Pokemon Paldea [283-284] (Patreon)

Chapter 283: These leaves are like chives—cut one batch and another springs up

Victini's all-purpose "infinite energy" is absurdly overpowered. Whether it's refilling Lucas's stamina, charging Z-Crystals, or fueling the massive energy cost when Comfey and Eldegoss deploy the composite Grassy Terrain Z, Victini tops it all off like it's nothing.

That day, Lucas was forced to unleash the Grass Z-Move five times. If Victini hadn't overcharged itself at once and gotten tired, he felt either he'd have passed out from having his essence wrung dry or the Z-Crystal would have put on a firework show by exploding on the spot.

Fortunately, the results were obvious. The Herba Mystica's growth was practically visible to the naked eye. At this rate, it might fully mature without waiting until the end of the year—or even next year.

Seeing Victini so active, Lucas, who was hunching to head back for a rest, suddenly had a flood of training plans centered on Victini flash through his mind.

With V-kid around, the farm's Pokémon might undergo a complete transformation before long.

…

The next day, Lucas brought Luxray and Raging Bolt—the farm's only two Electric-type Pokémon—to the newly completed power generation and storage complex, ready for service.

Oranguru, the butler who supervised the construction crew, came along as well.

The complex's appearance was unique. Seeing it gave Lucas, for the first time, the concrete feeling of living in a world stacked with black-tech.

The generation module comprised several tall, tower-like structures coated in a smooth, silvery metallic finish that gleamed brilliantly in the sun.

Thick power cables linked the towers together. In their center stood a massive storage vault. The largest cables fed into it, where the vault would store electricity and then route stable power through underground circuits to every corner of the farm.

Because this was to power the entire farm, Lucas had aimed big from the start. The facility covered a large area.

Even though all they needed to power now were the streetlights and the cottage, in the future the farm would surely add more electrical equipment. This was, in a sense, preparing in advance.

Oranguru's telepathy sounded as it explained in detail: "Young master, charging is simple. Have Luxray or Raging Bolt strike the tower with Electric-type moves. It will automatically collect the electricity and transmit it via the cables to the storage vault, which will then disseminate it across the farm through the deeply buried circuitry."

"But one thing to note: Luxray and Raging Bolt are too strong. Even with first-rate materials, the tower might not withstand full power, so they need to hold back."

Lucas nodded thoughtfully. Oranguru really had thought of everything. And this generator-storage setup was so Pokémon it was unscientific—pure black-tech.

Luxray and Raging Bolt exchanged a glance; sparks began to flicker along their bodies, but they still didn't discharge.

At this level, the speed of executing a move can determine a battle. Naturally, their discharge speed was extremely fast—Raging Bolt even had Thunderclap. The reason they delayed was to control the output.

Ensuring they didn't "miracle by brute force" and smash the tower was a technical skill. After about a dozen seconds of gathering, Luxray and Raging Bolt released golden currents one after the other.

The currents struck the tower. In a blink, a green indicator light at the top began to flash—proof the tower was absorbing current and running stably.

As time passed, the current was routed via cables into the storage vault. After a bit more than ten minutes, the two stopped and looked curiously at the digital display on the vault's exterior.

A scarlet "5%." Luxray and Raging Bolt fell silent.

Is it really that hard to charge this thing?

They'd been outputting continuously for over ten minutes!

Thankfully, Oranguru quickly clarified via telepathy: "The storage vault installed on the farm is actually large enough to supply a normal small town's electricity for a month. The capacity is vast—it won't fill easily."

Hearing this, Luxray and Raging Bolt both relaxed. Lucas, however, was pensive.

Looks like Pokédex entries can't be taken at face value. "One Electivire can power a big city for a year" is as ridiculous as "Magcargo's body surface is ten thousand degrees."

Please.

The sun's surface temperature is only six thousand!

Once the farm's power demand ramps up, relying on just Luxray really won't cut it. Fortunately, Raging Bolt has joined and can help generate power until it returns to its own era.

Not to mention the Zapdos that signed that unequal treaty with Lucas—he'd bring it back in a few days to work a shift and top the farm off in one go.

After comparing numbers from the construction team's sheet Oranguru gave him, Lucas was surprised to find that, at current farm usage, that 5% would power all the lights and the cottage with every appliance on for a month.

Suddenly not having to pay electric bills caught him off guard.

In the afternoon, Lucas went to the pasture area to find two Sawsbuck.

Miltank and the two Skiddo were lazily grazing, while the two Sawsbuck stepped over to him.

They had already changed a lot. The tuft on their chests from spring was gone; green speckles dotted their coats; their tails perked slightly—biggest of all, their antlers had changed.

The pale pink blossoms were gone from their tree-like antlers, replaced by tender green new leaves.

Sawsbuck change appearance with the seasons—this was clearly their summer look.

But the important part—

Once Sawsbuck take on their summer form, their leaves can be picked and made into richly aromatic special black tea!

This black tea is popular for its strong fragrance, mellow taste, and layered flavor. Lucas had been craving it for a long time.

Besides making black tea, there are many ways to drink it: add petals for floral notes, add honey for various drinks, blend with Moomoo Milk or goat's milk for milk tea, and more.
Impatient, and with the Sawsbuck's consent, Lucas grabbed a basket and began picking leaves.

Luckily, he'd had his eye on these summer leaves for a while and had studied plenty of tea-making texts at Naranja Academy. In theory, he was confident he could match anyone.

Picking is the most basic, most important, and most easily overlooked step.

Choose the new buds from the antlers—leaves must be tender green with fine trichomes. Anything older won't do.

The basket quickly filled. Because of their height, Lucas, a bit over 1.8 meters, had to reach way up to pluck from the tops of their antlers.

Temperatures were rising, and the pasture area had little shade.

Wiping sweat, Lucas wondered about planting some trees or building a shade canopy so Mudsdale, Sawsbuck, and the others could escape sun and heat when needed.

Just then, he noticed that the Sawsbuck's antlers were already showing hints of fresh green ready to sprout again.

As with the pale pink blossoms before, as long as they had enough nutrients, they regrew at an unreasonable speed.

It was just like chives—cut one batch and another springs up.

But at the end of the day, these plants draw nutrients from the Sawsbuck themselves.

Even if they can regrow endlessly, there needs to be moderation so they don't become a burden; in the wild, some Sawsbuck even have their growth slowed because blossoms siphon off too many nutrients.

After cuddling with the two Sawsbuck a bit, Lucas hurried off with his leaf-filled basket. In his rush, he subconsciously overlooked how the two Sawsbuck now seemed even more affectionate toward him than before.

To preserve active compounds, fresh leaves must quickly move to the second step—wilting.

Let the picked leaves lose moisture at proper temperature and humidity over time, softening them—this directly affects all subsequent steps.

With wilting underway, Lucas fetched some dried flowers he'd already processed.

These were made from the pale pink blossoms from the Sawsbuck's antlers; he wanted to try brewing a flower tea with them.

In the living room, he called Oranguru over. After boiling a kettle, he placed dried flowers and some tea in cups, added Combee honey, then poured in hot water to steep.

Sipping the steaming tea, Lucas and Oranguru tasted the floral brew made from the Sawsbuck's blossoms.

Oranguru lifted the cup, lightly inhaled, and its eyes lit up.

A springlike, rich yet gentle sweetness of fragrance washed over, as if in a flower garden, feeling the vitality of fresh blooms.

A small sip let the tea's delicate, lingering aroma spread, blending with the flowers' rich perfume and honey's sweetness for a smoother, softer palate.

Even better than the precious flower tea it'd once "borrowed" with psychic power from the headmaster's office at the Pokémon Butler Academy!

Lucas wore a rapt expression too—this was the best floral tea he'd ever had.

Setting down the cup, Oranguru, still intoxicated, asked via telepathy: "Young master, about the Dragon Clan in Johto—when do you plan to depart?"

Lucas thought for a moment. "Isn't that in the latter half of this month? I'll just ride Dragonite over a day or two early."

Oranguru nodded slightly; that would let it keep arranging the farm's miscellany.

Savoring the tea, Lucas pondered.

When he got to the Johto Dragon Clan, he'd likely meet Lance—the invincible Dragon Master. He wondered what his odds were now.

Wilting took a few hours. Next came rolling, fermentation, and drying—each demanding time and care.

He could only hope to drink this black tea before heading to Johto, and serve it to guests to hear their impressions.

But before that, something else came up.

…

On the morning of June 10th, a great bird clad in mirror-bright armor with broad, black steel wings landed on the platform outside Lucas's window.

Not far away was Moltres's nest, but the sound-asleep Moltres only lifted its eyes to glance at Corviknight "Three Scar," then turned over and kept snoozing.

After all, Three Scar and the others had learned their lesson and didn't disturb people at daybreak anymore. As long as the little brother listened, whatever.

Three Scar peered through the window with crimson eyes at the sweetly sleeping Lucas and gingerly tapped its beak—sharp enough to pierce steel—against the glass like a woodpecker, trying to wake him.

But there was no way he would stir from such sweet sleep.
Thankfully, Oranguru, using psychic power to levitate four or five dusters while cleaning, happened to walk in just then and helped wake Lucas.

Washed and dressed but still a bit bleary, Lucas looked at the anxious Corviknight, confused.

Then he was jolted awake by Corviknight's clanging, gong-like voice.

"Caa-Ca-Ca—!"

Corviknight gesticulated, trying to tell Lucas something. He couldn't understand, but their gold-medal translator, Oranguru, was right beside him.

With the simultaneous translation, Lucas finally understood the urgency.

Since the time they saved the entire rookery—plus the Talonflame flock—from Iron Bundle, the Corvisquire had been extra diligent patrolling the skies, driving off many wild Flying Pokémon trying to steal crops.

There had been one misunderstanding. Some Combee, who regularly delivered honey and collected nectar from the flower field, were blocked by the Corvisquire; a fight nearly broke out.

Luckily, Comfey rushed over from the flower field and cleared up the misunderstanding. The Corvisquire then learned the Combee had a cooperative relationship with the farm and did not need to be driven off.

They even received some honey gifts from the Combee. Delicious and energizing, the honey instantly won their hearts.

Over time, the Corvisquire and Combee formed a rapport—helping fend off wild attackers during nectar runs in exchange for some honey.

At this rate, Lucas felt they'd be able to open a Corviknight bodyguard company one day.

In short, after the Corviknight and Corvisquire heard a piece of news from Vespiquen and the Combee, they rushed to the farm to inform Lucas to visit Vespiquen as soon as possible.

Because a rare female Combee had been born in the hive!

Male Combee are born to serve the queen—working hard, hauling nectar, protecting her.

Males cannot evolve; only females can. A female Combee evolves into Vespiquen, then starts her own hive and claims territory.

Thus, to Vespiquen, even her own offspring—once born female—will become a future rival.

Some Vespiquen even drive out newly hatched females as unstable elements.

Corviknight's anxiety came from the fact Vespiquen still remembered her promise with Lucas. She was holding back the instinct to expel a future competitor, waiting for Lucas to take the female Combee away.

Chapter 284: Vision of an Amber Castle? Let's build a glass conservatory!

Understanding the urgency, Lucas prepared quickly. Before leaving, he grabbed an empty Poké Ball, didn't waste time finding Dragonite, and simply climbed onto Three Scar's back to fly to Vespiquen's grove.

Corviknight's back is broad—enough for an adult and even a child.

Lucas remembered the special short anime "Twilight Wings" for Pokémon Sword/Shield, where Galar's undefeated champion Leon rode a Corviknight with a sick blonde boy to the stadium to face Raihan.

It left a deep impression; the Gigantamax Charizard vs. Gigantamax Duraludon was explosive.

But once he actually sat on Corviknight's back, he found it wasn't suitable for riding.

The main issue was the armor—too smooth to grip, and the cold, hard plates were murder on the butt.

It was Corviknight's first time carrying a person, and it completely forgot to gather flying energy to shield Lucas from the wind—or maybe it hadn't even learned Fly.

All told, while Corviknight looks amazing and riding it is stylish, the experience didn't compare to Dragonite at all. After barely twenty minutes, Lucas's rear felt numb, and the morning wind had wrecked his face and hair.

Seeing the familiar outline of the woods, he sighed in relief. Those twenty minutes felt like torture.

Once he got the Combee, he'd walk back.

Led by Corviknight, Lucas entered the grove.

The patrolling Combee all knew him, so it was green lights all the way to the core territory and the main hive.

As soon as he arrived, he sensed something off in the air. Even the usually chattering Corvisquire were huddled quietly, sensing the tension.

He first met Vespiquen. Surrounded by Combee guards, she was clearly in low spirits. Lucas knew she was struggling against instinct—resisting the urge to order the males to swarm the newborn female Combee and drive her out.

He cut to the chase: "I'm here."

Vespiquen opened her jewel-like eyes and nodded lightly, a hint of weariness in her call: "Bzz-bzz."

She indicated the hive's edge, where a ball of male Combee had formed, covering the female with their bodies. Even with them shielding her, the female's pheromones kept needling Vespiquen's nerves, stoking irritation.

The Combee below the hive parted to open a path straight to the living ball, waiting for Lucas to approach.

He patted Corviknight's wing, telling it to stay there. As cool as Corviknight looked to him, it might be terrifying to a newborn female Combee.

Given she'd already been frightened, caution was best.

Walking the path with Combee vibrating silently on both sides, Lucas couldn't help but think it felt like a Combee honor guard.

Before he could ask them to move, Vespiquen spoke again to command them.

They slowly parted, revealing the center.

A very small Combee—freshly hatched by the looks of it—eyes shut, wings still, the three little faces that should be smiling now full of fear.

Female and male Combee look largely the same; distinguishing them is simple.

The lower face of a female has a red mark, which becomes Vespiquen's ruby-like crown structure after evolution.

Two queens in one mountain is untenable—let alone two who both can command drones.

Seeing her trembling, Lucas sighed, crouched, and spoke gently: "Don't be afraid. Come to my farm and build your own hive there."

The three little faces opened their eyes in unison, staring blankly at him for a while—as if receiving kindness for the first time. Without hesitation, Combee accepted his invitation almost instantly.

As long as she leaves, mother won't be angry anymore, right?

After a furtive glance at Vespiquen, Combee went straight into the Poké Ball Lucas held. Her first impression of him was good, and since she had to leave anyway, accepting his invitation was best.

The Poké Ball rocked three times and chimed—she was captured and became Lucas's Pokémon.

The instant the pheromones left, Vespiquen finally exhaled; the agitation in her heart eased, letting her think more clearly.

She looked at the ball in Lucas's hand, emotions mixed. In her hazy memories, she too had been treated this way by the queen who bore her.

Unlike this child, she hadn't met a Trainer who would take her in, and clawed her way up to where she was now.

She had once vowed never to repeat that mistake with her own child. Yet she could not defeat instinct. How sad.

With reason restored, she could only silently cheer the Combee on.

After a bit more conversation, Lucas left, carrying a glass jar full of honey Vespiquen had given him. He wore a strange expression—was it his imagination, or did Vespiquen seem just like a worried mother sending off her daughter with a dowry?

He chose not to ride Corviknight back. With Vespiquen and the Combee seeing him off, he walked to the farm.

Back home, he promised Corviknight an extra lunch and sent it to patrol the skies, then pondered how to settle Combee.

Combee love gathering nectar and living in groups.

Books said that when a female Combee lives apart from a hive, she trains herself to quickly reach evolution conditions, become Vespiquen, found her own hive, and produce workers independently.

So the best place for her is the flower field.

Thinking so, Lucas headed there at once.

In the field, Comfey was tending the blooms, while Victini, Vulpix, and Alcremie were playing.

They were the farm's most childish and playful trio. Thankfully, they were careful not to damage Comfey's meticulously cultivated flowers.

Spotting Lucas, Comfey floated over and crowned him with a freshly made flower ring.

He took the harmoniously colored, full-bloom garland, examined it, thumbs-upped, and smiled: "Your technique keeps getting better. I love it—thank you."

"Fey~"

Comfey beamed, pleased by the praise.

The three playful Pokémon noticed him too and swarmed over. For a moment his ears rang with their chirping.

Vulpix tugged at his pant leg, Alcremie started climbing him, and Victini—the only flyer—plopped on his shoulder.

He could only smile wryly. Perhaps this was the "trouble" of having too many Pokémon who adored you.

Once the three settled down, and sat in a row with Comfey, Lucas said, "Announcement: from now on, we have a new member. She was entrusted to me by her mother and is very lonely right now. Please get along with her, okay?"

He looked at their well-behaved faces, waited for nods, then exhaled in relief.

He wasn't worried about Comfey's attitude; he mainly needed to brief Alcremie and the others so they wouldn't accidentally hurt Combee's sensitive heart.

Just as he turned to ask Comfey to make a welcome garland, the three rascals huddled to whisper.

Vulpix trilled primly: "Vyu~?" (Is the new friend like me—entrusted to Lucas by my mom?)
Alcremie's eyes spun mischievously. With a sly smile that hooked Victini's and Vulpix's curiosity, she put her hands on her hips and went, "Maff maff maff!"

(In my opinion, Lucas went out again with food to lure some naive wild Pokémon. Used to plain berries, how could they resist refined treats? One taste and they're smitten, lost to temptation!)
Victini blinked, feeling Alcremie had a point to make.

But the ever-optimistic V-kid didn't sweat the small stuff. The last two days on the farm were great—good food, friends to play with, and now a new buddy? Perfect.

When Lucas and Comfey had the welcome garland ready, he turned to find the three sitting there expectantly.

Surprised they'd actually waited quietly, he didn't tease and instead produced the Poké Ball. "Come out, Combee."

A flash of red. The still-timid Combee appeared.

She carefully took in her surroundings. The air was rich with floral scent, a sea of blooms swaying in the breeze.

Instinct told her that, once evolved, she must build her hive here if possible!

As she dazed, Comfey slipped the garland across her body. Startled, she was immediately swaddled in the warm welcome of four enthusiastic Pokémon.

Watching the overwhelmed Combee and her eager greeters, Lucas smiled and slipped away.

Let Pokémon handle their own socializing. He needed to fetch the milking gear and prepare fresh Moomoo Milk and goat's milk; from the look of her, Combee hadn't eaten much and was likely hungry.

After lunch—Combee fed full—Lucas, for once, didn't nap on the porch lounger. He went to the flower field, using the earth as bed and sky as blanket.

With floral breeze at his nose, he cradled the sleeping, well-fed Combee, enjoying the peace of the moment.

After a while, he glanced at Combee, then at the field, thinking about the farm's next steps.

They needed to scale production and build infrastructure that made Pokémon happy.

It was already June. The Paldea region had seen more rain and was heading into rainy season. Light showers were fine—even helpful for watering.

But Los Platos sat near the Paldea Sea. Like that typhoon a few months back, he could foresee pouring rains, high winds—even multiple typhoons.

Most crops could take some punishment. These delicate flowers couldn't.

This field would be Combee's future home. Comfey loved living here, too. It had to be protected.

So, what to do?

After some thought, he had an answer.

Intervene with construction—build a protective structure over the field.

What popped up first was those transparent glasshouses from idol dramas, where the leads sat reading and looking cool.

He could install a glass conservatory enclosed on all sides; if resources allowed, add temperature and humidity control so flowers would bloom even in winter.

Inside, add rattan chairs, a swing, and other touches to make it a venue for appreciating flowers, sipping tea, and hosting guests—while Combee, Butterfree, Beautifly, Vivillon, and Cutiefly flitted about.

That would be beautiful.

Combee could gather nectar year-round, build her own hive, and truly settle.

Maybe, like the Amber Castle in Eterna Forest that Ash and friends saw in Sinnoh, she could one day create a dreamlike wonder of the world.

But that was still far off.

Thinking so, Lucas looked down at Combee's serene sleeping face and smiled.

Before building an Amber Castle, let's be practical—eat more, drink more milk, grow strong, evolve smoothly, and then build your own hive.