Clefairy Pokémon weren't just adorable in appearance—their gestures and cries were equally endearing.
Because of this, they were very popular as pets. However, Clefairy had no fixed habitat, and no one knew where they truly came from, making them incredibly rare.
Even someone like Steven, heir to the Devon Corporation and the Stone family, couldn't easily gather so many Clefairy at once.
"You mean the Clefairy?" Carver asked.
Steven nodded.
Carver chuckled and shook his head. "Not exactly. So far, the Clefairy are just working at my daycare. You could call it an employment relationship."
"...Employment?" Steven was stunned.
"It's a long story. In short, I provide them with food and shelter and help them out a little. In return, they help me run the daycare," Carver explained.
Steven nodded, intrigued. It was unusual.
"The food will take a bit longer. If you don't mind, feel free to rest on the sofa over there," Carver offered.
Steven thanked him politely and sat down, pulling out his Poké Balls.
There were two in total, and with a flash of light, an Aron and a Skarmory appeared. Together with his Metang, these were clearly the core of Steven's current team.
"Looks like Steven's going for the elite strategy," Carver thought.
The elite strategy meant not catching many Pokémon but focusing all resources on raising a select few.
Soon, dinner was ready. Two chef Clefairy and one waiter Clefairy brought ramen and drinks to the dining area.
Steven greeted Carver and took his Pokémon to dine.
"If you need anything, just let me know," Carver said.
"Thank you," Steven replied courteously.
They didn't speak much after that—Steven ate while Carver returned to reading.
Perhaps tired from traveling, Steven retired to his room early after dinner.
Carver didn't disturb him and read until ten before locking up the daycare and heading to bed with his Growlithe and Stufful.
As for the Clefairy… they had already curled up and fallen asleep inside their spaceship.
The next morning, Steven woke up on time.
Full and well-rested, he lay in bed, looking at the lush scenery outside. When he opened the window, a breeze filled with nature's scent blew in—it was incredibly refreshing.
His fatigue from training in the wild seemed to melt away.
At the same time, a message appeared before Carver's eyes:
[Steven's mood improved. Joy +80. You received a gift from Steven: "EXP Share."]
[EXP Share: The latest product from Devon Corp. A Pokémon wearing this device will absorb training effects and experience from any Pokémon training within 100 meters. Your excellent hospitality pleased Steven, and he decided to give you this rare device as a gift.]
Seeing the strange helmet-like device appear out of nowhere, Carver froze.
EXP Share...
Wasn't this the item Devon Corp's president gave the player in the games?
Carver remembered its effect—giving EXP to non-battling party members.
And now, in the real world, it had appeared with a seemingly upgraded function: if a Pokémon wore it, it would automatically gain training experience from nearby Pokémon.
This was basically power-leveling while doing nothing.
There weren't many serious trainees at the daycare. The Clefairy loved to play, Swampert and Quagsire were too busy courting, and Stufful didn't need training.
But Oddish and Growlithe were perfect candidates.
"Let's try it on Growlithe first."
Carver got up and strapped the EXP Share to Growlithe's head. It looked just like a helmet.
"Grr..."
Growlithe was a bit fussy at first, but when Carver explained that wearing this helmet would make it stronger, it stopped complaining immediately.
Carver: "..."
After breakfast, Steven bought a sandwich and milk and prepared to train Metang in the yard.
Knowing this, Carver thought it was the perfect opportunity to test the EXP Share.
"That small door leads to the open yard. There are only two Pokémon left there by other guests, so you'll have plenty of room," Carver explained.
"Thanks. I appreciate it," Steven replied.
Carver, curious, followed later with Growlithe. They pretended to feed Swampert and Quagsire but were actually eavesdropping to soak up experience.
Steven soon noticed the device on Growlithe's head.
"What's that thing it's wearing?" he asked.
Carver froze, then realized: the real Steven wouldn't know about this—it was likely from the game world.
"It's a custom training device I built for Growlithe," Carver explained.
Steven nodded without pressing further and began Metang's special training.
"Metang, use Gravity."
Energy rippled around Metang. Nothing appeared to change, but the gravity field distorted the area.
Gravity: A Psychic-type move that increases gravity, grounding Flying-types and negating Levitate. If the level gap is too wide, grounded Pokémon may be pinned down completely.
It was perfect for countering Flying-types—and also excellent for physical training.
Steven's goal was clear: to have Aron and Skarmory train under increased gravity.
Growlithe sat quietly on the grass, watching them train intensely. Light flickered in its eyes—and the EXP Share's bulbs lit up one by one.
Growlithe had begun learning!