A week later.
On the east side of what was a wasteland—but which Lucas shamelessly called his farm—a small stream wound its way by.
Clear water, plenty of fish of all sizes, and if you looked closely, sometimes you could spot flashes of red.
"It's you guys again? I'm not running an all-you-can-eat buffet, please, just stop eating already..."
Lucas, holding his fishing rod, looked despairingly into the dead fish eyes of Magikarp before him.
Whether it was the system's gloating text, or the Serperior at his side who was swishing its tail impatiently—its eyes full of disdain—it was as if they were all saying:
You prepared a huge bucket of bait, swearing you'd catch something, but after feeding all the Magikarp, you want to beg them to leave? What's wrong with you?
The Magikarp, looking unbothered as Lucas held it, just wagged its tail, waiting for him to toss it back.
Lucas wasn't a bad fisherman—he'd often go alone on holidays before transmigrating. Not every trip was successful, but he usually caught something.
He'd come fishing today on a whim, craving grilled fish, and prepared a bucket of bait meant only for ordinary fish—nothing attractive to Pokémon. For Pokémon, it was like a pig slop.
But he'd underestimated these shameless Magikarp. Not only did they love the bait, but as supernatural creatures, they'd driven away all the normal fish.
Serperior watched its useless trainer's face turn red with anger and sighed.
Though it still looked disdainful, it released a faint pressure toward the Magikarp in the stream.
The pressure was perfectly controlled—enough to scare off the Magikarp, but not the regular fish.
The Magikarp, which had been staring Lucas down, suddenly panicked and let go of the bait, using Splash to flee at top speed.
"Thank you, Serperior!" Lucas said gratefully, dropping his rod to hug Serperior.
But before he could, the disdainful Serperior used two green vines to tie him up and hang him from a tree, swinging back and forth comically.
Serperior grumbled, "Ssska!" (How many times have I told you, call me 'Your Majesty'!)
Lucas couldn't understand Pokémon's language, but he could tell Serperior was in a tsundere mood—if he buttered it up, Serperior would be happy.
Having long figured out Serperior's personality, Lucas skillfully flattered it. In no time, Serperior, its head raised in pride, graciously let Lucas hug its warm—not cold—body.
Lucas enjoyed the warmth, grinning slyly where Serperior couldn't see.
A tsundere snake is no match for a seasoned otaku!
After some roughhousing, Lucas looked at the leftover bait—should be enough for one last try.
This time, he vowed he wouldn't go home empty-handed!
He could always have Serperior shock the fish, but that would defeat the purpose—he enjoyed the process.
Determined, Lucas rolled up his sleeves.
"Ring~, Ring~"
Suddenly, his phone (stuffed in his floral shorts) started ringing.
Lucas deflated, answered the call.
"Hello? Is something wrong?"
A hearty middle-aged man's voice replied:
"No problem at all, we'll start work on schedule. Some of my workers just want your permission for something."
"Permission?" Lucas tilted his head, not understanding.
"With that child abduction gang still on the loose, and kids disappearing from nearby towns—schools are on break, so some of my workers want to bring their kids to the site so they can keep an eye on them."
Before Lucas could reply, the foreman rushed to reassure him:
"They promise not to let the kids run around, and I'll personally supervise. Is that alright?"
That's it?
Lucas almost laughed—his farm was mostly wasteland. Kids could have a rave there for all he cared, as long as the work got done.
He said,
"No problem, just keep them from getting lost."
The foreman was overjoyed, thanked Lucas, and promised a discount when the project was done.
Lucas hung up, shaking his head—what a considerate boss. Why hadn't he ever had one like that?
"Ssska!"
Serperior gently tapped Lucas' hand with a vine, urging him to finish fishing so she could sunbathe.
"Alright, alright, I'm casting now." Lucas quickly baited the hook and cast the line.
Unfortunately, he didn't have enough bait.
All the Magikarp's fault!
He swore, that next time they came, he'd have Luxray electrocute them.
Minutes passed. Lucas' bloodshot eyes stared at the water, willing the fish to bite.
Maybe the Magikarp's earlier antics had scared the fish away—none even wanted his free bait.
Just as Lucas thought he'd lose again, the float suddenly bobbed—he had a bite!
His sleepy brain snapped awake, eyes shining—time for a battle of strength!
Serperior watched casually—she hadn't expected Lucas to hook anything.
But when she saw what was on the line, her eyes narrowed in shock.