For the next two days, Lucas lived on the farm.
Fujiyama wasn’t in any hurry to leave.
Since he wasn’t planning to return to the city for another couple of days, he decided it was the perfect opportunity to teach Lucas everything he knew about managing the farm.
Naturally, Lucas gladly accepted.
That very evening, he checked out of the Pokémon Center and moved into the small cabin on the farm.
The cabin was much cleaner than he had expected.
Fujiyama had obviously cleaned it beforehand.
The living room and bedrooms were spotless, and although the furniture was old, every piece had been polished until it gleamed.
The south-facing bedroom on the second floor had been prepared for Lucas, while Fujiyama continued using his old room downstairs.
The following morning, Lucas was awakened before sunrise.
“Time to get up.”
Fujiyama’s voice came from outside the bedroom door.
It wasn’t loud…
But it carried authority.
“Farm work starts early.”
“You need to be moving before the sun rises.”
Lucas climbed out of bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Ralts was already awake, quietly sitting beside his pillow and watching him.
After getting dressed, Lucas headed downstairs.
Fujiyama was already waiting in the yard with an iron bucket in hand.
“First…”
“We feed the Pokémon.”
He led Lucas toward a small shed in the corner of the property.
Several Mareep lived inside.
As Fujiyama poured feed into the troughs, he explained,
“Feeding times must always be consistent.”
“Pokémon are just like crops.”
“They thrive on routine.”
“If you’re careless with their schedule…”
“They won’t cooperate with you.”
After feeding the Mareep, Fujiyama took Lucas up the hillside.
The berry orchard looked especially peaceful in the early morning light.
Dew still clung to the leaves.
Beginning with the first row of trees, Fujiyama carefully demonstrated how to inspect each one.
How to judge a tree’s growth.
How to determine whether berries were ripe.
When to water.
When to fertilize.
When to prune branches.
He spoke slowly.
Sometimes repeating the same explanation two or three times, as though teaching a student with little experience.
Lucas followed closely behind, memorizing every word.
Stopping at the top of the hill, Fujiyama pointed toward a large section of berry trees.
“These Sitrus Berry trees were the first ones planted here.”
“They’ve been producing steady harvests for over thirty years.”
“Remember this…”
“Sitrus trees hate standing water.”
“During the rainy season, proper drainage is extremely important.”
He then pointed toward another section.
“Pecha Berry trees don’t mind wet soil.”
“But they’re more vulnerable to pests.”
“You’ll need to inspect them frequently every spring.”
Lucas nodded carefully.
Fujiyama smiled faintly.
“Treat these trees like your own children.”
“If you care for them…”
“They’ll reward you with fruit.”
“If you neglect them…”
“They won’t complain.”
“But you’ll see the results.”
Lucas thought those were wonderful words.
As the days passed, Lucas realized much of Fujiyama’s knowledge overlapped with what he remembered from the Pokémon games and anime.
In the games…
Growing berries had been as simple as planting them and waiting for harvest.
Reality was far more complicated.
Different berry species required different soil acidity.
Certain Pokémon droppings produced superior fertilizer.
Grass-type Pokémon could accelerate plant growth using their abilities…
But relying on them too heavily weakened the crops over time.
Lucas gradually pieced together his previous knowledge with everything Fujiyama was teaching him.
It felt like completing a puzzle whose pieces had been scattered for years.
Throughout those two days, Ralts remained by his side.
Sometimes sitting quietly on his shoulder.
Sometimes chasing bugs through the grass.
One afternoon, Fujiyama sat on the front steps of the cabin, holding a cup of tea as he watched Lucas organize freshly harvested berries.
“You’re really not planning to become a Trainer?”
Lucas looked up.
“No.”
“I just want to live peacefully as a farmer.”
The old man remained silent for a moment before taking another sip of tea.
“As long as you’ve made up your mind…”
“That’s enough.”
“There are already plenty of people chasing dreams of becoming Pokémon Trainers.”
“But people willing to farm…”
“They’re becoming rarer every year.”
Lucas simply smiled and continued sorting the berries in his hands.
That evening…
Fujiyama handed him an old notebook.
Its black cover had faded with age.
The corners had turned white from years of use.
Even the binding glue had begun to crack.
Inside…
Every page was packed with handwritten notes.
Some pages contained pressed leaves.
Others included rough sketches and diagrams.
“My farming journal.”
Fujiyama’s voice was softer than usual.
“Everything I’ve learned over the past thirty years is in here.”
“Watering schedules.”
“Fertilizer formulas.”
“Pruning methods.”
“Seasonal precautions.”
“It’s all written down.”
“If you ever run into trouble…”
“Look through this notebook.”
“You’ll probably find the answer.”
Lucas accepted it respectfully with both hands.
The handwriting wasn’t beautiful…
But every word had clearly been written with care.
“Thank you, Fujiyama.”
The old man waved dismissively before taking a folded piece of paper from his pocket.
“My phone number.”
“If you ever need anything…”
“Call me.”
“And don’t be a stranger.”
Lucas carefully folded the paper again and tucked it safely inside the notebook.
On the third morning…
When Lucas woke up…
Fujiyama was already gone.
His room had been cleaned perfectly.
The blanket was folded into a neat square.
The pillow rested precisely on top.
On the bedside table sat only a key…
And a half-finished bag of tea leaves.
There wasn’t even a farewell note.
Lucas understood.
The old man had deliberately left before dawn.
He hadn’t wanted anyone to see him off.
Lucas placed the notebook carefully on the bedside table.
He planned to study it properly once everything settled down.
Around noon…
Lucas locked the farm gate.
With Ralts perched on his shoulder, he took a taxi into downtown Petalburg City.
The Pokémon Center was busier than before.
Nurse Joy was registering a Trainer’s Pikachu.
Seeing Lucas arrive, she smiled and gestured for him to wait.
Several minutes later…
After the Trainer left…
Lucas approached the counter.
“Nurse Joy.”
“I’d like to ask if there are any reliable construction companies near Petalburg.”
“My farm needs some renovations.”
Nurse Joy searched through a drawer before handing him a business card.
“Try this company.”
“Several local farmers have used them before.”
“They’ve received excellent reviews.”
Lucas glanced at the card.
It displayed a company name.
A phone number.
And a hand-drawn wrench logo.
Then Nurse Joy remembered something else.
“Oh, that’s right.”
“Professor Birch called yesterday.”
“He wanted to know why you hadn’t come to pick up your Bulbasaur.”
“I told him you’ve been busy working on your farm.”
“He asked you to visit him today if possible.”
Lucas slapped his forehead.
He had been so busy learning from Fujiyama that he’d completely forgotten about Bulbasaur.
“I’ll head there right away.”
The route to Professor Birch’s laboratory was now familiar.
After ringing the doorbell, the same young researcher answered.
He smiled immediately.
“So you finally made it.”
“The Professor has been waiting for two days.”
Inside…
Professor Birch sat behind his desk reading something on his computer.
Seeing Lucas enter…
He removed his glasses and laughed helplessly.
“I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind.”
Lucas scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“Sorry, Professor.”
“I’ve been occupied with farm work.”
The Professor waved dismissively.
He reached beneath his desk and removed a portable temperature-controlled case.
Opening it…
He revealed a single Poké Ball resting inside.
The dark blue interior made the red-and-white ball stand out vividly.
“Here.”
“Your Bulbasaur.”
“It arrived safely from Kanto.”
“The quarantine report is included.”
“Everything checks out.”
Lucas accepted the Poké Ball carefully.
It felt pleasantly warm.
Warm with life.
Professor Birch then opened another case.
Inside were six Poké Balls, neatly arranged.
“This is the standard starter kit issued by the League.”
“Six Poké Balls.”
“Even if you don’t intend to become a Trainer…”
“It’s always useful to have extras.”
Lucas thanked him and stored them safely.
“There’s one more thing.”
Professor Birch walked over to a cabinet and removed a compact red device.
It was foldable and roughly the size of his palm.
“A Pokédex.”
“Every Trainer who officially receives a starter Pokémon is given one.”
“Free of charge.”
“It contains information on most Pokémon found throughout Hoenn.”
“If you ever discover an unfamiliar Pokémon on your farm…”
“Simply scan it.”
Lucas unfolded the device.
The screen lit up.
Welcome to the Pokédex.
The interface displayed several menus:
– Pokédex
– Trainer Information
– Map Navigation
Professor Birch smiled.
“Bulbasaur’s information has already been registered.”
“You can explore everything later.”
“Now go.”
Lucas bowed gratefully.
“Thank you, Professor.”
After leaving the laboratory…
Lucas didn’t immediately call for a taxi.
Instead…
He stood outside and took Bulbasaur’s Poké Ball from his pocket.
Click.
A flash of red light appeared.
Bulbasaur materialized before him.
It was slightly smaller than Lucas had imagined, reaching only about knee height.
The large seed on its back looked healthy.
Its sturdy legs stood firmly on the grass.
Large crimson eyes gazed curiously at him.
There was no fear.
No hesitation.
Only quiet curiosity.
Lucas crouched until they were eye level.
“Hello, Bulbasaur.”
“From today onward…”
“I’m your partner.”
Bulbasaur tilted its head before letting out a soft cry.
Ralts hopped down from Lucas’s shoulder and approached cautiously.
The two Pokémon quietly observed one another.
After a few moments…
Ralts extended a tiny hand.
Bulbasaur lowered its head and gently rubbed against it.
Lucas couldn’t help smiling.
It looked like they would become good friends.
By the time Lucas returned to the farm…
It was already two o’clock in the afternoon.
He purchased a simple lunch from the System Store and shared it with Ralts and Bulbasaur.
Afterward…
He called the number printed on Nurse Joy’s business card.
The call connected after three rings.
A brisk male voice answered.
“Rainbow Light Construction Crew.”
“My name is Wang Defa.”
“How may I help you?”
Lucas introduced himself and explained the farm renovation project.
Fortunately…
Master Wang happened to be free that afternoon.
He agreed to inspect the property in one hour.
Exactly one hour later…
A gray pickup truck rolled through the farm gate.
A tanned middle-aged man climbed out, carrying a notebook and tape measure.
A younger assistant followed behind him with a toolbox.
For nearly forty minutes…
Master Wang carefully inspected every part of the property.
The roof.
The walls.
The fences.
The toolshed.
The irrigation system.
He tapped walls.
Examined roof tiles.
Checked the plumbing.
Lucas followed closely, pointing out every issue Fujiyama had mentioned.
Master Wang wrote continuously.
“The exterior walls need repainting.”
“Several roof tiles require replacement.”
“The plumbing and electrical wiring should both be inspected.”
“Around one-third of the fence posts have rotted.”
“They’ll need replacing.”
“The toolshed is structurally sound.”
“Only the roof requires patching.”
“The main water line is fine.”
“But several pipe joints need repairing.”
Lucas nodded.
He understood very little about construction.
Fortunately…
Master Wang explained everything clearly.
Lucas then pointed toward the uneven ground in the courtyard.
“I don’t want this area paved.”
“But I’d like the holes filled.”
“It’ll make moving around easier for the Pokémon.”
Master Wang crouched, grabbed a handful of soil, and nodded.
“Easy enough.”
“We’ll bring in several truckloads of dirt.”
After finishing the inspection…
Master Wang spent another ten minutes calculating costs.
Finally…
He looked up.
“Complete renovation.”
“Materials and labor included.”
“100,000 League Currency.”
“Five days.”
Lucas considered the quote.
“Can it be finished any sooner?”
Master Wang shook his head.
“Five days is already pushing it.”
“If we rush further…”
“I can’t guarantee the quality.”
“The farm may not be large…”
“But there’s a lot of work.”
Lucas nodded.
“Then five days it is.”
“When can you begin?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll bring the crew before eight.”
At precisely 8:30 a.m.
the next morning…
The construction crew arrived.
For the following five days…
The quiet farm transformed into a busy construction site.
While the workers handled renovations…
Lucas spent his time training with Ralts and Bulbasaur.
He also continued familiarizing himself with every corner of the farm.
On the evening of the fifth day…
The construction crew finally departed.
Lucas sat outside the freshly renovated cabin.
Ralts rested comfortably against one leg.
Bulbasaur lay beside the other.
Suddenly…
A question crossed his mind.
He now owned two Pokémon.
He knew Ralts would eventually evolve into Kirlia, and later Gardevoir.
He also knew Bulbasaur would evolve into Ivysaur, and eventually Venusaur.
But…
How strong were they now?
What were their levels?
What potential did they possess?
He remembered reading that the League sold specialized devices capable of evaluating Pokémon strength.
They were regulated equipment…
But perfectly legal.
Lucas opened the System Store.
After searching for nearly ten minutes…
He finally found what he wanted near the bottom of the Equipment section.
Pokémon Ability Detection Device
Capable of evaluating a Pokémon’s current strength and growth potential.
Power Rankings:
– Common
– Superior
– Pseudo-Gym
– Gym
– Pseudo-Elite
– Elite
– Champion
Potential Rankings:
– Common
– Superior
– Pseudo-Gym
– Gym
– Pseudo-Elite
– Elite
– Champion
Lucas stared at the price.
Full Version: 1,000,000 League Currency.
Then he noticed another option.
Basic Version: 100,000 League Currency.
The basic model couldn’t provide precise values.
It only estimated a Pokémon’s approximate level and potential.
Still…
That would be enough.
One million.
Versus one hundred thousand.
Only a single zero separated them.
Lucas checked his account balance.
He still had over 2.3 million League Currency remaining.
Technically…
He could afford the premium version.
But…
He had just purchased the farm.
Spent another 100,000 League Currency renovating it.
And he still planned to buy Mareep in the near future.
After thinking it over…
He quietly closed the System Store.
The basic version would be sufficient for now.
Once the farm became profitable…
He could always upgrade later.
Stretching lazily…
Lucas looked up at the clear night sky.
Without the city’s lights…
The stars glittered like countless pieces of silver scattered across the heavens.
Ralts leaned comfortably against his leg.
Bulbasaur rested peacefully beside him.
For the first time since arriving in this world…
Lucas truly felt that everything was finally beginning to fall into place.