https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-562-Dragon-Mantle-and-Motor-Lizard-s-Ability-Testing/12938774/
Chapter 563: A Year of Peace and Prosperity
Chapter 563: A Year of Peace and Prosperity
"What in the world is going on here?"
Dr. Kuroki couldn't help but mutter as he stared at the data displayed on the screen.
Could it be a machine malfunction? Dr. Kuroki quickly began inspecting the machine's status, his fingers flying across the keyboard. After five minutes, the computer indicated that the machine was functioning normally.
This could only mean one thing... This Skiddo had been bred to an unimaginable level of perfection, even surpassing the limits of its species!
Dr. Kuroki turned his head, looking at the adorably clueless Skiddo with a dazed expression, "This is truly unbelievable..."
Even in the entire world, there were very few trainers capable of breeding Pokemon to such an extent.
"You're an exceptional trainer!" Dr. Kuroki exclaimed as he turned to the young man in front of him.
Meanwhile, Shizuru was focused on the Skiddo's data on the computer screen.
Among the various stats, Strength and Speed had seen the most significant improvements.
"Did the birthday cake enhance the base stats of Skiddo's Strength and Speed?"
As for Defense and Special Defense, Shizuru guessed that it might be due to the influence of the "Dragon Mantle."
And the exaggerated HP could very well be the result of long-term consumption of Life Sheep Milk.
Comparable to Holy Ash, Life Sheep Milk was infused with the essence of the World Tree, and regular consumption could significantly enhance a Pokemon's physical condition, making them healthier and stronger.
In gaming terms, Skiddo's HP limit had been substantially increased.
Hearing Dr. Kuroki's words, Shizuru smiled slightly but remained silent.
"It's also thanks to Skiddo's own efforts," he said.
Indeed, Skiddo had been training diligently by sparring with Gogoat every day, and Gogoat had been a dedicated mentor.
For Skiddo, Gogoat was both a teacher and a friend.
Although Gogoat occasionally felt a bit jealous of Skiddo over trivial matters, it wasn't a significant issue.
Overall, Gogoat was a Pokemon that understood the bigger picture and wouldn't mistreat or bully Skiddo because of such trivialities.
Gogoat was intelligent, sometimes giving Shizuru the impression that it wasn't a paradoxical Pokemon from ancient times but rather a modern Pokemon with a wealth of life experience.
However, Gogoat was, after all, a legendary Pokemon, and even ancient Pokemon had high intelligence and status within the ecosystem.
"Hmm... It seems I need to update Skiddo's data."
Dr. Kuroki was about to adjust Skiddo's data when he realized something.
Not all Skiddo would exhibit such results, and this particular Skiddo might be a special case. With too few exceptions, it couldn't be considered experimental data and could only be treated as a rare and unique individual.
Dr. Kuroki paused, considering this.
After confirming Skiddo's physical condition, Shizuru saw no need to linger in the research institute.
He prepared to bid farewell to Dr. Kuroki, leave Zi Qin Town, and return to the farm.
Just as he was about to leave with Skiddo and Gogoat, the institute's door suddenly swung open.
A boy, around ten years old, rushed in, full of energy.
Despite being drenched in sweat from running, the boy's excitement and enthusiasm remained unaffected.
"Doctor! I'm Komatsu, and I've finally turned ten today. I'm here to receive my starter Pokemon from you and embark on my journey with it!"
"Komatsu, is it?" Dr. Kuroki stood up and retrieved three Poke Balls from another room. "I've already prepared your Pokemon. Choose one from these three!"
Intrigued, Shizuru paused to watch.
Dr. Kuroki released the three Poke Balls, and a Dull Crocodile, a New Leaf Mew, and a Soothing Duck appeared in the institute, each accompanied by a flash of white light.
The boy immediately set his sights on the Dull Crocodile, having made up his mind before even entering the room.
"I choose the Dull Crocodile!"
"The Dull Crocodile? Well, from now on, this little guy is in your care!" Dr. Kuroki smiled as he handed over the Dull Crocodile to the boy, along with five Poke Balls.
After listening to Dr. Kuroki's instructions, the boy excitedly picked up the Dull Crocodile and rushed out to begin his adventure.
"Ah, such vitality!" Dr. Kuroki exclaimed with a smile.
Shizuru was a bit surprised and asked, "Do all the children in town come to you for their starter Pokemon?"
Dr. Kuroki nodded.
"When I first arrived here, the Paldea League approached me and asked me to help distribute starter Pokemon to the children of this town," he explained.
Shizuru nodded in understanding; it was indeed something Eci would do.
"However, this is quite normal. It's the same in the Paldea Region or the Kanto Region." Dr. Kuroki said with a smile.
"Children who turn ten years old are registered in the population system, and when they reach that age, the various Leagues will prepare initial Pokemon for them. These Pokemon are then distributed through the research institutes located in various towns and given to the children."
"I've only just arrived in the Paldea Region, and I've already been entrusted with such an important task. It's quite overwhelming..." Dr. Kuroki rubbed his head, expressing his distress.
Shizuru: "..."
Poor Dr. Kuroki, he had just moved to the Paldea Region and was already on Eci's mind.
He could only say that Eci truly lived up to his reputation!
Speaking of Eci, when Shizuru was chatting with Qi Shu in the evening, he mentioned another matter.
Apparently, the Champion Challenge system in the Paldea Region was undergoing reforms.
"The Chief is quite envious of the lively atmosphere during the League Tournaments in other regions. She believes that not only can it attract more Trainers to our Paldea, but it can also showcase Paldea's strength to other regions."
"So, starting from next year, the Chief has decided to follow the example of other regions and hold a League Tournament in Paldea." Qi Shu explained.
"Indeed, it's about time for a change." Shizuru agreed with Eci's decision.
This would undoubtedly attract more Trainers to travel to Paldea, collecting Gym Badges and challenging the League Tournament.
During this process, it would greatly boost the economy of the Paldea Region and promote the prosperity of the tourism industry and various other sectors.
"I'm glad I stood firm in my convictions and politely declined the Chief's invitation. Otherwise, I might have ended up as a part-time worker for the Paldea League, just like Aoki." Shizuru couldn't help but sigh.
Qi Shu chuckled, "Aoki is indeed quite pitiful. Not only does he have to accept Gym challenges, but he also has to help with tasks in other departments, and the Chief often sends him on business trips."
Shizuru was quite perplexed by this.
With Aoki's status and King-level strength, it was unimaginable that he would lack money. Why was he living such a corporate life? Perhaps he enjoyed it?
However, Shizuru felt that it was more about responsibility. Aoki was a person with a strong sense of duty, and he fulfilled his role accordingly.
One could only say that everyone had their own way of living.
For Shizuru, the life he cherished the most was running the farm together with everyone.
Autumn passed, and winter arrived silently, with leaves turning yellow and falling without a sound. In the blink of an eye, white snow began to flutter down from the sky.
The snowflakes landed on rooftops, the ground, farmlands, and even Pompom Sheep's farm.
In the 12th month of the League Year 201, the Paldea Region welcomed its first snowfall of the winter.
And with it came the new year of 201.
During the cold winter, the fields became unsuitable for farming, and the farmers, who usually left early and returned late, stayed home, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace with their families and Pokemon.
Their cellars were stocked with an abundance of food for the winter—sausages, cheese, smoked fish, barley bread, wine, smoked meat, and dried wild mushrooms.
Shizuru's farm was no exception.
To prevent being snowed in, he had stocked his cellar with plenty of food in advance.
There was an abundance of food and drink, and even Zhenyifa, who was always worried about food shortages and going hungry, couldn't help but smile with relief upon seeing this.
On the morning of New Year's Eve, Qi Shu arrived at the farm.
Shizuru had been busy since early in the morning, preparing New Year's gifts for the Pokemon, gathering ingredients for the New Year's Eve dinner, and setting up fireworks for the evening.
When Qi Shu arrived, Shizuru was writing a pair of spring couplets with a brush, and this year, he suddenly felt inspired to write a pair to hang on the front door.
"Plenty of fish and shrimp in the Lunar Month, and fat chickens and ducks for the New Year..." Qi Shu murmured, reading the words aloud, and her face lit up with curiosity, "What does this mean?"
"It means that during the Lunar Month, there's an abundance of fish and shrimp, and for the New Year, the chickens and ducks are plump. People living on the land prepare abundant food to celebrate the harvest." Shizuru explained as he used paste to hang the couplets on the door.
Although she hadn't heard this saying before, Qi Shu somehow understood the meaning behind Shizuru's words.
"It does sound very heartwarming!" she said.
Shizuru smiled and turned around, saying, "There are still some goods in the house that need to be organized. Can you help me?"
"Sure, of course!" Qi Shu giggled and then released her Pokemon from their Poke Balls, "Everyone, come out!"
With a flash of white light, Elekid, Dream Demon, and the others appeared one by one in the living room.
Qi Shu's Pokemon, Gogoat, Skiddo, and Babu Tubba, gathered around the fireplace, watching the Lava Worm crackling within, as they chatted away.
Meanwhile, Shizuru and Qi Shu began unpacking the parcels in the living room, mostly items Shizuru had purchased online.
They unboxed fireworks and various regional specialties.
As the two sorted through the packages, the Pokemon huddled around the fireplace, enjoying the warmth.
Shizuru and Qi Shu observed this scene, feeling a peculiar sensation.
They were like parents preparing for the Lunar New Year, while the Pokemon resembled children celebrating the new year, playing together.
"It feels like home," Qi Shu said, propping her chin with her hand, her gaze fixed on the heartwarming sight.
Shizuru turned to look at her.
"Wow... I can't believe I'm getting married soon!" Qi Shu whispered, "Starting a new family with someone... I never imagined this before, and in just three months, I'll have my own family!"
"I never thought about it either, until I met you," Shizuru smiled.
Qi Shu turned to him, "Hmm?"
"Before, I often thought about living with Pokemon forever, running the ranch together, and enjoying a simple, happy life," Shizuru explained.
"But later, when I saw other ranchers with their families, caring for Pokemon and managing the ranch, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have a family like that," he continued.
"And now?" Qi Shu asked.
"Now?" Shizuru laughed, "I'm excited for life in three months."
It was indeed remarkable; despite their contrasting backgrounds, Shizuru and Qi Shu were about to get married.
One was a rancher from the countryside, and the other was a Gym Leader living in the city. One from the westernmost part of Paldea, and the other from the easternmost part.
Initially, Shizuru had concerns about neglecting his Pokemon if he were to be with Qi Shu.
But later, he realized his worries were unfounded.
No matter what they did, they naturally included the Pokemon in their activities.
Qi Shu would often say, "I can't leave the Pokemon unattended, and neither can you. Let's take them with us!"
And so, they would end up looking after the Pokemon together.
The Aikan Shi siblings watched the couple from a distance as they organized their things.
The younger Aikan Shi couldn't help but exclaim, "Ai~" (They look so happy~)
The older Aikan Shi calmly nodded, "Ai."
Both siblings were genuinely happy for Shizuru at that moment.
Especially the younger Aikan Shi, as this meant she could utilize her specialty—caring for babies!
She had spent a long time learning this skill, and as she thought about it, she turned to her brother and said, "Ai." (When the time comes, I'll take care of the baby, and you'll help with the diapers.)
"Ai?!" The older Aikan Shi was shocked. After careful consideration, he calmly replied, "Ai." (There are no diapers anymore.)
Their parents had trained them in various skills, including the use of diapers and disposable diapers.
Not all families in the world used disposable diapers, and some still relied on traditional cloth diapers.
Based on his understanding of Shizuru, he was likely to opt for the convenient and efficient disposable diapers.
Hearing this, the younger Aikan Shi also realized this fact.
As she was about to say something more, a knock on the door suddenly interrupted them.
Shizuru and Qi Shu, in the living room, looked up.
The older Aikan Shi, not wanting to hear his sister's request for help with the baby's waste, hurried to open the door for the visitor.
But when the door opened, instead of a human, two tiny Pokemon stood before him!
"Imo!"
"Miu!"
"Ai?!" The older Aikan Shi was momentarily stunned, then broke into a delighted smile.
The traveling Mew and Bear Baby had returned, completing the reunion of Shizuru's ranch members!
Not a single one was missing; they were all together, celebrating the Lunar New Year as a family. They enjoyed Shizuru's New Year's Eve dinner, gathered around the fireplace, and watched the fireworks.
After greeting the older Aikan Shi, Bear Baby rushed towards Shizuru.
"Imo!!!"
Mew covered its mouth and laughed, then raised its pink tail and floated towards Shizuru.
(End of Chapter)
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