After mixing the pork well, Angie poured it onto the table and rolled it flat with a rolling pin until it was about 2 millimeters thick.
Next, the rolled meat needed to be frozen in the refrigerator. But now, Angie was troubled.
There wasn't a refrigerator in Area Zero!
Noticing Angie's troubled expression, Arven asked, "What's wrong, Angie?"
"We need a refrigerator, but there isn't one here!" Angie replied with a wry smile.
In truth, he could have Diancie take it to the refrigerator at home to freeze, but that would be both troublesome and risky. The thinly rolled meat might break apart during the back-and-forth transport.
Arven couldn't think of a solution either and ended up frowning alongside Angie.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
I have an idea! I have an idea!
Suddenly, Pawmi had a flash of inspiration.
Angie didn't understand Pawmi's words and asked in confusion, "Pawmi, what's up?"
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Pawmi hopped and jumped, trying hard to explain, but Angie still couldn't understand after listening for a while.
The power of Aura within Angie surged. Just as he felt as though he vaguely understood Pawmi, the Pokémon suddenly darted off.
"Where's he going?" Angie was puzzled.
"No idea," Arven shook her head.
"Oh, right!" Angie waved to the Espathra and said, "Espathra, come chat with me."
Chat? Espathra walked over, confused. What could we possibly talk about?
"Espathra~"
About what?
"How about what you like to eat?"
"Espathra~ Espathra~"
I like everything Angie makes!
"Really?"
Hearing this, Espathra was taken aback.
"Espathra~ Espathra~"
Angie, can you understand me?!
Angie nodded excitedly, "Yes, yes, I can!"
When Pawmi had been gesturing earlier, Angie had felt as though he was comprehending something profound. But before he could figure it out, Pawmi ran off.
As Espathra confirmed his theory, Angie realized that after awakening his Aura powers, he could truly understand the meanings behind Pokémon's expressions.
Seeing Angie and Espathra chatting back and forth, Arven asked in bewilderment, "Angie, what are you two doing?"
Angie didn't hide it from her, "Arven, I've awakened the power of Aura, and now I can talk to Pokémon!"
Arven's eyes widened in disbelief. "The power of Aura?"
Angie nodded and went on to explain what Aura was.
After listening, Arven exclaimed in amazement, "Wow, that's incredible!"
As they talked, Pawmi came running back.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
I'm back!
Following Pawmi's voice, Angie looked up to see the Pokémon riding on the back of a slow-moving creature heading their way. Behind it were two identical Pokémon.
It was an Avalugg!
Angie's face lit up with joy.
Avalugg, an Ice-type Pokémon, known as the Iceberg Pokémon. Its overall appearance resembled a turtle, and its flat, mirror-like back was perfect for freezing things.
Wouldn't it be perfect to freeze the meat on Avalugg's back?
Avalugg moved at a snail's pace, taking forever to reach Angie and the others.
Pawmi nimbly jumped down from the leading Avalugg's back, looking proud as it stared at Angie.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
How about my helpers?
Angie happily picked up Pawmi and rubbed his face against it.
"Pawmi, you've done an amazing job! When the food's ready, I'll make sure you get extra."
Pawmi was thrilled to hear this and rubbed back against Angie with gusto, instinctively using its Cheek Rub move.
Zzzzippppppp!
Angie's hair started smoking from the shock.
"Pawmi~~"
"Angie!"
"Espathra~~"
"Avalugg~~"
Arven and the Pokémon gasped in alarm at the sight.
Angie rubbed his hair and looked at Pawmi, who wore a guilty expression. "I'm fine."
With Angie's constitution now exceeding 40 points, Pawmi's little electric current didn't harm him in the slightest.
Seeing that Angie was unharmed, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.
Angie set Pawmi down and turned to the Avaluggs. "Avaluggs, thank you for helping us."
"Avalugg~"
The Avaluggs shook their heads.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Angie said.
He cut the massive slab of meat into square pieces, each the size of the table, placed them into large iron trays, and set the trays onto the Avaluggs' backs.
"Avalugg~~"
The three Avaluggs took a deep breath, and waves of icy cold air emanated from them.
Angie quickly intervened, "Avaluggs, don't release too much cold. Just moderate it."
The Avaluggs immediately restrained their frosty aura.
About two hours later, Angie called in the Charcadets from home. Using stands to support the trays, he built a makeshift oven and placed the frozen meat inside.
"Charcadets, I'm counting on you."
"Charcadet~"
Got it.
"Charcadet~"
No problem.
The two Charcadets positioned themselves under the stands, their bodies flaring with bright red flames.
As time passed, a rich, savory aroma wafted from the oven. The perfect blend of meat and spices made the Pokémon instinctively gulp. Pawmi even started drooling, a line of saliva dangling from its mouth.
Angie flipped the meat jerky at intervals to ensure it cooked evenly on both sides. Occasionally, he brushed a layer of honey onto the jerky.
The aroma grew even stronger, and Pawmi impatiently circled the oven.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Is it ready yet? Is it ready yet?
Angie chuckled. "What's the rush?"
Once the jerky was done, Angie took it out and placed it on the table to cool.
Since there was a lot of jerky to make, Angie continued with the next batch. Meanwhile, Pawmi sneakily climbed onto the table, stuck its nose close to the cooling jerky, and took a deep, satisfied sniff.
So fragrant! So fragrant! Too fragrant!
It glanced at Angie, who was completely focused on the oven, snickered to itself, and slowly stretched out a hand to sneak a piece.
"Espathra~~"
Out of nowhere, Espathra appeared behind Pawmi. Before it could grab the jerky, Espathra bit down on the back of Pawmi's neck and lifted it into the air.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Who is it?! Who's ruining my plans?!
Pawmi flailed wildly, kicking its limbs in the air.
Espathra placed it on the ground. Turning around with indignation, Pawmi was about to complain, but one look at Espathra's imposing gaze made it swallow its words.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Please be gentler next time.
Espathra haughtily raised its head, and Pawmi immediately scurried off to Angie, hugging his leg for comfort.
When all the jerky was roasted and cooled, Angie used a knife to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
"Here, Pawmi, have a taste."
Angie picked up a piece of jerky and handed it to the eagerly waiting Pawmi.
"Pawmi~~"
Pawmi excitedly took the jerky, sniffed it lightly under its nose, and its eyes immediately lit up.
So fragrant!
It stuck out its soft, pink tongue and gave the jerky a tentative lick. Then, carefully, it popped the jerky into its mouth and began to chew slowly, savoring the rich charred flavor of the meat and the sweetness of the honey. The combination created a symphony of tastes that danced in its mouth.
So delicious!
Crunch, crunch.
In just a few bites, Pawmi finished the jerky and eagerly held out its tiny hands toward Angie for more.
"I just can't say no to you," Angie said, shaking his head.
He took out a small cloth pouch, filled it to the brim with jerky, and slung it diagonally across Pawmi's waist.
"This is your reward for bringing the Avaluggs to help."
Pawmi curiously patted the pouch at its side, then pulled out a piece of jerky before gleefully running around.
Proudly, it ran up to Espathra, holding up the pouch for it to see.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Look! Angie gave me this! It's full of yummy treats!
Espathra lifted its head disdainfully, pretending not to care.
Unbothered, Pawmi ran over to Arven to show off. Arven was much more enthusiastic.
"How cute! It suits you so well!"
Hearing this, Pawmi started hopping around excitedly. It strutted around with exaggerated steps, brimming with pride, and continued to show off to the Oinkologne.
Before long, every Pokémon present had been treated to Pawmi's display of pride.
After cutting all the jerky into manageable pieces, Angie stored most of it in his system backpack but left a plateful aside.
"Everyone, come and try some!"
Angie called over Arven, the two Charcadets, the two Oinkologne, Espathra, the three Avaluggs, and Mabosstiff.
One by one, the Pokémon gathered and began eating the jerky.
"So delicious!" Arven exclaimed between bites.
"Oinkologne~"
"Oinkologne~"
The two Oinkologne nodded enthusiastically. It was incredible!
Meanwhile, Pawmi struggled to wedge itself between the two Charcadets, finally managing to grab a piece of jerky and stuff it into its mouth.
Angie didn't stop it but teased, "Didn't I already give you some? Why are you here again?"
Hearing this, Pawmi quickly hugged its pouch protectively and replied with a defensive tone.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
This is my reward; it doesn't count!
Angie chuckled. "You're quite the little trickster."
Munching on another piece of jerky, Pawmi mumbled through a full mouth.
"Pawmi~ Pawmi~"
Not trickery at all!
Angie reminded everyone, "Just have a taste, okay? We still need to eat lunch later!"
The Pokémon nodded in understanding, except for Pawmi, who seemed entirely oblivious to Angie's advice.
Following Angie's instructions, everyone stopped after having just a little. The remaining jerky was given to the three Avaluggs.
Angie watched the Avaluggs happily munching away and asked, "Avaluggs, can I touch you?"
The Avaluggs froze, staring at Angie in confusion. What?
Their expressions turned odd as they exchanged glances. What kind of hobby is this? We're made of ice—what's there to touch?
They could understand fur enthusiasts or those who liked humanoid Pokémon, but ice block enthusiasts?
Angie couldn't help but feel the awkwardness in their stares.
"Avalugg~"
"Avalugg~"
"Avalugg~"
Still, seeing as Angie had given them such delicious food, the Avaluggs reluctantly nodded.
Under their strange gazes, Angie placed his hands on their icy surfaces.
Closing his eyes, he gently stroked them while trying to sense the Aura within their bodies. At first, it wasn't easy to feel anything.
Frowning in concentration, Angie moved his hand from the Avaluggs' smooth backs to their pointed heads and then down to their sturdy legs.
As time went on, the Avaluggs' stares grew increasingly suspicious.
Yup, this guy is definitely a weirdo.
Suddenly, Angie's expression changed—he felt something. Success! It was the Avaluggs' Aura.
Their Aura carried a cold and heavy presence, entirely different from the one flowing within Angie himself!
Angie excitedly opened his eyes, but as soon as he did, he was met with the scrutinizing gazes of the Avalugg. Their expressions seemed to say, You really are a pervert, aren't you?
Angie froze, screaming internally: Help! I'm really not a pervert!
"Hahaha… don't get the wrong idea! I just wanted to sense your aura," Angie said awkwardly.
Aura? The Avalugg exchanged glances. They had no idea what that was supposed to be.
With the jerky finished, the Avalugg departed, their moods as peculiar as their previous expressions.
After seeing them off, Angie checked the time and decided it was about right. He turned to Arven and the others and said, "Let's start preparing lunch!"
Arven nodded, and everyone got busy again.
...
During lunch, Angie asked the two professors, "Professors, do you have any expertise in robotics?"
Professor Sada raised an eyebrow. "Robotics?"
"Yes," Angie confirmed.
Professor Turo chimed in, "We have extensive experience in artificial intelligence."
Angie's eyes lit up at the answer. "That's exactly what I mean! Professors, I have a robot at home. Could you help me install artificial intelligence into it?"
Robert No. 1 is quite efficient at chores but rather dull. If it could be equipped with artificial intelligence, wouldn't its performance skyrocket? Surely this would count as the system's suggested upgrade, right?
Raleigh, who had been quietly eating, looked up and asked, "Your Highness, are you talking about Robert No. 1?"
Angie nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! That's the one!"
Professor Sada grew curious. "Robert No. 1?"
Angie smiled as he explained, "Robert No. 1 is a robot that Raleigh built for me. It's been a huge help with my daily tasks."
Professor Sada nodded in understanding. "I see. Raleigh, you're very impressive—building a robot already?"
Raleigh scratched his head in embarrassment. "My skills are still lacking. The robot I made can only handle basic tasks. It's nowhere near as advanced as the artificial intelligence you two have developed."
The laboratory at Research Station No. 1 utilized artificial intelligence developed by the professors. Everyone relied heavily on it for their work, so Raleigh was well aware of how amazing it was.
Professor Turo smiled kindly. "For someone your age, having such talent is remarkable!"
"Hehe… Thank you, Professor! I'll keep working hard!" Raleigh grinned, a little pride sneaking into his expression.
Professor Turo then turned to Angie. "Developing a high-performance artificial intelligence system requires a great deal of time and effort. Right now, our workload is quite heavy, so I'm afraid we don't have enough time…"
"I see…" Angie's excitement dimmed, and he looked a little disappointed.
It seemed like this task might not be doable after all.
At that moment, Professor Sada spoke up suddenly. "It's not entirely impossible. We could take a shortcut."
"A shortcut?" Angie's eyes lit up again. "What kind of shortcut?"
Professor Sada replied, "By using the power of Pokémon!"
Professor Turo seemed to realize something too. "Ah, yes! Why didn't I think of that? If we harness the power of Pokémon, we can easily upgrade the robot."