After dinner, as the sky hadn't completely darkened yet, Angie looked at the food Ata had delivered. After some thought, he said to Arven.
"Arven, why don't we give this food to the wild Pokémon?"
The Veluza weren't around today, and leaving the food here would just be a waste.
Arven replied, "Sure! Sounds like a great idea!"
Angie said, "Alright, let's go."
So, Angie and Munchlax carried a box of food and headed outside with everyone.
The upper level of Area Zero was divided into various zones, each inhabited by different Pokémon.
For example, in the Prairie area, there were Raichu, Venomoth, Jumpluff, Girafarig, and Espeon...
Near the Riverside area, there were Golduck, Vaporeon, Buizel, Flamigo... and even rare Pokémon like Dreepy and Drakloak.
In the Rocky Area, you could find Donphan, Phanpy, Gogoat, Hawlucha, and Lycanroc...
The caves were home to Dugtrio, Sneasel, Sableye, Umbreon... as well as rare Pokémon like Gible and Gabite.
If a Trainer came here, they'd probably lose their mind with excitement.
Angie and his group arrived in the Prairie area and spotted some Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu playing and frolicking from a distance.
When the Raichu noticed Angie and his group approaching, they immediately quieted down, moving to shield the Pichu and Pikachu behind them, cautiously eyeing Angie and the others.
Angie opened the box, took out a box of rice balls, and said gently, "No need to be afraid. We're just here to share some food with you."
The Raichu didn't approach right away, but the Pichu and Pikachu couldn't help but stare at the rice balls in Angie's hands, gulping involuntarily.
They looked so delicious.
"Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~"
At that moment, the two Oinkologne each took a rice ball from the box and softly called out to the Pichu and Pikachu.
One of the Pichu couldn't resist. It cautiously ran forward, quickly snatched the rice ball from the Oinkologne's hands, and then scurried away while clutching it.
Its small body was almost the same size as the rice ball. It waddled away, the rice ball in its arms, with its tiny tail swaying adorably.
Once it reached what it deemed a safe distance, the Pichu eagerly took a bite.
*(ˊˋ*)*
"Pichu~~"
It was delicious beyond words!
The rice ball's exquisite flavor instantly won it over.
The Treasure Eatery was famous across Paldea for a reason, and Angie's cooking wasn't too far behind in quality.
The professors were particularly fond of Angie's cooking, not just because of how good it was, but because they were so used to eating meals from the Treasure Eatery. Tasting something fresh and new made it all the more delightful.
Of course, the fact that Angie was a great cook was a given.
"Pichu~~"
The Pichu waved its little arms enthusiastically at its companions, describing the amazing taste of the rice ball.
Encouraged by the first Pichu, the rest of the Pichu and Pikachu gathered around Angie and the others, reaching out for food, much to the Raichu's dismay. In the end, even the Raichu couldn't resist joining in.
"Everyone, one at a time. No need to rush."
Angie, Arven, and the Pokémon took turns distributing the food.
Attracted by the commotion, other Pokémon began gathering, including Cherrim, Girafarig, Corviknight, and even Espeon and Volcarona.
Before long, all the food had been handed out, and the Pokémon were thoroughly satisfied, their bellies round and full.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Just then, a Pawmi came rushing over, its face full of hope as it extended its paws toward Angie.
"You want some food too?" Angie asked.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
The Pawmi nodded eagerly, its face brimming with anticipation.
"But the food's all gone!" Angie said, flipping the box over to show it was empty.
"Pawmi?!"
The Pawmi froze in shock. It had heard there was delicious food here and had rushed over as quickly as it could, only to find it was too late.
It curled up into a ball, looking utterly dejected, as if the slightest breeze might blow it away.
Angie patted its head and said, "Alright, alright, don't be sad. Here, take this."
With that, Angie pulled a tomato out of his system backpack and handed it to the Pawmi.
"Pawmi!!!"
Seeing the tomato, Pawmi's mood flipped from sorrow to joy. It hugged the large, round tomato tightly and took a big bite. The sweet and tangy flavor immediately won over its taste buds.
"Pawmi~"
It was pure bliss!
After quickly finishing the tomato, Pawmi extended its hands toward Angie again.
"You want more?" Angie asked.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Pawmi nodded eagerly, its mouth glistening, eyes filled with hope.
"You really don't hold back, huh?" Angie chuckled and handed it two cucumbers.
"Pawmi!!!"
Pawmi's eyes lit up at the sight of new treats. It hugged the cucumbers and started nibbling on them like a little hamster, its cheeks puffing out adorably.
Once the cucumbers were devoured, Pawmi lay on the grass, belly full and completely satisfied.
By now, the sky had darkened. However, Volcarona, radiating a bright and warm light, dispelled any fear of the night.
The Research Station was primarily a workplace for the researchers and didn't have much in the way of entertainment. Angie and Arven didn't feel like heading back too early, so they lay on the grass, chatting and enjoying the peaceful moment together.
Angie used Munchlax's belly as a pillow, holding Komala in his arms, while Diancie and Drizzile leaned on Munchlax's other side.
Espartha lounged quietly nearby, meditating with its eyes closed. Arven rested against it, with Mabosstiff Pokémon laying its chin on his lap.
Meanwhile, the two Dolliv and Floette were playing hide-and-seek in the grass, their bell-like laughter ringing in the night air.
Nearby, two Charcadets, mounted on Oinkologne like knights, were enthusiastically jousting with sticks, their energy seemingly limitless.
"Espeon~"
Espeon yawned lazily, inching closer to Volcarona before curling up. It clearly enjoyed basking in Volcarona's glow.
Angie turned his head to Arven and asked, "Arven, have you thought about what you'd like to do in the future? Do you want to be a Trainer or a researcher like the professors?"
Arven fell silent, pondering the question. After a while, he quietly replied, "Do I have to? Can I not be a Trainer or a Scientist?"
Angie nodded gently. "Of course, life isn't limited to just one path. I'm not a Trainer either, but I think I'm living a very happy life."
Angie's words encouraged Arven. He suddenly sat up, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Angie with admiration.
"I want to be a chef! I want to be an amazing chef like you, Brother Angie! I want to create food that makes both people and Pokémon smile!"
Hearing this, Angie sat up as well, speaking in an encouraging tone. "That's an excellent goal. You can absolutely achieve it!" It was such a pure and heartfelt dream.
Arven's enthusiasm wavered slightly as he added hesitantly, "But... do you think my parents will be against it?"
Before Angie could answer, Mabosstiff interjected.
"Mabosstiff~"
The big Pokémon patted Arven with its paw, its kind gaze full of support.
Angie smiled. "See? Even Mabosstiff is encouraging you too. The professors love you very much; they'll surely support your dreams."
A bright smile returned to Arven's face. Hugging Mabosstiff's neck, he looked at Angie and nodded firmly.
"Yeah! I'll work hard!"
Snor~ Snor~
At that moment, Munchlax's loud snores interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. Angie looked at the group with a mix of amusement and resignation.
"It's getting late. Let's head back," Angie said.
"Mabosstiff~"
"Drizzile~"
"Charcadet~"
The Pokémon all responded enthusiastically.
After getting up, Angie, Diancie, and Drizzile helped Munchlax to its feet. Angie gently shook it awake.
"Come on, Munchlax. It's time to go home!"
"Munchlax…"
Munchlax groggily sat up, rubbing its eyes, still half-asleep.
Angie sighed, taking its hand to guide it along. "Alright, everyone, we're leaving now," he called, waving goodbye to the wild Pokémon.
Arven waved too. "Goodbye!"
"Espeon~"
"Pawmi~"
"Raichu~"
"Pichu~~"
The wild Pokémon all chimed in, bidding their new friends farewell.
Wild Pokémon also waved goodbye to Angie and the others, watching them disappear into the night.
The drowsy Munchlax was led home by its master. Even after being laid in bed, it never fully woke up. The next morning, as it lay on its bed, it was still confused, trying to recall how it had gotten back the previous night.
Upon returning to the Research Station, Angie and Arven headed to their respective rooms.
Before going to his own room, Angie stopped by the lab to fetch Raleigh, reminding him to go to bed early—children shouldn't stay up late.
Raleigh reluctantly left the lab, his face filled with reluctance.
In his room at the Research Station, Angie washed up with his Pokémon before addressing them.
"Goodnight, everyone."
"Drizzile~"
Goodnight.
"Munchlax~"
Goodnight, Master.
"Espartha~"
Goodnight.
"Oinkologne~"
Goodnight.
The Pokémon responded to Angie's wishes in turn.
Angie spread a blanket on the floor for the Espartha to lie down on, with the two Oinkologne nestled under its wings.
The Oinkologne couple lay head-to-head, snoring softly after saying their goodnights to Angie.
The two Charcadet snuggled up next to them, sleeping in an embrace.
Angie tucked the Komala into its blanket, then opened the system interface. He had to claim his task rewards before sleeping.
Since he hadn't participated in culinary training today, his daily task reward was just one item.
[ Congratulations, Master, you have received: One bag of premium rice. ]
A daily reward, but the rice from the system was indeed delicious.
Next came the rewards for the <
First, he claimed the reward for the Ingredient Collection Task.
...
[ Congratulations, Master, for completing (Ingredient Collection Task), capture at least 10 Veluza! ]
[ Reward: Advanced Recipe—Fish Food Formula (a specialized recipe for fish-type Pokémon that promotes their growth). ]
[ Task exceeded requirements! ]
[ Bonus Reward: Constitution +2, Intelligence +1. ]
...
An advanced recipe! Angie's face lit up with joy. Advanced recipes meant more happiness points. Though it was tailored for fish Pokémon, it was still better than nothing!
The fish food could be used for Veluza, Magikarp, Feebas, Goldeen, and Seaking, making it incredibly versatile.
And to think there was a bonus reward for exceeding the task requirements! What a pleasant surprise!
Excitedly, Angie moved on to claim the reward for the Seasoning Collection Task.
...
[ Congratulations, Master, for completing (Seasoning Collection Task), capture at least one Smoliv, Dolliv, or Arboliva! ]
[ Reward: Advanced Recipe—Green Rice Ball Formula (a specialized recipe for Grass-type Pokémon, with special benefits for milk-producing Pokémon). ]
[ Task exceeded requirements! ]
[ Bonus Reward: Constitution +1 ]
...
Another advanced recipe?!
Angie was so thrilled he nearly jumped out of bed!
Although it was another specialized recipe, Grass-type Pokémon were abundant on the Nebel Plateau, especially Skiddo and Gogoat, who were second only to Poliwag in numbers.
This recipe was practically tailor-made for the Gogoat family!
And it even boasted special benefits for milk-producing Pokémon—how thoughtful!
Angie wondered what kind of special effects it might have.
He opened the system's recipe interface and confirmed that both the Fish Food and Green Rice Ball recipes had been added.
Angie opened his personal information interface to take another look.
...
[ Angie ]
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 16 (+500)
Constitution: 39
Intelligence: 19
Culinary Skill Rating: A newbie barely meeting the standard.
...
His Constitution was close to reaching 40, and his Intelligence was nearly 20.
Feeling the surge of strength within him, Angie couldn't help but feel delighted.
It's time to sleep! Tomorrow would be another wonderful day. Angie pulled the blanket over himself, hugged the Komala tightly, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
...
The next morning, Angie got up early and, with the help of Charcadet and Dolliv, prepared breakfast for the two professors and the researchers. The meal consisted of steamed buns and porridge.
The buns, made with Dolliv's oil, were exceptionally fragrant after steaming. The filling's juices soaked into the bun's dough, creating a perfect blend of flavor and the aroma of wheat. Even Angie himself thought he had never tasted buns so delicious.
The porridge was made with the premium rice Angie had received the previous night. Its flavor was rich and mellow, and its texture smooth—truly a top-tier dish among porridges.
Professor Turo took a bite of a bun, followed by a sip of porridge. His face lit up with delight. "Having Angie here is such a treat for us!"
"That's right! If only His Highness could stay here and cook for us forever," one of the researchers sighed.
A researcher from the Azoth Kingdom immediately retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about! His Highness belongs to Azoth; he's bound to return there. There's no way he'll stay here cooking for you!"
The first researcher muttered under his breath, "I was just saying. Why so worked up?"
The Azoth researcher glared and snapped, "Even saying it is unacceptable!"
...
Shortly after breakfast, Ata arrived with another round of meals for the professors and researchers.
The two professors tried to convince Ata to take a break from delivering food for the next few days, but Ata explained that their meals were arranged by the League and fully handled by Treasure Eatery. He had no authority to stop the deliveries, and even if he didn't deliver them personally, Treasure Eatery would continue as scheduled.
The professors could only sigh in resignation.
After Ata and his Corviknight left, the professors and researchers prepared to start their work for the day.
At this point, Professor Sada said, "Angie, could we borrow Diancie today? We'd like its help with some research."
"Of course."
After all, this was the reason Angie had been invited here, and Diancie had already agreed to assist.
Angie summoned Diancie with a wave of his hand.
"Diancie, we'd appreciate your guidance today," Professor Sada said, extending a hand to the Pokémon.
"Certainly, Professor Sada," Diancie replied, shaking hands with the professor.