Chapter 461: How Is It That the Moment You Arrive, You Encounter an Abandoned Pokémon?

Just before Ash rushed back to the farm, Luo Mu had just inspected the construction progress of the new house.

The current situation was that the framework was completely erected, and the renovation of the entire new house was already underway.

The area of the new house, compared to the original old house built and inhabited by the previous farm owners—that couple who had passed away—and later renovated by Luo Mu...

... was more than three times larger.

Not only were there more rooms to allocate to the Pokémon, but the interior space was vastly greater; the large kitchen promised to Hatenna and Comfey, as well as the independent medical room, had long been designated.

Regarding the renovation, Luo Mu decided to adopt an overall warm, cozy color scheme to make the "home" feel more like a "home."

Once the renovation was complete and the ordered furniture and appliances arrived sequentially, relying on the Pokémon to clear the indoor air, they should be able to move in very soon.

After finishing the inspection of the new house, Luo Mu returned to the home where he currently lived and began preparing dinner.

Then, just as he was about to bring the steaming hot dinner to the table, Ash came rushing back.

All along the way, he had been shouting his cry for help at the top of his lungs.

"What's wrong, what's wrong—"

Luo Mu didn't even have time to take off the little duck apron that matched his Ceruledge; wearing arm guards, he rushed out of the kitchen in a hurry.

Upon seeing him, the panicked Ash seemed to have found his mainstay.

He lifted the Pokémon in his arms slightly higher and shouted anxiously to Luo Mu, "Brother Luo Mu, please save it quickly!"

Luo Mu and the nearby Pokémon looked over together, and when they clearly saw the Pokémon Ash was holding, they all froze in shock.

Especially Luxray, Serperior, and Ceruledge, who had been letting Quilava accompany it in grilling nearby, all stared blankly at the Pokémon in Ash's arms, turbulent emotions churning within them like a stormy sea.

"... Is this, Charcadet?"

Luo Mu frowned; regardless of how complex his feelings were, the most urgent matter was undoubtedly the safety of the Charcadet Ash had brought back.

Taking the Charcadet from Ash's arms, Luo Mu carefully observed the injuries on its body while giving a brief instruction to the Luxray beside him.

"Go find Comfey quickly; the most urgent task is to first stabilize its condition and vital signs."

Having said that.

Luo Mu, with a furrowed brow, examined each wound on the Charcadet's body one by one, constantly making judgments.

Luxray did not respond verbally to Luo Mu; as his most tacit partner, it knew that Luo Mu was currently concentrating on examining every single wound on the Charcadet in order to carry out targeted treatment later.

All it needed to do was handle the task Luo Mu had assigned.

Electricity silently flickered across Luxray's body, and in the blink of an eye, its figure vanished from the spot.

"Jah-loh."

Unable to stay put, Serperior also let out a low cry and coiled its way toward the farming area.

Whether it would work or not, it had to bring back Bai Bai Pengpeng and the others to release a Grassy Terrain full of life energy, which should at least stabilize the Charcadet's condition.

Meanwhile, Ceruledge stopped its grilling action, unconcerned that the skewers were becoming burnt and charred; under Quilava's confused expression, it stepped forward, staring at the Charcadet with a complicated expression.

Under Ash's anxious gaze, Luo Mu, based on his understanding of this species of Pokémon, made his judgment.

First, regarding the injuries.

They were undoubtedly critical and life-threatening; if Ash had brought it back even a little later, it would likely have been difficult to save.

Judging from the wounds on its body, they appeared to be caused by an attack from an opponent far larger than itself.

Precisely because the opponent's size was so much larger, it was impossible to determine which Pokémon had attacked the Charcadet based on the details of the wounds.

Furthermore, the Charcadet's body temperature was nothing like what a normal Fire-type Pokémon should have; it was terrifyingly cold, as if conflicting elemental energy was running rampant inside its body.

As for the treatment plan, indeed, the priority was to stabilize vital signs, then raise the body temperature, and finally use those few bottles of medicinal liquid made with Herba Mystica inside Sister Shuckle's shell from the warehouse for treatment.

If Calyrex were at home, it wouldn't be so troublesome, but as luck would have it, it had gone out these past few days.

"Buii."

The Eevee sisters looked worriedly at the Charcadet in Luo Mu's arms, whose breath was faint; judging by their experience surviving in the wild, this Charcadet would be very difficult to save.

But that was merely their past experience.

Even the younger sister's frail body had become better day by day thanks to Luo Mu's efforts; for this kind of injury, they believed Luo Mu definitely had a way.

"... Brother Luo Mu."

Seeing Luo Mu suddenly lift his head, Ash asked nervously.

The Pikachu on his shoulder also displayed the same expression.

Knowing what he wanted to ask, Luo Mu nodded and simply said seriously, "Leave it to me."

This sentence was like an anchor dropping into a turbulent sea, bringing a strong sense of security to Ash and Pikachu.

At this moment.

Luxray also returned with Comfey.

Accompanying it were Arcanine, Moltres, and Ash's Charizard.

"Everyone, don't crowd together; Comfey and Moltres, come with me. Luxray, go find Oranguru again and have it bring over the locked Herba Mystica medicinal liquid from the warehouse."

Luo Mu assigned tasks in a clear and organized manner.

Very quickly.

As the small door of Comfey's medical room closed, the treatment began.

The preliminary treatment plan was to use Comfey's Aromatherapy and Floral Healing to stabilize the Charcadet's condition, while Moltres finely controlled its flames to provide as much heat as possible to the Charcadet.

With the subsequent addition of Bai Bai Pengpeng and the others brought by Serperior, Grassy Terrain was also utilized, and the Charcadet's condition stabilized slightly.

At this time, Luxray also arrived, bringing Oranguru, who had rushed to the warehouse immediately after returning from shopping, carrying a set of Herba Mystica medicinal liquid.

After taking a combination of five types of medicinal liquid, under the effect of the Herba Mystica medicinal liquid, which was said to have the power to bring the dead back to life and flesh to white bones, the Water-type energy rampaging inside the Charcadet was expelled as moisture, and its condition was thoroughly stabilized.

It only needed to wait for the medicinal effects to be fully absorbed, and the Charcadet should wake up.

This time would probably take a few hours to wait.

Unlike in the game's storyline, where Arven directly made a sandwich using whole sticks of Herba Mystica to feed the Great Tusk.

The medicinal liquid in Luo Mu's hands traded rapid, significant effects for a gentle, versatile nature.

It could be said each had its own characteristics.

"Charcadet's condition has stabilized."

When Luo Mu pushed Charcadet out, he recited this sentence with a strange expression.

"That's great! Thank you, Brother Luo Mu!"

Seeing Ash, with Larvitar on his left shoulder and Pikachu on his right, run over with agile movements, Luo Mu felt an even stronger sense of dissonance in his heart.

Acting like this, I seem just like Nurse Joy.

No, I shouldn't call her 'Young Lady'; should it be Nurse Joy, young man?

Shaking his head to cast aside the chaotic thoughts, Luo Mu looked at Ash and the crowd of Pokémon peeking curiously from behind, announcing, "In a few hours, once Charcadet has fully absorbed the medicinal properties and wakes up, there will be no further trouble."

In an instant.

Cheers erupted from all around, nearly lifting the roof off.

But under Luo Mu's deathly glare, these sounds quickly dissipated.

"It needs quiet rest; Oranguru, take it to a quiet room first."

Luo Mu handed Charcadet over to Oranguru, then grabbed hold of Ash, who wanted to follow.

"Eat dinner first; even if you go over there now, it won't wake up."

"Moreover, I have some questions I want to ask you."

Ash's steps halted, and Luo Mu smoothly scooped up Mimikyu, who had been lacking any presence nearby.

"Mimikyu too."

After a delicious yet not particularly cheerful silent dinner.

In the living room at home, a roundtable conference began.

Luo Mu sat together with Ash, Mimikyu, and Oranguru.

As for Charcadet in the room, it was left to Luxray, Serperior, and Cangyan Cangyan Rengui to take turns caring for it.

"Ahem..."

Luo Mu cleared his throat lightly and went straight to the point.

"Ash, where did you encounter this Charcadet?"

"Why does it have so many wounds on its body?"

"Huh? Is it called Charcadet?"

Ash stared blankly for a second before realizing the Pokémon he had saved was named Charcadet.

It left Luo Mu utterly speechless.

So you knew nothing at all and just saved it anyway.

But indeed, this truly fits Ash's personality.

"Yes, Charcadet is a Pokémon from Paldea; my Cangyan Cangyan Rengui evolved from a Charcadet."

Luo Mu explained with patience.

"!"

Ash's eyes immediately lit up.

Could that cool Cangyan Cangyan Rengui have actually evolved from a Charcadet!?

Luo Mu was not here to give him a science lesson; for now, he still wanted to learn from Ash why Charcadet was injured so severely.

This was truly somewhat unusual.

Ash also realized he had gone off-topic and tried his best to describe the situation he had encountered in his own words.

Whenever there were parts Ash couldn't explain clearly, Luo Mu would have Mimikyu, who had been following Ash all along, fill in the gaps, with Oranguru beside them providing translation.

Soon, he pieced together the truth.

After leaving the farm, Ash and Pikachu, wanting to catch a Pokémon from Paldea, headed straight into the wild.

Unfortunately, luck in catching them did not come so easily.

Often, before Ash and Pikachu could beat a wild Pokémon to its knees, render it unable to battle, and reach the point of throwing a Poké Ball, the opponent would flee one step ahead.

Just like that, moving forward continuously, Ash arrived near a lake.

There, water sources were abundant and natural resources rich, hosting a considerable gathering of wild Pokémon.

It was there that Ash encountered Charcadet.

However, this Charcadet had a Trainer, and that Trainer was forcing Charcadet to fight a herd of Aqua Breed Tauros.

Facing a group of Tauros whose types suppressed its own and which were wildly ferocious, how could a tiny Charcadet possibly hold out?

In just a short while, it became covered in wounds and staggered, on the verge of collapse.

Ash, possessing a strong sense of justice, naturally stepped forward to stop it.

The other party claimed he was undergoing special training before challenging the Cascarrafa Gym, and Charcadet had to overcome its type weakness; if it couldn't overcome it, then there was no need for it to be his Pokémon, telling Ash not to meddle.

But Ash insisted on meddling in this affair.

After some back-and-forth, that person flew into a rage out of humiliation and was about to release other Pokémon to attack Ash.

Mimikyu, who had been hiding in Pikachu's shadow, could no longer endure it.

It deeply detested that person's behavior; first appearing to drive away the herd of Aqua Breed Tauros, it then directly used Shadow Claw to violently pin down that Trainer.

While describing Mimikyu's actions, Ash's eyes were shining: "This Pikachu, which is much thinner than my Pikachu, is super—amazing!"

"It pinned that person to the ground in one go; I didn't even react!"

Ash gestured wildly with his hands and feet, reenacting that scene, while making various meaningless vocal sounds with his mouth, as if trying to materialize the situation.

"... How was that person dealt with in the end?"

Luo Mu asked aloud.

They wouldn't have just let him go, right?

Ash would likely prioritize Charcadet's injuries first, so that possibility was indeed high.

But Ash shook his head and said, "Coincidentally, a Miss Miss Junsha patrolling the wilderness happened to pass by nearby; after understanding the situation, she detained that Trainer and took him back."

Hearing this, Luo Mu breathed a sigh of relief.

He was caught, then; that was good.

He looked at Ash again, his expression quite strange.

All told, he had only been in Paldea for two days, hadn't he?

He truly couldn't figure out how he managed to encounter the trope of an abandoned Pokémon immediately upon arriving in Paldea, and a Fire-type at that.

Preposterous.

Just then, Mimikyu tugged at Luo Mu's hem, as if wanting to say something.

Luo Mu told it not to hold back and to speak directly.

Mimikyu then angrily recounted its discovery, which was conveyed to Luo Mu through Oranguru's translation.

Mimikyu said that the Trainer taken away by Miss Miss Junsha had, while leaving, still been shouting threats about having connections in their family and vowing to make Ash and the others pay once he got out.

Hearing this made Luo Mu fly into a rage.

No matter how wonderful the world might be, some scum will inevitably arise.

Looking out through the window, although the night was deep, the outside world remained clearly visible under the illumination of lights.

Cangyan Cangyan Rengui stood outside, swinging the great flame swords on its arms over and over, as if trying to vent its vexed emotions.

Luo Mu knew that upon seeing that Charcadet, it certainly could not help but recall unpleasant memories from the past.

Luo Mu was aware that Cangyan Cangyan Rengui had already reconciled with its past.

But the reason for its vexation was most likely simply unhappiness at seeing a member of its own kind suffer such a fate.

"..."

After a few seconds of silence, Luo Mu looked at Ash and asked solemnly, "Did that Miss Miss Junsha who took the person away tell you which town's Miss Miss Junsha she was?"

Hearing Luo Mu's question, Ash tried hard to recall and answered, "I think it was Miss Miss Junsha from Purple Gold City!"

"Purple Gold City, huh... I understand."

Luo Mu recalled that traveling northwest, there was indeed a city called Purple Gold City that existed in Paldea but had not appeared in the game.

Without thinking about all sorts of miscellaneous things, he directly took out his phone and, frowning, dialed a number.

You claim to have connections? Then let's see whether the connections you know are bigger than the ones I know.

You were already irredeemable scum to begin with, yet you made my Cang Yan Ren Gui unhappy; if I don't mess with you, who will!?

The next day.

Early in the morning, Luo Mu received a reply on his phone.

Seeing phrases like "permanently revoke Trainer status," "a pair of silver handcuffs," and "protective umbrella investigated," his state of mind immediately smoothed out.

It had to be said.

Although Geeta usually loved to exploit people, her efficiency when asking for her help was truly high.

After just one night's sleep, everything was settled, without even needing Luo Mu to show up in person.

The only thing worrying Luo Mu was whether this matter would once again be dumped by Geeta onto Brother Brother Qingmu to handle.

Just as Luo Mu put down his phone, preparing to catch another wink of sleep, his phone vibrated a few more times.

He could only pick up his phone again to check the messages.

As a result, one look was enough to make his sleepiness vanish instantly.

【Clavell: Notify all department teachers; in the coming days, Naranja Academy will cooperate with the Hoenn Contest Association to hold a campus Pokémon Contest. Whether students or teachers, all may register to participate.

At that time, Wallace, a Hoenn Contest Master and former Hoenn League Champion, will be present in person!】

(End of Chapter)