John strode into the gathering spot, holding Togepi in his left hand, the small Wynaut in his right, and following closely behind him was a sassy Delibird, waddling with its hands on its hips. His arrival was long overdue.
At the door, a small crowd was waiting, their gazes locking onto him as he approached. John could feel their eyes, some impatient, others simply curious.
"Sorry, the flight was late," John said quickly, offering an apologetic smile as he stepped forward.
"It's not too late. We were just about to leave," Anna replied warmly, waving him over.
"Let me make it up to everyone with a round of milk tea," John offered, his easy-going nature on full display. At nearly 40 years old, he had long mastered the art of smoothing over situations. Being generous wasn't a problem either—he wasn't exactly hurting for money.
The gesture was met with approving smiles, and soon the group began to gather around him.
"John, are these your Pokemon? Togepi and this little Wynaut are so adorable!"
"I want to hug Wynaut. Is that okay?"
John chuckled as Togepi and the Wynaut cheerfully allowed themselves to be scooped up by the eager hands of his classmates. Meanwhile, Delibird stood nearby, arms akimbo and an exaggerated pout on its face.
"What's the matter?" John teased the bird. "Jealous?"
Delibird twisted its head and huffed, as if to say, Real legends don't need cuddles.
"Alright, let's go. Everyone, on the bus!" Anna called out, her voice cutting through the chatter.
John followed, reclaiming Togepi and Wynaut as they settled into their seats. Not far off, Max stood quietly, his face unreadable.
The moment John arrived, Max felt an undeniable sense of inferiority. It wasn't just that John was effortlessly charming; it was the fact that he seemed to have everything—a great personality, good looks, and Pokemon that practically screamed "chick magnet."
Is there anything this guy doesn't excel at? Max thought bitterly. Comparing himself to John was an exercise in futility. He'd be better off focusing on his research to avoid getting booted from his lab this year.
The group soon arrived at the edge of the Forest of Evergrowth. Once a B-level danger zone, it had since been downgraded to D-level, thanks to an influx of Trainers clearing it of most hazards. Rich in Pokemon and natural resources, the forest's lush greenery stretched endlessly, fed by an abundance of rain.
"Alright, everyone," Anna began, gathering the group at the entrance. "We'll be exploring various parts of the forest today. Remember, don't over-harvest any resources—leave some for the wild Pokemon."
The group split into smaller teams, each tasked with exploring a specific area. John found himself paired with Anna, Max, and a quiet guy named Lucas.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, they encountered another group—middle-aged researchers leading a team of younger trainers, all dressed in miner uniforms.
"It looks like the rumors about ruins in the Forest of Evergrowth are true," Max muttered to himself.
"Ruins?" Anna and John asked in unison, their curiosity piqued.
"Two days ago, a meteorite reportedly fell into the forest," Max explained. "It caused a wildfire, and while putting it out, the firefighters didn't find the meteorite itself but uncovered what appears to be an ancient ruin buried underground."
"That sounds like something the Archaeological Association would've jumped on," Anna commented thoughtfully.
"Exactly," Max replied. "If there's anything significant there, they'll likely release findings soon."
John nodded, his interest fading. While archaeology was fascinating to some, he was more focused on the practical benefits of this trip.
As they walked, John decided to learn more about the specialty fruits Anna had mentioned earlier. Pulling out his Pokegear-sized phone, he began researching the rare fruits Anna's father was known for cultivating.
The first was the Snorlax Berry, an extraordinary find for any Snorlax trainer. This fruit had an incredible ability to create a strong sense of satiety. With just one Snorlax Berry, even the most voracious Snorlax wouldn't need to eat for the rest of the day. At 10,000 Pokedollars apiece, it wasn't cheap, but for trainers dedicated to raising Snorlax, it was practically a necessity.
The second was the Peach Berry, named for its delicate, pastel-colored appearance. This fruit wasn't just beautiful; it was functional. By enhancing a Pokemon's charm, it became an indispensable tool for coordinators preparing their Pokemon for beauty contests. Trainers hoping to evolve their Feebas into the elegant Milotic also relied on Peach Berry. The price? A staggering 30,000 Pokedollars each.
John whistled softly, impressed despite himself. These fruits weren't just rare—they were in high demand. The Snorlax one was a must-have for Breeders, while the Peach Berry was a top-tier ingredient for anyone serious about contests.
Anna's family must have been swimming in cash from the sales. Despite their exorbitant cost, the fruits were guaranteed to sell well. After all, who wouldn't want a Milotic or a more manageable Snorlax?
Still, John's enthusiasm quickly waned. His team didn't need these fruits, and he wasn't about to drop that kind of money on something unnecessary.