A small Pokémon peeked out from the treasure chest, its two coin-like eyes filled with tension and unease.
Strange as it may sound, that expression of nervousness was unmistakable.
Two antenna-like appendages protruded from its head.
"Gimmighoul?"
Seeing the tiny figure, Natsume was somewhat surprised.
Gimmighoul was a slow-moving Ghost-type Pokémon that wasn't particularly adept at mobility.
It typically lived inside treasure chests and was naturally timid—whenever it sensed the presence of humans or Pokémon nearby, it would immediately hide, ensuring it remained undiscovered.
Gimmighoul generally had two forms: Roaming Form and Chest Form.
There was no fundamental difference between them.
If anything, their behavior patterns varied.
Roaming Form Gimmighoul wandered around, seemingly in search of its original treasure chest, hiding the moment it encountered humans or Pokémon.
Chest Form Gimmighoul, on the other hand, often lurked in warehouses, item shops, or other places where few people or Pokémon ventured.
If an unsuspecting human or Pokémon wandered too close, it would take control of them.
And if someone attempted to steal its treasure, it would drain their life force.
The one before Natsume was unmistakably a Chest Form Gimmighoul.
At first glance, it instinctively attempted to control Natsume.
Now that it had found its treasure chest, there was no need to stay here any longer.
It was best to leave as soon as possible.
However, before it could act, three piercing gazes locked onto it simultaneously.
The sheer pressure from those stares froze Gimmighoul in place.
Its attempt to raise a hand was abruptly interrupted, leaving it in an awkward and somewhat comical posture.
Gardevoir and Hisuian Zorua stared at Gimmighoul coldly, ready to strike at the first sign of trouble.
As for Ogerpon?
It had already pulled out a thorny club from somewhere. If not for Natsume holding it back, that club would have smashed down onto Gimmighoul's head by now.
@#￥% (Pokémon profanity)
You dare make a move on Natsume? You think you have enough lives for that?
"Gimmighoul..."
Snapping back to reality, Gimmighoul shrank further into its chest, terrified that it might get its head smashed in the next second.
That green Pokémon over there radiated a murderous intent so intense that it was practically blinding.
It actually wanted to kill me just now.
Terrifying.
Wait—wasn't there a saying that Grass-type Pokémon were supposed to be gentle?
Then why was this green one so aggressive?
Could it be that this green Pokémon wasn't actually a Grass type?
Like those Pokémon that looked like dragons but weren't Dragon-types?
"Hello, Gimmighoul. I'm the owner of this farm."
Natsume wasn't particularly bothered by Gimmighoul's attempt to control him.
For one, it was simply an instinctual behavior of its species.
For another…
Even if I stand here and let my mind go blank, do you really think you can make me flinch for even a second?
This is the confidence given to me by Arceus (crossed out)
This is the blessing bestowed upon me by the great Hisui.
Natsume could proudly claim that he was a man who could walk unscathed through every hypnosis-based anime.
Of course, just because he wasn't holding a grudge now didn't mean he wouldn't later.
Whether he let it slide depended on Gimmighoul's cooperation and attitude.
If it behaved well, Natsume could overlook the incident.
The farm was big enough—one more Pokémon wouldn't make much of a difference.
Besides, it could help with the night shift.
After all, Ghost-types were naturally more active at night.
And Gimmighoul was no exception.
But if it refused to cooperate or showed hostility again…
Then sorry, not only will I beat you up and toss you out, but I'll also break your treasure chest.
"Gimmighoul."
Hello, Natsume.
Sensing the kindness in Natsume's aura—while also noticing the 'If you don't cooperate, I'll send you straight to Arceus' look on Ogerpon's face—
Gimmighoul immediately decided to behave.
To show its sincerity, it even set down the coin it had been clutching in its tiny hands.
It was genuinely afraid of dying.
After traveling across mountains and rivers to finally find its treasure chest, it barely had time to settle in before being discovered by humans.
Being discovered wasn't the worst part—at least it could try running away with its chest.
But it nearly got obliterated instead.
What kind of nightmare scenario was this?
It had worked so hard to find its treasure chest.
It had even found two extra coins inside.
These should have been two joyous occasions, and yet—why did things turn out like this?
Gimmighoul was feeling a little melancholic.
After going through the standard round of introductions, Natsume pulled out a thermos from his small satchel and took a sip of water.
To be honest, he was starting to feel like an NPC in some game.
The Pokémon were the players.
Every time a new "player" encountered him, it would trigger a scripted conversation sequence.
Followed by the inevitable Capture Event.
…Though, seriously, what kind of game protagonist gets captured?
It's not like this was that kind of game.
"So, do you want to join the farm?"
NPC Natsume extended his invitation to Gimmighoul.
Gimmighoul hesitated for a brief moment.
But even that fleeting hesitation was enough to earn a sharp glare from Ogerpon.
THUD!
The thorny club slammed against the ground with a dull impact.
Ogerpon didn't say a word, but somehow, it spoke volumes.
"Gimmighoul!"
Yes, I accept! Please spare my life, thank you very much.
Gimmighoul nodded decisively.
As if I had any other choice.
If I refused, that green menace—who was already itching to swing—would probably pummel me into Gimmighoul paste on the spot.
Damn it.
I still have big dreams to achieve!
Like collecting all 999 coins to evolve!
Gimmighoul had a rather unique evolution method—gathering 999 of its own species' coins before evolving into Gholdengo.
A Pokémon that gleamed like pure gold, radiating wealth and prosperity.
By the way, Gholdengo had one of the most underwhelming shiny forms in all of Pokémon.
The only difference was that a few thin red lines on its body turned silver.
If you didn't look closely, you'd never notice.
Most people, upon seeing it, would be too dazzled by its golden sheen to realize it was shiny at all.
"Then welcome to the farm, Gimmighoul."
Natsume took out a Poké Ball and held it out to Gimmighoul.
Without hesitation, Gimmighoul obediently pressed the button.
As the red light enveloped it, Gimmighoul stole one last glance at Ogerpon and made a solemn vow in its heart.
Someday… one day… I will rise up and defeat that guy.
In front of everyone, I will take him down with my own strength!
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Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.
p@treon/GodDragcell