Ashwin wiped the sweat off his brow as the morning sun crested the hills. The farm was alive — Combee buzzed between flowers, Skwovet sorted berries, and Sentret was busy building a new storage spot from gathered twigs. With the Field Boss behind them and the grotto now organized, today was about progress and healing.
He glanced at the system window blinking softly above his wrist.
[System Notice: Passive Quests Available – Visit Local Guild Hall to Register Progress and Check Board]
Ashwin nodded and patted Skwovet's head before heading out.
The local Guild Hall stood firm at the edge of town — a two-story building of stone and warm wood, with a faded Poké Ball crest above the door. Inside, trainers and farmers bustled with activity, shouting updates and collecting supplies.
Ashwin stepped toward the quest board when he heard a weak coughing sound.
On the bench just outside the guild, a young trainer sat hunched over. In his arms was a small Pokémon wrapped in cloth — its leaf-like tail drooping, eyes cloudy with fatigue.
[System Notification: Sick Pokémon Detected – Snivy (Status: Severe Fatigue, Root Rot)][New Quest Available: "Leaf of Life"][Trigger: Ill Pokémon Within 2 Meters][Objective: Diagnose and Heal the Ailing Snivy][Reward: 1200 XP, Healing Herb Pack, Affinity with Trainer: Kai][Accept Quest? → YES / NO]
Ashwin froze. Then, with calm determination, he pressed [YES].
"Hey, I'm Ashwin," he said, kneeling beside the trainer. "I'm a Pokémon breeder. Let me help."
The boy looked up, eyes glassy with worry. "I've been to two centers already. They couldn't figure out what's wrong."
Ashwin gently inspected the Snivy. The Pokémon's vines were shriveled, and there was a faint fungal film near the root-like appendages on its chest. He carefully scooped Snivy into his arms.
"Come with me. I have a place set up for situations like this."
Back at the farm, Ashwin laid Snivy on a bed of moss within his barn's small infirmary. Zigzagoon (Galarian) and Combee stood at the ready, gathering the healing items he called for. Inside the [Breeder's Grotto], he retrieved dew herbs and bitterroot paste, blending them using the stone mortar.
Throughout the day, Ashwin applied soothing compresses, dripped herbal salve between Snivy's shoulder leaves, and monitored its breath and pulse.
By late afternoon, Snivy's eyes fluttered open. Its leaf perked slightly. The trainer — Kai — fell to his knees, tears brimming.
[System Notification: Quest 'Leaf of Life' Completed][Reward Claimed: 1200 XP | Healing Herb Pack Added to Inventory | Kai's Affinity: Friendly]
Ashwin patted Snivy gently. "She's going to be okay — but she'll need rest. I'd recommend a mild berry blend twice a day and morning sunlight."
Kai nodded gratefully. "Thank you… You saved her. I won't forget this."
Later that evening, Ashwin visited the Guild Board again.
[System Notification: New Proximity Quests Detected]**[Available:
"Barn Expansion, Phase II" – Upgrade Roof, Add Ventilation | Reward: 800 XP, Durable Lumber
"Berries for Better Breeding" – Collect 30 Lum and Sitrus berries | Reward: 600 XP, Berry Container]**
Ashwin accepted both with a tap.
"Looks like the farm's growing faster than I expected," he muttered, heading back with Zigzagoon at his heels.
Back on the porch, Ashwin watched as Skwovet curled beside a sleeping Snivy, while Combee buzzed lazily under the moonlight.
Helping Snivy had reignited something deeper — he wasn't just surviving. He was building a place where Pokémon could thrive.
The screen flashed gently.
[Hidden Stat Update: Breeder's Reputation +1]
Ashwin smiled.
This was only the beginning.