It stepped forward happily, greeting Naoki.
"What's happening over here?" Naoki asked.
Arboliva glanced at the line-up of Pokemon consulting Slowking and softly replied:
"Olé~" (They're asking Slowking questions~)
Through Arboliva's narrative, Naoki gradually understood what had transpired on the World Tree during his absence.
A week ago, three Treecko, overwhelmed by a surplus of Berries, passed through this place.
They sat under a large rock, expressing their frustration over the abundance of Berries they couldn't finish, which were bound to rot, such a waste.
At that time, Slowking was perched on the rock pondering philosophy.
Upon hearing the Treecko's woes, Slowking came up with a solution for them.
The idea was to use sunlight to craft Berries into dried fruits, thus allowing long-term storage.
So, the Treecko attempted to make dried fruits.
They picked a large leaf, then used Razor Leaf to slice the Berries into thin pieces.
Finally, they placed these Berry slices on the leaf and carried them next to the Sunflower to dry.
Soon, under the sunlight provided by the Sunflower, the dried fruits were completed.
Witnessing this, the three Treecko were astonished.
They hadn't expected the seemingly clueless Slowking to be so clever.
From that day forward, Slowking became a sage of the World Tree, and other Pokemon would come to consult Slowking with their problems.
No matter the challenge, Slowking would help solve it.
After hearing this, Naoki was incredibly surprised.
The information recorded in Slowking's Pokedex was actually true!
If he recalled correctly, Slowking is dubbed the Sage of the Sea in the Pokedex.
They are very smart, and in some areas, there's even a saying that if you're lost, just ask Slowking.
Slowking would also help guide lost people to the right direction.
Not only that, if anyone, or a Pokemon encountered a difficult problem and consulted Slowking, it would help solve it too.
Apparently, the description in the Pokedex about Slowking is quite fitting!
Initially, Naoki had worried that Slowking might seem out of place on the World Tree.
But now it seems it has integrated in another way.
Though not cut out to be the Pokemon Tavern owner, being a Great Sage isn't bad either.
In the future, if Pokemon living here encounter any issues, they can come to consult with it.
Especially since once the Explorer Team Guild is completed, the number of Pokemon on the World Tree will increase, leading undoubtedly to a swell of challenges.
With Slowking, this high IQ Pokemon around, perhaps those challenges can be resolved just like the Pokemon coming today to consult Slowking.
*
Early the next morning, a Dragonite set off from Naoki Ranch, heading to Porto Marinada Town, and retrieved the Golden Crown crafted for Naoki from the Gold Shop Owner.
Under the startled gaze of the shopmaster, Dragonite flew back to the ranch with the Golden Crown.
Naoki Ranch, 9:00am.
By the Gogoat pen, on the adjacent battle arena, Glastrier and Spectrier stood steadfastly at opposite ends, gazing firmly at each other.
With the Golden Crown in hand, Naoki stood beside Calyrex, explaining today's Horse King competition rules to the two horse-type Pokemon.
"Today's rules for the Horse King competition follow a 1v1 format, Glastrier vs Spectrier. You two Pokemon will battle, and whoever wins will earn the right to wear this crown that symbolizes the honor of the King of Horses!"
"Nay~ Hiss!"
"Ice~ Hiss!"
Upon hearing this, the two horse Pokemon neighed simultaneously.
Glastrier anxiously scraped the ground with its foreleg, eager to start the competition!
Spectrier maintained its serene composure.
Though its vision is impaired, its other senses, like hearing and smell, are exceptionally keen.
These senses help it accurately explore its surroundings, correctly assessing the terrain and its opponent's position.
Thus, despite its rough opponent Glastrier, Spectrier remains unfazed.
Naoki noticed the starkly different pre-match states of the two horse-type Pokemon.
To prevent the defeated Pokemon from feeling dejected, he continued:
"Winning this battle doesn't mean the victor gets to remain the King of Horses indefinitely. The Pokemon that loses can challenge the winner tomorrow. If you can win, you can take the crown."
"And the victorious Pokemon must stay vigilant to guard the crown. Continuous improvement and winning each Horse King competition will make you the true King of Horses!"
With the rules explained, Naoki stepped aside.
Calyrex floated to the center of the battle arena, declaring to his two beloved horses:
"The battle begins!"
An Indeedee blew the whistle.
The next second, the two horses on the battlefield began to move.
Glastrier pounded the ground galloping forward, a frigid aura emanating from its hooves, freezing the surrounding earth.
With an astonishing momentum, it charged towards Spectrier.
Charge!
Spectrier remained stationary, its purple haze quietly drifting.