In the study, Aven was busy working on plans for the Pokémon Breeding Facility.
Fruitvale Village now housed over 5,000 Pokémon, and he needed to reorganize their placement.
Among them, the most numerous were, of course, Oddish and Bidoof—especially the Bidoof tribe, who needed to be properly accommodated.
Their situation was still rather complex. Unlike the wild Oddish, the Bidoof and Bibarel had once belonged to Marina City's knight order.
Given the ongoing threat from Marina City, their identity was sensitive, and Aven dared not assign them to the village's defense.
"It just so happens that constructing the breeding facility will require a lot of labor,"
"And these Bidoof are excellent workers—especially when it comes to digging canals."
Aven stroked his chin thoughtfully. Bidoof and Bibarel were known for their diligence—ideal laborers.
Although there were a few rivers in his territory, they were small and couldn't support the breeding of Water-type Pokémon.
So, his plan was to have the Bidoof tribe expand the rivers and dig out a large lake in the breeding area.
Since Bibarel and Bidoof naturally lived near water, this artificial lake would also become their new home.
"Letting them handle the waterway expansions gives them time to adapt.
"With enough time, they'll grow to love this place and gradually integrate into the territory—just like the Abyssal Beasts did."
Aven smiled at the thought of the Abyssal Beasts, who had unexpectedly fought during the recent defense. Their participation had helped win the villagers' trust.
That kind of wholehearted support gave him a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment—the best reward for all he had done.
"I didn't expect Marina City to invade from the Black Coast," he muttered.
"All along, I thought the fronts facing the eastern Black Forest and Marina City were the greatest threats, so I planned to build a defense line at Stonefall Village."
But now it seemed the Black Coast was just as much a threat—perhaps even the primary beachhead for future colonization.
"Looks like I'll need to set up a ranger defense line along the Black Coast.
"In the end, the whole territory will become part of the Pokémon Breeding Facility, so we might as well start developing the Black Coast now."
Looking at the map on his desk, Aven thought that it might be better to develop the Black Forest first, incorporating the entire Black Coast into his domain.
He was still pondering where to settle the Abyssal Beasts—perhaps sending them into the Black Forest would be ideal.
After all, Pokémon like Torterra originally lived in the Black Forest.
Returning there wouldn't be a problem.
Right now, aside from the Vespiquen swarm, no other group in the Black Forest Coast could rival the Abyssal Beasts.
However, food supply was a critical issue—most Pokémon conflicts originated from food scarcity.
In the future world, wild Pokémon rarely attacked or invaded human territories because they didn't have to worry about finding food.
Over time, peaceful coexistence became the norm between humans and Pokémon.
This balance was largely thanks to human effort—and the ranger defense lines.
"I can establish a berry orchard between Fruitvale Village and the Black Forest Coast."
"The berries there will provide food for the Pokémon and solve part of the food issue."
"I'll also plant more grasslands—many Pokémon feed on grass, and this will also allow us to expand the territory's livestock industry."
Aven circled and adjusted the map repeatedly, soon drafting a preliminary development plan for the entire territory.
…
Outside Fruitvale Village, the Bibarel tribe had been living peacefully on the grassy fields.
Every mealtime, villagers would bring them Pokémon food, and their days were quite carefree.
More and more villagers came to visit the Bibarel and Bidoof.
These villagers were warm and friendly, treating the Pokémon like family—which quickly won their trust.
Later, the Bibarel leader learned that the villagers' true goal was to earn their approval and become apprentice trainers.
This wasn't unfamiliar to the Bibarel leader; it reminded him of the knights of Marina City…
But unlike the forced obedience and training under those knights, these villagers needed the Pokémon's genuine approval to form a bond.
That sense of respect moved the Bibarel leader. If a villager truly earned the approval of one of his kin, he wouldn't object to them leaving.
As the chieftain pondered this, he saw Aven walking toward them in white robes, carrying a Petilil in his arms.
The Petilil, known for its healing powers, was highly respected among the Bibarel.
"How have the your tribe been these past few days?" Aven asked, sitting beside the Bibarel.
The leader smiled and nodded—this had indeed been the most relaxing time of his life.
No training, no missions—just basking in the sun with his companions. It was everything he could hope for.
"That's good," Aven nodded. "Now, it's time we had a serious talk."
The Bibarel leader's face turned serious. He knew this would be a decision about the tribe's future.
"First, about your habitat," Aven said.
"You know returning to Marina City is impossible, so I'll help you find a new place to live."
The Bibarel nodded again—he had already expected this.
Ever since breaking from the knight order, they had no plans to return.
As long as the tribe stayed together, anywhere could be home.
"Unlike Marina City, this territory doesn't have many rivers.
"So to make a suitable habitat, you'll need to expand the rivers and dig a large lake."
Aven laid out his plan.
"Once it's complete, you'll be free to live there—no one will disturb you again."
The Bibarel suddenly looked up—"free" was a word that felt foreign to him.
A warm wave of emotion surged in his heart.
"Yes, you'll be free to live the life you choose," Aven confirmed with a nod.
"Of course, you'll still need to follow the territory's laws.
"Most importantly, you can't harm humans or enter their settlements uninvited."
The Bibarel slowly came to his senses. He hadn't expected Aven to offer true freedom.
He had mentally prepared to become a mount again—but instead, he was offered peace and a new home.
The surprise was overwhelming.
He nodded vigorously, promising to follow the territory's laws and ensure his companions did the same.
"Next, let's talk about food," Aven continued.
"Your tribe is large, and your food needs are high."
The leader looked a little embarrassed. They had been mooching off Fruitvale Village for a while now.
"According to village rules, there are three ways to earn food."
"First, form a bond with an apprentice trainer—they'll provide your food."
"Second, work in exchange for food.
"For example, helping with the river and lake projects will earn you your share."
"Third, we'll plant berry trees in your territory.
"You'll protect them, and the berries will be yours to eat."
"Of course, you can also find your own food, so long as you don't harm humans or other Pokémon."
These methods were standard—even in Aven's previous life, Pokémon often worked in exchange for food.
He had already tested this system with the Pokemon from the abyssal battle, and it worked very well.
Hearing Aven's explanation, the Bibarel leader's eyes lit up—he particularly liked the second option.
Aven then summoned Fessen to discuss the river expansion.
"Lord Aven, you want to dig a large lake?" Fessen asked, surprised—it was a huge project.
"Yes. The Bibarel and Bidoof will assist.
"They're excellent diggers, so it won't be too difficult."
"Also, I plan to expand the rivers and make them wide enough for boats."
He explained the entire plan:
If the territory wanted to grow, a reliable trade route was essential, and water routes were the most efficient.
But more importantly, this lake would provide a true home for the Bibarel tribe and support the breeding of many Water-type Pokémon.
Fessen nodded and went off to begin preparations.
He would need to arrange a large workforce, but thankfully, many villagers and patrol members were eager to bond with Bidoof, making this a great opportunity.
(End of Chapter)