The soft chirps of wild Pidgey echoed through the crisp morning air as Riven stepped out from his small cabin. The farm was already bathed in the golden hues of dawn, dew glistening on the leaves of the young berry bushes he had planted the day before.
Riolu was stretched out beside the barn, its aura faintly pulsing, clearly ready for whatever challenge awaited.
"Ready for today?" Riven asked, scratching behind Riolu's ears. The Pokémon responded with a low, eager growl.
[System Notification]
"Good morning, Trainer Riven."
"Farm Level: 2"
"FP: 152 — SP: 99"
"Daily Quest #7 Available"
"Weekly Quest #2 Unlocks in 4 Days"
Riven checked the system interface, his mind already buzzing with the tasks ahead.
Daily Quest #7: Mapping the Surroundings
Objectives:
Explore 2 new areas within 3 km radius from farm
Gather 5 rare herbs or items for farm upgrades
Train Pokémon in agility and evasion for 2 hours
Strengthen bond with Riolu (Special Interaction)
Rewards:
25 FP
20 SP
Unlock "Herbalist's Satchel" for better item gathering
The farm was peaceful and prosperous, but Riven knew that to grow as a trainer and businessman, he needed to explore the wild lands surrounding his home. The System's quest made it clear — he had to step beyond the safety of the farm.
He called his team together.
"Riolu, Shinx, Purrloin, Buneary — let's go find some new herbs and see what this land holds."
Riolu's eyes gleamed with anticipation; the others mirrored his excitement.
They followed a worn dirt path heading east, the farm quickly disappearing behind them, replaced by dense woods alive with rustling leaves and distant Pokémon cries.
As they ventured deeper, Riven noted the changes: the air grew cooler, the sunlight filtered unevenly through thick branches, and the ground was carpeted with moss and wildflowers.
Suddenly, a rustle came from a nearby bush.
Riven tensed, but the rustling revealed a small Pokémon with a sickly appearance — a wild Sableye, its usual sparkle dulled and eyes weary.
Riolu stepped forward cautiously, sensing the Pokémon's distress.
"Looks like it's been abandoned or injured," Riven murmured.
He knelt down, inspecting the Pokémon. The System pinged softly.
[System Notification]
"Trainer, this is an Abandoned Pokémon. It has suffered illness or neglect."
"Assisting it will earn reputation points and potential bonding rewards."
Riven smiled gently.
"Let's help you out, little guy."
He took out a few Oran Berries from his bag, offering one. The Sableye accepted cautiously, nibbling the fruit.
Riolu's aura flared softly as he used Aura Sphere lightly, healing the Pokémon's faint wounds.
Continuing their exploration, the team moved carefully through the woods. Riven's eyes scanned the undergrowth for anything unusual.
Near a shaded creek, Riven spotted a cluster of Lum Berry bushes — rare and valuable.
He carefully harvested several Lum Berries, noting how these could be useful for both the farm and as healing items.
Nearby, wild Mint leaves grew in abundance, their refreshing scent filling the air.
He filled his satchel with these rare herbs, already planning how to use them for crafting potent healing remedies and farm improvements.
After gathering herbs, Riven set up a training ground in a clearing.
"Today, we work on agility and evasion. Battles aren't always about power — sometimes it's about dodging and outmaneuvering your opponent."
He demonstrated quick footwork, dodging imaginary attacks.
Riolu was the first to respond, darting swiftly between trees, his movements fluid and precise.
Shinx used quick bursts of speed to evade, while Purrloin practiced stealthy, silent moves.
Buneary's hops were high and graceful, each landing calculated.
Riven was impressed at how quickly they adapted, but also aware of their limits.
Strengthening the Bond: Special Interaction with Riolu
As the sun climbed higher, Riven called Riolu closer.
"Let's take a moment."
He pulled out a small pouch of rare Oran Berries, and together they sat beside a babbling brook.
"Riolu, you're my first Pokémon and my closest partner. We're in this together."
Riolu nuzzled his hand, eyes glowing warmly.
[System Notification]
"Bonding session initiated."
"Bond level with Riolu increased by 5."
"New ability unlocked: Aura Shield (Passive defense boost)."
Riven smiled proudly.
This bond wasn't just emotional; it was a tangible power that would grow stronger with trust and time.
Character Reflection: Riven's Past
As Riolu rested its head on Riven's lap, the young trainer's thoughts drifted to his own journey.
He was 20 now — older than the usual beginning trainers but carrying the weight of experience few had.
Unlike Ash Ketchum, who had started his journey at 10, Riven had spent years training in the city gyms, learning business management, and dreaming of something more than just battles.
His move to the countryside and ownership of this day care was a fresh start, but also a test — to become a tycoon, a leader, and a partner to Pokémon abandoned or struggling like the Sableye they had found.
Riven's thoughts grew heavy as he considered the System's words about reputation and business growth.
He knew that managing the farm, training Pokémon, and handling abandoned Pokémon was no easy task.
But he felt a fire inside him — a determination to build something lasting, to care for Pokémon others might overlook.
He glanced down at Riolu again.
"We'll get stronger," he promised softly. "Together."
Just as Riven was about to stand, a shadow moved through the trees.
A young woman stepped into the clearing. Her confident stride and familiar dark hair caught Riven's attention immediately.
"Cynthia?" Riven whispered, disbelief in his voice.
The legendary Champion smiled gently.
"I heard about the new day care in the area. I thought I'd see it for myself."
Riven's heart raced.
Cynthia's presence was a sign that his journey was no longer just local — it was becoming something much bigger.
System Notification: New Interaction Unlock
"Trainer, you have encountered Cynthia, Champion of Sinnoh."
"Interaction with key NPC unlocked."
"Potential mentor and love interest."
Cynthia looked around the farm, nodding approvingly.
"This place has potential," she said softly. "But managing a farm and Pokémon takes more than strength. It takes heart."
Riven smiled, humbled.
"I'm learning. One step at a time."
They spoke for hours about Pokémon, business, battles, and the importance of bonds.
Cynthia shared stories from her travels, her challenges, and how she found strength through friendship.
Riven listened intently, soaking in every word.
As the sky began to blush with twilight, Cynthia stood.
"I'll be around these parts for a while. If you ever need advice or help, find me at Hearthome City."
Riven nodded, grateful.
Watching her disappear down the path, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Daily Summary
Farm Level: 2
FP: 177 (+25 from quest)
SP: 119 (+20 from quest)
Bond with Riolu: Increased, unlocking Aura Shield ability
Items Collected: Lum Berry, Mint Leaves, Oran Berries
Encounter: Cynthia, Champion of Sinnoh
Riven looked at the horizon, knowing that the path ahead was filled with challenges, discoveries, and growth—not just for him, but for every Pokémon that would join his journey.