Everyone knew there were many ways to restore strength in the world of Pokémon.
Medicinal herbs, healing roots, even an Oran Berry that restored a little health…
But whether herbs could be found in these forests, or whether berries still grew in this season, was uncertain.
What if he brewed potions himself?
As Raven pondered, he flipped through his technology panel.
Soon, he found the entry he needed:
[Basic Herbology: Unlocks recipes for certain basic healing medicines. Cost: 200 Satisfaction.]
"Still short by half…"
Gaining satisfaction points was both simple and difficult.
All he had to do was make the people of his domain content.
Fulfilling their needs for food, shelter, clothing, warmth—those earned him points.
"In that case, I'll only be able to harvest another wave of satisfaction once the wooden cabins are built," Raven thought.
At the edge of the settlement, inside a small tent—
The healer Lila handed a book full of herbal knowledge to a girl named Anna.
"These pages show herbs, their appearances, and their effects. Take it home and study. Once you can recognize them by sight alone, without the drawings, we'll move to the next step."
"Yes, Teacher Lila! I'll study hard!"
Anna accepted the book and bowed gratefully.
Lila smiled.
The other day, she had come at Prince Raven's request to treat patients, Anna's mother among them.
At first, she thought it would be an ordinary healing.
But early this morning, Anna had come to her, asking to learn about herbs.
She said she wanted to become a healer herself—to save others, and to repay His Highness Raven.
There were many sick in the camp, and Lila was overworked. Seeing Anna's sincerity, she agreed.
"All right, you can go now," Lila said, turning to check her patients' progress.
Anna hugged the book and returned to her tent. Sitting by the fire, she opened the pages.
But… this was far too slow.
Just reading, who knew how long it would take before she could truly help His Highness Raven?
She thought of everyone out gathering berries, cutting wood, working so hard. Staying in the tent with a book felt wrong.
No—she needed to do something.
Looking at the herb drawings, Anna made up her mind.
Lila's stock of herbs was running low. She would go into the forest herself and gather some!
And so, she slung her satchel over her shoulder and left the tent, heading into the woods.
Her luck was good. Not long after leaving, she spotted a strange brown root jutting from beneath a tree.
"What's this…" She quickly flipped through the book. "Energy Root… very bitter taste, but its juice can rapidly heal wounds."
Energy Root!
Her eyes lit up. She eagerly dug it out and tucked it into her bag.
Afterward, she looked around.
Branches sagged under snow, the ground a white expanse.
But the icy cold did nothing to dampen Anna's resolve.
On the contrary, excitement welled up inside her.
This was a rare and precious herb! Surely there would be more nearby. If she gathered enough, she could bring them back to His Highness Raven!
The girl darted through the snowy forest like a nimble fawn.
Focused and determined, she searched the snow for signs of herbs.
Then—she noticed movement behind a tree ahead.
"Huh? Is that a rare herb?"
Overcome with eagerness, Anna ran toward it.
But as she drew close, she froze.
It wasn't an herb at all—it was a beast, fur gray-black, shaped like a little fox cub.
Anna shrieked in terror.
"Ahhh! A beast!"
The Zorua stirred at the sound, opening its eyes weakly.
And then Anna saw it—an ugly, terrible wound marring its side.
But childhood fear of beasts gripped her harder. Instinct took over—she spun around and bolted.
She ran and ran, yet the beast never gave chase.
Panting, she slowed, glanced back.
The creature wasn't moving. Its injury was too severe.
Inside her, two voices fought.
"It's a beast! If it attacks, you'll die!"
"But… it didn't chase you…"
"If you're killed, you'll never see your mother again!"
"But it's wounded. If you don't help, it'll die right here…"
The struggle raged within Anna's heart.
At last, compassion won.
She returned to the fallen Zorua and, imitating her teacher, knelt to check its injury.
Zorua watched her warily. It no longer had the strength to move.
"Good beast, don't attack me. I'm here to help!"
Anna whispered as she reached out a trembling hand.
Its pale blue eyes tracked her fingers intently.
Fear seized her again—what if it bit her hand off?
In a panic, she yanked her hand back.
Zorua: "…"
Hesitant, Anna rummaged in her bag, pulled out the Energy Root she'd found, and squeezed out its bitter juice. She carefully dripped it onto the wound.
"This is medicine we humans use. I don't know if it works for you… but if it does, you can't attack me, okay?" she babbled nervously.
The moment the drops hit, something miraculous happened.
The swollen, angry wound began healing before her very eyes.
Zorua blinked, stunned.
Anna too gaped in wonder.
"Eh?"
The fox stirred.
It pushed itself up, shook snow from its fur like a puppy, then lifted its head toward her, eyes still guarded.
Anna flinched, shielding her face with her arms.
"Ahhh! Don't hurt me!"
Zorua froze, baffled by her reaction.
"…?"
Nothing happened.
Anna lowered her arms and peeked.
The little beast crouched low, tail bristling, posture wary—but it made no move, its pale eyes fixed on her.
Seeing this, Anna's courage grew.
Actually… this beast looked kind of cute.
She took a small step closer.
At once, the Zorua startled, stepping back in fear.
Its paws pressed into the snow, leaving paw-shaped prints.
Then, with a soft poof, smoke swirled around it—
—and when it cleared, standing there was… Anna herself.
Her eyes flew wide.
"Eh—?! It turned into me?!"
(End of Chapter 10)