Chapter 22: Cuisine Inedible to Humans
Chapter 22: Cuisine Inedible to Humans
While Claire was busy building a chicken coop, Naoki didn't waste any time either. He embarked on experimenting with some unique dishes.
Take the Grass Cake, for instance.
In the game, it was a special dish that had the ability to alter the quality of crops.
When players fed this dish to the dwarves, a magical transformation occurred in the food they tended to afterward.
But... could grass really be used for cooking?
Naoki stood in the kitchen area, rolled up his sleeves, laid out the utensils, and looked at the grass that Golbat and Motostoke had plucked together, along with some washed stones and a piece of metal that shimmered.
As everyone knows, the world of Pokemon encompasses a diverse range of species, and their diets vary just as much.
Some Pokemon share similar diets with humans, consuming meat, eggs, dairy, and vegetables, while others have more peculiar tastes, feasting on grass, stones, metal, emotions, and even souls.
And so, Naoki decided to boldly experiment.
Limited by his cookware, he couldn't attempt the Grass Cake, but he could try different cooking methods with the same ingredient.
The grass of early spring was tender and lush, dripping with verdant freshness.
Naoki washed it with clear water, removing the soil and trimming the stems, before placing it in a pot to steam.
"If I were a Grass-type Pokemon, I'd probably prefer my grass a bit more tender," Naoki mused during the wait.
Thus, he was careful not to overcook the grass, aiming to retain as much moisture and natural juice as possible.
Naoki timed the process, and as soon as five minutes were up, he donned a pair of gloves and removed the white ceramic plate holding the steamed grass.
The cooked grass lay glistening on the plate.
Naoki looked down, and information about the grass appeared in his mind.
[Steamed Grass (D-)
: A basic dish that locks in the grass's natural juices and moisture. The steaming process enhances the texture, making it a favorite among some Grass-type Pokemon.
Dish Effect: Slightly increases the likelihood of Grass-type Pokemon understanding Grass-type moves.
Evaluation: While inedible to humans, this dish is a rare delicacy for Pokemon. Your bold experimentation will set an unprecedented trend in the Pokemon world! One day, your magical cuisine will reach the ears of Pokemon everywhere, driving them wild with desire! Keep it up! Strive to create dishes that bring happiness and joy to Pokemon!]
Naoki: "..."
Naoki tore his gaze away from the lengthy commentary and stared, astonished, at the grass on the white ceramic plate.
Though he had anticipated this outcome, witnessing it firsthand still left him stunned.
It was indeed possible to cook with grass, and the grade wasn't even the lowest F-!
This led to another question: Could he do the same with stones and metal?
A bold idea sprang to mind.
He eyed the metallic chunk, deciding to try a different cooking method.
He heated up a pan with oil, and once it was hot enough, he tossed in the metal chunk. He then added various seasonings, with chili taking center stage, until the metal was coated in a fiery red chili oil. Finally, he plated it.
Naoki looked down.
[Spicy Metal Chunk (D)
: A basic dish that is too hard and spicy for most Pokemon to eat, but there may be one Pokemon that absolutely adores it.
Dish Effect: Slightly enhances a Pokemon's control over Fire-type and Steel-type powers.
Additional Effect: Slightly increases Sidoren's affection when fed to it.
Evaluation: @%&!]
What kind of evaluation is that?
Perhaps even the ordinary stones by the roadside could be used.
After all, Pokemon like Onix and Roggenrola enjoy eating stones from the mountains.
However, what surprised Naoki the most was the additional effect of this "Spicy Metal Chunk."
It increased Sidoren's affection?
Speaking of Sidoren, one had to mention the distant Sinnoh region and the ancient mythology surrounding it.
According to legend, the creator deity, Arceus, fashioned the world.
To provide a material and spiritual foundation for this world, Arceus created Dialga, the Pokemon that governs time, and Palkia, the Pokemon that governs space. Additionally, in another dimension, the three lake guardians—Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf—bestowed emotions, wisdom, and knowledge upon the world.
Sidoren was born during this process.
In ancient times, fragments that fell during the great battle between Dialga and Palkia transformed into Sidoren upon touching the earth.
"But Sidoren should be in the Sinnoh region now, right?" Naoki fell into deep thought.
If the game's settings were anything to go by, aside from the Sinnoh region, there were also Sidoren in the Hoenn region.
However, it was impossible for him to go to either of those regions at the moment, and even if he did, he wouldn't know the exact locations of Sidoren.
With a slight tinge of regret, Naoki glanced at the spicy metal chunk in front of him.
He turned his head and saw Golbat and Motostoke waiting expectantly. With a playful smile, he teased them, "Do you guys want to eat it?"
Golbat and Motostoke looked at the metal chunk coated in red chili oil and shook their heads in unison, clearly not interested. For once, they were in complete agreement.
Naoki reluctantly threw the stone and grass into the trash bin.
These two special dishes wouldn't be of use anytime soon.
However, he made a mental note to visit the Sinnoh region when he had the time.
"Sidoren, the 'Fire-Steel' Pokemon... It's a legendary Pokemon!"
Although it was a lesser-known legendary, it was still an incredibly rare Pokemon compared to the likes of Caterpie.
As a former collector, Naoki felt a familiar urge to add it to his collection.
The idea of gathering all the adorable, fluffy, and rare Pokemon from around the world and raising them on his ranch, while tending to his crops, was incredibly enticing.
Hehehe!
Suddenly, Naoki noticed two large Pokemon staring at him.
Clearing his throat, he composed himself, stroked Golbat and Motostoke's heads affectionately, and then walked out of the house to join Claire, who was still building the chicken coop.
"Miss Claire, do you know where I can find Eevee, Vulpix, Pikachu, Skitty, Pachirisu, or Purugly?" Naoki asked, his eyes sparkling with hope.
With the crops not yet ready, he had some free time on his hands, and he wanted to take Golbat and Motostoke to catch one of those Pokemon.
While Golbat and Motostoke were adorable and lovable, they were also quite large in size.
Aside from them, Naoki longed to raise smaller Pokemon that he could snuggle with in bed.
When winter came and snow blanketed the outside, he envisioned a cozy scene by the fireplace, with Golbat and Motostoke lying by the bed, and Eevee, Vulpix, and Skitty curled up in his blankets, at the foot of his bed, on his pillow, or even snuggled in his arms.
That kind of life was something he wouldn't trade for even an emperor's throne!
(End of Chapter)
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