Chapter 259: The Newbie Protection Period and the Dizzy Pokémon

April 25th; one day had passed since Luo Mu returned from the Great Crater of Paldea.

The Oranguru butler had long since prepared a report on the farm's conditions over the past few days.

The new fruit trees Luo Mu had originally planned to introduce had already been delivered and planted; it was still the standard trio of Oran Berries, Pecha Berries, and Sitrus Berries. Although these berries were common, their effects were the most versatile, bringing the total count to fifty trees, which could fully be considered a small orchard.

Apart from that, there were only trivial matters, such as the chicks in the coop recovering from their stress under Arboliva's loving care and continuing to peck at the ground without a care in the world.

In the morning, after finishing most of the work, Luo Mu, as usual, carried a milk pail and milking tools, sat atop Meng Lei Gu, and ambled over leisurely.

The farm's pasture grass, nourished by Bai Bai Pengpeng and the others' Grassy Terrain, was exceptionally fertile and tender, likely containing very high nutritional value.

When the two Wooloo arrived, they were tiny creatures; now, they were nearly starting to expand horizontally.

As for Da Nai Guan, it had completely let itself go; relying on its Grass Eater ability's extraordinary grass-digesting capacity, it surpassed Moltres to leap into becoming the biggest eater among the Pokémon on Luo Mu's farm.

This also meant Da Nai Guan had ample milk every day; since accumulating too much milk caused a bloating reaction, it had to be milked on time.

For the past few days, he had entrusted this task to the Oranguru, but starting today, Luo Mu would have to handle it personally.

Thinking of this, Luo Mu looked at the thick golden fur beneath him, the ropes tied around it, and the milk pails clanging against each other with Meng Lei Gu's steps; even he hadn't expected Meng Lei Gu to be willing to help carry goods.

If Professor Sada, Professor Turo, and Chairwoman Geeta knew that a "ferocious" ancient Paradox Pokémon was helping someone work, even they would probably be dumbfounded.

Once communication was established, aside from the arrogance common to Dragon-type Pokémon, Meng Lei Gu's usual temperament was hardly ferocious; in fact, it was somewhat lazy.

From what Luo Mu observed yesterday, Meng Lei Gu particularly liked lying by Thundercry Lake to bask in the sun, slowly licking its fur, behaving exactly like a large feline.

It seemed to greatly enjoy the feeling of sunlight enveloping its body, which might be somewhat related to Meng Lei Gu's ability, "Protosynthesis."

Luo Mu remembered that apart from Koraidon and Miraidon, all Paradox Pokémon shared unified abilities: ancient Paradox Pokémon possessed "Protosynthesis," while future Paradox Pokémon had "Quark Drive."

The former boosted its highest stat by 30% under harsh sunlight or when holding the item Booster Energy, while the latter raised its highest stat by one stage in Electric Terrain or when holding Booster Energy.

According to the conclusions Professor Sada drew from her observations that day, Meng Lei Gu possessed innate talent in Special Attack, along with the physical constitution and strength inherent to Dragon-type Pokémon.

Such a Meng Lei Gu could fully serve as the ace Pokémon for an Elite Four-level trainer.

Because it possessed higher intelligence than other Paradox Pokémon, most Pokémon on the farm merely regarded Meng Lei Gu as a particularly tall newcomer, showing no fear toward it.

This was likely due to the Pokémon being unaware of the ferocity of Area Zero Pokémon, as well as Meng Lei Gu's own efforts.

It adapted well to the outside environment, tolerating Shuang Nai Xian and Nacli playing on its back, displaying an absurdly good temper.

Thinking of this, Luo Mu stroked the thick yet soft fur beneath him and said softly, "If other Paradox Pokémon were like you, Professors Sada and Turo's dreams could probably be realized."

Meng Lei Gu turned its long neck slightly, pondering those fellows in its memory; compared to those ferocious and savage creatures, it was truly the outlier.

Instead, the little ones on this farm... were very cute.

Soon, Meng Lei Gu arrived near the pasture area, where the eagerly waiting Wooloo and Da Nai Guan immediately surrounded them.

Luo Mu unloaded the equipment from Meng Lei Gu, first milking the two Wooloo, whose milk production was not high, and then turned to Da Nai Guan.

Squish~ Squish~ Squish~

"How is it? Is the pressure appropriate?"

Looking at Da Nai Guan, who wore an expression of pure enjoyment, Luo Mu rhythmically squeezed its milk-producing organs from top to bottom.

"Moo~"

Under the bright sunlight, Da Nai Guan squinted its eyes and responded to Luo Mu's question with a look of complete satisfaction.

"Haha, it seems I asked a useless question."

Luo Mu chuckled and, under the watchful eyes of the Wooloo who had already finished, continued squeezing Da Nai Guan's milk into the pail.

From the reactions of both Da Nai Guan and the Wooloo, it was clear that Luo Mu's milking technique was improving day by day.

After its initial curiosity faded, Meng Lei Gu lost interest in Luo Mu's milking actions; however, to be fair, it had tasted the small cup of Tapu Tapu Moumou milk and sheep's milk Luo Mu ladled out, and the flavor was excellent—it had never tasted anything so delicious before.

At this moment, Meng Lei Gu was staring at the lush, fertile pasture grass growing vigorously on the ground; hearing Luo Mu say that the Wooloo and Da Nai Guan produced their milk by eating this, it wondered what it tasted like, having never eaten grass itself.

Driven by curiosity, the itching Meng Lei Gu lowered its head to take a bite, and then—

Ptui! Ptui! Ptui!

What was this mixture full of sweetness and earthy fishiness?

Could eating just this produce such delicious milk?

Meng Lei Gu fell into deep confusion.

After finishing the milking, it was nearly lunchtime; Luo Mu hung several full milk pails securely on Meng Lei Gu, bid farewell to the sunbathing, comfortable Da Nai Guan and Wooloo, and called upon the strangely glum-faced Meng Lei Gu to head home together.

After lunch, Luo Mu received Pepa, whom he had contacted beforehand.

Pepa's mood had improved significantly; upon meeting, he bowed ninety degrees to Luo Mu and said gratefully, "Brother Luo Mu, thank you for saving my mom and dad."

"It's nothing, just a simple favor," Luo Mu smiled gently, reaching out to ruffle Pepa's soft hair. "As agreed, in return, you must accompany me fishing this afternoon."

This time, Pepa was exceptionally honest and did not say anything about head-patting stunting growth; he nodded lightly and responded softly, "Okay."

The fishing location this time was not the small creek near the farm; let it be stated clearly, Luo Mu was not worried about any nonsense like Magikarp enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet.

He simply wanted to change fishing spots; one couldn't exactly hang oneself on a single crooked tree, right?

Pepa had no objections about where to fish; while Luo Mu packed up a miscellaneous pile of fishing gear, besides Luxray who would accompany them, Luo Mu also called down a Rookidee from the sky.

Pepa noticed that the chest feathers of this Rookidee bore three scratch marks, which looked like the work of some bird Pokémon; had Brother Luo Mu captured it?

Come to think of it, he had indeed seen several Rookidee circling above the farm, assuming they were wild Pokémon.

Noticing the questioning look in Pepa's eyes, Luo Mu introduced, "This is Skarmory Skarmory Sanmao, the leader of a wild Rookidee flock; the Rookidee flock has signed a friendly cooperation contract with the farm, dispatching ten Rookidee daily to handle aerial security for the farm."

"Many flying Pokémon attempting to sneak into the farm to steal crops and berries have been driven away by them; they are extremely reliable."

Moreover, the hiring cost for each Rookidee per day was only a few berries, offering extremely high cost-performance!

Of course, Luo Mu did not say this last sentence in front of Pepa; Pepa was not yet at an age to receive the dirty thoughts of adults.

"Caw~"

After drinking a can of Tapu Tapu Moumou milk prepared by Luo Mu, Skarmory Sanmao, who was secretly taking on private jobs and eating alone behind its flock's back, flapped its wings and flew ahead with a fawning expression to lead the way for Luo Mu and the others.

The fishing spot Luo Mu planned to visit this time was provided by Skarmory Sanmao; it said that river was near the Rookidee flock's territory, and in terms of both aquatic resources and scale, it far exceeded the small creek where Luo Mu usually fished.

Besides fishing, there might even be a chance to catch some particularly rare aquatic Pokémon or something similar.

Luo Mu was very expectant.

Papa Heavy released Ao Ao Jiaofu from the Poké Ball, letting Ao Ao Jiaofu follow behind him just like Luxray.

After walking about halfway, Papa Heavy suddenly spoke: "Brother Luo Mu, come to think of it, the academy reopens tomorrow."

Luo Mu's steps halted; he blinked his eyes, as if Geeta had mentioned this to him when they emerged from the Paldea Crater earlier. Damn, he had accidentally forgotten.

Fortunately, Papa Heavy didn't notice Luo Mu's expression and merely continued: "I heard the academy has replaced most of its teachers, and nearly one-tenth of the students have withdrawn. Not to mention those teachers who made mistakes, Principal Mu Fei and some other teachers have also resigned taking responsibility."

"I wonder what the new principal and teachers will be like."

There was a hint of unease in Papa Heavy's tone; for him, after experiencing a half-month holiday, the familiar homeroom teachers and principal had all been changed.

Luo Mu felt it was normal for Papa Heavy to think this way. Recalling the faces of those competent teachers and the principal from the game, he said solemnly: "I believe they will certainly be very good."

Papa Heavy's lips moved slightly.

Luo Mu added: "After all, this time Chairwoman Geeta personally interviewed and confirmed every single teacher and principal from start to finish. You all just need to rest assured and continue your campus life."

"Mm!"

Receiving Luo Mu's answer, Papa Heavy nodded heavily, and much of the unease in his heart vanished.

"Quack~"

Having completed guiding the way, the Rookidee waved its wings at Luo Mu and the others, then directly turned around and flew back into the dense forest in the distance.

That was the territory of their kind; judging from the outside, Luo Mu didn't see any signs of resource scarcity. Although Rookidee and its kin wouldn't lie about such a place, Luo Mu still decided to enter the forest and take a look when he had time.

But for now, he should just peacefully enjoy the fishing time to relax, after all, he had to go to work again tomorrow.

Luo Mu smiled, looking at the calm lake surface before him that shimmered under the sunlight; this was indeed a good place.

Finding a good spot shaded by trees, Luo Mu sat down on the soft grass with Papa Heavy, while Luxray and Ao Ao Jiaofu lay lazily under the tree.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting mottled tree shadows that swayed slightly over Luxray and Ao Ao Jiaofu; time seemed to slow down, and Luo Mu especially enjoyed such tranquil moments.

Luo Mu had prepared two fishing rods; one was his old companion he had used for many years. Recently, he felt he was gradually beginning to resonate with his old companion; perhaps someday, his fishing rod could also birth a tool spirit.

Papa Heavy's fishing rod was a small-sized one Luo Mu had specially bought considering his build; it was fine for playing in a small pond, but before this lake, it looked somewhat inadequate.

Luo Mu had already prepared to catch big fish with great gusto, then teach Papa Heavy how to fish under the boy's admiring and worshipful expression.

It should have been like this—

Two hours after starting to fish, Luo Mu looked at the float on the lake surface that had shown no reaction for half a day, then looked at the few pitiful little fish in the bucket beside him, and then looked at Papa Heavy, whose face was rosy as he caught another big fish, and fell completely silent.

Something was wrong, something was very wrong; could the bond between him and his old companion really be so fragile?

Could it be that this so-called newbie protection period was what allowed this kid Papa Heavy to continuously catch big fish?

Just as Luo Mu looked doubtful about life itself, Papa Heavy chose to add fuel to the fire.

"Brother Luo Mu, my bucket can't hold any more fish; looking at yours, it seems still empty, so lend it to me to put some in, okay?"

Luo Mu:!!!!

Looking at Papa Heavy, whose eyes were full of innocence, Luo Mu suppressed his suspicion that this kid was doing it on purpose. Drooping his head like a defeated rooster, he said weakly: "Take it and use it."

"Thanks~"

Papa Heavy took the water bucket, placed it between the two of them, put the fish he had just caught inside, then skillfully baited the hook and cast the rod.

If not for the fact that he truly knew nothing at the very beginning, Luo Mu would have suspected this kid was pretending to be a newbie.

Was this the secondary profession talent of a future great chef? How enviable.

Just as Luo Mu was secretly grieving, the grass beside them suddenly made a rustling sound.

The creature in the grass seemed to have no intention of avoiding humans at all; a slightly chubby pink body slowly crawled out from the grass and sat directly beside the two of them.

Luo Mu & Papa Heavy:?

"Is this... a Slowpoke?"

The Pokémon before them was pink all over, with curled ears; its mouth was cream-colored, and on the slightly open upper jaw, two small teeth could be seen.

If one were to speak of its most distinct feature, it would be its round and large eye sockets; its pupils were very small, which caused Slowpoke's gaze to look exceptionally dull.

Slowpoke's limbs were short, with one non-sharp claw growing on each hand and foot, looking completely non-aggressive; its rather long tail swayed slightly in the air, emitting a pleasant sweet fragrance.

Papa Heavy lifted his head and sniffed the air with his nose, murmuring: "I somehow feel a sweet scent..."

"Yaru~"

Slowpoke was not shy at all; it emitted a drawn-out cry from its mouth, as if treating Luo Mu and Papa Heavy, who were fishing, as its own kind.

Slowpoke lowered its tail into the water; judging by its appearance, it seemed to intend to catch something, yet its expression showed not the slightest change, remaining in a dull state the entire time.

Luo Mu: "."

This indeed very much matched his stereotypical impression of Slowpoke.

Papa Heavy couldn't help but ask aloud: "Brother Luo Mu, what is this Slowpoke doing?"

"Is it playing with water using its tail?"

Papa Heavy's question hit the mark; after pondering for a moment, Luo Mu opened his mouth and said: "It might be fishing. Don't look at Slowpoke like this; it is actually a fishing master. The sweet scent you smell is secreted from its tail; this scent can attract food or Pokémon to bite onto Slowpoke's tail."

"However, there are also Slowpoke that fish in order to evolve; I don't know which type this Slowpoke is."

(End of Chapter)