Watching the two boys in front of him, Carver didn't forget his true objective—harvesting benefits.
He turned his gaze to the scruffy, dusty Zigzagoon and Poochyena and suggested to the boys:
"Our breeding house also offers cleaning services for Pokémon. These two look a little dirty—would you like me to give them a bath?"
Upon hearing this, Xander and Sunny looked at their Pokémon and sheepishly smiled.
"Then we'll leave it to you!"
Carver smiled. "Don't mention it."
He went to the backyard, filled two basins with warm water by the outdoor faucet, then gently placed the furry Pokémon into the water.
First, he rinsed off the dust with warm water. Then he lathered up some Pokémon-specific shampoo.
Finally, he wrapped each wet Pokémon in a towel and dried their fur thoroughly.
Although there was no hairdryer in the breeding house, there was Growlithe.
Under Carver's instruction, Growlithe used Ember to start a small fire, which quickly dried off Zigzagoon and Poochyena's fur.
The freshly cleaned Pokémon looked at their reflections in the mirror, and little suns of joy appeared above their heads.
[Zigzagoon's mood improved, Happiness +50. Received Zigzagoon's Gift: "Pickup" Ability.]
[Ability (Pickup): A mysterious trait allowing the Pokémon to occasionally retrieve useful items. Zigzagoon's signature skill. Taught as thanks for cleaning and feeding. Usable: 1/1. Can only replace Pokémon naturally able to have Pickup.]
[Poochyena's mood improved, Happiness +45. Received Poochyena's Gift: "Odor Sleuth" TM.]
[TM (Odor Sleuth): Normal-type move. Enables attacks to hit Ghost-type Pokémon or high-evasion foes. Also enhances scent-tracking and location detection. Uses: 9999/9999.]
"Pickup and Odor Sleuth, huh…"
Both are support-type abilities and moves.
Carver couldn't use Pickup for now, and based on the description, it only works on Pokémon capable of naturally having that ability. And it's a replacement, not an addition—essentially a Hidden Ability Capsule.
But Odor Sleuth was perfect for Growlithe.
Carver planned to investigate the Clefairy sightings at Meteor Falls, and perhaps bring a few back to help around the breeding house.
Now, with Sunny's intel, Growlithe's scent-tracking, and Bewear's protection, finding Clefairy should be much easier.
As dusk settled, it was already 7 p.m.
After dinner, Xander and Sunny went to rest early. Bewear was in the kitchen cleaning dishes.
On his fifth day in the Pokémon world, Carver had gradually adapted to life here.
He held Growlithe in the hall, pondering current conditions and future plans.
To his surprise, serving food to guests could also yield rewards.
Looks like the inn side of the business needed serious attention too.
Carver had decent culinary skills. Going forward, he could explore more recipes for the menu.
But managing all of this alone was exhausting.
While Bewear handled cleaning and chores, that alone wasn't enough.
So here came the question—were there Pokémon good at cooking?
Several came to mind:
Oranguru – one in Alola ran a forest tavern for Pokémon.
Pumpkaboo – Jessie's once made sweet apple purée for her.
Cutiefly and Ribombee – expert dessert makers using pollen.
Mr. Mime – Ash's mom's Mr. Mime could clean and cook expertly.
Team Rocket's Meowth – an excellent cook thanks to his survival days and travels.
But except for Mr. Mime and Meowth, the others were from different regions.
Even though Meowth exists in Hoenn, that Team Rocket Meowth was one of a kind.
Carver currently had no way to reach other regions unless another breeder's house offered collaboration.
After cleaning the kitchen, Bewear returned to the living room and saw Carver deep in thought with Growlithe in his arms. Not disturbing him, it picked up a broom and quietly resumed its nightly cleaning.
Carver taught Growlithe Odor Sleuth.
Upon learning the move, Growlithe's nose twitched—it clearly felt its sense of smell sharpening.
It sniffed around curiously, clearly fascinated by the new move.
Soon, it focused back on Carver.
Carver's scent—locked in!
Now no matter where he went, Growlithe would always be able to find him.
"Alright, time for study!"
Carver placed Growlithe on the counter and pulled a book from the shelf—one of many he'd bought in town:
"On Pokémon Mating and Breeding," "Comprehensive Pokémon Raising Guide," "Herbal Encyclopedia," "Pharmacology," "Ecology," and more.
To be a great breeder and caretaker, knowledge from his previous life wasn't enough.
Even with a cheat ability, it was still external power. What if it vanished someday?
Better to rely on himself.
Under warm lights, Carver read quietly. Growlithe chased its tail nearby.
Out in the garden, Oddish bathed in moonlight.
Everything was peaceful and harmonious.
Bewear, watching the scene, felt something stir in its heart.
It would always remember this moment.
So beautiful. So heartwarming.