In the next instant, light erupted from the Junimo—and a strange machine materialized right at the entrance of the Crafts Room.
A sign above it read: Item Maker.
Beside it hung what looked like a skill tree, labeled Item Crafting Recipes.
Below were several icons—each representing an item currently available for crafting:
[Picnic Basket]: Fill it with things Pokémon love—it might attract certain wild Pokémon.
[Shell Bell]: Wear it while working—even Slakoth will find the energy to keep going.
[Float Stone]: "Suddenly, everything feels lighter."
[Poké Bean Maker]: "When you're too busy to cook, this has your back."
The required materials were all sourced from Stardew Valley itself:
- Shell Bell needed Coral, Sea Urchins from the beach, and ores.
- Poké Bean Maker required metal bars and Berries.
- Picnic Basket called for Wood and Cloth.
Ron snapped a photo of the interface with his Pokédex, said goodbye to Joy, and left the Community Center.
Tomorrow was bus repair day—he and Pam would head to the Desert. That meant someone else would need to help Abigail harvest Hops in his absence.
As he walked, he ran into Penny just stepping out of her RV, on her way to pick up Jas and Vincent for class.
"Morning~" she greeted, then leaned in, studying his face. "What's on your mind? You look worried."
When Ron explained he'd be away tomorrow with Pam, Penny paused—then smiled. "I'll help! It's Thursday—I don't have lessons."
"Really?" Ron blinked.
Penny nodded, opening her mouth as if to say more—but hesitated, swallowed her words, and gave a little wave instead.
"Gotta go! I'm picking up the kids. See you tomorrow!"
"Thanks. See you."
Back at the farm, Ron sorted materials and gave Sailor new instructions: while checking the Crab pots, it should also collect Sea Urchins and Coral washed ashore.
Since it already went to the beach daily, this was no extra trouble. Sailor thumped its chest proudly with both paws.
Speaking of Sailor—its dumpster-diving had paid off handsomely lately. Beyond food (which Ron let it keep), it had recovered heaps of geodes and ores.
The ores needed for the Shell Bell and Float Stone came from those geodes.
Good news: no need to bother Clint. Geodude could crack them open with one punch.
Between the mining crews and Sailor's hauls, they'd amassed over a hundred geodes.
Ron laid them all out, let Geodude smash each one, then carefully sorted the contents.
He hadn't bothered opening geodes before—the museum didn't need these minerals. But now? Perfect timing.
Once everything was categorized, he packed all crafting materials into a single crate.
He'd be busy with Kalos preparations over the next few days. He'd test the other items later—but the Poké Bean Maker needed to be ready now. Otherwise, Shane would have to cook for the Rattata crew whenever Ron was away.
With funds plentiful, there was no rush to plant crops on Fall 1. On the trip to drop off Abigail, Ron planned to explore Kalos thoroughly—scout factory locations, gather intel, and even grab a copy of the latest Pokémon research for Gunther.
He didn't need Gunther's money anymore, but a promise was a promise.
Ron got back to work.
---
Summer 25
He was scheduled to leave with Pam at 9 a.m.—just as Penny would arrive at the farm.
Ron headed straight to the Pokémon Center, loaded the required materials into the Item Maker—and moments later, a compact Poké Bean Maker popped out.
It wasn't large: one end accepted Berries and ingredients; the other dispensed colorful, nutrient-rich Poké Beans.
Similar to Pokémon-specific canned food, these were quick meals designed to boost affection between Trainer and Pokémon—though overfeeding could leave them sprawled on the ground, buzzing with excess energy.
Ron tucked the machine into his pack, bid Joy farewell, and hurried back.
Just in time. Following the recipe guide, he crafted beans tailored to each Pokémon's preferences:
- Iron-infused beans for Orthworm
- Beans laced with Void Essence for Gengar
Though Gengar spent most of its time with Abigail, its Poké Ball remained with Ron.
Apparently, the system recognized ownership via the Poké Ball—so as long as it stayed with Ron, Gengar's farm labor still contributed to its Potential Points.
And Gengar had been thriving—Abigail's excitement for their Kalos journey seemed to fuel them both. She arrived early every day, working until there was nothing left to do.
Ron watched Gengar diligently pluck Hops beside Abigail, then handed her a handful of freshly made beans.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Poké Beans—a specialty from the Alola region," Ron corrected himself. "Not Kalos—Kalos has Poké Puffs. These are for Pokémon."
"Gengar?" Gengar sniffed the bean curiously.
"Want some, Amber?" Abigail held it to its mouth.
Gengar opened wide—and gobbled it up.
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