“Bzzt bzzt.”

The Hisuian Voltorb rolled over hesitantly, glancing at the victorious Petilil before turning to their unconscious leader, the Hisuian Electrode. In the wild Pokémon world, when the leader of a group is defeated, the rest must either flee or submit.

Previously, this was how the Lilligant and the other Petilil were driven away from their home by these Voltorb.

One of the Hisuian Voltorb seemed to have the idea of self-destructing, but Doublade swiftly flew over, wrapped it in its ribbon-like arms, and hurled it far away.

“Yoouu~”

You want to self-destruct? Do you think this knight is just here to watch?

“We won. According to the laws of the wild, this territory now belongs to us.” Hikaru spoke seriously to the few remaining Voltorb.

The Voltorb were at a loss.

“Bzzt bzzt!”

Our boss… has been defeated!

The Hisuian Voltorb exchanged glances, while the dazed Hisuian Electrode slowly regained consciousness. Realizing its loss, it could only sulk, though its face permanently looked angry anyway.

“Mahru. (╬￣皿￣)”

Everyone… I am deeply sorry. As the leader of our group, I have failed you all!

Petilil, still in Hikaru’s arms, stared at the Hisuian Electrode, causing the latter to roll back slightly in fear. This Petilil was truly terrifying!

A Petilil that could use Fire-type moves, Solar Beam, and even Block—what kind of absurdity was this?

At that moment, soft voices of “Bai Bai” and “Waa Waa” came from the side.

Petilil turned her head, looking past Hikaru’s shoulder, and was shocked to see a group of Petilil had gathered there.

Among them stood a Lilligant in her standard form, elegant and poised like a noble lady.

“Waa Waa?”

Petilil was stunned, filled with questions.

Hadn’t their group already left? Why were they back here?

She then noticed that Lilligant bore injuries, her orange crown-like flower petals torn and damaged—not at all like before! In that instant, a sharp realization struck Petilil like a blade through her mind.

Could it be that… the leader had fought before?

“Dorei…”

Lilligant murmured softly, as if calling out to a long-lost child.

“Waa Waa Waa!!!”

Petilil leaped from Hikaru’s arms, bouncing excitedly toward Lilligant, lifting her tiny dress-like leaves as she jumped, seemingly both scolding and boasting to her elder.

I won! Just like I always said I would!

As she spoke, her voice carried a sobbing tone, as if all her past grievances were bursting out at once.

“Dore…”

Lilligant glanced at the Hisuian Electrode and the Voltorb, who were now huddling together, seemingly preparing to leave. The Hisuian Electrode felt a sense of dread upon seeing Lilligant return.

“Mah mahru!”

This is bad!

That Lilligant I fought before has returned! And now there’s also a Petilil that knows Fire-type moves. There’s no way we can hold onto this orchard anymore!

Could it be… that our clan is doomed?

A deep sorrow welled up within Hisuian Electrode.

Curse it all!

It had worked so hard to evolve and lead its species, securing this territory with the hope of thriving and making the Voltorb family great again!

But because of that stubborn Petilil, her resistance had inspired the entire group to rebel!

That Lilligant it had once defeated had even returned. And it was all because of that tenacious Petilil!

“Mah mahru mahru!”

Hisuian Electrode muttered in frustration, while the Voltorb surrounding it no longer joked around but slumped in despair.

Perhaps… the dwindling of their kind was simply nature’s way. No matter how much they struggled, this day would inevitably come.

“The Hisuian form is considered a mutation rather than the norm in the Shinto Forest. The rotting apricots represent failed growth…” Hikaru murmured alongside Doublade, understanding Hisuian Electrode’s lament through translation. He reflected on how wild Pokémon battles for territory were always this brutal and direct.

The injuries on the Lilligant showed that after being “abandoned” by Petilil, she had confronted her own weakness and challenged Hisuian Electrode again. But from the looks of it, she had lost.

However, given that Lilligant was never the fighting type, overcoming her timid nature and standing up for herself was already impressive.

Now, Lilligant comforted Petilil while praising her.

Since leaving the group, she had become so strong!

After Petilil left, Lilligant had reflected on herself. Maybe she had been too weak, which was why their group kept getting driven away. So she had tried to change.

“Dorei. (д｀).”

But… it still wasn’t enough.

Lilligant smiled sheepishly, and Petilil, seeing her broken flower crown, felt a twinge of guilt.

But Lilligant simply patted Petilil’s leaves, telling her not to worry.

“Dorei.”

I have seen your growth. Your decision back then was the right one.

You fought continuously, trying to reclaim the home you lost. Because of that, you met the right person.

So… do you want to return to the group and become its new leader?

“Waa Waa.”

Petilil froze and instinctively turned to Hikaru.

Lilligant saw this and smiled.

Hikaru, though reluctant, knew that from the beginning, he had promised to help Petilil grow strong and achieve her dream.

And sometimes, Pokémon must make their own choices.

“Go do what you truly want to do.”

“Bai Waa Waa!”

Petilil hesitated for a moment before looking toward Lilligant.

However, Lilligant smiled at Hikaru first, then turned back to Petilil.

“Dorei-li!”

“Waa Waa?”

Petilil was stunned.

Lilligant continued to smile.

“Dorei… Dorei-li!”

The answer is already in your heart. The place where you truly belong is not with the group anymore.

Children grow up. Independent ones no longer need the group’s protection. Though I had hoped you’d lead our clan, it’s clear you’ve found a better home.

So, from the moment you left us, the moment you abandoned our group, you were already strong.

And now, you have proven that strength. You are truly incredible.

“Waa Waa Waa!”

Petilil stared at Lilligant, before bursting into tears!

All the past hardships came flooding out. Before she met Hikaru, she had fought so hard to defeat her enemies, only to lose time and time again.

No one in her group dared to fight. No one believed in her.

Yet, she never gave up.

And now, Lilligant had finally acknowledged her.

“Pokémon in the wild prioritize survival above all else, especially when leading a group.”

Hikaru understood why Lilligant had acted the way she did. But given how quickly she had appeared this time, it was clear she had been secretly watching over Petilil all along.

Children will eventually grow up. They must leave their parents’ protection and face the harshness of the world on their own.

“Dorei-li. Dorei.”

Lilligant expressed her gratitude to Hikaru, admitting her own weakness.

So, I entrust this child to you. Thank you, human Trainer. Thank you very much!

In the future, Petilil will only grow stronger, and the other children in the group—those who once feared battle—are now looking up to her with admiration.

Hikaru noticed the other Petilil bouncing around excitedly, crowding around their companion. They seemed eager to become as strong as she was!

A strong leader inspires many others to become strong as well. A brave pioneer is the guiding light for those who follow.

“Waa Waa!”

Petilil shook her head, flinging away her tears. Her spirit was reignited!

She turned to Lilligant and nodded, signaling that she would follow Hikaru.

This battle was the last thing she did for her clan.

But in the future, many more Petilil like her would choose to fight rather than run!

Lilligant, pleased with her response, gently stroked Petilil’s leaves.

“Dore~!”

She was deeply satisfied with Petilil’s progress and echoed Hikaru’s words.

Go do what you truly want to do!

Petilil embraced Lilligant, then hugged each of the other Petilil in the group.

“Mahru.”

At that moment, Hisuian Electrode, who had been silent, finally spoke.

It suggested that perhaps coexisting wasn’t impossible after all. They had been wrong before. If they lost this orchard, their group would soon disappear.

Please… if it means our survival, we are willing to do anything!

Hikaru was speechless.

Wild Pokémon really do become obedient after a good beating!

So Hikaru spoke to Electrode:

“By the laws of the wild, since I helped Petilil defeat you, this orchard now belongs to me.”

“You claimed earlier that you wouldn’t leave even if you lost. But do you truly want to fight my Petilil again?”

“Waa Waa!”

Petilil lifted her leafy skirt, glaring fiercely at Electrode, making it feel guilty all over again.

“Mahru. Mahru Mahru!”

Sure, I said that before, but I can still change my mind, right?

Oh, Child of the Forest, please have mercy! I will leave if necessary, but at least let the Voltorb stay!

Hikaru proposed a solution.

“I’ve observed how your group reproduces—you only need apricorns to thrive. This fertile land used to be an orchard cultivated by ancient humans for berries and apricorns. The only reason it remains fertile is because Lilligant and the Petilil have been caring for it.”

“If Lilligant and the Petilil stop tending to it, the soil will change over time. The reason you couldn’t produce high-quality apricorns is because you drove away the caretakers.”

Hisuian Electrode was shocked!

How was I supposed to know that? I’m just a Pokémon!

“So, allowing you to stay in a small section isn’t out of the question. But you must understand—this land belongs to me now! Lilligant and the Petilil must stay to take care of the soil and trees.”

“I understand that you want to strengthen your group, which is why you need orchards full of apricorns. But if you seize other Pokémon’s territories and rely solely on power, you will inevitably be defeated by stronger Pokémon. Isn’t that the law of the wild?”

“If you truly wish to survive long-term, you must learn to coexist with other Pokémon and support one another. Right now, you are not strong enough, which is why you were defeated by my Pokémon. I know it won’t be easy to change your territorial instincts overnight, but a new way of life might be better than the old one. You and the other Voltorb should give it a try.”

“Mahru.”

Hisuian Electrode trembled slightly. The Voltorb around it were all staring at it, waiting for its decision.

It was deeply ashamed.

So this was all my fault?

Petilil eagerly reassured Lilligant, telling her how amazing Hikaru was. If staying here wasn’t possible, they could always go to the workshop—there was plenty of fertile land there too!

“Dore!”

With Hikaru’s help, Lilligant and the Petilil returned to their home!

Doublade wobbled in the air, letting out its usual hums.

The conflicts over territory stemmed from the fundamental need for survival. Only in rare cases could such conflicts be resolved peacefully, creating a space where everyone could coexist.

This is exactly what a true king should do—accept and protect all subjects. Pokémon were no different.

Our king is far superior to that online scammer Ka’Bandha!

Hikaru then walked into the orchard and began collecting various berries and apricorns.

He obtained several rare berries that had never been cultivated before:

Watmel Berry, Wacan Berry, Kasib Berry, Haban Berry, Babiri Berry, and Liechi Berry.

[New Knowledge Acquired: Berry Connoisseur—Trees you plant will yield more berries.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Expert Horticulturist—Berry quality +25%.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Berry Specialist—Berries you grow have 25% better quality.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Rapid Growth—Berries grow 20% faster.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Preservation Expert—Harvested berries won’t spoil easily and can be stored for long periods.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Medicinal Berries—Berries used in medicine will have enhanced effects.]

In addition, he also gathered a large number of apricorns:

White Apricorns, Blue Apricorns, Yellow Apricorns, and Green Apricorns!

[New Knowledge Acquired: Apricorn Cultivator—You can now plant apricorn trees anywhere, and they will thrive.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Efficient Poké Ball Crafting—Poké Ball production efficiency +25%.]

[New Knowledge Acquired: Precision Poké Ball Crafting—Poké Ball crafting precision +25%.]

“But I don’t have the knowledge to weave Ball Nets yet. Even with all this new expertise, I can’t immediately start crafting Poké Balls.”

“I wonder if these apricorns can be used to make Hisuian Poké Balls? Normally, crafting those requires Tea Apricorns… and I don’t have any jade materials either.”

Hikaru carefully packed the apricorns and berries. Some needed to be dried into fruit chips for easier storage while maintaining their effects.

At the same time, he discovered a plant called “Sticky Fern.” This type of fern was one of the main ingredients used to make Sticky Globs. It wasn’t rare, but it only grew in specific environments.

Due to the similarities in climate and soil between the Shinto region and Hisui, their natural environments shared many similarities. So, a plant that was common in Hisui was also present in the Shinto forests—he had finally found it.

With this, plus some Tumblestones, he could make more Sticky Globs!

Seeing the expectant look on Hisuian Electrode’s face, Hikaru smiled.

“I have a unique cultivation technique. Once I bring these berries and apricorns back, I can grow even more. Simply scattering seeds like you do won’t be enough.”

Hikaru then took out a topical potion and applied it to Petilil, Hisuian Electrode, and the surrounding Hisuian Voltorb, healing their wounds and restoring their strength.

“And besides,” Hikaru continued, “didn’t you say that you’d do anything as long as your group could continue to thrive? You wouldn’t want your species to go extinct, right?”

Hisuian Electrode suddenly felt a chill down its spine under Hikaru’s gaze.

“Mah… Mahru?!”

(＞д＜)!

B-Big Brother Hikaru?! W-What are you planning?!

“Let me examine your development!” Hikaru declared with an alarming phrase, pinning Hisuian Electrode down. Even Doublade’s two eyes widened in shock.

Σ（⊙）（⊙）!

So you like them round, huh?!

“Oh… your surface is indeed similar to an apricorn’s. No, rather than similar, it’s almost identical! Pokémon biology really is fascinating!” Hikaru ran his fingers over Electrode’s outer shell, his artisan instincts kicking in as he analyzed its material composition.

Hisuian Electrode broke into a cold sweat, too afraid to move, while the surrounding Voltorb murmured among themselves:

Our boss is selling himself for the sake of the tribe! But… we don’t even have a gender.

“I think you can help me out!” Hikaru patted Electrode’s body, making a proposal. “Your body can store and ferment apricorns, right?”

“Could you spare some for me to taste?” Hikaru took out a flask.

Hisuian Electrode was momentarily stunned, then shook its body as if activating some internal mechanism. From the hollow, eye-like openings on its surface, it released a stream of juice.

[Crafting Material: Leftover Fermented Berry Juice.]

[Description: Various berries consumed by Hisuian Electrode undergo fermentation in its body, resulting in a unique juice infused with mild electric currents, beneficial for health.]

[Effect 1: A Pokémon holding this item recovers 1/16 of its max HP at the end of each turn.]

[Effect 2: When consumed by an Electric-type Pokémon, this juice aids growth by increasing base Speed EVs.]

“A nutrient drink!”

Hikaru immediately thought of the supplements found both in the games and real life—items that boost a Pokémon’s Effort Values (EVs) and Power Points (PP).

He hadn’t expected to discover something so valuable from Hisuian Electrode!

An idea formed in Hikaru’s mind, and he made a proposition to Electrode:

“I can provide high-quality apricorns. As long as you have premium apricorns, your species can continue to reproduce, right? In return, you help me ferment some berries into juice. I’ll cultivate superior apricorns in exchange for your juice to assist your species’ survival. What do you think?”

“Mahru?”

Hisuian Electrode was dumbfounded.

Are these berry juices really that valuable? They’re just leftover bodily fluids…

“Ah, while it’s not as tasty as Shuckle’s Berry Juice, in terms of functionality, it’s actually even more useful!”

Shuckle, a Pokémon resembling a small shelled mollusk, stores berries inside its shell to ferment them into a delicious, restorative berry juice that heals Pokémon.

In the Johto region, there was an old man known as the Shuckle Master who raised Shuckle specifically for this purpose. He used their juices to create various potent medicines, and among them was a rare blue-colored Shuckle whose special juice could make any Pokémon friendlier upon consumption.

Hisuian Electrode had no idea what a Shuckle was, but Hikaru’s offer intrigued it. Compared to Lilligant and the Petilil, Electrode and its kind had no real ability to cultivate apricorns and berries. They had simply taken over the orchard because the environment was suitable for propagation. Now, it understood that the soil’s fertility was thanks to Lilligant and the Petilil’s care.

“Mahru…!”

Hisuian Electrode agreed to Hikaru’s proposal.

Ensuring the survival of the tribe was its top priority. As their leader, it was determined to restore the dwindling population!

“Then it’s settled!” Hikaru declared. “With my cultivation, this land will become even more fertile. And with Lilligant and the Petilil helping, this orchard will become the most prosperous place in the Shinto Forest!”

Both the workshop’s orchard and this one needed to be cultivated simultaneously. Only by managing both could the ecosystem remain balanced!

New Location Unlocked: Relic Orchard!

With Lilligant’s tribe returning, countless Petilil—natural soil enhancers—were now tending to the land. Hikaru even saw his Petilil eagerly explaining the workshop to her companions. Perhaps some of them would eventually migrate there as well.

And then—

THUD. THUD. THUD.

A heavy, earth-shaking sound echoed through the forest.

Hikaru and the Pokémon turned toward the source.

From the direction Hikaru had arrived, a shadow emerged from the scattered beams of light filtering through the trees.

A towering figure, nearly two meters tall, stepped into the sunlight.

It was not a stone statue.

The golem moved forward, illuminated by the rays breaking through the canopy, revealing its true form.

Its face bore a characteristic H-shaped pattern of dots, but its body showed multiple cracks and damages, a stark contrast to its usual image. It was evident that it had endured many battles.

Hikaru’s breath caught in his throat. His mind froze for an instant.

This was no ordinary Pokémon.

This was—

“The Legendary Titan—Regirock!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep