"I knew it wouldn't be that easy. This game wouldn't leave such a big loophole."
"You didn't seem to think that way earlier. So who are we supposed to battle to level up?"
"All the Pokémon in the territory belong to Lord Leon. We wouldn't dare fight them!"
"Yeah, do we have to go into Glowfern Forest? That would be way too risky!"
Leon heard the players discussing and knew the time was right. He said to them:
"I understand your concerns. You're worried about not being able to find Pokémon that match your strength."
"But rest assured, I've already found suitable opponents for you."
"Right now, there are many Rattata in the farmlands. They move in groups, stealing seeds from the fields. Not only do they destroy your hard work, but they also severely impact crop yields!"
At this point, Leon deliberately paused to observe the players' reactions.
The players all looked furious, their faces filled with anger.
They had worked hard to plant those seeds, only for Rattata to steal them. How could they tolerate this? They were counting on the harvest to make money!
Leon was satisfied with their reaction and continued:
"These Rattata aren't very high level. Their strength is about the same as your Pokémon, making them perfect opponents."
"Battling them will not only protect the seeds but also help your Pokémon gain experience. It's a win-win situation."
"So I'm establishing a patrol team to monitor and drive away Rattata in the farmlands. Anyone who joins will receive generous rewards and opportunities to battle Rattata. Who's willing to participate?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the players eagerly raised their hands to volunteer.
To them, the Rattata-infested areas were essentially leveling zones. Joining the patrol team meant they could grind levels while earning rewards—where else would they find such a good deal?
"Lord Leon, can someone like me who doesn't have a Pokémon still join?"
Dylan asked awkwardly. He wanted those rewards too!
Leon thought for a moment before replying:
"I don't recommend you join the patrol team. Without a Pokémon to protect you, it would be very dangerous. If you insist, I won't stop you, but you assume all risks."
After hearing Leon's words, the other three players without Pokémon lowered their hands. They didn't want to take such a risk, especially since reviving cost quite a few Poké Dollars.
But Dylan still insisted on joining, so Leon had no choice but to agree.
"Are you insane? Joining the patrol team without a Pokémon is basically suicide!"
Ethan Carter frowned.
"What's there to fear? That Ursaring back then was way more vicious, and it didn't kill me. Besides, they're just a bunch of rats. And hey, you'll be there to protect me, right?"
Dylan grinned and slung an arm around Ethan's shoulder.
Even without a Pokémon, he could still ride on someone else's coattails.
"Why should I... Whatever. Fine, stick with me. But if you die, don't blame me."
Ethan sighed and nodded. Since Dylan had already committed, he couldn't let him back out now—that would tank their favor with Leon. He'd just have to bring him along.
"I knew you wouldn't abandon me! If only I were a woman, I could repay you with my body."
"Get lost!!"
Once the patrol team roster was finalized, Leon addressed the players:
"Most Rattata come at night to steal seeds, so I'll divide the patrol team into two shifts. One team patrols during the day, and the other handles the night shift."
"Since there are more Rattata at night, the night shift is significantly more dangerous. Therefore, those who join will receive even greater rewards."
"Lord Leon, aren't we only able to come to this world during the day? Does this mean..." A player raised their hand to ask.
"Correct. From now on, you can appear in this world during your daytime, which is our nighttime."
Leon had actually wanted to announce this rule for a while. It benefited both the players and the territory.
Players could now choose their login times freely and experience nighttime adventures in the Pokémon world, making the game more engaging.
For the territory, having players active day and night would improve overall defenses and prevent nighttime sneak attacks.
However, whether logging in during the day or night, players could only stay in this world for a maximum of twelve cumulative hours.
Staying logged in all day wasn't possible—after all, moderation is key for a healthy mind, while overindulgence harms the body.
Not that staying logged in for extended periods would actually harm them physically (they'd just get hungry or thirsty), but Leon didn't want them neglecting their real lives.
"Holy crap! We can log in during the day now? I was wondering what to do on weekends. Now I can just spend them in-game!"
"Hell yeah! I've never seen the Pokémon world at night. I'm joining the night patrol!"
"Damn, I still have work tomorrow. I'm seriously considering quitting. Screw this job!"
The players chattered excitedly, eager to explore the Pokémon world after dark.
Many of them were freelancers with plenty of free time during the day. Even those with day jobs could log in during lunch breaks for an hour or two.
"Don't tell me you're joining the night patrol. I still have work tomorrow!"
Dylan groaned at Ethan.
"Sorry, but I am. You'll have to find someone else to leech off."
As a content creator, Ethan had flexibility in his schedule. If the night shift offered better rewards, he was taking it.
"You're seriously this heartless?!"
Seeing Ethan's indifference, Dylan gritted his teeth.
"Fine! Then I'll join the night patrol too. I'll quit my job first thing tomorrow!"
"Are you serious? You're giving up your job for a game?"
"Yep. Worst case, I'll just cave and take over my dad's company. No big deal."
"You've got to be kidding me..."
Ethan knew Dylan came from money, but he hadn't realized just how much. His family owned a company? And here he was trying to talk him out of being reckless.
"Alright, those joining the night patrol, stay behind. The rest of you can go about your business."
After the others left, Leon counted the remaining players. To his surprise, eleven had stayed.
Why so many? Don't they have day jobs?
After a moment's thought, it made sense.
Many of the new players were referrals from Ethan Carter. Birds of a feather flock together—as a content creator, most of his friends were fellow creators or freelancers who didn't work traditional hours.
"Since this is the first day of the new time rules, and given the urgency, I'll allow you to return to your world, rest for two hours, and then return here for the night shift. But this exception is only for today. Understood?"
"Understood!"
The players cheered. They'd thought they'd have to wait until tomorrow to see the Pokémon world at night, but now they'd get to experience it today.
They couldn't wait!
(End of Chapter)