Dusk fell like a delicate veil, casting an amber glow over the little town.
In the sky above,
a streak of orange soared wearily toward a lively, thriving stretch of land, its wings beating against the fading sunlight.
The figure came to rest on the branch of a tall pine tree. With its beak, it groomed its wings, eyes brimming with an indescribable sense of dejection.
After an entire day of effort, Pidgeotto had made no progress at all with the skill-stacking of Hurricane that its Trainer had taught. All it had managed to do was churn up the dirt.
But never once did it doubt the truth of what its Trainer said about stacking moves.
Even after just a few days at the plantation, Pidgeotto already understood one thing clearly this place could help it grow stronger at a speed several times, even dozens of times faster than anywhere else.
Especially when it came to the "big sisters" of the plantation Milotic and Snivy both had incredible control over their energy.
Snivy, in particular, had been casting Grassy Terrain every day. And every day, its range grew larger, the energy within the grass more concentrated.
Was it simply that it was falling behind?
That thought lingered in Pidgeotto's heart.
But… wasn't it among the first in its flock to master Hurricane?
It looked down.
In the clear waters below, Milotic glided gracefully through the pond, her shimmering form reflected on the surface, dreamlike and ethereal under the moonlight.
Even though the reservoir was a bit cramped for her size, Milotic seemed to revel in the water, swimming back and forth with joy. From time to time, she would raise her head to glance toward the breeding house.
Pidgeotto drew back its envious gaze, shook its head firmly, and refocused its eyes, scanning the area to ensure no wild Rattata had slipped into the plantation.
Inside the breeding house, Lin Feng sat quietly, staring at the energy cube before him.
[Grade A Sandscale Energy Cube – Made from Sandscale Berries, Moomoo Milk, and Fen Xiang Xiang essence. A uniquely innovative combination.]
Cooking Effect 1: After consumption, Flying-type Pokémon temporarily experience a boost in move comprehension.
Cooking Effect 2: With long-term use, this cube significantly increases Speed IVs and toughens avian Pokémon feathers.
Lin Feng had spent the entire day in the kitchen.
He had no idea how many different energy cubes or meals he had made in that time.
He'd used nearly every rare berry and crop ingredient available from his special reward collection and the plantation itself, trying every possible combination to craft an energy cube that would enhance Flying-type move mastery.
Like pairing Spelon Berries with Moomoo Milk to create Spicy Berry Milk Salad.
After eating it, Fire-type Pokémon experienced a short-term boost in move power.
Or combining Petaya Berries with Moomoo Milk to produce high-grade Creamy Energy Cubes, which boosted resistance to status conditions and increased Special Attack IVs.
Most of the outputs were energy cubes.
A few were full meals.
Energy cubes, after all, were easier to store. Meals, on the other hand, Lin Feng would either eat himself or feed to little Alolan Vulpix or Snivy.
Every dish and cube its effects, ingredients, and the process was meticulously recorded in a notebook. Lin Feng planned to refer to it later.
"Maybe I should raise some Pokémon that can produce ingredients?"
After a whole day of testing, especially considering the extraordinary effect of Grade A Moomoo Milk, Lin Feng had an idea.
His cooking ability allowed him to fuse ingredients and produce incredible effects.
The higher the grade of the ingredient, the more remarkable the outcome.
Moomoo Milk was a perfect example. So why not raise other Pokémon that could yield ingredients too?
Like milk from Skiddo, salt from Nacli, scent essence from Comfey, whipped cream from Alcremie, or oil from Arboliva…
There were so many options.
A wave of inspiration hit Lin Feng all at once.
"I think there's a special Comfey ranch in Wutong City. I should check it out sometime. As for Nacli and Arboliva… those are Paldean Pokémon. That's going to be tricky."
The Paldea region had a unique magnetic field that disrupted information flow and made communication with other leagues difficult. It remained quite isolated.
If the Donghua League didn't have access to those Pokémon, then his only option in the future might be to travel to Paldea himself.
"We'll see when the time comes."
Lin Feng let out a soft sigh, a tinge of frustration in his voice.
It was always a little painful to see something within reach… but not quite graspable.
"…For now, let's check on Pidgeotto."
He had left the bird to clear weeds cough train its skills this morning, telling it to come back once it got tired.
"Wonder if he's back yet," Lin Feng murmured. He picked up the Sandscale Energy Cube he had worked so hard to perfect and headed toward the plantation.
Sure enough, he spotted Pidgeotto back on its usual perch atop the pine tree, vigilantly surveying the grounds. That's when a thought struck him…
He really ought to find Pidgeotto a stand-in.
Otherwise, with the bird's personality, it might stay out there guarding the plantation all night long.
Sure, Pokémon had great stamina, but they weren't invincible.
Were there any Pokémon that remained active and alert at night?
The idea flickered briefly through Lin Feng's mind before he called out, "Come here, Pidgeotto."
"Pidgeyoo!"
With a cry, Pidgeotto quickly landed by his side.
Watching its slightly sluggish flight, Lin Feng frowned slightly. "Don't tell me… you just finished training?"
Right now, Pidgeotto looked a little unsteady in the air.
"Pidgeyoo?" (I did.)
Pidgeotto answered seriously.
"You really…"
Lin Feng rubbed his forehead. He wanted to say something, but when he looked into the bird's eyes and saw the determination burning within, the words caught in his throat.
Leaving home wasn't easy.
Hatred truly was the most primal of driving forces.
He opened his mouth several times, but in the end, all he managed was, "Work hard… but don't push yourself too much. I'll help you."
As he spoke, he took out the Sandscale Energy Cube he had spent the whole afternoon perfecting.
"Here. Eat this."
"Pidgeyoo~!"
At the sight of food, Pidgeotto's gloomy expression finally brightened. With renewed energy, it began pecking apart the cube and swallowing it piece by piece.
But not long after, a powerful surge welled up inside it.
Pidgeotto suddenly took flight, wings spread wide, clearly ready to unleash Hurricane within the plantation.
Yet in the final moment, it glanced down at Lin Feng, and restrained the urge.
Instead, it soared outside the perimeter, beating its wings like sharpened steel. Explosive winds surged into the sky.
And within that swirling gale…
a second, smaller Hurricane began to take form.
[Congratulations! You've raised Pidgeotto's Happiness from 10% to 98%.
Rewards: 15 sacks of Golden Fertilizer, 3 Rare Candies, and Moltres' Flame Feather (A feather forged from Moltres' energy. Once absorbed, it boosts potential for both Flying and Fire-type Pokémon.)]
Watching from below, Lin Feng couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips.
"Heh… looks like this kid won't be feeling so anxious anymore."
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