In the farm, Aven was in a good mood.
He was playing with a Water Stone and a Dawn Stone in his hands, thinking about how all the villagers from Stonefall Village had decided to stay.
Now it was nearly late winter, and spring was just around the corner. Based on the last Abyssal Beast Tide, the beast tide would last several months.
After late winter came spring, and the berry orchards of Fruitvale Village would soon become busy again. This year, every orchard planned to expand, and that would require a large labor force.
The villagers from Stonefall Village were all experienced orchard farmers, fully capable of helping Fruitvale Village expand the orchards—or even open new ones.
According to the discussions between the two village elders, Raul and Mike, Fruitvale Village would take in the Stonefall villagers during this period, and in return, they would contribute their labor.
Aside from the orchards, Aven was also planning to establish a pasture... It could be used to feed more Pokémon.
Just then, Johnson suddenly came rushing in, followed by the Knight Sutter.
"Sir Johnson, is something wrong?"
Seeing the panting finance officer before him, Aven quickly asked.
"Av... Aven..." Johnson exhaled heavily, speaking in an urgent tone. "The Abyssal Beast Tide has started!"
"Didn't the beast tide normally break out after the snow melts?"
"That's the usual pattern, but this time, the gray mist in the Abyssal Cave is spreading much faster than before." Johnson explained the situation at the frontlines.
"The beast tide erupted from the outskirts of the Black Forest. The deeper parts are still building up pressure..."
Aven's expression darkened. From Johnson's account, almost all the magical beasts in the Black Forest had been corrupted by the gray mist! Johnson also relayed her Highness's plan: all knights drafted from Aspiration City must head to the frontlines immediately!
Originally, the knight order stationed in Fruitvale Village should have already departed, but they had been delayed due to training with the Rock Slide move.
Now that they'd received the orders, it was time for them to move out. Before coming here, Johnson had already notified the knights outside the village.
"I understand. I'll make arrangements and head to the frontlines with the knights!" Aven responded without hesitation.
This was part of his agreement with His Highness. Besides, Aven had long wanted to see the Abyssal Beasts for himself to find a solution to the gray mist.
Johnson nodded with relief. "Then I'll be counting on you, Aven. If you need any supplies, come to me directly. That's her Highness's instruction."
After the treasurer left, Aven immediately began preparations. The most important task was gathering the six Pokémon he planned to take to the frontlines.
He had originally been planning for the spring planting, but now he had to entrust that to Uncle Mike. Fortunately, a basic plan was already in place.
He also had to assign command of the Glooms and the Mightyenas to someone trustworthy so they could operate smoothly.
In addition, the tasks of collecting Gloom's saliva and Tangela's vines couldn't be halted.
He had already assigned the vine collection task to the villagers and taught Aunt Erin how to make Pokémon food.
Aunt Erin had a natural talent for cooking, and after some training, she had successfully learned how to prepare Pokémon food.
Of course, her food couldn't compare to what Aven, a professional Pokémon breeder, could make in terms of taste or effectiveness—but it was still quite good.
"Lord Aven, let me and Fessen go with you this time." Sutter gave a formal bow.
Hearing this, Aven hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.
"This time, it's enough for just you and me to go."
"I want Fessen to stay in Fruitvale Village and protect the village."
"You know the situation—there are only two knights here. No one else knows how to properly command Pokémon in battle."
Upon hearing Aven's words, Fessen's expression grew serious. He knelt on one knee and said, "I will protect Fruitvale Village and await your return."
"Then I'll be counting on the Shield Knight to defend the village."
"And the Sword Knight will accompany me to the front."
With that, both knights knelt and pledged their loyalty, ready to uphold the honor of their lord!
Afterward, Aven gathered Uncle Mike, Peter, Simon, Raul, and others to explain his upcoming departure and delegate responsibilities.
Raul felt deeply honored to be included in a high-level meeting of Fruitvale Village. After hearing Aven's assignments, he silently vowed to complete his tasks perfectly!
Simon, however, felt conflicted. He had just managed to resolve himself to go to the frontlines, only to find that one of the spots had already gone to Teacher Sutter.
As for the remaining spot, he didn't compete with Peter for it—Peter had decided to go from the beginning.
Simon felt both disappointed and a bit relieved. After Peter left, he temporarily took over as captain of the patrol squad, which reignited his fighting spirit!
After the village leaders' meeting, Aven gathered all his Pokémon and held a special meeting just for them.
During it, the Gloom leader and the Mightyena leader both appointed successors and instructed them to listen to Knight Fessen and protect their home.
…
The next day, the knight order set off.
Aven wore a custom white coat and rode in the center of the procession on his Rhyhorn.
He held Petilil in his arms, Cherim lay on his shoulder, and Tangela sat on top of Rhyhorn's head.
The Mightyena leader ran at the front with the patrol knights, trying to learn their scouting methods.
Gloom sat in the rear supply cart with the materials being transported to the frontlines.
Although the knights had somewhat adapted to Gloom's stench over time, close contact was still a bit much to handle.
Keeping Gloom in the formation would weaken the squad's combat effectiveness.
Of course, Gloom had requested this arrangement itself. That was just its personality—it didn't want to burden others and chose to endure things on its own.
"Now that Gloom has fully mastered the Toxic move,"
"It's best to have it learn Sweet Scent next, then proceed with further training."
Aven glanced at the supply cart behind him and made up his mind. Gloom had been looking forward to this for a long time.
Back in the village, things were fine. But once they were outside, Gloom seemed to feel inferior again, making Aven feel deeply guilty as its trainer.
(End chapter)