Chapter 31: Video Call
Chapter 31: Video Call
Naoki felt a bit embarrassed as he admitted, "I don't have a phone yet."
Dr. Olin paused, a slight frown crossing her face as she realized the implication of what she had just witnessed outside.
This ranch seemed to be in its early stages of development, and based on the young man's attire and living conditions, she surmised that he might be facing some financial challenges.
With this in mind, Dr. Olin didn't press the issue further. She simply mentioned that she would stop by again in the afternoon and then left with her Skiploom.
Naoki stood there, bewildered, watching her depart. It was only when she was out of sight that he turned around and spotted Golurk hiding behind the door, peeking out cautiously.
Naoki breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at the Pokemon, saying, "They're gone."
Golurk let out a soft rumble in response.
Naoki approached and started petting Golurk, much like one would pet a dog. Golurk seemed to relish the attention, almost purring in contentment.
Amused by its reaction, Naoki chuckled. "Do you like me that much?"
It hadn't even been a full month since they started living together.
Hearing this, Golurk opened its eyes wide and looked delighted. It enthusiastically licked Naoki's face with its large tongue.
Naoki, now accustomed to Golurk's antics, wiped the saliva from his face and laughed. He no longer felt afraid, knowing that Golurk meant him no harm.
After cleaning himself up, Naoki took a deep breath and gazed at the crops growing in the distance. Dr. Olin had mentioned coming back in the afternoon, which meant his planned trip to Big Pot Lake would have to be postponed for another day.
Lizardon was off chasing butterflies again, still enjoying its time before evolving into a Butterfree. Minirice was sunbathing on the windowsill, while Miltank rested in her cozy nook.
Taking advantage of the quiet moment, Naoki decided to venture into the cave behind the wooden house, with Golurk following closely behind.
The moment they stepped inside, a cool breeze washed over them.
In one corner of the cave were rows of mushroom cultivation plates, and overnight, small mushrooms had started to sprout.
Naoki approached to take a closer look, using his unique ability to check their information.
[Little Mushroom: A rare wild mushroom that grows in forests. Can be used in cooking or sold at a high price to enthusiasts.]
Naoki was pleasantly surprised. If he recalled correctly, these little mushrooms were valuable items in the game, fetching 500 Pokedollars each—a much higher price than eggs or other produce.
There were also two other types of valuable mushrooms: the Big Mushroom, which sold for 5,000 Pokedollars, and the Fragrant Mushroom, a rare and aromatic variety that commanded a staggering price of 15,000 Pokedollars. The latter was often used to make expensive perfumes for wealthy noblewomen, rather than for cooking.
Unfortunately, the cultivation plates only yielded two Little Mushrooms and some common mushrooms, with no sign of the other valuable varieties. Nonetheless, Naoki was thrilled with his findings. Mushrooms had a short growth cycle, which meant that in just a few days, he could sell these mushrooms and add 1,000 Pokedollars to his savings.
Checking the progress of the mushrooms, Naoki noticed that it was still early in the day. So, he decided to take Golurk for a walk to the mountains behind the ranch.
Not much had changed in the area since their last visit.
Most of the Pokemon inhabiting this region were gentle and small Bug-type and Grass-type Pokemon. Upon seeing Golurk, they scurried deeper into the mountains, startled by the large ghostly figure.
Naoki didn't pursue them. Instead, he walked alongside Golurk, following the river that ran through the ranch.
"Looks like I'll have to find Water-type Pokemon at Big Pot Lake," Naoki muttered in dismay.
Before he knew it, it was already noon.
Naoki and Lizardon still hadn't found what they were looking for, so they decided to head back to the ranch after glancing at the sun.
Before leaving, Lizardon lowered its body, turned its head, and called out to Naoki, "Ga!"
Naoki thought it wanted to give him a ride back, so he climbed onto its back.
But as soon as he settled in, the Lizardon under him suddenly changed form.
The proud mustache on its head transformed into wings, its hind legs exerted force, and with a mighty leap, it soared high into the air, steadily flying back towards the ranch.
"Holy crap!"
Naoki was startled by Lizardon's sudden action. As the ground below them shrank, he hugged Lizardon's neck tightly, exclaiming, "You can fly?!''
Lizardon seemed delighted and responded with a loud, "Ga!"
Only then did Naoki realize that at this point in time, Lizardon hadn't yet encountered the territorial dispute with the game's Lizardon, so it wasn't injured and had always been able to fly!
After the initial shock wore off, Naoki's emotions gradually calmed down. This was his first time experiencing the thrill of flying on a Pokemon, and he curiously looked around.
Lizardon didn't fly at an exaggerated height among the clouds. Riding on its back, Naoki could clearly see the scenery below.
The boundless forest, the majestic mountains surrounded by lush greenery, the distant ranch, the distant Aspertia City, and the endless Patia Sea—all spread out before his eyes.
Feeling the rhythm of the wind, Naoki's heart leaped with joy.
This feeling was incredible!
———
At 3 p.m., Dr. Olin and Piper finally returned.
She instructed a man wearing a blue cap and a work uniform, "This is the place."
Naoki was slightly taken aback and asked, "What is this?"
Dr. Olin smiled and explained, "This is the latest video phone. The institute funded its installation so that you can contact me anytime. Consider it a gift for taking care of Golurk."
Naoki: "..."
He soon realized Dr. Olin's intention—she probably wanted to learn more about the habits of the Golurk living with him.
Naoki had no objections and was happy to help.
The video phone was installed at the foot of the bed.
Next to the bed was a windowsill where a little cutie was sunbathing.
After the phone installation was complete, Dr. Olin sincerely expressed her gratitude to Naoki, "Thank you so much for helping us study Golurk's ecological habits. You must really like Pokemon, don't you?"
Naoki nodded and glanced at Motorizard and Golurk, who were not far away. He smiled and said, "They're smart, sensible, innocent, and pure. I think everyone must love them."
Hearing this, Dr. Olin also smiled faintly. Without saying more, she turned and left with Piper. There were still matters in Zone Zero that needed her attention.
As Naoki watched the two figures, large and small, disappear from view, his mind conjured up Dr. Olin's fate.
She and her husband, Dr. Fort, would eventually perish in an explosion caused by a future experiment.
(End of Chapter)
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