"—Hiss."
"So it's Sand-Scale Berries?"
After the system prompt appeared, Ethan finally recognized the fruit growing on the distant tree.
Sand-Scale Berries were a rather special kind of berry.
At first glance, they looked no different from ordinary berries.
But upon closer inspection, their surface was covered in tiny, grain-like scales—almost like fine sand.
Don't let the name fool you.
The effects of Sand-Scale Berries were anything but ordinary.
When consumed, they could enhance a Pokémon's Speed potential, and in rare cases, even help improve a Pokémon's overall aptitude.
Of course, compared to something like a Water Stone, their effects were still inferior.
But for Ethan, finding this many Sand-Scale Berries was already a pleasant surprise.
The only problem was—
He couldn't pick them.
Neither Tyrunt nor Marshtomp could climb trees.
Call Metagross out?
Just as Ethan was pondering, Geng Zhi saw through his dilemma.
"Heh, Ethan—leave this to me."
Before Ethan could respond, Geng Zhi had already issued an order.
"Fuecoco, climb up and pick those berries!"
Fuecoco might look a bit slow upstairs, but its execution was flawless.
The moment it heard the command, it pressed its claws against the tree trunk and—
under Ethan and Geng Zhi's astonished gazes—
climbed up the tree.
A crocodile climbing a tree.
This was Ethan's first time seeing that.
Still, thanks to Fuecoco's help, the berries were quickly plucked.
Five Sand-Scale Berries dropped to the ground.
Fuecoco hopped down after them.
"Fue~!"
The little guy planted its hands on its hips, wearing an unmistakably smug expression—
clearly asking, Wasn't that awesome?
Ethan and Marshtomp remained calm.
But Tyrunt was extremely cooperative.
"Tyraaa!"
Instant praise.
Fuecoco is amazing!
Fuecoco's chest puffed out even more.
[Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained a Green-tier Opportunity: Sand-Scale Berries]
[Opportunity multiplier activating…]
[Ding! Seven-times critical hit!]
[Ding! Green-tier Opportunity upgraded to: Pristine Sand-Scale Berries!]
Pristine Sand-Scale Berries.
Compared to ordinary ones, their effect was significantly stronger.
A single berry could fully maximize the Speed enhancement effect.
This was genuinely good stuff.
As the system prompt faded, the five berries briefly shimmered—
all of them transforming into Pristine Sand-Scale Berries.
Ethan picked one up and handed it to Fuecoco.
"Here, Fuecoco. That's your reward for the hard work."
Fuecoco took the berry and grinned happily.
Ethan then turned to Geng Zhi.
"As for the remaining berries—"
He had originally planned to split them evenly.
Even though he felt a bit reluctant, they were close friends, and Ethan wasn't short on resources.
Two berries were more than enough for Tyrunt and Marshtomp.
But before he could finish—
Geng Zhi waved his hand dismissively.
"Come on, Ethan. We're brothers, aren't we?"
"I can buy berries like this anytime."
"You found them—so they're all yours."
"My Fuecoco already got one. That's payment enough."
Ethan froze for a moment.
Without waiting for further discussion, Geng Zhi scooped up the berries and shoved them into Ethan's hands.
Ethan was genuinely surprised by Geng Zhi's generosity.
In the end, he shrugged.
"Alright, then I won't argue."
Holding the remaining four Pristine Sand-Scale Berries, Ethan handed two to his Pokémon.
[Your Tyrunt consumed a Pristine Sand-Scale Berry — Speed aptitude increased]
[Your Marshtomp consumed a Pristine Sand-Scale Berry — Speed aptitude increased]
The remaining two berries were stored away.
If Ethan later found a Pokémon he truly liked, he planned to use them then.
Tyrunt, having eaten something delicious, was instantly energized.
He began darting around the forest excitedly, clearly hoping to find more treasures like before.
Treasure-hunting Tyrunt—activate!
Unfortunately, luck didn't strike twice.
That was only natural.
This forest had been thoroughly cultivated by Donghuang Academy over the years.
The Sand-Scale Berries were likely left behind intentionally—
a small reward for students sharp-eyed enough to notice them.
After running around for a long while, Tyrunt found nothing else.
His excitement gradually faded.
Time passed quickly as they wandered through the forest.
Along the way, Ethan encountered many Pokémon—
Fletchling, Rookidee, Oddish, Salandit, and more.
But none of them caught his eye.
In the past, he might have tried to capture one.
But with the system's influence, Ethan's standards had risen considerably.
Unless a Pokémon truly resonated with him, he felt no urge to force a capture.
More importantly—
The system had already indicated that a Blue-tier and a Purple-tier opportunity still existed in this forest.
If either of those involved a Pokémon, he didn't want to miss it.
Geng Zhi, on the other hand, was far more easygoing.
He captured a Swablu he liked.
The little bird immediately perched on his head after being caught,
looking like a fluffy cotton ball.
Normally, Geng Zhi could have left the forest by now.
But out of pure brotherly loyalty, he chose to stay with Ethan.
By noon, both of them were hungry.
They headed to a restaurant set up by the academy inside the forest.
After all—eat first, explore later.
The moment Tyrunt heard there was food, his energy instantly returned.
For this little glutton, one rule reigned supreme:
Eating comes first. Everything else can wait.
And just as Ethan and Geng Zhi entered the restaurant—
Ethan noticed a pink-and-blue Pokémon wearing a small hat inside.
He recognized it immediately.
Hatenna.
At that exact moment, the system notification rang out.
[Ding! Blue-tier Opportunity detected: The Forest's Little Witch]
[Please obtain it immediately]
Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.
So this was the Blue-tier opportunity.
Interesting.
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