After resolving the issue with Lileep, Rex placed it in the backyard to learn the Grassy Terrain move alongside Bellossom and the Hoppip group.
Since being bathed in Rex's life energy, Lileep had shed its previous cold demeanor and become very friendly. This change made Rex confident in allowing Lileep to interact with other Pokémon.
During this time, Torchic and Carbink continued their basic training daily. Due to Rex's busy schedule, he entrusted Haunter with supervising their training, occasionally checking on their progress.
Because Rex needed to use his life energy for various purposes during this period, the pink glow in Carbink's diamond had not increased much. However, Carbink, who now spent most of its time wandering around the farm with Torchic, didn't seem to mind. It was curious about the bright outside world after living in darkness, so it enjoyed exploring new things.
Torchic and Carbink's favorite place to visit was the orchard. Here, they could play with many Pokémon and occasionally enjoy delicious Berries, making it the most desirable spot on the farm.
Machop continued to train with Heracross, both of them being battle enthusiasts who felt uneasy if they didn't spar daily. The only downside for Machop was the long periods Heracross spent searching for and consuming tree sap, during which Machop had to train alone, which wasn't very effective.
Since being tasked with caring for the rare Berry trees, Poliwhirl had been very diligent, personally watering the saplings daily and arranging for its Poliwag group to patrol around the clock to ensure the trees grew healthily. This dedication was driven by Rex's promise that once these rare Berries bore fruit, a portion would be given to Poliwhirl and its group as a reward. High-level rare Berries were highly beneficial for its strength.
Having taken care of Lileep, Rex turned his attention to the large-scale planting of Gracidea flowers. Despite the term "large-scale," the number of seeds he had collected could only cover one terrace, while the terraced garden that Sandslash had cultivated had ten layers. Nonetheless, Rex was happy to have collected these seeds. With more Hoppip learning Grassy Terrain, it would take just over a month for the Gracidea flowers to mature.
Rex had already sorted out the viable seeds and optimized them with life energy. However, they still needed to soak in nutrient solution for some time before germinating.
Once the Gracidea seeds sprouted, they could be planted. Rex wasn't in a hurry; with enough nutrients, the seeds would sprout in 1-2 days.
After successfully planting this batch of Gracidea seeds, Rex planned to focus on the remaining Gym challenges. Having already earned five Gym Badges, he needed three more to qualify for the Ever Grande Conference. With just over four months until the conference, he couldn't afford to delay. He would need time to train his Pokémon further to stand a chance in the competition.
"All the Gracidea seeds are planted. Now, we just have to wait for them to grow. Please take good care of them, Yuli."
Two days later, after planting the sprouted seeds in the garden terraces early in the morning, Rex spoke to Yuli, who had been helping him.
Initially, Rex intended to plant the seeds with his Pokémon, but Yuli showed great enthusiasm for the task, so he let her join him. Yuli wanted to be part of the terrace garden project as it reminded her of her childhood garden, which had been destroyed. She hoped to revive that hope through this garden.
So, with Rex digging holes and Yuli placing seeds and covering them with soil, they planted all the seeds. By the end, Rex was drenched in sweat, and Yuli was covered in dirt, but both felt a strong sense of accomplishment, envisioning the future flower-filled garden.
"Please take care of this place, Yuli."
Rex felt a bit guilty about leaving the responsibility to Yuli, but he had to move on to the next Gym challenges.
"Boss, pursue your dreams. This garden is my dream too. I'll make sure it thrives."
Yuli's determined look reassured Rex. She fully supported Rex's goal to participate in the Ever Grande Conference and always helped with farm duties. Taking care of the garden wasn't a burden but a reward for her.
"Please take care of the farm while I'm gone. I'll complete the Gym challenges quickly."
The next morning, after giving final instructions, Rex prepared to head to Fortree City and then Mossdeep City for the next Gym challenge. He also planned to deliver the Gracidea flowers Bellossom had learned to grow to Miss Koko's flower shop.
"Don't worry, boss. We'll take good care of everything here. Focus on your Gym challenges!"
"Alright, I'm off then!"
After saying his goodbyes, Rex mounted Swellow and flew towards Fortree City.
P.S.: The start date of the Ever Grande Conference has been adjusted.
(End of the chapter)