After finishing breakfast, Angie and the others were about to set off for the Great Crater of Paldea.
As they were about to board the airship, Nasir suddenly called out to Angie.
"Your Highness, I have a gift for you."
"A gift?" Angie looked puzzled.
"That's right, that's right," Nasir said, beckoning Angie over.
Angie leaned in, and Nasir shoved two Poké Balls into his arms.
Angie asked, "What are these?"
Nasir chuckled and said, "You'll know when you open them."
With a curious heart, Angie opened the two Poké Balls, which turned out to be Love Balls, colored in pink.
With a flash of light, two similar but distinctly different Pokémon appeared before Angie. Could they be Oinkologne? After all, the male and female Oinkologne do look different.
Male Oinkologne have black skin with peach-colored noses, hooves, and tails. Their tails release a seductive fragrance that makes female Pokémon swoon.
Female Oinkologne, on the other hand, have predominantly brown skin with pink noses, hooves, and tail tips. They emit a floral fragrance to heal other Pokémon.
The two Oinkologne snuggled up to each other affectionately as soon as they emerged, making it obvious they were a couple.
"Are these for me?" Angie asked, dumbfounded.
"Of course, of course!" Nasir replied. "My Oinkologne have incredibly sensitive noses and are experts at finding rare ingredients in the wild. When you find some great ingredients, you must treat me to a meal!"
Angie: ...
"You're giving them to me—did you even ask if they agreed to this?"
Nasir said, "Of course I did! If you don't believe me, ask them yourself."
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Sure enough, the two Oinkologne nodded repeatedly.
"See?" Nasir said, beaming. "I told them you'd have delicious food, and they agreed immediately."
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne nodded enthusiastically again.
"Fine."
Angie used the Observing Eye ability to inspect the two Oinkologne.
...
[ Oinkologne ]
Type: Normal
Ability: Lingering Aroma
Gender: Male
Level: 39
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Echoed Voice, Disarming Voice, Mud-Slap, Dig, Headbutt, Work Up, Yawn, Take Down, Uproar, Double-Edge, High Horsepower, Stuff Cheeks.
...
[ Individual Value (IVs) ]
HP: 30
Attack: 26
Defense: 21
Special Attack: 23
Special Defense: 11
Speed: 22
...
[ Oinkologne ]
Type: Normal
Ability: Aroma Veil
Gender: Female
Level: 39
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Echoed Voice, Disarming Voice, Mud-Slap, Dig, Headbutt, Work Up, Yawn, Take Down, Uproar, Double-Edge, High Horsepower, Stuff Cheeks.
[ Individual Value (IVs) ]
HP: 31
Attack: 19
Defense: 18
Special Attack: 15
Special Defense: 29
Speed: 21
...
After reviewing the stats, Angie fell silent. Both Oinkologne had excellent data.
Nasir said, "You'd better take good care of my little darlings! I raised them with great care."
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne nodded as if it were only natural—they were treasures that required special care and attention!
"Really giving them to me?" Angie asked.
"Of course," Nassir replied with a nod.
"Well, alright then." Angie turned to the two Oinkologne and said, "I'll be in your care from now on!"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne nodded in unison.
After storing the two Oinkologne back in their Poké Balls, Angie said to Nassir, "It's about time. I should board the airship now. Let's meet again next time."
"Next time, then," Nassir responded.
Angie waved goodbye to Nassir and boarded the airship.
The airship slowly ascended, heading toward the Great Crater of Paldea, and arrived at its destination in less than an hour.
The landing site was known as the Zero Gate.
The Great Crater of Paldea is located at the very center of the Paldea region. Two hundred years ago, an exploration team coined the term "Area Zero" for the crater's depths, and the name has been used ever since.
Surrounded by steep cliffs, the Great Crater of Paldea is challenging to access, with only a portion near Medali Town offering a suitable entrance. Thus, the League established an entry point here, which became known as the "Zero Gate."
After the airship landed at the Zero Gate, the two professors led Angie, Raleigh, and the research team from the Azoth Kingdom to disembark. They presented their entry permits to the gate guards and then took Angie and the team into Area Zero.
The professors explained that Area Zero descends spirally into the earth. The Research Stations have been established at the upper, middle, and lower levels.
However, according to their surveys, there are still parts beneath the lower level that remain unexplored.
Angie knew from the games that Area Zero also contained the Bottom Layer called the Area Zero Underdepths. In the game, the two professors tragically lost their lives at Research Station No. 4 in the lower level.
What the real-world Area Zero was like, Angie wasn't sure.
Under the guidance of the professors, Angie and the team entered the upper level of Area Zero and began heading toward the Research Station No. 1.
The upper level of Area Zero housed Research Station No. 1 and No. 2. The middle level contained Research Station No. 3, and the lower level had Research Station No. 4.
As soon as they entered the upper level of Area Zero, Angie saw vast expanses of lush green grass. Many Pokémon were active on the grass, including Raichu, Jumpluff, Rockruff, Meditite, Corviknight, Pawmi, and Masquerain.
Additionally, Angie noticed sparkling crystals in the grass and by the riverside. These were Tera Crystals, formed from Terastal energy seeping up from Paldea's depths.
Soon, Angie and the professors reached the Research Station No. 1. Upon arrival, the professors and research team got busy with their work, even Raleigh joined in, leaving only Angie and Arven awkwardly staring at each other.
Angie asked the professors, "Professors, may I explore the area?"
Professor Sada looked up from her work. "Of course, but don't wander too far. The wild Pokémon here can sometimes be aggressive."
Angie replied, "Got it. I'll be careful."
Professor Turo added, "Angie, could you do me a favor and look after Arven?"
Angie nodded. "Of course. You all can focus on your work. Leave Arven to me, and Raleigh to you."
The two professors smiled and gave Angie a thumbs-up.
Turning to Arven, Angie said, "Come on, Arven, let's go."
Arven nodded and followed Angie outside.
Once outside, Angie asked, "Have you been here before?"
Arven nodded. "Yes, occasionally."
"Then let's take a good look around and explore where your parents work," Angie said while releasing the two Oinkologne from their Poké Balls.
The moment they appeared, the two Oinkologne began sniffing around the lush grass eagerly, and Angie and Arven followed them.
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Before long, the female Oinkologne returned, carrying a pile of mushrooms in her mouth. She placed them at Angie's feet, and all of them were edible.
Picking up the mushrooms one by one, Angie patted the Oinkologne on the head and praised her. "Great job! I'll make you something delicious later."
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Something delicious? Yes, please!
The female Oinkologne happily trotted off again.
A little while later, the male Oinkologne came back with several Sitrus Berry in his mouth, proudly showing them off to Angie.
Angie quickly patted his head as well. "Good job, good job."
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The male Oinkologne also happily ran off.
Before long, Angie's hands were full of various materials.
As expected, just like Nasir said, these two Oinkologne were absolute geniuses when it came to foraging in the wild.
Looking at the armful of ingredients Angie held, Arven curiously asked, "Are all of these edible?"
"Of course! Why, are you interested?" Angie asked with a smile. He recalled that in the game, Arven was quite skilled at cooking.
Arven hesitated briefly before nodding lightly.
"I'll teach you."
Angie began introducing the materials one by one to Arven, who listened attentively with great interest.
As they walked, they suddenly noticed the two Oinkologne crouching by the riverside with their heads close together, seemingly whispering to each other.
Angie and Arven approached and found the dolphins dipping their tails into the water while wiggling their bodies. A faint, peculiar fragrance emanated from them.
"Oinkologne~!!!!"
Suddenly, the male Oinkologne let out a sharp cry and swiftly yanked its tail out of the water. A Veluza was biting its tail and got flung out of the water.
The male Oinkologne thrashed its tail wildly, and the Veluza splashed back into the river. At the same time, a piece of pure white fish meat dropped to Angie's feet.
The male Oinkologne immediately ran to Angie to show off its achievement.
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Angie stared at the dolphin, then at the fish meat on the ground, utterly dumbfounded.
What a unique fishing method!
Veluza, a Water/Psychic Pokémon, is known for its powerful regeneration ability. To hone itself, it will shed unnecessary flesh from its body.
The discarded meat of Veluza is said to be incredibly delicious.
And now, lying by Angie's feet was a piece of this discarded flesh—his first time seeing Veluza meat.
Angie looked at the Oinkologne and asked, "Are you using your tails to fish?"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Yes, yes!
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
We're smart!
Both Oinkologne nodded proudly, their faces full of confidence.
"Oinkologne~!!!!"
At that moment, the female Oinkologne also let out a sharp cry. Another Veluza had bitten its tail and was pulled out of the water.
Plop—Plop—
The Veluza flailed about and soon shook itself free from the female Oinkologne's tail. Another piece of fish meat fell to Angie's feet.
Angie bent down to pick up the fish meat and brought it to his nose. He was surprised to find that Veluza meat lacked even the slightest hint of fishy odor. Instead, it carried a faint, fresh fragrance.
Indeed, this was a top-tier ingredient!
"It looks like we're in for a treat today," Angie said with a smile.
Just as he finished speaking, he suddenly noticed a notification from the system. Opening it, he saw that several new tasks had appeared in the system's mission log.
There's no doubt that Diancie had accepted these on his behalf.
The new tasks were as follows.
...
[ Ingredient Collection Task ]
[ Description: Capture at least 10 Veluza ]
[ Reward: ??? (Pending Completion) ]
...
[ Seasoning Collection Task 1 ]
[ Description: Capture at least 1 Smoliv, Dolliv, or Arboliva ]
[ Reward: ??? (Pending Completion) ]
...
[ Seasoning Collection Task 2 ]
[ Description: Capture at least 1 Nacli, Naclstack, or Garganacl ]
[ Reward: ??? (Pending Completion) ]
...
[ Seasoning Collection Task 3]
[ Description: Capture at least 1 Charcadet or Capsakid ]
[ Reward: ??? (Pending Completion) ]
...
The prerequisite for these tasks was the earlier missions Angie had accepted from the two professors.
Moreover, these tasks were merely transitional. Once completed, there would be a final ultimate task awaiting for him.
It was Angie's first time receiving so many tasks at once, but he was thrilled. More tasks meant more rewards.
Let's do this!
After thinking for a moment, Angie turned around to the two Oinkologne and said, "I'd like to catch some Veluza. Could I trouble you both to help me out?"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne agreed without hesitation.
Thus, Angie began assigning tasks to the Pokémon.
"Oinkologne, you'll be responsible for using your tails to fish the Veluza out of the water."
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne nodded, signaling their understanding.
"Komala, once the Veluza are fished out, could you help defeat them?"
Hearing this, Komala rolled off Angie with a soft thud onto the grass, swaying lazily.
Clearly, it was agreeing.
Angie couldn't help but remind it, "Komala, please be gentle later, or the Veluza won't be able to handle it."
Although Angie didn't fully understand his Komala's strength, he had a vague sense that it was formidable.
"All right, let's get started," Angie announced.
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne responded in unison, dipping their tails into the water. Just as before, they wiggled their tails, releasing a fragrant scent into the water to lure in the Veluza.
The male Oinkologne's scent was particularly potent, mixing with the water and proving irresistible to female Pokémon.
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Sure enough, before long, the male Oinkologne reacted. It swung its tail forcefully upward, flinging a bright red Pokémon into the air.
Plop!
The Pokémon landed on the grass, flailed about twice, then lay still.
Angie: ...
Arven: ...
Turns out, it was a Magikarp—female, no less.
Magikarp's gender can be distinguished by appearance: male Magikarp have yellow whiskers, while females have white ones.
Sigh...
Angie sighed, picking up the Magikarp and gently placing it back in the water.
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
Now it was the female Oinkologne's turn.
With a hopeful expression, Angie asked, "Is it coming? Is it coming?"
"Oinkologne~"
The female Oinkologne let out a spirited cry before swinging its tail upward. A pink, plump Pokémon was flung into the air.
Roll Roll Roll~~~
The Pokémon tumbled across the grass for several turns before sluggishly getting up.
( °-°?)
"Slowpoke~?"
The plump pink Pokémon tilted its head, gazing at Angie and his group with vacant, lifeless eyes.
Angie chuckled wryly, "So, it's a Slowpoke!"
As he spoke, he picked up the Slowpoke and returned it to the water. The Slowpoke lazily wagged its tail before slowly sinking into the water and disappearing.
It's said that Slowpoke's tail is also a delicacy, Angie thought to himself.
Just as Angie finished releasing the Slowpoke, the male Oinkologne reacted again.
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
With a forceful swing of its tail, it finally flung a Veluza into the air. Before it even landed, a piece of fish meat had already fallen to the shore.
Ignoring the fish meat for now, Angie shouted to Komala, "Komala, it's your turn!"
Hearing this, Komala leaped high into the air, slamming a paw onto the Veluza using the Knock Off move. Following Angie's instructions, it neither used an overly powerful move nor applied too much force.
The Veluza couldn't resist at all, it fainted immediately and dropping onto the grass.