As a simple staple, clear noodle soup was a breeze to make.
Bring water to a boil, add the instant ramen noodles, and let them simmer. If ingredients are allowed, Naoki would normally add chopped scallions and a dollop of lard, allowing the noodles to soak up the broth before serving them in a bowl. The green onions would float on top, adding a splash of color to the dish and making it more appetizing. Finally, a drizzle of sesame oil and a soft-boiled egg would complete the meal. Just the thought of it made Naoki's mouth water.
However, back in reality, all he had were basic seasonings.
With a silent sigh, Naoki learned from yesterday's experience and added an appropriate amount of salt and chicken bouillon to the pot.
Soon, a simple noodle soup was ready.
As he filled two bowls, a prompt appeared in his mind with information about the dish.
[Instant Ramen (C-): A low-level dish, its taste is somewhat lacking due to the absence of key ingredients, but it's a good choice to warm the body and soul on a cold day.
Cooking effect: Cold Resistance Level 1, provides resistance to cold temperatures. After consumption, the body will feel warm for 30 minutes.
Comment: Despite the low quality of the ingredients, skillful cooking techniques have enhanced the flavor. When the player becomes wealthy and can cook master-level dishes, they may look back on this with nostalgia.]
Naoki was speechless.
Meanwhile, the Cyclizar beside him sniffed the air.
"Groo?"
Naoki looked at it, then placed the two bowls of noodles on the table and beckoned to the Cyclizar. "Want to try some?"
"Groo..."
The Cyclizar frowned hesitantly. To be honest, it didn't really like the taste of ramen.
Moreover, the bowl contained nothing but plain noodles. Judging by its appearance, it didn't seem very appetizing.
Naoki understood immediately. He sighed inwardly, not wanting to force the Cyclizar, and said, "It's okay, you don't have to eat it if you don't want to."
Then, excitement bubbling up, he added, "When I earn enough money to buy other ingredients, I'll make you something you'll love!"
Naoki was full of anticipation for his new life on the ranch.
Hearing this, the Cyclizar felt a pang of guilt. This was food specially prepared by its new owner. Would it be rude not to try it?
With that thought, the Cyclizar looked down at the steaming bowl of noodles and hesitantly chirped, "Groo!"
It would give this bowl of noodles a try!
The Cyclizar reached out with its two little paws, picked up the bowl, and slurped down the noodles in one gulp.
The anticipated unpleasantness didn't come. Despite the simple flavor, after finishing the noodles, Cyclizar suddenly felt a warmth spreading through its body, as if it was nestled in its mother's embrace.
"Groo..."
Witnessing the Cyclizar's reaction, Naoki was surprised at first, but then he quickly understood.
He looked at the Cyclizar, thinking about the effect of the hot noodle soup, and asked with a smile, "How does it feel?"
The Cyclizar snapped out of its reverie and looked down at itself, confused. "Groo?"
Why had it suddenly become warm without anyone riding on its back?
Seeing its reaction, an idea sparked in Naoki's mind.
"It seems that food really can benefit Pokémon," he thought, then asked, "Do you feel warmer, not as cold as before?"
Even though it was spring, the temperature hadn't fully risen yet, and it was still quite chilly, especially in the mornings.
The Cyclizar looked up in surprise, as if asking, "How did you know?"
"Groo?"
Naoki smiled. "It's the power of food."
"Groo..."
The Cyclizar looked puzzled. This concept was a bit too advanced for it. After all, it was just a Cyclizar.
Naoki didn't try to explain further. The Cyclizar would understand eventually as they lived together.
Having confirmed the effect of his cooking on Pokémon, Naoki was in a good mood. He quickly finished his breakfast, washed the dishes, and stepped outside.
The neglected ranch was covered in lush vegetation, with bird Pokémon occasionally flying overhead in search of food.
Breathing in the fresh air, Naoki took a deep breath and decided to explore the area. He wanted to familiarize himself with the place.
As he walked through the ranch with the Cyclizar by his side, Naoki realized it was larger than he had initially thought.
A wooden fence surrounded the ranch, and the area within was quite spacious. To the east was a vibrant valley, the calls of wild Pokémon echoing from within.
The farmland took up a third of the ranch. There was a lake in the southwest corner and a river flowing around it. A wooden bridge spanned the river, connecting the ranch to the other side.
Naoki stood on the bridge, looking at the rotting and broken wooden fence along the riverbank, realizing that he had a lot of work ahead of him.
Clearing weeds, removing rocks, chopping down unwanted trees, and tilling the fields in preparation for planting – these were the tasks that lay ahead.
As for the Pokémon shed where the Miltank used to be kept, Naoki wasn't planning on fixing it up just yet. There wasn't enough wood, and he was short on funds.
After all, rebuilding the shed and purchasing Pokémon like Miltank would require a substantial investment.
Standing in front of the lake at the edge of the farmland, Naoki squatted down and assessed its size and depth. "Raising fish here would be a great idea," he thought.
According to the original owner's memories, in addition to Pokémon, there were also ordinary animals in this world.
However, Naoki preferred to raise Water-type Pokémon instead of regular fish.
Pokémon like Magikarp, Goldeen, Finneon, and Palpitoad.
Or, to be a bit more daring, Gyarados, Milotic, Vaporeon, and Ludicolo.
Although these fish weren't edible, as a collector at heart, Naoki would be satisfied just keeping them here and watching them thrive.
Naoki mentally ticked off all the tasks he needed to accomplish, realizing that it would be a long journey ahead.
The ranch management games he had played before flashed through his mind, and Naoki couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
He had just escaped the 996 grind, and now he might be facing 007 – working from midnight to midnight, seven days a week!