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Chapter 6: First Earnings
Chapter 6: First Earnings
...Black truffles.
Perhaps it was because he was so desperately short on funds, but Naoki's first thought upon seeing this delicacy was how expensive it must be. However, he soon noticed the enhancement effects listed below.
[While it has no inherent enhancement effects, it can significantly amplify the effects of cuisine.]
What was this? Some kind of high-level synthesis material?
Naoki vaguely recalled a similar ingredient from a game he played in his previous life.
In that game, this type of ingredient could be added to dishes, not only enhancing their effects from level 1 to level 3 but also potentially turning temporary buffs into permanent ones.
This knowledge elevated the value of black truffles even further.
What a wonderful find!
Naoki carefully dug out the entire black truffle, ensuring it remained intact.
Motorizard, witnessing his actions, crouched nearby, holding its breath as if afraid to make the slightest sound. Only when Naoki had safely tucked the palm-sized truffle into his backpack did Motorizard dare to look up, tilting its head in confusion. "Gao?"
"This is something that can greatly improve our quality of life!" Naoki explained to Motorizard with a smile. He weighed the truffle in his hand, estimating it to be about a kilogram.
As a novice in this world, he had no idea how much black truffles were worth, but based on its size and appearance, he could tell it wouldn't come cheap.
Glancing up at the sky, Naoki realized it was getting late, so he mounted Motorizard and headed back toward the ranch.
Naoki had just returned to the ranch at 5 p.m. and was about to pour himself a drink when he heard a honking sound from outside.
"Beep beep beep!"
Stepping outside, he saw a box truck with the Splash logo driving into the ranch.
The driver, a robust man with bulging arm muscles and a buzz cut, stuck his head out the window and greeted him enthusiastically, "Are you the new owner of this ranch, Naoki? Mayor Thomas told me about you. I'm Zack from the Pickle Market. I'm in charge of purchasing goods from nearby ranches. Looking forward to working with you!"
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Zack," Naoki replied politely.
Zack turned off the truck's engine and hopped out, surveying the surroundings. His eyes landed on the distant field that had been cultivated, and he grinned. "Looks like you've already gotten the hang of ranch work! Do you have anything you'd like to sell?"
Zack's question was more out of courtesy, as he knew it was unlikely for a novice ranch owner to have mature crops, wool, or milk to sell. Developing a ranch took time.
But the next moment, he was surprised to see the newcomer pull out a large, black lump from somewhere.
Zack, with his extensive knowledge and experience, instantly recognized what it was.
His eyes widened in shock. "Black truffles?! Wow! This grade of black truffles is incredibly rare. Where did you find it?!"
"In the mountains behind the ranch," Naoki replied. "Can it be sold?"
Zack nodded eagerly. "Of course! The price of black truffles is quite astonishing. Regular quality ones go for about 5,000 Pokedollars per pound. The one you have there is top-notch in terms of quality and size. Truffles of this caliber are rarely seen on the market, and they can fetch a price of around 15,000 Pokedollars per pound."
The unique flavor of black truffles was sought after by many, especially those from wealthy and aristocratic backgrounds.
And money was certainly no object for them.
Fifteen thousand Pokedollars per pound?!
But...
If he sold it, he would have enough money to buy seeds, repair the ranch, and prepare food.
Naoki hesitated for a moment.
However, he quickly made up his mind.
He needed to think long-term. Even though the black truffle could enhance the effects of his cooking, converting it to cash would accelerate the ranch's development and earn him even more money in the future.
Once the ranch was more established, he could use that money to purchase other top-quality ingredients that would have similar effects.
With that decision made, Naoki no longer hesitated and chose to sell the truffle.
Seeing this, Zack took a scale from his truck to weigh the truffle, then pointed to the display and said to Naoki, "One kilogram and a hundred grams."
He then took out a calculator and a small notebook, did some quick calculations, and finally said, "That's a total of 33,000 Pokedollars."
"Deal," Naoki nodded.
"Then I'll take this truffle with me!" Zack said as he pulled out a thick wad of cash from his wallet and handed it over to Naoki.
Naoki took the money and carefully counted it, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
His first earnings as a ranch owner! He wouldn't have to survive on bland instant noodles anymore!
Zack still had other ranches to visit, but before leaving, he surveyed the entire ranch and offered some advice: "There are many ways to make money besides just farming and raising Pokemon. Have you been to Brine Town yet? If you go there, be sure to buy a fishing rod from the general store. While you're waiting for your crops to grow, you can make some money by fishing."
"Oh, but don't worry too much. It's always tough in the beginning. It'll get better once summer comes, and besides regular crops, you can also grow hops to brew beer. That rustic, country-style beer is very popular in the big cities!"
Hops? Naoki raised an eyebrow at the familiar name.
However, his thoughts didn't turn to brewing, but rather to the peculiar effects that his home-brewed beer might have, just like his cooking...
With these thoughts in mind, Naoki nodded and thanked Zack, "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for your help."
Zack gave him an encouraging smile. "Good luck!"
And with that, he bid Naoki farewell and drove off in his truck.
Back in the cottage, Naoki looked at the small piece of black truffle that was left on the table – a fragment that had accidentally broken off during his excavation.
"I wonder if I can get Trubbish to help dig up more truffles hidden underground..." Naoki mused to himself.
He decided to keep this small piece of truffle for later, intending to add it to a special dish to enhance its effects.
As for now...
Holding the thick stack of Pokedollars, Naoki felt elated.
It was time to head into town, buy some new ingredients, and get cooking!
Naoki hopped onto Motorizard and directed it toward their destination. As they rode, he gazed at the sky, painted with the hues of sunset, and began to hum, "Riding on my little motorbike~"
"Gao?"
Motorizard looked at him, confused. Was he talking about it? Was it his 'little motorbike'?
(End of Chapter)
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