"Then… can I go on missions with you in the future, Brother Icarus?"
Airi, still happy from the praise, hesitated for a moment before lowering her head and asking softly.
"Uh… Airi, it's not that I don't want to. The inner forest is still too dangerous for you right now. I can't even guarantee my own safety—how could I guarantee yours? If something happens, how would I face Takashima?"
Although Icarus still saw her as a burden deep down, his words sounded considerate, focusing on her safety.
"Then… when will I be able to go on missions with you?"
Her eyes dimmed slightly, but hearing his concern made her feel a bit warm inside. Still, she asked one more question.
"Once you reach the normal level. By then, your Poliwag should have evolved into Poliwhirl. With your water control ability and its strength combined, you won't be weak in the inner forest anymore.
For now, keep hunting in the outer area and build experience. Look at your protective gear—you must've had a tough time today."
After thinking for a moment, Icarus gave her a clear answer. Then he reached out and brushed the dust and grass off her clothes.
"Mm… okay~"
Airi nodded. As she felt his hand brushing against her, even through layers of clothing, her face flushed slightly. She didn't stop him—just stood there quietly.
"Alright, let's go. Time to head back."
After patting her a few more times, Icarus turned and walked toward town with his Pokémon.
"A-Ah… okay!"
Airi, still standing there for a moment, quickly snapped out of it and followed behind.
---
As they neared the town gate, Airi once again wrapped herself tightly, disguising her appearance.
Icarus didn't stop her.
Even though no one would recognize her as the little girl from years ago, her beauty had only grown more noticeable after awakening. Attractive female trainers often attracted unnecessary attention—and trouble.
Since he wasn't strong enough yet, avoiding that kind of attention was the smarter move.
---
After entering the town safely, Icarus took Airi to sell their loot.
The butcher shop was still the same one run by Wu Er, but he deliberately chose a different general store instead of Arai's, worried the old man might notice something unusual. This new shop offered slightly better prices anyway.
After everything was sold, more than 10,000 Pokédollars were deposited into Airi's card.
She stared at it, eyes shining—this was the first money she had ever earned on her own.
"Airi, since you've got some experience now, you can handle this yourself next time. Just sell to these two shops."
Icarus coughed lightly, waiting until she looked at him before giving instructions.
"Okay! Got it, Brother Icarus! Let's go buy groceries—I'll cook something delicious for you today!"
She immediately nodded, then raised her card excitedly, eager to treat him.
"Alright. I'll go turn in my mission first, then meet you at the market. No need to buy meat—I've got plenty of bug meat."
Seeing her enthusiasm, Icarus didn't refuse.
---
After turning in the mission at the Pokémon Center, his balance increased by another 20,000, bringing it to 44,000. His contribution points also rose to 220.
Then Airi took him to the market and bought ingredients she usually wouldn't dare to.
Back at his house, she went straight into the kitchen.
After a hearty meal, she returned home with her Poliwag.
---
Once she left, Icarus didn't rest.
He immediately started processing the honey.
Three hours later—
He had extracted 205 kilograms of honey, along with a pile of leftover honeycomb.
Even the scraps weren't wasted. He planned to boil them in water to extract whatever remained.
"Nothing goes to waste…"
After storing everything carefully, he finally went to sleep.
---
The next morning—
After learning that Icarus wasn't going out, Airi headed into the wilderness alone.
"I need to reach the normal level as soon as possible… I have to help Brother Icarus!"
She encouraged herself silently as she walked.
---
As for Icarus, he had other plans.
First stop—the department store.
He originally intended to buy a move for Weepinbell, since it lacked ranged attacks. But remembering Pidgeotto's… "contribution" earlier, he decided to reward it too.
After browsing, he bought:
Seed Bomb (for Weepinbell) – 8,000
Double Team (for Pidgeotto) – 6,000
Both were reusable TMs.
His balance dropped to 30,000.
---
Second task—researching how to properly use the honey.
He found the method in the town library.
"If they eat this for over a month… their aptitude should improve."
---
Back home, he handed the TMs to his Pokémon and prepared their meals—each portion mixed with half a catty of honey.
"Weepinbell, Pidgeotto—train your new moves at home. Eat this at noon after training."
"Sprout~" "Beep~"
They nodded.
Satisfied, Icarus left again.
---
His third task…
Finding someone.
"I wonder if it's really that idiot… His house was at the edge of the village, right? Maybe that's how he survived.
But after all these years… has he changed?"
Walking through the construction district, Icarus began casually asking locals about the workers there.
"If he's still as dumb as before… he might actually make a good fighter."
-------------Author---------------
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