenses, the Pokmons potential will be wasted anyway" She looked at her husband, who was buried in worry, and tried to console him. "Thats true but our daughter" Charles trailed off with a sigh. Woofmart was a national chain, a corporate giant. Meanwhile, his company was just a small-town business in Wutong Town. Competing with them financially was impossible. The only chance of winning was to outclass them in produce qualityby an overwhelming margin. But How could they achieve that? To produce fruits and vegetables of such exceptional quality, it would require the expertise of a skilled Breederparticularly one specialized in agriculture. But Breeders were already rare, and agricultural specialists were even harder to come by. Sigh if it doesnt work out Charles Shaw shook his head, feeling like he was overthinking things. He was about to dismiss the idea when the desk phone suddenly rang. "Rotom! Incoming call from the Purchasing Department. Would you like to answer?" "Purchasing Department?" Charles paused for a moment, then quickly picked up the Rotom-branded phone. "Its me. Whats going on?" "A new supply channel? The samples look good? Where? Alright, understood." He hung up the phone, but despite hearing about the new supply channel, his expression remained unchanged. "Whats wrong?" his wife asked, noticing his lack of enthusiasm. "Didnt they say theres a new supplier? Shouldnt that be good news?" Charles let out a bitter laugh. "Yes, theres a new supplier, but its the plantation in Wutong Town. You know, the one that used to belong to the Greenwood family. Now I hear their kid, Ethan Greenwood, has taken over." His wifes eyes widened in surprise. "Ethan? That boy? Hes not going to high school and decided to run the family plantation instead?" Chapter 16: Legendary-Grade Cheri Berries! July 13th. To Ethan Greenwoods surprise, after just one night, some of the Cheri Berries in the plantation had ripened, their skins now glowing a vibrant red. Even more interestingly, once the berries matured, they stopped absorbing nutrients, simply hanging on the branches instead. This greatly extended their shelf life. However, they still needed to be harvested promptly. Each Cheri Berry bush didnt just produce a single batch of fruit; if the ripe berries werent picked, the next batch would weigh down the branches, potentially causing them to breaka situation Ethan didnt want to see. [Grade-E Ingredient C Cheri Berry: Grown from ordinary seeds, this Grade-E ingredient is rich in trace elements. It is delicious and, when consumed regularly, enhances physical health.] Ethan picked a few Cheri Berries, handing one to Snivy at his side while casually tossing another into the irrigation pond. With a graceful splash, the berry was swallowed in one bite by Milotic, which had been swimming nearby. The last Cheri Berry, Ethan took for himself, biting into it with gusto. As the fresh, crimson flesh released its juices, his eyes lit up involuntarily. This wasnt just any fruitit was of a quality high enough to be used for crafting Energy Blocks, making it valuable not just as food but also as a Pokmon breeding resource. "I spoke with the company yesterday. They said theyd come by this morning to check the quality of the produce." After harvesting the ripened fruits and vegetables, Ethan neatly piled them together and stored them in his capsule. With Snivy by his side, he headed toward the outskirts of the town. "Time to make my first paycheck!" Looking at the harvest he was about to sell, Ethan felt a rush of excitement. Once the plantations production stabilized, he could move on to his next big plan: establishing the reputation of his breeding house! He envisioned placing a Neighbors Breeding House logo on every single piece of produce he sold, turning them into a brand. Of course, he needed to discuss everything with the supplier first. Ring, ring. The phones sudden ring snapped Ethan out of his thoughts. Seeing the caller ID, his spirits lifted immediately. He quickly picked up the call. Youve arrived at the town entrance? Im on my way! At the town entrance. If the plantation marked the far end of the town where it bordered the forest and wild zones, then the town entrance was the sole road connecting Wutong Town to Wutong City. From here, a half-hour bus ride along the highway would take you straight into the city.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. When Ethan arrived, a van was already parked at the roadside. He approached cautiously and knocked on the drivers window. But when the buyer stepped out of the vehicle, Ethan froze for a moment. Isnt that Charles? It had been seven or eight years since theyd last seen each other, and now, standing in front of him, Charles Shaw looked significantly taller and older than Ethan remembered. Charles took a moment to register the young man standing before him. Ethan? Is that you? Snapping out of his surprise, Ethan smiled warmly. Yeah, its me, Charles. When Ethan was a kid, Charles often came to the plantation in this very van to collect goods. It was a sight Ethan remembered well. "Wow, youve grown so talland so handsome, too!" Charles exclaimed with a grin. At that moment, a graceful woman stepped out from the passenger seat. Seeing Ethan, she looked pleasantly surprised and walked over, rising on tiptoes to pat him on the head. Ethan was indeed quite tallstanding at 178cm with a clean, delicate face that carried a timeless charm, the kind that drew attention at first glance and only became more appealing the longer you looked. Ethan didnt resist but instead greeted politely, "Hello, Melody." This was Charless wife, Melody Huang. A warm and gentle woman, she had held Ethan as a child. Back when his parents were still around, the couple had been family friends. "Is this your Pokmon? A Snivy? Not bad!" Charles asked casually as he eyed the Pokmon by Ethans side. "Snivy~!" Snivy stepped forward of its own accord, nodding as if to confirm that it was indeed Ethans Pokmon. "Smart little one, huh?" Charles remarked, visibly impressed. In the early stages, obedient Pokmon werent uncommon, but one that displayed such intelligence and awareness was certainly a rare find. "Breeders can still pursue specialized breeding programs at university!" "Alright, lets focus on business for now." Melody interrupted her husband before turning to Ethan. "But Ethan, why didnt you choose to go to college? Instead, you decided to become a Breeder?" "Before my college entrance exams, I didnt have my first Pokmon, so I couldnt take the Trainer Battle Exam. Then I figured Id become a Breeder instead," Ethan explained with a calm smile. Melody seemed puzzled. "Well, that makes sense, but" But whats the point of university if youre already a Legendary Breeder? Would he be going to gain knowledge? Or perhaps to teach those so-called professors and experts? Honestly, it just wasnt necessary. "Mainly, I wanted to preserve my parents plantation," Ethan added with a lighthearted grin. Shifting the conversation back to business, he quickly retrieved a vibrant Cheri Berry from his storage capsule. "Lets talk about the deal. This is one of the vegetables from my plantation. Take a look, Charles." "Hmm Hmm? Such a bright color? And not a single sign of pest damage?" Once the discussion turned serious, Charles immediately grew focused. It wasnt long before his eyes widened with surprise. This single Cheri Berry was a marvel. In all his years of business, Charles had rarely encountered a fruit so flawless in both shape and color. "Did you grow this yourself?" he asked, his disbelief evident. "Yes, though most of the credit goes to this little one." Ethan wasted no time shifting the spotlight to Snivy. "Its Grassy Terrain seems to have a special effect on plant growth." Charles furrowed his brow. "A first-stage starter Pokmon using Grassy Terrain couldnt possibly produce Cheri Berries like this. It seems youre no less skilled at cultivation than your father was." His words were filled with admiration. Then, without hesitation, he took a bite of the Cheri Berry. The moment he bit into it, Charles froze. This was a perfectly ripened Cheri Berry, where the dominant flavor was a bold spiciness, balanced with subtle notes of sweetness and tanginess. What truly astonished Charles, though, was the invigorating effect it had. As the berrys flavors burst in his mouth, he felt his entire energy and spirit surge as if reinvigorated. This wasnt just an ordinary fruit with a beautiful appearance. It had unique properties. Could it be that these Cheri Berries transcended the realm of regular produce? After wolfing down the entire berry in a few bites, Charles asked eagerly, "Is this just one exceptional berry, or are all the Cheri Berries like this?" "Of course, theyre all like that! Take a lookheres the entire harvest from this batch," Ethan said with a confident grin, handing over his storage capsule. "It includes eggplants, Cheri Berries, and Rue Greens they should all be of similar quality." Charles took the capsule with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Upon opening it and seeing the produce inside, his eyes widened, and he instinctively rubbed them as if doubting his sight. Then, a look of pure joy burst forth on his face. "This this is " Chapter 17: Can’t Fly? Use a Broken Sword to Knock Down Rayquaza "So many!" Charles quickly pulled another Cheri Berry and an eggplant from the storage capsule. He first bit into the Cheri Berry, savoring its flavor, then peeled back the eggplants skin. The sight of its plump seeds and tender white flesh was enough for him to make a snap judgmentthis eggplants quality was no less remarkable than that of the Cheri Berries! "The quality seems decent, right?" Ethan asked uncertainly. Though he had confidence in his produce, this was his first time selling it, and he wasnt entirely sure about the standards of the market. "Decent? This isnt just decentits practically treasure-grade produce! Long-term consumption could improve human physical fitness. This is premium stuff!" Charles replied enthusiastically. Hearing this, Ethan rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "So, Charles, what do you think?" "Ill take it! Ill take all of it!" Charles exclaimed. "For these Cheri Berries, Ill pay the price of Grade-E Treasure Produce50 bucks per pound! The rest will go for about the same!" Was he kidding? With produce like this, beneficial to both humans and Pokmon, all he needed was some proper pricing control and a well-planned marketing push. Clients would flock to him in no time. Furthermore, scarcity determines value. Produce of this caliber wasnt something just any plantation could grow. From what Charles knew, the only other premium product in all of Wutong City was the Grade-D MooMoo Fresh Milk produced at the Miltank ranch in Huaqiao Village. As for fruits and vegetables? None of the other plantations could even come close to producing rated crops. This meant that if Woofmart Supermarket wanted to monopolize such high-quality produce, they would have no choice but to source it from Ethan Greenwood. Realizing this, Charles grew even more excited. "Ethan, these fruits and vegetables are excellent. But Id like to propose something beyond just buying this batchI want to secure exclusive distribution rights for your produce," he said eagerly. "This" Ethan hesitated, his expression showing some reluctance. "Dont worry," Charles continued urgently, sensing Ethans hesitation. "Ill pay you well, or even buy shares if you prefer. Just name your price!" Charles was visibly desperate, and understandably so. Hed been under intense pressure from Woofmart for weeks, barely managing to keep his business afloat. Now, this produce represented a chance to turn the tablesa lifeline he couldnt afford to let slip away. Next to him, Melody Huang quietly observed. She had always respected her husbands work and never interfered in his business negotiations, so she chose to remain silent and let him handle the situation. Seeing her husbands anxious expression, Melody couldnt help but cast a pleading look at Ethan. Ethan scratched his head awkwardly. "Ahem... thats not the issue. I was just thinkingwhat if, in the future, I produce more than Uncle Charles can handle? Does that mean I wont be able to sell to anyone else?" He paused before continuing, "So, I can only promise this: Uncle Charles will always have first priority."Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "Good, good, that works too!" Charles exhaled in relief, the weight on his chest finally lifting. Ethan then added, "But Uncle Charles, I have one small request." Charless nerves immediately tensed again. "Go ahead, what is it?" "Id like to attach a logo to the produce when its sold," Ethan explained, his tone firm. "I want it to be labeled as coming from Neighbors Breeding House." This was part of the vision that Turner had instilled in him: the importance of thinking long-term and building a lasting brand. Ethan was determined to make Neighbors Breeding House known far and wide. The more Trainers and Pokmon that knew about his operation, the more opportunities hed have to earn a steady stream of system rewards! "Phew I thought it was something big," Charles said with a laugh, patting his chest in relief. "Thats no problem at all. Just send me the logo design, and Ill have it printed and attached for you." With that, Charles readily took on the task. The two finalized the deal, exchanged green Rotom IDs, and settled the payment. After Melody waved a cheerful "Come visit us anytime," the van sped off toward Wutong City. "Fifty thousand" Ethan stared at the notification of the bank transfer, taking a deep breath before breaking into an excited grin. Over the years, his parents savings had gradually dwindled due to the plantations financial struggles, forcing Ethan to live frugally. But now, with just one sale, he had earned 50,000 credits! He had expected to make only a few thousand at most, yet the final amount far exceeded his expectations. And this was just the first batch of produce from the plantation. In a few days, the second and third batches would be ready for harvest. At this rate, prosperity was just around the corner! In his excitement, Ethan scooped up Snivy, shouting joyfully, "Hahaha! Snivy, were rich!" He felt so thrilled that he almost planted a big kiss on Snivys face, only to have two vines firmly block his chin mid-air. What he got in return was Snivys expression of utter "disdain" mixed with confusion. Whats wrong with my Trainer? He seems off? On the way home, Ethan, still walking with Snivy, started to cool off a little, his enthusiasm tempered by the vines that had silenced him earlier. While he knew that, as a Legendary Breeder, hed never have to worry about money in the future, that was future Ethans problem. Right now, he was still the guy who, just days ago, agonized over whether to buy a Rotom assistant because of his budget. "Snivy?" Snivy, walking by his side, cast him a cautious glance. It hadnt meant to act so abruptly earlierit just couldnt resist. And it had made sure to use the gentlest strength possible! Its fine, Snivy. I was just a bit too excited, Ethan said, waving his hand to reassure it. In truth, with his True Novice Physique, he hadnt felt a thing. However, Snivys use of Vine Whip did serve as a reminderwhile he might be immune to Pokmon attacks, he wasnt immune to being physically restrained by them. "Snivy" Snivy tilted its head, observing Ethans thoughtful expression. It couldnt quite tell if he was truly fine or just pretending to be. After a moment of hesitation, it moved closer to Ethan and gently brushed against his pant leg. Sensing its touch, Ethan looked down just as Snivy lifted its head and let out a soft, sweet cry. "Snivy~" The gentle midday sunlight cast a warm glow on its vibrant green skin, making it look especially fresh and lively. Ethan couldnt help but laugh. Scooping Snivy into his arms, he patted its head affectionately. "See? I told you, Im fine. Dont worry about it." "Snivy~." (Got it) Feeling the warmth of Ethans hand on its head, Snivy finally relaxed. In its heart, it thought to itself, As expected Trainers really do need to be humored sometimes. "Heh, go, Rayquaza! Use Dragon Ascent!" "Darn it, dont lose! You cant fly, but use Precipice Blades to knock it down!" "Hah, you fool! Precipice Blades cant hit Rayquaza in the sky!" "I said it can, so it will! Hmph!" By the side of the cobblestone path, two kids, no older than seven or eight, had appeared at some point. Each held a Pokmon plushie in their handsone of the majestic Rayquaza, soaring in the heavens, and the other of the fearsome Groudon, exuding an aura of power. The two were deeply engrossed in their "Legendary Pokmon Battle," their imaginations running wild. The "battle" between the two kids left the cobblestone path spotless, the dust and small pebbles completely cleared away. Summer vacation had begun, and with it, the small town became livelier. More children filled the streets, and the air buzzed with energy, bringing a comforting warmth to Ethans heart. A smile spread across his face as he watched the scene unfold. "Lets go, Snivy. Time to get back to training. Were going to win first place in the Baby Cup!" Ethan pulled out a set of green Energy Blocks and some red Energy Blocksnewly designed blocks he had crafted specifically after signing up for the Baby Cup. They glinted faintly under the sunlight, a testament to their premium quality and purpose. Chapter 18: Triple Leaf Tornado! [Pokmon: Snivy] [Gender: Female] [Ability: Contrary] [Aptitude: Red] [Individual Values: HP (24), Attack (21), Special Attack (26), Defense (25), Special Defense (24), Speed (31)] [Strength: Level 19] [Moves: Leaf Blade, Leaf Tornado (Triple), Glare, Vine Whip, Leech Seed, Grassy Terrain] [Friendship: 85 (It trusts you deeply.)] [Happiness: 75 (Todays the day for battles! Will there be any strong opponents?)] July 15th. Ethan woke up early, ready for the big day. He fed Snivy one final Rare Candy to prepare it for the Baby Cup. With that, Snivys strength, previously fluctuating between Levels 18 and 19, solidified at Level 19its peak for this stage. Moreover, according to Snivy, it was beginning to sense a faint urge to evolve. The exact timing, however, remained uncertain. After a quick inspection of the plantation to ensure everything was in order, Ethan felt reassured. With Snivy in his arms, he headed toward the Wutong Town bus stop. By the time they arrived, a small crowd had already gathered at the stop. The bus bound for Wutong City pulled up shortly after, its horn sounding a sharp "beep-beep." Ethan was just about to board when a hurried shout made him pause. He turned with a resigned expression, gesturing to the driver to wait. "Hold on! Someones coming!" Emma sprinted toward the bus, panting heavily as she reached the door. She was about to thank the driver for waiting when she looked up and saw Ethans look at this fool expression. Unfazed, she grinned brightly. "Ethan?" she exclaimed with excitement. "Get on. Arent you heading to the Baby Cup today?" Ethan said casually before finding a seat. Understanding that it was Ethan who had stopped the bus for her, Emma chuckled to herself and eagerly followed him. She plopped down next to him, a wide grin still plastered on her face. "Ethan, how did you know the Baby Cup is happening today?" Emma asked, her curiosity piqued. Ethan opened the window, letting the cool morning breeze wash over him and blow away any lingering drowsiness. "Because Im competing too," he replied nonchalantly. Emmas cheerful grin froze instantly. "What? Are you serious?" "Of course Im serious. Do I look like the kind of guy who jokes about this?" Ethan responded with a calm smile. Hearing this, Emmas face fell, and her expression turned tangled with frustration. "How could this happen? Now Ive got no chance at first place!" If this had been earlier, she might have still had the courage to challenge Ethans Snivy. But after witnessing Snivys Leaf Tornado and Grassy Terrain in action, any shred of that courage had completely vanished. And so, for the rest of the bus ride, she was immersed in her own sorrowful thoughts.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Once they got off the bus, however, Emmas expression brightened again. Her confidence returned as she declared, "Fine, I might not get first place, but second place isnt bad either!" Ethan rubbed his forehead helplessly. This kid really is so simple and optimistic, he thought, watching Emmas unshakable hopefulness about life. But perhaps that wasnt such a bad thing. To become a capable Trainer, being a bit na?ve early on wasnt necessarily a weakness. After all, Pokmon themselves were inherently straightforward creatures. It reminded Ethan of a certain foolish one from his memories. This kind of innocence would help Emma earn the favor of most Pokmon in her early days as a Trainer. By the time they reached the entrance of Woofmart, the place was already packed with people. A lively group of teenagers and young adults had gathered, chattering excitedly about the upcoming Baby Cup. Around them stood all sorts of Pokmon: Bellsprout, Rattata, Pidgey, Psyduck, Caterpie... and, well, another Pidgey. The difference in strength among the Pokmon was glaringly obvious. Ethan couldnt help but muse with a smirk, If a Caterpie runs into a Pidgey, is it worried about becoming its lunch? "Ethan?!" A somewhat surprised voice called out from the crowd. Turning toward the source, Ethan saw a boy with a 3:7 side-swept hairstyle, wearing overalls, standing out quite prominently among the group. "Kun?" Ethan blinked before breaking into a smile. It was Kun Xu, a classmate of his. The two werent particularly close but were on nodding terms. Kun was known for his love of basketball and singing. "Youre here for the Baby Cup too? I thought you were busy taking over your familys plantation," Kun said, clearly surprised. Ethan chuckled. Kun wasnt the only one taken abackafter all, Ethans reputation at school had always been stellar. For one, he was academically gifted and was always willing to help classmates with questions. That, combined with his clean-cut, handsome looks, had earned him the title of "Class Heartthrob" among the girls. However, his reluctance to choose a starter Pokmon and participate in Trainer-related exams had puzzled many. Despite that, he had achieved a top-ten ranking in the provincial liberal arts exams during the college entrance tests. As for the Trainer Assessment Exam, Ethan had scored a solid zero. But with his stellar academic performance in the liberal arts, he could easily gain admission to any university he wanted. "The prize money looks pretty tempting, so I thought Id give it a shot," Ethan replied with a casual smile. "Is this your Pokmon?" Kun asked, his curiosity piqued as he looked at the Snivy cradled in Ethans arms. "Yep," Ethan nodded, then glanced at the orange-red chick at Kuns feet. "Your Torchic looks like its close to evolving, huh?" [Pokmon: Torchic] [Gender: Male] [Ability: Blaze] [Aptitude: Blue] [Individual Values: HP (15), Attack (21), Special Attack (24), Defense (17), Special Defense (19), Speed (24)] [Strength: Level 17] [Moves: Ember, Peck, Quick Attack, Flame Charge, Sand Attack] [Friendship: 15 (It seems to vaguely recognize you.)] [Happiness: 50 (When is that Torchic Bakery at the entrance finally going to open?)] Hearing Ethans compliment, Kuns face lit up with pride, though he feigned a regretful tone as he said, "Sigh, dont even mention it. I was confident I could take first place in this Baby Cup, but then I found out the hostWoofmarts ownergave his high school freshman kid a Lapras! And not just any Lapras, but one at the peak of its normal stage! How am I supposed to compete with that?" "Looks like Ill have to settle for second place" "Thats a real shame," Ethan said with a sympathetic nod, his face mirroring Kuns disappointment. A Lapras, especially in a Baby Cup, was a tough contender. Its base stats alone gave it a natural advantage that seemed unfairly overpowered for the competition. But Ethan wasnt overly concerned. Over the past few days, Snivy had been eating Energy Blocks crafted from Special Scale Berries to boost its special attack aptitude, as well as Life Fruit Energy Blocks to enhance its overall aptitude. So, who would win or lose? That remained to be seen. To be honest, after discovering how valuable his crops were, Ethan wasnt all that interested in the competition prize money anymore. But what he did care about was Snivys feelings. The little Pokmon had been working so hard for this competition. Its mastery of the Double Leaf Tornado was already rock solid! Snivy had even managed to pull off a Triple Leaf Tornado, though it was still a bit unpolished. There was no way Ethan was going to let all its hard work go to waste, right? Chapter 19: Let Snivy Advertise? The brief catch-up with Kun ended, and silence settled between them. Meanwhile, Emma was locked in an intense discussion with another boy. Judging by her animated gestures, it was probably the guy who had been spamming her with messages every day. When Ethan caught sight of the boy, his brows furrowed. Blond hair? That didnt leave a good impression. With Snivy by his side, Ethan strode quickly toward them. "Emma, you should just give up. Your Squirtle doesnt stand a chance against my Bulbasaur," said the boy, whose name was James Zhang. James flicked his blond bangs with an air of smugness, clearly thinking the gesture made him look cool. The two had already battled once before. Despite both starting their Pokmon journeys at roughly the same time, James was well aware of Squirtles shortcomings. Squirtles Water Gun was weak and couldnt possibly hurt Bulbasaur. As for Tackle well, that was even more amusing. The poor turtle didnt even dare to lift its head properly. The only thing it could probably hit was a Kakuna that couldnt dodge. Emma shot a glare at James. "James Zhang, the battle hasnt even started yet. Who wins and who loses is still up in the air!" Jamess eyes glinted mischievously, clearly scheming something. "Oh? If youre that confident, how about we make a bet? If you lose, you become my girlfriend." "You!" Emmas face turned red with anger. Even if she wasnt the sharpest at times, she knew better than to agree to such a ridiculous demand. But she was so furious her mind went blank, leaving her at a loss for words. "If youre feeling that desperate, go rub yourself against a tree or something," a cool, clear voice interjected. "No need to broadcast it for everyone to hearits not exactly a good look." Startled, Emma turned to find Ethan stepping forward, his hand resting gently on her head as he moved to stand protectively in front of her. Ethans gaze was cold as he locked eyes with James, his tone unflinching. He had overheard the entire exchange. Initially, he thought it was just an ordinary case of someone pursuing Emma. But now, it was clear this bordered on harassment, and he wasnt about to let it slide.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Ethan! Its him!" Emmas eyes lit up as if shed just spotted a savior. In her mind, Ethan was like the ultimate parental figure who always had her back. When she was bullied as a child, all she had to do was call Ethan, and the problem would be solvedwhether it required arguing or fighting. He had never lost. Even when she was in the wrong, Ethan would flip the situation to teach her a lesson instead. James was momentarily stunned by her outburst. When he finally processed what was happening, his face turned red with frustration. "Who the heck are you?" "A dumb bird," Ethan replied coldly, not even bothering to elaborate. He turned to Emma and said, "For people like him, dont waste your time. Block his number, delete his contact, and kick him out of any class group chats. Theres no need to engage." Ethan wasnt just stepping in; he was teaching this na?ve girl how to handle unwanted attention. "Got it, got it!" Emma nodded rapidly, like a little chick pecking at grain. Trying to create the image of a prodigy rookie Trainer, huh? "Ah, must be nice to have money and connections. The paths already paved for them," Ethan muttered with a hint of amusement. Still, he didnt feel envious. After all, he had the greatest "connection" in this world. About ten minutes later, the balding man on stage finally finished his speech. "Alright, everyone, please board the buses. Well be heading to Wutong Citys sports arena for the Baby Cup!" The crowd collectively exhaled in relief, and the participants began filing onto the buses. Ethan glanced at the vehicles. There were three buses in total. After boarding, he did a quick counteach bus had 42 seats. That meant the total number of participants wouldnt exceed 126 people. As the bus sped through the streets, Ethan, feeling a bit bored, pulled out his phone. A notification popped upUncle Charles had sent him a message. [Charles: Ethan! The fruits and vegetables from your plantation are incredibly popular! Uncle wants to askwhen will the second batch be ready? If youre short on help, just let me know.] [Ethan: Some of the continuous harvest produce should be ready in four or five days. As for the others not sure yet.] In truth, the others were also on a four- to five-day cycle, but the constant planting felt a bit tedious to Ethan. So, he had another idea: watermelons. Big, easy to sell, and perfect for this hot weatherwatermelons seemed like the ideal addition to the plantation. [Charles: Great! Ill come by in five days to pick up the next batch!] [Ethan: Sounds good.] As the bus came to a halt with a soft screech, Ethan looked up to see they had arrived at the Wutong Arena in Wutong City. Gathering his things, Ethan stepped off the bus with determination. For competitions like this, he usually wasnt the type to participate. But when he did, he aimed for nothing less than giving it his all. First place wasnt just a goalit was the only acceptable outcome. Besides, he couldnt ignore the reporters armed with long-lens cameras stationed all around. This wasnt just a small-town event; it was an opportunity to make an impression. If he performed well enough in this competition, it would be the perfect chance to promote his Neighbors Breeding House! He could already envision it: Snivy holding up an Energy Block in front of the cameras, saying, "This is from Neighbors Breeding House!" That would be an incredibly effective advertisement. With such publicity, Trainers from all over would bring their Pokmon to his breeding house. And the more Pokmon he delighted, the more system rewards he could reap. It was a win-win strategy, and Ethan couldnt help but smirk at the thought. Chapter 20: Lapras—It’s Really a Lapras! At the Wutong Arena, a dashing man in a suit and tie stood atop an Aegislash, microphone in hand. "To all the spectators here and those watching from home, welcome to the first-ever Baby Cup in Wutong City! This event is proudly co-sponsored by Woofmart Supermarket," the man announced with enthusiasm. "Im your commentator for todays matches, Ice Li." "For all the rookie Trainers preparing to embark on their journeys, battles between Pokmon will be an inevitable part of the experience" The rest of his speech was filled with unnecessary fluff. Ethan tuned it out entirely. The rules of the Baby Cup were simple: elimination rounds leading to progression. The massive circular grass field, large enough to host Gym-level Pokmon battles, had been divided into a nine-square grid. Each square was marked with white lime and labeled from 1 to 9. Since the participants were all rookie Trainers, the battlefield didnt need to be overly polished or complex. For the first few rounds, battles would take place simultaneously across multiple zones. The first round consisted of 124 participants, with a total of 62 matches. Divided across nine battlefields, it would only take four waves of matches to determine the winners of the first round. This phase was aptly named the Group Stage. Ninth Group, Fourth Wave? Ethan muttered to himself as he looked at his 9(4) tag. All participants were assigned seating near their designated battlefields. Ethan was in the ninth group, while Emma had been assigned to the eighth. Luckily, the two fields were adjacent, and from his spot, Ethan could easily see what was happening on her side through the railing. What caught his attention, though, was the sight of Blondie James Zhang. He had also been placed in the eighth group and was, unsurprisingly, hovering near Emma, clearly attempting to bother her again. This time, however, Emma seemed to have learned her lesson. She marched straight over to the nearest enforcement officer and filed a complaint. One warning from the officer was enough to send Blondie scurrying back to his spot, too intimidated to linger near her. Ethan nodded in approval, feeling a small sense of pride. "All right! The matches are starting! First-round participants, please enter the battlefields! At last, the commentator on the flying Aegislash wrapped up his long-winded speech, signaling the official start of the tournament. Ethans expression grew more serious. While this was technically the Baby Cup, it was more like the "Baby Cup of the Baby Cup." The timing of the tournament was crucialjust over a month after the high school graduation season. Traditionally, most of Wutong Citys senior high school graduates would embark on their first significant journey: a walking trip to their university, challenging the city-level Gyms along the way. If this tournament had been held earlier, the competition would have been much fiercer. Many of the graduating students from Wutong City Pokmon High School owned second-stage starter Pokmon that had reached the peak of the normal stage.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Fortunately, this timing worked in his favor. Still, since Ethan had set his sights on first place, he was determined to take the competition seriously. "Hmm lets check out the first-round matches in the ninth group and gather some information. Thats essential!" Scanning the matchups, Ethan couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. Caterpie vs. Weedle. On the surface, it seemed straightforward enough, but this was one of those matchups that had all the potential to surprise. Ethan chuckled to himself. What if this Caterpie has an Everstone and its Trainer is trying to mimic the legendary tale of a Level 100 Caterpie evolving into a Rayquaza? Better to play it safe. With that thought, he activated Insight Eye to take a closer look. [Pokmon: Caterpie] [Gender: Male] [Ability: Shield Dust] [Aptitude: White] [Strength: Level 7] [Moves: String Shot, Tackle] "Hmm?" It turned out to be just an ordinary Caterpie. Ethan couldnt help but rub Snivys head affectionately, amused by the anticlimax. Lets check out that Weedle next, he thought, turning his attention to the other competitor. Hmm Level 6, Ethan noted, looking at the Weedle. "Snivy?" Snivy, meanwhile, looked visibly annoyed. It had been expecting at least one satisfying battle today, but the two Bug-types on the field Well, Snivy was genuinely worried that its attacks might accidentally overpower them and, well take them out for good. "Dont worry," Ethan reassured it, patting Snivys head. "With this many participants, theres bound to be someone strong eventually. Be patient." He shifted his gaze to the other battlefields, trying to gauge the competition. A mix of emotions welled uppart amusement, part exasperation. If he were to divide the arena into three tiers of skill levels based on the matches, the ninth group was undeniably in the lowest tier. One step above them were matches involving Pokmon like Level 11-12 Nidoran and Bulbasaur. While more impressive, they still didnt feel particularly threatening to Ethan or Snivy. At the top of the skill tiers was Kun Xu, battling on Field 3. Admittedly, as a recent high school graduate, Kun was cutting through his competition like a hot knife through butter. His Torchic had just taken down a Level 12 Pidgey with sheer force, using Ember to overpower its opponent. Matches of this caliber, however, were few and far between across the arena. Statistically speaking, out of all the participants, only four or five Pokmon were likely to have reached Level 16 or higher. It could be slightly more, or slightly less, but the numbers remained small. This left the commentators grasping for material. During the match between Torchic and Pidgey, there had at least been a flicker of excitement. "Alright, lets turn our attention to Field 1, where we have a Flying-type Pidgey against a Fire-type Torchic!" the commentator exclaimed. "Wow! Look at Torchics Emberits absolutely relentless! Even Pidgey cant avoid all of those flames!" "The Pidgeys Trainer is going for broke! Hes commanding Pidgey to use Quick Attack as a final attempt!" "Oh no, so close! But it wasnt enough. Pidgey has fallen, defeated by Torchics Ember!" The match concluded as quickly as it started, leaving the commentator scrambling to fill the silence. "Lets take a look at the ninth group! Oh my goodness, Caterpie and Weedle have tangled each other up with String Shot! Lets see how their Trainers plan to break this stalemate!" "Come on, Caterpie! You can do it!" "Dont give up, Weedle! Stand your ground!" The commentator: After a full minute of stalemate, Weedles Trainer finally came up with a strategyusing Poison Sting to pierce through the sticky webbing. Slowly but surely, Weedle chewed its way out of the mess and finished the match with a decisive Poison Sting, taking Caterpie out of the running. The free spectators in the stands? Speechless. Second Round Ninth Group: (Level 9) Spearow vs. (Level 10) Rattata. Spearow wins. Third Round Ninth Group: (Level 13) Pichu vs. (Level 11) Grimer. In this match, something unexpected happened. Midway through the battle, when Pichu was struggling to keep up, it suddenly evolved into a Pikachu and turned the tide, claiming victory. Why call it Pikachu? Because by the end, thats exactly what it had become. Third Round Just as Ethan and Snivy were about to be completely bored out of their minds, they finally spotted the Lapras. It appeared on Field 7, its Trainer being a short, chubby boy with a lazy demeanor. He casually held a bag of chips in one hand, looking more like a spectator than a competitor. His opponent was a girl commanding a Level 15 Onix. The moment both Pokmon were summoned, the commentator, perched atop Aegislash, zipped over to Field 7, diving into an overly enthusiastic commentary. "Oh my goodness! Onixwhat a massive frame and a gleaming, polished surface! This Onix has clearly been raised exceptionally well! In the Baby Cup, a Pokmon like this is absolutely imposingtruly a force to be reckoned with! Now lets see what kind of Pokmon will its opponent summon?" "Lapras! Its Lapras! I cant believe itits actually a Lapras!" Chapter 21: Hardship-based Education "Check out Field 7Onix versus Lapras! Even though theres a big type advantage, at least this battle is worth watching." "Yeah, if it werent free admission, whod even come to watch the Baby Cup? Luckily, Field 7 is visible enough from here..." Behind the participants'' seating area, the audience was abuzz with chatter as their attention shifted to Field 7. Even Ethan found himself watching the match, though his lips twitched with mild exasperation. The commentators bias is so blatant, isnt it? The strategy was clear as day: first, lavish praise on the opponents Onix, making it seem like an incredible Pokmon. Then, once Lapras inevitably won, the contrast would leave a lasting impression of Laprass strength. "Snivy~!" In Ethans arms, the previously bored Snivy finally perked up, its eyes shining with interest. Among all the Pokmon it had seen so farnot even that Torchic had caught its attention. But this Lapras this Lapras exuded a pressure that made it stand out as a formidable rival. Ethan noticed the change in Snivys demeanor and smiled. "What do you think, Snivy? Looks like youve found a worthy opponent." "Dont worry. Youll get your chance eventually," Ethan said with a smile, patting Snivys head. He was also genuinely intrigued by this Lapras. Activating Insight Eye, he examined the Pokmon: [Pokmon: Lapras] [Gender: Male] [Ability: Water Absorb] [Aptitude: Purple] [Individual Values: HP (29), Attack (20), Defense (19), Special Defense (21), Speed (18)] [Strength: Level 19] [Moves: Growl, Water Gun, Sing, Mist, Life Dew, Ice Shard, Ice Beam] [Description: A Lapras suppressing its energy and in visible distress. Prolonged suppression might lead to an overflow of energy when it finally breaks free.] [Friendship: 0 (It doesnt know you.)] [Happiness: 0 (Its struggling to contain its energy)] Not only does it have purple-level aptitude, but its HP individual value is extraordinary, Ethan thought, rubbing his chin. But that description So its been suppressing its breakthrough to the Elite stage all this time? Ethan mused, his expression turning serious. Suppressing energy like this wasnt healthy for Pokmon. If the energy was held back for too long, it could lead to severe discomfortakin to a bloated, painful sensation for the Pokmon. Over time, it could even hinder the Pokmons growth potential and reduce its ultimate limits. Ethan thought about Snivy. If it were on the cusp of evolving naturally before this competition, he wouldnt have hesitated to withdraw from the tournament entirely. But the Lapras Trainer clearly lacked that understandingor simply didnt care. Meanwhile, the battle on Field 7 had already begun. It was over quickly. The chubby boy holding a bag of chips issued his command lazily: Water Gun.Stolen story; please report. What followed was a ferocious torrent of water that burst from Lapras mouth, as if it had finally found an outlet for its pent-up energy. The arena was small, with moves like Dig prohibited. For Onix, its massive size became a prison, leaving it nowhere to run. Its Trainer hurriedly instructed it to Coil, hoping to minimize the damage by exposing only its side to the attack. But Lapras, seemingly unrestrained now that it had found its release, didnt stop. The relentless Water Gun hammered into Onix, merciless and continuous. Between the type advantage and Lapras sheer energy output, Onix had no chance. It was completely overpowered. Onixs gaze began to waver, its strength visibly faltering under the relentless assault. Realizing that continuing this way would lead to a swift defeat, the Trainer urgently commanded, Onix, Rock Throw! Onix gritted through the pain and lifted its head, summoning its Rock-type energy. Several sharp stones materialized and hurtled toward Lapras at high speed. However, Lapras paid the attack no mind. It endured the incoming rocks, shrugging them off while intensifying its Water Gun. The torrent became even more ferocious, striking Onix with unrelenting force. In the end, Onix couldnt withstand the overwhelming pressure of the Water Gun. It collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud, its massive body limp and defeated. Unbelievable! A one-hit knockout! This Onix, raised with such care and precision, couldnt even last a single attack against Lapras. Lets take another look at Lapras Trainercalm and composed, as if he had foreseen this outcome from the start. The commentators words, perfectly timed, sparked waves of amazement across the crowd. The thousands of spectators collectively shifted their focus to Lapras, exclaiming in awe. That kidwho wouldve thought? He doesnt seem remarkable at all, but the Pokmon hes raised is incredibly strong! If nothing unexpected happens, the championship is as good as his, right? That Lapras is amazing! In the seating area for the Ninth Group participants: Thats some serious strength, Snivy, Ethan remarked thoughtfully. This Lapras wasnt just on par with Snivy in terms of powerit had another advantage: its nearing breakthrough meant its body was overflowing with energy. For Lapras, releasing energy wasnt just an attackit was a form of relief. Snivy blinked, its eyes gleaming with even greater determination. It didnt care how strong its opponent was. The stronger they were, the more excited it got. Oh, by the way, Ethan added, glancing down at Snivy, if you feel the urge to evolve during the match, dont hold back. Snivy nodded confidently, its tail flicking lightly in anticipation. As the third wave of matches concluded, the fourth wave began in earnest. With the permission of the officials, Ethan and another boy made their way to the Ninth Field. Hey, Ive been watching you, said the boy, breaking the silence. Youve been holding that Snivy the entire time. Is it because its never been in a battle before? Huh? Ethan raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. The speaker was a boy with cropped hair, wearing a black t-shirt. Ethan tilted his head slightly, puzzled. No, not really. Why do you ask? The cropped-hair boy continued with an air of authority, Pokmon are meant for battling. Holding it like that and spoiling itarent you afraid itll grow arrogant and entitled? He smirked, clearly pleased with his own reasoning. Take me, for example. He retrieved a Pok Ball and released a Sandslash, which appeared at his side. This guy here has already won nine battles for me. Youll be the witness to our tenth straight victory. His tone brimmed with pride as he went on. To make it stronger and overcome its weaknesses, Ive trained it rigorously. Weve run in the rain, swum in rivers all to conquer its fear of Water-types. Thats why this battle is already in the bag for us. Ethan stared at him, momentarily speechless. What? Youve trained your Ground-type to overcome Water-types and somehow you think thatll help against my Grass-type? And, more importantly, Ethan wasnt a fan of this hardship-based education philosophy. [Pokmon: Sandslash] [Gender: Male] [Ability: Sand Veil] [Aptitude: Green] [Individual Values: HP (18), Attack (20), Special Attack (10), Defense (19), Special Defense (11), Speed (12)] [Strength: Level 14-16] [Moves: Scratch, Defense Curl, Poison Sting, Sand Attack, Rollout, Fury Cutter] [Description: Its scales have become slightly loosened from prolonged exposure to water. Needs treatment soon.] [Friendship: 0] [Happiness: 25 (Still wondering how to overcome water)] Ethan glanced at the data provided by his Insight Eye and sighed inwardly. While this Sandslash might be one of the strongest in the ninth group, its far from a real challenge. He looked at Snivy, whose expression betrayed faint boredom. Clearly, even the promise of a battle wasnt enough to excite it. Chapter 22: If You Have Questions, Please Visit Neighbor’s Breeding House Perched atop his Aegislash, commentator Ice out a weary sigh. This job is way more stressful than I expected. He truly didnt know how to spice up his commentary anymore. His only saving grace so far had been praising Lapras to the skies. After all, what else could he talk about? The Trainer munching on chips during a battle? Yeah, right. If it werent for the fact that I need money right now, theres no way Id be doing this gig, Ice thought with resignation. Honestly, so far, none of these rookie Trainers seem particularly impressive, he mused as he floated around the nine fields, waiting for the fourth round to begin. But then something caught his eye. Hmm? Theres a Squirtle and a Bulbasaur on Field 8. Excited at the sight of a starter showdown, he swooped closer to prepare his commentary. Lets turn our attention to Field 8! What a rare treatboth Trainers here have starter Pokmon! This is a clash between Squirtle and Bulbasaur! James let out a sarcastic laugh, his tone dripping with disdain. On the field below, Jamess face stiffened as he eyed the Squirtle released by Emma. Something about it seemed different. But he couldnt quite figure out what it was. His mood soured further as he thought about how hed been reprimanded by the officials earlier. The memory only deepened his resentment, which he quickly directed at the boy Emma had called Ethan. If it werent for that guy, James thought bitterly, Emma would never have rejected me. His voice turned venomous. Ive already told youyour Squirtle doesnt stand a chance against my Bulbasaur! Wha?! Jamess smug laugh was cut short as a sharp Water Gun shot out with blistering speed and precision, striking Bulbasaur squarely. The force of the attack elicited a pained cry from Bulbasaur: Saur! Saur! Jamess eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Emmas Squirtle. Just a few days ago, this Squirtles Water Gun didnt even faze my Bulbasaur How could it suddenly pack such a punch?! Great job, Squirtle! Do it again! Emma exclaimed with excitement. D-dodge it! Quickly! James stammered, frantically issuing a command. But it was too late. After already taking one hit, Bulbasaur was sluggish. The Water Gun, honed through countless special training sessions with Ethans Snivy, struck home again. Bulbasaur staggered, unable to avoid the precise assault. High above the field, commentator Ice couldnt help but silently commend the performance. That Squirtles accuracy and timing clearly the result of rigorous training. Not bad at all. Emma didnt bother replying, her expression calm and composed. A satisfied smile tugged at her lips as she thought, Ethan was rightas long as I ignore him, hell get flustered on his own.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. As for whether I can win The referees call to begin the match echoed across the field. Emma wasted no time. Her voice rang out confidently as she commanded, Squirtle, show the results of your training these past few daysWater Gun! Ha! Your weakling Squirtles Water Gun? Like itll even land a hit on my Bulbasaur! James scoffed arrogantly. Huh, this Squirtles not bad, Ice mused as he observed the match. The mastery over Water Gun is quite impressive. Still, one thing puzzled him. Though it doesnt quite seem like something this girl couldve raised herself. Emmas face lit up with genuine surprise at Squirtles performance, as if she hadnt expected it to reach this level. Weird Ice Li shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. Guess Ill check out another group. With that, he directed his Aegislash to fly toward the Ninth Groups match. Damn it! Sandslash, use a combo move! The buzz-cut boys voice rang out, tinged with frustration and disbelief as he faced Ethans Snivy. Up to this point in the battle, hed already commanded Sandslash to use three different moves: Rollout, Poison Sting, and Fury Cutter. But none of them had managed to threaten Snivy in the slightest. It didnt feel like a battle. Instead, it felt as if Snivy was using Sandslash as a whetstone to sharpen its skills. "That''s enough, isn''t it?" Ethan asked, his voice calm, as he communicated with Snivy through his Verdant Force ability. "Snivy~," Snivy nodded, understanding the cue. Ethan smirked faintly and issued a casual command: "Use Vine Whip." Sandslash, still rolling with the momentum of Rollout, had already unfurled its body mid-air, claws glowing menacingly with the white energy of Fury Cutter. It looked like the perfect setup for a decisive blow. But in the blink of an eye Two green vines lashed out like snapping whips, striking Sandslash with precision. The impact was so powerful it sent the Ground-type Pokmon hurtling through the air, spinning uncontrollably before crashing to the ground a full ten meters away. This was the power of Snivys Vine Whip. With its maxed-out Speed IVs and the mastery gained from countless hours of weeding practice, Snivy could unleash devastating strikes almost instantaneously. The buzz-cut boy had been grinning moments earlier, confident as Snivy didnt dodge Sandslashs combo attack. But now, with his highly anticipated combo move utterly countered and his Sandslash sent flying with a single whip, the buzz-cut boys eyes widened in shock. "What the? Are you kidding me?! How is this even possible?" Sandslash lay sprawled on the ground, struggling to stand after taking just one hit from Snivys Vine Whip. This only deepened the boys disbelief. He knew his Sandslash inside and outit might lack offensive power, but its defense and stamina were top-tier. And yet How can your Snivy be this strong? he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration and disbelief. Ethan paused for a moment, as if in thought, before replying with a nonchalant smile: "If you have got questions, head to Neighbor''s Breeding House in Willow Town. All the secrets to Snivys strength are there." "Snivy~?" Snivy turned its head, its bright amber eyes staring at Ethan in confusion. How did this suddenly become about me? "Relax," Ethan murmured through his Verdant Force, "just a little advertising." "Snivy" Clearly, Snivy still didnt realize it had become the centerpiece of its Trainers marketing strategy. Got it! Thanks for the advice! The buzz-cut boy gave Ethan a sincere nod of appreciation before retreating with his Sandslash in tow. In his mind, this battle had been incredibly rewarding. Especially after seeing Ethans calm and composed demeanor, both during and after the match, the boy felt like he had gained new insight. As a Trainer, one must remain unfazed, as steady as a mountain, whether facing triumph or disaster! This Snivy High above on Aegislash, commentator Ice couldnt help but feel surprised as he observed Ethan and Snivy. As a Gym-level Trainer, his perspective was far sharper than that of the average spectator, most of whom were here simply because it was free. The bond of trust between Snivy and its Trainer was unmistakable, evident in every move and command exchanged during the battle. Tsk, tsk, tsk Ice clicked his tongue as his gaze shifted toward the contestant seating at Field 1, where the Trainer of the powerful Lapras lounged. So much pomp and circumstance itd be a shame if this whole setup backfired, he thought with a sly smirk. An odd impulse stirred within him. What no one besides Ice and the event organizeraka the owner of the Wangwang Supermarketknew was this: the tournament wasnt entirely fair. There was a degree of manipulation behind the scenes. The so-called randomized matchups werent exactly random. As the commentator, Ice had a hand in determining which contestants would face off after the group stages. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. I should arrange it so Ethan and his Snivy can face the Lapras Trainer head-on. If the two were to meet in a pure, unfiltered battle Now thats the kind of match thatll make this tournament truly exciting. Chapter 23: Winning the Group Stage, Paving the Way After the conclusion of the first round of matches, the second round swiftly followed, with only a five-minute break in between. But for Snivy, which had expended next to no energy by using just two moves, this break was almost unnecessary. The second match, however, was decidedly uneventful. Ethans opponent was the Trainer of the Spearow from earlier. As soon as the boy saw that his matchup was against Ethan, his face visibly fell. Even though Spearow technically had a type advantage over Snivy, the boy lacked any confidence that his Pokmon could evade Snivys devastating Vine Whip. In fact, it wasnt just him All the contestants in Group 9 wore similarly grim expressions. Having witnessed Ethans overwhelming performance in the first round, their hopes of making it through the group stage had taken a significant hit. Most of them had already resigned themselves to the inevitable outcome. And so, Ethan calmly led Snivy onto the field, both of them exuding quiet confidence. As expected, Ethans match against Spearow was over in the blink of an eye. Spearow tried its best to dodge, flying swiftly around the field, but it couldnt escape Snivys Vine Whip. With one precise strike, it was sent crashing to the ground. If this had been a battle in the wild, Spearow might have had a chance to evade. But in the confined indoor arena, there was nowhere to run. Next came the third round. The opposing Pokmon? A Pikachu. Ethan had always held a certain respect for Pikachuit was hard not to after all the legends surrounding it. But not every Pikachu could be the fabled "Pika-God," capable of pulling off miraculous wins against type disadvantages. This one was no exception. With minimal effort, Snivy used its vines to entangle the Electric-type and promptly tossed it off the field. And so, by mid-morning, all the group stage matches were complete. Nine contestants emerged victorious from their respective groups. The tournament organizers announced a lunch break, complete with complimentary meals and a two-hour rest period. As soon as the matches ended, Emma came bounding over, practically glowing with excitement. Ethan! I made it through my group! she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. Ethan nodded, unsurprised. Good job, he said simply, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He had expected no less. Ethan had observed the situation in nearly every group during the matches. Emmas luck wasnt bad at all. In her group, the stronger Pokmon were largely countered by Squirtles type advantage, while the weaker ones simply couldnt dodge its precise Water Gun.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Her performance was decent, and so was Squirtles. But in Emmas eyes? That was an understatement. Her first-round success had given her an enormous confidence boost. She was already daydreaming about herself as a top-tier Pokmon Trainer, standing proudly on the grandest stagethe Pokmon Championshipbattling alongside the Elite Eight Masters and emerging victorious. Ethan couldnt help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. Emmas dream had always been to become a Pokmon Master, standing under the spotlight, with crowds roaring in admiration for her and her Pokmon. Even if her efforts often followed the pattern of three days of hard work, two days of slacking, she never gave up on the fantasy. But Ethan didnt see anything wrong with a little imagination and ambition. When youre young, who doesnt dream of being a hero in their own story? Whether those dreams came true or not didnt matter as much. What mattered was the journeythe moments of triumph and failure that would become cherished memories later in life. Two hours passed in the blink of an eye. Compared to the tightly packed schedule of the morning matches, the afternoons proceedings felt far more relaxed. With only nine contestants left, the tournament required just four battles to determine the semifinalists. To save time, all four matches would take place simultaneously. As for the ninth contestant? They would advance directly into the top five via a random draw. Ten minutes before the start of the matches In the 7th groups contestant seating, the organizer of the entire eventthe owner of Wangwang Supermarket, Harrisonsurveyed the remaining nine Trainers who had emerged victorious from the group stage. Well, eight Trainers, to be precise, as he excluded his own child from this count. The other eight seemed perfectly ordinary at first glance. By all accounts, this was the kind of predictable and manageable lineup he preferred. Yet, one particular Trainer and their Pokmon unsettled him. That Trainer was Ethan, from Group 9, and his Snivy. The four matches progressed swiftly. Other than using Vine Whip and Leaf Blade in the first round, Ethans Snivy relied solely on Vine Whip to dispatch its opponents in the following matches. Though Harrison wasnt a Pokmon battle expert, his instincts as a businessman told him one thing: This newcomer Trainer, Ethan, was holding back. Whether for the sake of the prize money or to preserve his reputation, Ethan was deliberately hiding his true strength. Unable to shake his unease, Harrison called over Ice. Whats the matter, boss? The commentator floated over on his Aegislash, a look of mild curiosity on his face. I want to see the matchup arrangement, Harrison said directly. Huh? Ice raised an eyebrow but dutifully retrieved the matchup chart. As he handed it over, he asked, Why the sudden concern, boss? The matchups were arranged exactly how you wanted. Theres only ten minutes left until the next round starts. Theres one contestant Im not entirely confident about, Harrison muttered, scanning the list. His brows furrowed. Wheres that Ethan kid? Oh, him? Ice responded casually. Hes got a bye this round. Didnt you say earlier to randomize the early matches and save the grand finale for when Lapras can decisively crush whoevers left? Harrison shook his head firmly. No, that Snivy hasnt shown its full strength yet. I cant get a clear read on it. Heres what I wantpair Ethan with Kun. His Torchic, with its Fire-type advantage, should be able to push Snivy to its limits. Uh alright A trace of exasperation flashed through Ices mind. It seemed his plan to keep Ethans abilities under wraps for a while longer was falling apart. Just as he prepared to ascend and adjust the match arrangements, Harrison called out to him again, this time with a grin plastered across his face. Ice, now, Im no expert on Pokmon battles, but you and I are the only ones who know about this adjustment. If it works out, Ill double your fee. Ice paused mid-step, his expression momentarily stunned before breaking into a polite smile. Oh, you dont have to do that. Really, its unnecessary. Its only fair, Harrison replied, still smiling as he nodded enthusiastically. As Ice took off to finalize the changes, Harrisons smile slowly faded. I may not know much about battles, he thought, but I understand business. In his world, relationships built on mutual interests were the most reliable of all. Ah, but this is the age of Trainers, Harrison mused with a sigh. Thats why he had to pave the way for his childs future. Five minutes before the next round of matches The nine remaining Trainers were gathered together for the final draw. When Kun saw that his opponent was Ethan, he approached with a look of surprise. Were matched up? Having spent his earlier matches in Field 1, Kun hadnt paid much attention to what was happening in the other groups. But what he hadnt expected was this: The same Ethan who hadnt even chosen a starter Pokmon before their college entrance exams now possessed a Pokmon capable of making it through the group stage of the Baby Cup. Looks like it, Ethan replied casually with a shrug, showing little concern. Kun let out a soft sigh and patted Ethans shoulder as he moved closer. Man, you really drew the short straw, huh? Dont worryIll go easy on you, Chapter 24: A Variable in the Plan — Ethan "Uh... suit yourself." Ethan didnt bother explaining further. Peoples perceptions vary, and the only way to challenge those perceptions is with solid proof. Ha ha ha I got a bye! Beside him, Emma clutched a blank slip of paper, laughing triumphantly. Ethan couldnt help but mentally applaud her luck. Not bad. Sometimes fortune really does favor the simple-minded. The matches are about to begin. Contestants, please head to the designated arenas according to your draw numbers, came Ice Lis voice through the microphone, echoing from above. Ethan, along with Snivy, made his way to the combined Fields 1 and 2. Naturally, his opponentKun with his Torchicwalked alongside him. As soon as he stepped onto the battlefield, Kuns expression became serious. Although hed casually remarked earlier about going easy on Ethan, in truth, he was taking this match more seriously than any before. Others might not know Ethan well, but Kun certainly did. Ethan had always been top of the class in academics, frequently securing first place in Pokmon simulation battles, and often coming up with jaw-dropping strategies that left everyone amazed. He was the standard against which others measured themselves back in school. And now, Ethan had emerged victorious from the group stage of the Baby Cup. That could only mean one thing: Snivy was no pushover. To deal with someone like Ethan, you had to underestimate them in theory but overprepare in practice. Let the match begin! The moment the words left the referees mouth, Kun wasted no time issuing his command. Torchic, Quick Attack, followed by Ember! Chick-chick! Torchics short, slender legs carried it forward with astonishing speed, boosted by Quick Attack. In this burst of velocity, Torchic closed the gap with incredible swiftnessits speed rivaling that of humans in Ethans previous life. And despite the rapid movement, Torchic managed to spit out precise embers of flame, aimed directly at Snivy. This caused Ethans brow to arch in interest. In the previous matches, Torchic had never used a combo like this before. Clearly, Kun had been holding back.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. But what Ethan couldnt quite figure out was why his opponent had decided to reveal such a tactic right away when facing him. The embers flew forward like a scattershot water gun, densely packed and heading straight for Snivy. Ethan, however, issued his command calmly, Dodge the first wave of embers, close the gap, and use Leaf Blade! Even with Quick Attack, there was still a significant distance between the two Pokmonenough to span two arena zones. For Pokmon at the gym leader level, this would have been nothing more than a few quick strides. But for two tiny creatures standing under a meter tall? Covering that distance required time. Snivy, with nimble precision, easily sidestepped the first wave of embers. It immediately grasped Ethans intent. Quick Attack: "Rushes toward the target with blinding speed to inflict damage." Torchics ability to seamlessly combine Quick Attack and Ember, turning a single shot of flame into a barrage of dozens, was impressive. But this tactical brilliance came with a glaring flaw. While Torchic focused on maintaining its speed and spreading out its embers, its movements became more predictable. Each fiery burst narrowed its angle of maneuverability, exposing openings that a trained opponent could exploit. That meant Torchic''s attacks could only be launched from a specific angle, requiring precise prediction to avoid hitting itself in the face with its own embers during high-speed movement. In this situation, the more Snivy dodged, the more erratic the ember spray became, spreading across the battlefield and losing its accuracy. As Snivy shifted direction and closed in on Torchic, the embers visibly scattered further. By the end, Torchic had to cease its attack entirely, unable to maintain control. And that was when Snivy made its move. Leaping high into the air, Snivy spun gracefully, its movements elegant and controlled. In mid-air, its three-pronged leafy tail began to glow with a sharp white light. Smash! The tail came down with force, striking Torchic squarely as it struggled to maintain its momentum in Quick Attack. The impact sent both Pokmon sliding back. However, the aftermath told a very different story. While Snivy merely stepped back to steady itself, appearing unharmed aside from the minor recoil, Torchic was sent sprawling across the ground, its body skidding awkwardly to a stop. Ethans eyes gleamed with surprise and pride. He hadnt expected Snivy to interpret his intentions so thoroughly without relying on the Viridian Force. But the battle continued. He immediately gave the command, "Don''t give it a chance, Vine Whip." Two green vines shot out from Snivy''s back, swiftly extending toward Torchic. "Stand up, Torchic!" Despite his shock at how quickly Ethan had devised a counter, Kun still issued his command without hesitation. Especially when he saw the two vines about to entangle Torchic, his voice grew louder, "Torchic!" As if some invisible force was guiding it, or perhaps a shared resolve had reached Torchic, it finally managed to struggle to its feet. But at that moment, the two vines had already reached its side, seizing its legs and suspending it upside down in the air, slamming it repeatedly into the ground. "Torchic!" Kun''s voice grew even more impassioned. However, from above, Li Bing had already made the decision on the match''s outcome. "This match is over. Torchic has lost its ability to battle. Victory goes to Snivy!" After all, this was just a Baby Cup. There was no need to fight until complete exhaustion; this level of incapacitation was enough to determine the winner. Unless there was a miraculous evolution But the Torchic, placed back on the ground by Snivy, showed no signs of moving. "Well done," Ethan praised as Snivy walked over. "Snivy~" Snivy''s mouth curled up slightly. It wanted to credit Ethans excellent command, but the words stuck in its throat. Kun, retrieving his defeated Torchic, walked over with a wry smile. "As expected, you''re just too strong. I''ve always felt that if you don''t take first place, it''s not because you can''t, but because your mind isn''t set on it." Ethan shrugged nonchalantly. "Drop by my place sometime. Neighbourhood Breeding House in Wutong Town. Classmates get a 20% discount." "Uh... sure, I''ll visit when I have the chance." Kun waved as he walked off, carrying Torchic to get it treated. At the same time, he mentally noted the name of Ethan''s breeding house. Meanwhile, in the spectator seats, Harrison''s expression darkened as he watched Snivy effortlessly defeat Torchic once again. He had invested considerable time, effort, and money in organizing this Baby Cupcoordinating relationships, gathering participants, and ensuring all eyes were on the event. But now, an unexpected variable had appeared. And this was a variable he could not tolerate. "No, I need to have a talk with him! Chapter 25: A Clash of Ideologies Between Father and Son "Are you saying that during the match, Snivy should pretend to get one-shotted by Lapras?" The quarterfinals had concluded. Only five contestants remained in the competition. During the break. Harrison, the owner who had previously been promoting his business outside Woof Woof Supermarket, approached him. With a beaming smile, he led him to a secluded corner beneath the spectator stands. Ethan frowned, "What''s this about?" Harrison, still smiling, produced a bank card. "Heres the thing. Anyone can see how formidable that Lapras is. If it comes down to the finals, Snivy will most likely lose anyway. So why not agree to my proposal? Here''s a modest sum of 500,000. Please, just do me this small favor and let me save some face." Ethan waved his hand dismissively. "Not a chance." He strode out with large steps. A paltry sum of money to play rigged matches? Ridiculous. Harrison was left standing there, his forced smile frozen. After several moments, his expression darkened. "Well, well, such an arrogant kid. Doesn''t know how to appreciate a good deal, huh?" Harrison paced back and forth for a moment before pulling out his phone and calling his son. "Whats up, Dad?" A chubby boy holding a soda walked into the secluded corner. Seeing his son, Harrison''s expression softened. For the final match, when you face that Snivy, dont hold back. Let Lapras unleash its full power from the start. That Snivy is quite skilled. Alright, alright, got it, the stocky young man replied impatiently, turning to leave. As he walked away, he mumbled under his breath, Werent you the one saying this match only needed a simple Water Gun? But the corner of his mouth noticeably curled into a smirk. Snivy! Snivy! Back at the contestants resting area, Snivy was fuming as it reported its grievances to Ethan. That human had the audacity to look down on it, claiming it didnt stand a chance against that Lapras! Ethan smiled and patted Snivys head, comforting it. Hey, think about it from another angle, okay? The fact that they specifically came looking for us means were too strong. Theyre probably worried that the championship might slip out of their grasp.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Snivy tilted its head in confusion. Snivy? (Really?) Ethan nodded seriously. Of course. Inwardly, though, he found the situation even more amusing. This little one, Though clever, it still didnt know much about the human world. It was only natural for it to not pick up on these nuances. Snivy... Snivy thought Ethans explanation made sense, and its anger subsided slightly. Still, a strong determination welled up within it. Just then, the semifinals began. This time, the opponent was a trainer with a Spearow. Curiously enough, Emma got another bye This was just absurd. Ethan even glanced up at Bing, who was overseeing the tournament, and recalled the earlier incident of being summoned. He began to suspect some behind-the-scenes manipulation. Against a mere level 15 Spearow, Snivy naturally secured an easy win. Finally, the championship match was set to start around 4 PM that afternoon. Winning would mean claiming the Baby Cup championship title. Three minutes before the final match. A chubby boy holding a bag of chips approached Ethan, squinting his almost-invisible eyes at him. Hey... Hm? Ethan was slightly surprised. Whats up? If he wasnt mistaken, this boy was the trainer of the Lapras. Why was he approaching him now? I heard from my dad that youre pretty strong? the boy, whose name was Charlie, asked curiously. Uh, whether Im strong or not will only be clear after we battle. Do you need something? Due to the earlier encounter with Harrison, Ethan didnt feel particularly fond of this chubby boy. The chubby boy, Charlie, didnt seem to notice Ethans dislike. Then you must be really strong. Otherwise, my dad wouldnt have instructed Lapras to suppress its energy. Honestly, I dont even want to go along with this energy suppression thing. Ethan raised an eyebrow, surprised. Oh? Why not? Charlie grabbed another chip. Want some? Ethan glanced at the slight bit of saliva on Charlies fingers and shook his head. Its simple. Suppressing Lapras energy like this makes it uncomfortable. But my dad has always wanted me to become a trainer. Apparently, he heard from some breeder that temporarily suppressing Lapras energy transformation could increase its potential. Personally, I think hes been scammed and doesnt even realize it. Plus... A hint of helplessness crossed Charlies face. Look at me. Do I look like trainer material? It was clear he wasnt fully on board with his fathers plans for his future. Ethan replied earnestly, Well... not really. But you can work on it. While technically anyone could become a trainer, not everyone was suited for it. Traveling, challenging gyms, and battling These were all inherently risky activities. To truly become a trainer, a strong physique was a must. Trainers needed to engage in physical training to some degree to prepare for the challenges they faced. One thing was certain: In this world, human physiques could be significantly enhanced through training, just like Fighting-type Pokmon. The boy before him, however, clearly hadnt undergone any such training. His current physical condition made it evident he wasnt suited to be a trainer. Charlie nodded in agreement and tossed the bag of chips onto a nearby table. Right? I think so too. Anyway, the match is about to start. Just give it your all. Win or lose, it doesnt matter to me. With that, he naturally headed toward the battlefield. However, his pace quickened unconsciously, as if he couldnt wait to get to the arena. This was a first for Ethan, having watched Charlies previous matches. Ethan shook his head, the initial irritation fading away. He followed Charlie toward the battlefield. The final match. As Snivy and Lapras took their positions on the field, the crowd in the stands grew visibly more excited, their cheers louder than before. Its the finals! Finally, the finals! Im actually looking forward to this one. A Lapras thats only used Water Gun so far, and a Snivy thats only relied on Vine Whip and Razor Leaf. Both Pokmon have been hiding their true strength! If you ask me, Lapras probably has the upper hand. Even with the type disadvantage, Snivy is still just a starter Pokmon in its initial stage Ah, but both Pokmon are ones I love! Though, I have to admit, I like Snivy more. Theres something so elegant about the way it battles Chapter 26: C-Rank Water Stone, Lapras’ Uncontrolled Breakthrough Woooo~! A long, joyful cry resonated across the entire arena. Accompanying it was the sound of the system prompt in Ethans ear: Congratulations to the host for increasing Lapras happiness level from 10% to 75%. Rewards: 10 bags of Miracle Fertilizer, 1 Rare Candy, 1 C-Rank Water Stone. The moment Lapras was released, a current of water swirled around its body. No one could fully grasp what it was feeling at that moment. Having its energy suppressed for so long was like an overfilled plastic bag being continuously filled with water. The pressure inside only grew stronger, and the sensation of fullness and pain within its body became increasingly unbearable. Now, as it finally released that pent-up energy, Lapras even felt a hint of gratitude toward Ethan, its opponent. During this time, Ethan, showing his understanding, refrained from issuing any attack commands to Snivy. He simply waited patiently for Lapras to complete its transformation. But then Wooo~! The once excited cry suddenly turned pained, and Lapras body began to writhe uneasily. This abrupt change immediately caught the audiences attention. Whats going on with Lapras? Why does it sound so miserable as soon as it comes out? The match hasnt even started yet! This is so strange The anticipation for the match quickly turned into concern for Lapras. Pause the match! Pause the match! Charlies face grew panicked as he waved his arms and shouted toward the officials in the sky. Although he had only recently become a trainer in name, this Lapras had been with him for several months. Up above, Bing also noticed the abnormality. Frowning, he immediately commanded his Aegislash to descend and check Lapras condition. The swirling water vapor was a clear sign that energy was leaking from within its body. The grass around it had already become wet and muddy. No wonder he had always felt something was off about this Lapras. During battles, it never moved a step, even when hit by an opponents attacks. It also used its energy without the slightest hesitation. Now it was clearthis was the result of suppressing its energy for far too long. What should I do?You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Charlie looked at Bing in a panic, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes. He knew Bing was a Gym-level trainer his father had specially hired, someone far more knowledgeable than him. But to his surprise, Bing shook his head. I can only tell that its due to prolonged energy suppression, but I dont know how to resolve it. Its best to wait for professional medical personnel to arrive. During this transformation process, Charlie didnt dare to recall Lapras into its Pokball. In a daze, he picked up his phone and called for emergency services. Bings commentary echoed throughout the arena via the microphone. The audience erupted into a frenzy. What? Suppressing energy on purpose and then coming to the Baby Cup to stomp on weaker opponents? Isnt that a bit too much? Well, not exactly. Its within the rules, after all. But if youre going to suppress energy, you shouldve used an Everstone. Just look at this Laprasits been suppressed for so long, and now its trying to evolve all at once Ugh, it could be life-threatening. Its like a flood overwhelming its bodytoo violent, too sudden. Looks like the final winner will be Snivy What the? The Snivys trainer is taking advantage of the situation and having it release its moves right now! (It looks like its in so much pain. Will it die?) Below him, Snivy, who had originally been looking forward to an intense battle, couldnt help but ask as it watched the agonized cries of Lapras. Ethan sighed. ... Its energy is too overwhelming, and its body cant handle it all at once. By the time the medical team arrives, they might save it, but itll probably suffer lasting aftereffects. Alright, Snivy. The match has officially started now. We still have to fight. Ill use the power of Verdant Force to guide you through the battle. Snivy (Understood) Grassy Terrain! While everyone elses attention was fixed on Lapras, the green grass of the arena had silently sprouted new buds. Stimulated by Grass-type energy, it began growing rapidly. Snivy? In just a short moment, the grass had grown to over half a meter high, completely concealing Snivys figure. The grass extended across the battlefield, covering the entire area between Snivy and Lapras. Vine Whip. Two green vines lashed out like shadows, swiftly wrapping around the bewildered Charlie standing beside Lapras and dragging him to the side of the field. Heres the continuation of Chapter 26:
Ethan exhaled deeply as the Verdant Force within him was released for the first time. An invisible energy flowed from his body and enveloped Lapras, carrying with it a simple command: Just battle as usual. Have Lapras use Water Gun on Snivy. This command wasnt just conveyed to Laprasit reached Charlie as well. Charlie froze, unsure where the voice had come from. However, in his current state of panic, he instinctively shouted, Water Gun! In the lush green grass, Snivys shadow flickered in and out of sight, almost following a rhythm. Every time it appeared, a jet of water would land where Snivy had just been. What? This wont work! Bings pupils contracted as he watched the scene unfold. While it was true that using skills like this could help alleviate the buildup of energy inside Lapras, at this moment, venting its energy through such forceful attacks was akin to poking a hole in an overfilled plastic bag. The immense pressure of the water would only stretch the hole wider and wider. This type of damage was internal and outwardly destructive. Without specialized equipment, no one could predict where this "hole" might appear inside Lapras. But in the next second, Bing froze. Because, as Lapras continued releasing Water Gun, its previously pained expression gradually eased, showing no signs of further discomfort. The jets of water sprayed wildly across the grassy field, yet not a single one managed to hit Snivy. Grass Blender, Leech Seed! At that moment, Ethan issued another command. With the boost from Grassy Terrain, two swirling vortexes of wind and vibrant green leaves quickly formed. They spun rapidly and closed in on Lapras from both sides. Lapras instinctively released another Water Gun. Its proficiency with the move had noticeably improved, and the energy within its body was just one step away from being completely resolved. That final step was to use Leech Seed to drain the remaining excess energy from within its body. While the Grass Blender on the left was dispersed by Lapras Water Gun, the one on the right crashed into its body. The impact tore through its skin, planting Leech Seeds within the wound. Lapras suddenly stopped moving. Its previously pained expression completely eased, and to everyones surprise, it even seemed to enjoy the sensation?