"Normally, cross-regional logistics don't include free shipping. But to attract new customers, I have to take this loss—no, I mean, I have to cover this expense myself!"
"Fine, free shipping it is! She bought twenty at once anyway. The shipping fee is nothing compared to the total price—I sell each talisman for 8,000 after all!"
The talismans were sold out in an instant, bringing in a revenue of 160,000. However, this money would only be credited to my account through the League's platform once the goods were delivered to Unova.
Looks like I'll have to work overtime to make more talismans for the next batch.
But who on earth buys twenty talismans at once? Is she planning to go to war with vengeful spirits? Or is she using them as throwing darts?
An archaeologist? Hah, she might as well be a tomb raider.
With a silent complaint in my heart, I put on my clothes, grabbed my large storage backpack, and packed it with a folding shovel, a lighter, carving tools, instant food, and a few berries. My Honedge floated beside me, and I pushed open the door.
Today's task was to visit the Ruins of the Sacred Capital to collect ruin stones. But before heading out, I decided to check on the field.
The seeds had already sprouted. Generally, seeds take 3 to 10 days to germinate, with warmer climates speeding up the process. Various techniques like soaking, scarification, or using germination enhancers could also accelerate growth. However, the climate here in the Sacred Capital was still a bit cold—not as warm and humid as Hoenn—so germination was slower.
That said, my knowledge as a "Cultivator" and the loosened soil allowed for rapid sprouting.
The tiny sprouts greedily absorbed the air, awaiting the day they would grow tall—and that day would come soon.
"Huh?"
In the patch where I planted Revival Herbs, I noticed something unusual. A large plant had already grown—not just a sprout, but almost fully developed leaves!
What's going on? The others are still in the sprouting stage, and this one skipped straight to full growth?
And it was right beside the Revival Herb I had replanted.
"Did a weed grow next to the Revival Herb?"
I was stunned. I hadn't considered this possibility. As a Cultivator, I could accelerate the growth of crops, medicinal herbs, and fruit trees—but what if weed seeds got mixed in during planting? Would they also count as cultivated plants?
Weeds already grow fast, and with my knowledge enhancing their growth...
"Revival Herbs are valuable medicinal plants. I can't let weeds steal their nutrients."
Shaking my head, I squatted down and started pulling the weed out. But the moment I grabbed those three leaves—
A strange cry came from beneath the soil!
A weed that makes noise? Am I dreaming? No, I'm fully awake!
"Oddish?!"
A bad feeling crept in. I had let go in surprise when I heard the sound, but now I was sure—this wasn't just a weed.
That wouldn't do!
Oddish is a small, plant-like Pokémon with a round, dark blue body and two tiny feet. It hides underground during the day to avoid sunlight, burying its root-like feet into the soil and remaining motionless.
At night, Oddish absorbs nutrients from the soil while wandering around spreading its seeds. If it finds fertile land, it buries itself completely!
So if someone mistakes it for an ordinary weed and tries to pull it out, they'll hear its cry!
"Oddish would interfere with the growth of medicinal herbs, stealing nutrients from the soil."
"Sorry, but you'll have to find another place to sleep."
I grabbed my shovel and, aiming carefully, dug out the entire section of soil.
"Baai!"
A small, green, bulb-like Pokémon wobbled as I lifted it from the soil.
Wait a minute...
This isn't an Oddish?!
The expected herb thief was nowhere to be seen. Instead, before my eyes was a Pokémon with a round, onion-like head, a white face with no visible nose or mouth, and two thin, brown oval-shaped eyes. Its body resembled a tiny dress, and atop its head were three oval-shaped leaves—though these leaves seemed smaller than usual.
"Petilil!"
Petilil wasn't native to Johto, but it was found in the neighboring Sinnoh region. In ancient times, during the Hisui era, they were widespread across Sinnoh's lands.
This Pokémon species had a migratory nature, preferring habitats with ample moisture and nutrient-rich soil. Wherever Petilil lived, crops flourished. However, if the environment deteriorated and the soil lost its fertility, they would migrate elsewhere.
More importantly, Petilil is a communal Pokémon—it was unusual for one to be alone.
"Baai~ (︵)"
The little Petilil hopped out of my hands and bounced on the ground twice, turning to stare at me.
Its small eyes didn't reveal whether it was angry or afraid, but the fact that it wasn't running away suggested... it wasn't scared of me?
I then noticed scars on its round, onion-like head and body.
And those small leaves on its head looked like they had just started regrowing.
A Petilil's three leaves symbolize its vitality. When healthy, even if one falls off, it quickly grows back. These leaves are also special medicinal herbs—extremely bitter but capable of instantly restoring energy. When dried and brewed into tea, they provide an immediate vitality boost.
"A walking medicinal herb, huh?"
That might sound a little rude, but it was the truth.
Now I understood why this Petilil was here—it had been injured, and its instincts led it to seek out fertile land, especially one growing medicinal herbs!
By coexisting with the Revival Herb, it had been recovering. The missing leaves on its head had likely been plucked—either by a wild Pokémon or by itself.
And with the bonus effect of my "Cultivator" skill, it was able to heal even faster.
However, something was odd about this Petilil's personality.
They were usually timid and fled at the first sign of danger. If a Petilil wasn't afraid of others, it likely had the ability "Own Tempo."
Pokémon with this ability couldn't be confused.
"Hmm, since it's not an Oddish, there's nothing to worry about. Unlike Oddish, Petilil actually improves soil fertility."
I muttered to myself while Petilil watched my movements, occasionally glancing at the Revival Herb.
"You want this? Not yet—this is an important medicinal herb. If I use it now, I won't be able to grow more."
"I need the Revival Herb to mature, with stronger and more abundant roots."
I explained. Pokémon could understand human speech.
Petilil made no sound, merely staring at the herb with a look of longing.
"…"
Seeing this, I sighed and went inside, returning with a medicinal herb from my stock.
"This is a Heal Herb. I cut the stem into small portions. It's not as effective as a Revival Herb, but it works well for external injuries."
"And this—you're hurt, aren't you?"
I took out some medicine—an ointment, similar to a spray-type potion.
Petilil didn't move, seemingly realizing I had no ill intentions. Perhaps it had noticed when I didn't mistake it for an Oddish?
As I reached to apply the ointment, it unexpectedly scooped some onto its hand and began rubbing it over its wounds.
"Oh, right. You'd know best where you're hurt. Apply more to the serious injuries."
I simply held my hand out as Petilil used up the ointment. Then, after one last glance at the Revival Herb, it bounced lightly and let out a grateful cry.
"Baai~()"
Then, it stopped hopping. One of the leaves on its head suddenly grew larger before detaching.
Petilil placed the fallen leaf in my hand, took the Heal Herb, and wobbled off toward the forest without looking back.
"A Petilil's leaf… a rare medicinal ingredient."
"A lone, injured Petilil… lost its habitat to a battle? It lost, yet it's going back to fight again?"
"A stubborn Petilil?"
I gazed into the deep, shadowy forest, lost in thought.
Maybe… it would come back.
Thoughts surged in my mind:
[Rare Material: Petilil's Leaf]
[The leaves on Petilil's head are extremely bitter, but they have the effect of restoring a fatigued body. The spread of these leaves changes depending on its mood—when happy, they open up; when sad, they close.]
[Knowledge Gained: +1]
[Herbal Adaptation: When Grass-type Pokémon use medicinal herbs, the recovery effect is slightly enhanced.]
"Let's go, Honedge. It's time to head to the Ruins of the Sacred Capital!"
"Yo~!"
(End of Chapter)
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