Meanwhile, Ron had just returned to the factory.
Though he now knew the barren patch resulted from the Nacli's long residence, restoring the soil for cultivation would take far longer than he had planned.
Thankfully, the Stardew Valley Grass Starter thrived even here. Ron scattered more across the yard.
Just as he finished, the two new employees arrived.
After walking them through the workflow and confirming delivery times for livestock, shipments began arriving via the teleport totem in the corner.
Ron checked his Pokédex—time flowed identically between regions, only the dates differed. He stepped back to observe.
A chicken tumbled out of the totem with a frantic cluck-cluck, wings flapping wildly.
Sandor, one of the workers, jumped back. He fumbled for identification cards, frantically comparing the creature against known Pokémon.
Ron didn't intervene. Suspicion was only natural on day one. Moreover, in Kalos, trafficking wild Pokémon was illegal; poaching for food meant life in prison. Their caution was justified.
Soon, six chickens, four ducks, and three cattle emerged. After thorough verification confirmed none were Pokémon, the pair carried a chicken toward the processing machine.
Encased in steel, the unit had two ports: one for resin (stored in Ron's nearby crate), another for livestock. Moments later, the output slot dispensed neatly packaged goods—Lumiose Specialty: Wing Meat.
No gore. No horror. Just efficiency.
Sandor's hands trembled as he compared the package to his phone screen. "It's… real?" He'd feared joining a counterfeit operation. His gaze shifted to Ron, who stood by the door, deep in conversation.
Ron was finalizing logistics with Leon, procurement head of Lumiose Food Co. With the Santalune factory operational, Leon could now collect milk and vegetables during routine runs—and soon, pork and mutton.
Cattle remained cost-effective to source from Pelican Town. But pigs and sheep? Too expensive to buy outright. Breeding them locally in Kalos made sense: Pelican Town's land was scarce, and Shane couldn't manage endless livestock alone.
Ron owed Leon gratitude—the man had streamlined Santalune's permits. Without him, navigating the bureaucracy as an outsider would've lasted weeks.
And Ron held leverage: chicken, duck, and beef remained the product line's backbone. As long as Pelican Town supplied them, the partnership stayed vital.
After hanging up, Ron briefed the workers and left for the Pokémon Center.
Inside, Nacli slept peacefully under Joy's care. Froakie curled beside its pillow, dozing.
Ron took three steps before Froakie stirred, rubbing its eyes. "Froak…" it whispered.
"How'd you rest?"
"Froakie!"
Ron lifted Froakie onto his shoulder and approached Joy.
Joy's expression softened with concern. "We can't keep it here long-term. The Center lacks space for a salt-rich habitat. And the Gym in Santalune… it's Bug-type. Nacli's presence would damage the forest simulation."
"If it's willing," Ron said, glancing at the sleeping Nacli, "it can come with me. If not…"
…Santalune's out.
Then it could only be sent to Cyllage City.
Joy nodded.
Ron left a few Poké Beans beside Nacli's bed and headed out with Froakie.
The moment the door closed, Nacli's cube-like eyes opened.
"You're awake?" Joy gently stroked its head, checking its vitals. "You're looking stronger."
Nac. Nacli nudged its cracked Poké Ball onto its forehead and scrambled toward the exit.
"Wait!" Joy blocked its path. "You're not cleared to leave yet."
"NACLI!" It chirped desperately, watching Ron's retreating figure—a memory flashing: the day it had been left in Santalune City. Emotions of abandonment and loneliness. It eagerly hopped towards the silhouette—then realization dawned.
This isn't my old Trainer.
It stilled, gaze drifting to Froakie perched on Ron's shoulder.
"Nacli…"
Joy looked up—just as Froakie tapped Ron's cheek.
Ron turned…and walked back.
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