As the early autumn breeze blew, Verdanturf Town finally cooled down; the air felt refreshing, and the sky seemed exceptionally clear.
Everything at Forest Dew Farm was running smoothly, and Lucy figured it was time to visit the Verdanturf Gym belonging to Circe’s family, especially since they had helped the farm out quite a bit before.
Before leaving, she dug out several small food containers and filled them with pokéblocks, all of which were recently optimized Grass-type recipes.
Each one was separated by a small paper liner, and she casually wrote a note for each, marking the ingredients and which Pokémon they were suitable for.
“Roselia?” (Bringing this many?) Roselia leaned over to watch her pack, tilting its head, its pink rose swaying gently.
“Circe’s family, and all the Grass-type Pokémon at the Gym, have helped us a lot.” Lucy snapped the last container shut.
“These are made from Berries grown right here on the farm, so it’s just a token of appreciation.
Besides, letting everyone try them might even get us some suggestions for improvement—how great is that?”
Roselia nodded, its blue rose touching the container, clearly meaning “I agree.”
Leaving the farm temporarily in the care of Ivysaur and Sky and Little Black, Lucy hopped on her bicycle with Roselia on the back seat and the gifts tied to the handlebars, leisurely heading toward the Verdanturf Gym.
The Gym was located on the edge of town, right next to a vast, dense forest.
The building was covered in lush green vines, making it look as if it had grown right out of nature.
Circe had been waiting at the entrance for a while.
As soon as she saw them, she waved her arms and shouted, “Lucy!
Roselia!
You finally made it!”
She leaned in toward Roselia, her eyes sparkling.
“Wow, Roselia looks so good!
Even more energetic than last time I saw it, and its rose petals are so bright!”
“Roselia~” (Hello, Circe~) Roselia bowed slightly, its posture quite elegant.
Entering the Gym, she realized it was actually a massive ecological garden, bright and spacious.
In the distance, one could see the shadows of Vileplume and Bellossom.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of plants, exuding a sense of vitality.
Circe’s grandfather, Gym Leader Griffin, was standing in the middle of the garden, teaching a Tangrowth how to extend its Vine Whip.
Seeing Lucy enter, he stopped what he was doing, and his stern face finally showed a hint of a smile.
“Lucy, you’re here.
Is this the evolved Roselia?
It’s certainly extraordinary.”
His gaze lingered on Roselia’s dual-colored roses for a couple of seconds before he nodded.
“Its aura is harmonious and its energy is well-contained.
It possesses both the gentle strength of a guardian and the sharpness to break through an enemy’s defenses.
You’ve raised it very well.”
“Hello, Gym Leader Griffin.” Lucy handed over the food containers.
“These are pokéblocks made on the farm.
Please, have you and the Gym’s Pokémon try them out.”
Circe couldn’t hold back any longer.
She snatched the containers and opened them.
The colorful, fragrant pokéblocks immediately attracted the surrounding Pokémon.
Even that Tangrowth slowly turned its head and reached out a vine to curiously investigate.
Gym Leader Griffin picked up a “General Nourishment” one, examined it in his hand, and sniffed it, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
The energy fluctuation is quite natural, and it’s clear a lot of thought went into the recipe.”
He handed the pokéblock to the Tangrowth.
The Tangrowth curled its vine around it and sent it into its “mouth.” A moment later, it let out a low “Mmm” sound, and its vines swayed happily—it was clearly very satisfied.
Circe was already distributing the pokéblocks to the Pokémon that had gathered around: a Bulbasaur took a bite of the “Beginner” variety and immediately squinted its eyes, the seed on its back shaking comfortably; a Weepinbell tasted the “Calm” variety, and its usually dazed eyes actually brightened for a moment; Breloom and Grovyle also each took ones suitable for them, and after eating, they both nodded, clearly approving of the taste.
“It seems everyone loves them.” Gym Leader Griffin looked at Lucy.
“Your pokéblocks aren’t just food; they’re more like supplements tailored for each Pokémon.
This craftsmanship, along with your understanding of Pokémon’s needs, is quite rare.”
Receiving affirmation from a veteran Gym Leader, Lucy felt pleased.
“I’m still exploring, so as long as they help, that’s good enough.”
As they were talking, Breloom finished its pokéblock, stretched its shoulders, and walked up to Roselia, gently tapping its chest with its fist.
“Breloom?” (Care for a spar?)
Roselia was taken aback.
It looked at Lucy first, then at Circe and Gym Leader Griffin.
Circe’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Yes, yes!
Lucy, let Roselia and Breloom have a friendly match!
Right over there in the practice area.
My grandfather can be the referee, just keep it light!”
Gym Leader Griffin also nodded.
“Sparring with each other can verify many things; it’s a good thing.”