The eagerness in Michael’s voice was obvious enough that even Geeta, on the other end of the phone, could vaguely sense it.
‘Looks like he’s finally feeling the pressure of running low on money.’ A meaningful smile appeared on Geeta’s face as she slowly said, “There’s no need to rush.
Naranja Academy is currently on break.
The spring semester won’t begin for another month.” “That gives you plenty of time to complete the initial construction of your property and take another step toward your dream.” “As for the Tera Orb, if I remember correctly, the Lighthouse Laboratory that the two professors established in South Province (Area One) is very close to Cabo Poco.” “I’ll take care of the manufacturing fee and make the necessary arrangements.
Since it’s such a valuable item, it’d be much safer if you delivered it to them personally, wouldn’t it?” [Host…
why do I feel like this woman has other motives?] Michael’s smile stiffened for a moment.
Awkwardly responding in his mind, he said, ‘Do you think I’m an idiot?
I’ve seen more schemes and tricks than the number of hosts you’ve contracted with.’ ‘I can more or less guess what the Chairwoman is after…
But that’s beside the point.
I’m jumping into this pit willingly!’ ‘Do you have any idea how valuable a teaching job that only requires two classes a week and still pays well is?’ ‘Aside from lying around at home doing nothing, this is the ultimate dream of every former 996 office worker!’ Although Michael had never been to Naranja Academy and had no idea how much teachers were actually paid, the salary would at least cover his future utility bills.
Not to mention Geeta was covering the entire cost of manufacturing his Tera Orb.
How could he possibly turn down a deal like that?
[…But I’m on a 007 schedule.] Michael: “…” For a moment, he genuinely had no idea how to continue the conversation.
(Notes: 007: Working and be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
) Although he was busy chatting with the system in his head, Michael hadn’t forgotten the important matters.
Using the practical attitude of a responsible adult, he confirmed the exact starting date, salary, benefits, and various other details with Geeta.
Once Geeta finally ended the call herself, Michael nearly cheered out loud.
‘Yes!’ Not only were his utility bills taken care of, there would even be money left over.
Geeta had promised him a monthly salary of 50,000 Poké Dollars, even during his probationary period.
The workload was light.
He couldn’t have been happier.
Granted, the salary might seem somewhat low for a Champion-ranked Trainer.
But the more a job relied on that status, the more troublesome it usually became.
Perhaps because productivity had advanced so much, prices for most everyday goods were fairly standardized across all regions.
Pokémon-related items were naturally more expensive.
For example, Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls, the standard progression from the games Michael remembered, cost roughly ten times more than they had in the games.
Expensive, yes.
But still affordable for the average person.
Land, meanwhile, wasn’t nearly as outrageously priced because Cabo Poco was only a small town.
The property Michael had purchased, bordering wild mountains, a river, and a forest, had cost him only two million Poké Dollars, wiping out nearly all of his savings.
Had it been located in a major city like Lumiose City or Levincia, however, the price would’ve been an entirely different story.
Tossing the chunk of Tera Orb Ore in his hand, Michael continued planning his future farm’s layout and business model before suddenly asking, “By the way…
do you have something like a system inventory or storage space?” This ore was simply too valuable.
Before he finished settling everything here and headed to the laboratory in Area One, keeping it on his person made him worry about losing it.
Leaving it at home made him worry about it being stolen.
[…Sorry.
I don’t have any functions like that.] For some reason, Michael could actually sense a trace of grievance in those words.
Sighing, he wasn’t sure how to comfort the system.
Instead, he scratched the back of his head and resumed rummaging through the cardboard boxes.
“I remember there was still a usable bag somewhere…” He muttered to himself while searching.
Soon, his eyes lit up.
There it was.
A small canvas shoulder bag.
It was probably something the elderly wife had sewn for her husband.
Michael didn’t feel uncomfortable using belongings left behind by the deceased.
After all, he was a firm believer in materialism.
He carefully placed the Tera Orb Ore inside the bag, adjusted the strap so it rested securely against his chest, and finally felt a little more at ease.
“Alright.
Now I can go buy the daily necessities.” …
That night.
The dark sky glittered with countless stars as soft moonlight bathed the peaceful countryside.
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind swept across the quiet night.
An orange blur descended from the sky.
Accompanying the howling wind was the slightly exasperated voice of a young man.
“Slow down, slow down!
Your back is carrying tonight’s dinner!” Michael helplessly pushed open the weathered gate of what would one day become his farm.
Beside him walked a Luxray, its back piled high with packages.
“Bwoo~” A somewhat sheepish cry rang out.
A plump Dragonite scratched the top of its head awkwardly.
Its tiny horns, long antennae, and relatively small wings only added to its innocent appearance as it looked guiltily at Michael.
Dragonite also knew it had gotten a little too excited today.
But there was going to be a huge feast tonight.
And besides, it hadn’t had the chance to really stretch its wings in quite some time.
It had only flown a tiny bit faster than usual.
Michael held his forehead.
One glance was enough for him to realize Dragonite had completely missed the point.
It thought Michael was scolding it for flying too fast.
In reality, he’d simply been worried that all those bottles and jars strapped to Dragonite’s back might fall off.
Without the essential seasonings for the barbecue, Ceruledge would definitely get angry.
‘How did that wonderfully well-behaved Dratini end up with this personality after finally evolving all the way into Dragonite?’ Still…
Seeing Dragonite stretch out its arms with an expression that practically screamed hug me, Michael couldn’t help remembering the day it had hatched from its Egg.
In the end, all the words he wanted to say became a single sigh.
He stepped forward and gently hugged Dragonite for a moment.
‘Fine.
Considering how adorable this chubby dragon is…
I’ll forgive it.’ “Alright, back to work.” Michael walked over to Luxray and removed the numerous shopping bags strapped to its sides.
Those contained the bedding and household supplies he’d need tonight.
Everything Dragonite had carried consisted of ingredients and various seasonings.
Smiling, Michael said, “I’ll head inside and get everything organized.” “Tomorrow morning I still need to visit Professor Sada and Professor Turo at the laboratory in Area One.” “Luxray, you and Dragonite go around to the back of the house and find Ceruledge.
Just hand everything over to it.” “Rrrow~” “Bwoo~” Dragonite and Luxray answered in perfect unison before happily trotting off toward where Ceruledge was waiting.
It had been far too long since they’d tasted Ceruledge’s homemade barbecue.
Just imagining it…
Juicy meat skewers coated in fragrant spices and seasonings, sizzling with rich juices as the rendered fat dripped over the flames…
Gulp.