"Eldegoss?"
Eldegoss tilted its head in confusion. It knew that Lucas had invited it, but what was a farm?
Lucas smiled and said, "A farm is a place where everyone lives, plays, and works together."
"On the farm, I can guarantee that you won't have to face wild threats like today. You can grow up safely and securely. Of course, in return, you'll need to contribute your strength to help the farm develop."
Lucas tried to clearly state both the pros and cons of the matter. After all, he didn't have so much money to do charity, and his initial reason for seeking Grass-type Pokémon was also for the future development of the farm, so naturally, he needed them to work.
Serperior could, at best, tend the crops, not accelerate their growth. If it could learn the move Grassy Terrain, this problem would be solved.
If Eldegoss and its group chose to join the farm, this remaining work would naturally fall on their shoulders.
Eldegoss glanced at Lucas, then at the powerful Serperior beside him—the one it didn't dare look at directly but had rescued them. Thinking of the two sleeping Gossifleur behind it, hesitation appeared in its eyes.
Although freedom made it comfortable, the two young Gossifleur were constantly at risk of attacks in this unfamiliar land. Was it acceptable to trade some freedom for safety?
Scenes flashed in Eldegoss's mind: this human, like a deity, commanding Serperior to drive away the Skuntank, the poisoned and weak Gossifleur, and now the peacefully sleeping Gossifleur.
At this moment, a clear answer formed in its heart. Strangely, it felt no resistance to this answer at all.
Whether from a sense of gratitude or for the safety of the Gossifleur, this invitation should be accepted.
With its mind made up, Eldegoss no longer hesitated or worried and nodded gently, entrusting itself and the Gossifleur to Lucas.
Upon receiving Eldegoss's answer, Lucas smiled, took out three Poké Balls from his bag, and, under Eldegoss's watchful eyes, gently tapped both Gossifleur to capture them.
The Poké Balls' buttons glowed red, shook slightly three times, and then made a crisp "click" sound—signaling that the Gossifleur had been bound to the balls.
Then Lucas looked at Eldegoss and raised the last Poké Ball.
Eldegoss blinked and obediently approached, taking the initiative to touch the Poké Ball. Again, it shook three times, and the capture was complete.
"No matter how many times I experience it, catching a Pokémon always makes me thrilled," Arven said enviously, glancing at the three shrunken Poké Balls in Lucas' hand. Suddenly, Arven noticed the mark on the Poké Balls and asked, "Brother Lucas, what's the little grass symbol on the Poké Balls?"
Lucas paused as he put the Poké Balls back into his bag and smiled, "Poké Balls with this mark mean the Pokémon inside belong to this farm, not to me personally as battle strength."
Arven nodded, half understanding and half confused. "But you're the one who caught them, right?"
"Let's go. It's getting dark, and if we get lost, that'd be bad."
"Okay."
...
By the time Lucas and Arven returned to the farm, night had fully fallen, and the temperature had dropped significantly from the day. The cold wind felt a bit chilling against the skin.
With almost no lighting, the farm in pitch darkness seemed like a wasteland from a horror movie, somewhat creepy.
Lucas took out a blanket—new and unopened—put it over Arven's slightly red nose, and gently said, "This should keep you warm."
Arven sniffled, feeling the warmth of the blanket, and was moved to tears by this small gesture.
Lucas didn't notice Arven's change, instead tilting his head, wondering if his words earlier sounded too much like a parent.
A moment later, Lucas glanced at the old wall clock—it was almost 9 p.m.
Arven didn't have a phone or any communication device, and Lucas' phone was hanging around Dragonite's neck. By now, Sada and Turo were probably very worried since they couldn't reach him.
Thinking about it, Lucas decided to call on Swampert to send Arven home himself. Serperior had already been with him all day and had returned to its lair—he couldn't call it out again.
Lucas said to Arven, "I'll go get Swampert to send you home. It's late, and the Professors will be worried. We should apologize to them."
Arven stiffened, suddenly panicking.
Would his parents not know he was out? If Lucas took him home, the lie would be exposed—he didn't want that!
Before Arven could think of a good excuse, Lucas opened the door to call Swampert, who liked sleeping outside.
At that moment, a streak of orange fell from the night sky, stirring up a gust of wind and sand that made Lucas eat a mouthful of grit.
Since Arven was still around, Lucas swallowed the curse words about to burst out. When he finally cleared the sand from his eyes and saw the culprit, he shouted, "Dragonite! How many times do I have to say—check for people below before landing! And land more gently like a lady!!"
"Drago~"
Dragonite looked at Lucas innocently, indicating that it was just bad timing—he happened to open the door as she landed.
Dragonite gently set down the large box it was holding, then pulled Lucas into a happy, squishy hug.
"..."
With Dragonite's affectionate combo, any anger vanished, especially with that round and soft belly—it felt like lying on a luxury mattress, pure healing energy.
Sanity +1+1+1+1+1.
Lucas felt all his fatigue melt away at that moment. When Dragonite let go, Lucas glanced at the box it brought back, illuminated by the house lights. Just a glance at the logo made his heart ache.
Silph Co.—a very famous company in this world, headquartered in Saffron City, Kanto. Many Pokémon items are manufactured and sold by them.
"Drago~"
Dragonite handed Lucas the phone hanging on its neck, signaling him to check the contents.
"Let me see..."
Lucas took the phone. The top right corner of the cracked screen showed low battery, so he quickly browsed the messages.
A moment later, Lucas' expression darkened visibly. He shouted at the sky, "Iono-chan!!!"
=====
Extra Chapter @ 100 Power Stone