The sound of a Poké Ball shaking left Reggie and Paul stunned. The next moment, disbelief was written all over their faces.
Lucas hadn't even captured Moltres, but he could command this legendary Pokémon to battle against Reggie?
Thunk~~
The Poké Ball shook three times and then settled. A crisp sound rang out, like music to the ears—a sign of a successful capture.
From then on, Moltres officially joined the farm and became one of Lucas's Pokémon.
Releasing Moltres, Lucas smiled and asked, "How does it feel?"
"Skree!"
Moltres thought for a moment. It was much better than it had expected.
The inside wasn't cramped at all, and even as a large bird Pokémon, it could stretch its wings freely. Aside from being a bit plain, it was fine.
Hearing Moltres's answer, Lucas's smile deepened. "A higher-grade Poké Ball would be even more comfortable; it can even simulate your ideal living environment. If you need, we can switch Poké Balls later."
Moltres gently shook its head. The Poké Ball's environment wasn't important to it—Lucas never kept it or any other Pokémon inside for long anyway.
"Growlithe has hot food ready. Go eat while it's still warm."
Finally, Lucas could rightfully touch Moltres's soft, warm feathers. They felt silky and delicate, as if he were stroking the finest fluff. The warmth where skin and feathers met made him imagine how cozy it would be to hug such a bundle of warmth in the winter.
Moltres instinctively sensed Lucas was thinking something inappropriate, but since it was now his bird, it just let it slide.
Who told it to be so magnanimous?
Moltres flew off to eat from the food bucket guarded by Growlithe. Only then did Reggie step forward, surprised. "Moltres isn't your Pokémon?"
Lucas replied immediately, "It just became mine."
"That's not what I meant." Reggie shook his head, gripping Paul's hand tightly. "You were able to command a proud legendary Pokémon like Moltres to battle for you. I find it hard to believe you're just a farmer."
Moltres had obeyed Lucas's commands so well that Reggie thought it had long since been captured. But he never expected Lucas to be commanding an uncaptured Moltres.
This challenged everything Reggie had believed.
Lucas stayed silent for a moment. He remembered that at this point in time, Reggie was just an ordinary trainer, not yet a breeder. To him, Pokémon needed to be captured to form a bond.
That's why he was so shocked at Lucas's and Moltres's relationship.
After a while, Lucas spoke. "I'm not just a farmer. I used to be a pretty average trainer. After some small achievements, I started this farm."
"Small achievements..."
Reggie didn't understand what "small achievements" meant.
But whether it was Moltres or Dragonite, their presence felt far more overwhelming than any league champion he'd ever met. Lucas's so-called small achievements were clearly not simple.
With everything settled, even though he'd lost badly, Reggie felt he'd learned something and was eager to train before challenging the Battle Frontier.
Reggie bowed deeply. "Thank you for accepting my sudden visit and challenge. I've learned a lot. Truly, thank you!"
With that, Reggie and Paul bowed deeply to Lucas. In Reggie's eyes, Lucas had become a mentor who guided him on the path of a trainer.
He'd pointed out his flaws and helped him break through his limits. This kindness would never be forgotten.
Lucas was surprised. "Leaving so soon? Aren't you staying for a meal?"
Reggie shook his head. "No, I can't wait to meet my new self."
"I plan to train a while and then challenge the Battle Frontier."
"I see. Well, good luck." Lucas didn't push them to stay, since this was their first meeting. Looking at Paul, who was hugging Turtwig silently, Lucas asked with curiosity, "You've got your starter, Paul. Are you planning to travel as a trainer?"
Paul nodded hard, his eyes full of longing. "Yes, I want to travel to other regions like my brother!"
Lucas saw the excitement for future adventures in Paul's eyes. Fortunately, Paul hadn't become jaded from seeing his brother defeated by Lucas. He hoped Reggie's future challenge with Brandon would go differently.
After saying goodbye, Reggie and Paul left the farm.
As night fell and they walked toward their inn, Reggie suddenly said, "After I train a few days, I'll challenge the Battle Frontier. Paul, will you wait until I'm done before traveling to Kanto?"
Paul hesitated, then nodded. "I want to see your battle before I go."
"I see..." Reggie muttered, his voice so low Paul could barely hear, "Would you want to attend Naranja Academy?"
"What?"
"Nothing~"
After Reggie and Paul left, Lucas gathered the Pokémon on the farm to announce that Moltres had officially joined the family.
The Pokémon had mixed reactions—some welcomed, some surprised, and some bit their handkerchiefs for unknown reasons.
The happiest of all was Growlithe.
Knowing that Moltres would stay on the farm, the puppy was so excited it chewed up three pairs of Lucas's spare slippers as a celebration—and got a scolding for it.
But a little setback meant nothing to this happy puppy. After running to Comfey's side to play the victim, Growlithe was full of energy again.
What's more, it was delighted that a new batch of companions would soon arrive. Lucas had put Growlithe in charge of looking after them.
Standing by the chicken coop that the Machamp Construction Team built in a single day, Growlithe's tail was wagging like a propeller.
Lucas said that from now on, the chicks and their eggs would be under the protection of the farm's security team—namely, Growlithe!
Meanwhile, Lucas led the construction crew to the warehouse near the fields, looking troubled. "As you can see, after the recent harvest, the warehouse is almost full."