Seeing this, Ron didn't decline.
Nacli was also on the bus.
Since it was on the way, Pam usually waited until someone really wanted to go to the Desert before starting the bus, but no later than ten o'clock. If no one was there by then, Pam would take Nacli first.
For Nacli, arriving a bit later or earlier didn't matter much.
As long as it could roll around in the warm desert, it would feel much better.
Seeing Ron board, it called out to him.
"Nacli!"
Nacli had been looking better and better these past few days. Ron patted Nacli's head, casually gave it a Poké Bean, then sat in the seat waiting for the bus to start.
The bus soon drove towards the desert.
Just after getting off, Nacli drilled into the yellow sand, rolling around happily.
Ron took Gloom and Froakie into the Skull Cavern.
Besides collecting some Iridium Ore, Ron mainly wanted Gloom to learn how to use bombs for mining, so later it could bring Froakie there on its own.
As soon as they entered the mine, a group of monsters surrounded them.
Previously in the Pelican Town Mine, Ron hadn't personally seen how Gloom brought Froakie to gain experience, so upon entering the mine, he didn't rush to place bombs.
Gloom held the Obsidian Edge and charged straight at the monsters.
Because its speed had increased significantly, Ron couldn't even see Gloom's movements clearly; he only knew that black light flashed continuously within the mine, followed immediately by the monsters' cries.
After that, a thin yellow mist spread out from within.
The next instant, a voice came from the mist: "Gloom!"
Froakie, squatting on Ron's shoulder, jumped down and used Water Gun to finish off the monsters that were immobilized in place by Stun Spore.
Ron felt there was something slightly off about this.
But it counted as gaining experience nonetheless.
Who would have thought that the Gloom who now wielded the Obsidian Edge unstoppable, even bringing Froakie to level up, was the same one that needed to rest for a long time after a single Water Gun when it first arrived at the farm?
The monster clearing speed was far faster than Ron expected.
Although he had previously received a mission from the Adventurer's Guild to reach the 100th floor, Ron didn't expect to rely solely on Gloom and Froakie to reach the 100th floor of the Skull Cavern. He just thought that since they were grinding experience, he might as well get some Iridium Ore to make some combat-related rings.
Seeing that Gloom was capable of bringing Froakie out safely, Ron leisurely placed bombs and collected Iridium Ore, while pondering pairing a Geodude to carry the boxes later.
Meanwhile, Marnie's Ranch…
Today was Fall 18th.
It was Marnie's birthday, but since it was Thursday, she still had to manage the ranch as usual. Marnie stood at the counter and yawned.
Shane had hurriedly finished the farm work and was now busy in the kitchen with Jas, doing who knows what.
Because they wouldn't let her see, she had to wait outside. But honestly, she didn't have much hope for the cooking skills of the two inside.
Before Shane moved into her house, he only knew how to heat up frozen pizza in the microwave.
In the kitchen, Shane cut the pumpkin bought from the farm and handed it to Jas.
Knowing it was for Marnie's birthday gift, Ron had given Shane a half-price discount and asked Shane to wish Marnie a happy birthday on his behalf.
The two planned to make Pumpkin Pie, Marnie's favorite, today. Although Shane could have done it all himself, to give Jas a sense of involvement, he handed this step over to her.
Jas solemnly held the chopped pumpkin pieces, put them into a bowl nearby, then lifted the bowl to the pot. Shane lifted her up, allowing her to personally place the pumpkin into the steamer.
"Okay, that's done," Shane said, setting Jas down. "Now, help me pour the Moomoo Milk, okay?"
Jas nodded solemnly.
It was as if the task given to her wasn't pouring milk from a cup into a bowl, but executing a precise plan.
Watching Jas with a tight expression, staring at the milk in the cup and the small scale below, mumbling to herself: "10g, 20g..."
Shane couldn't help but laugh. He turned to turn on the fire, steamed the pumpkin, and then began kneading the pie dough himself.
If he had guessed a year ago, he absolutely wouldn't have thought he would be like this today.
From the bottom of his heart, he was grateful for the appearance of this farm.
Marnie outside felt the same; she was happier than anyone to see Shane's transformation.
Although she had originally prepared herself to possibly raise this perpetually gloomy nephew for a lifetime...
But now, he was not only able to support himself but could even occasionally cover Jas's living expenses, plus he had added quite a few things to the ranch.
This was something she had never thought possible before.
Of course, the most crucial thing was that Shane was happy every day.
He went to work at the farm happily, took care of the animals all day, and then came back happily.
Occasionally, he would bring back some vegetables and fruits from the farm, saying it was employee benefits distributed by Ron.
Then the whole family would eat together lively.
This made Marnie happier than any birthday gift.
Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside. Marnie had just stood up when she saw Lewis walking in towards her.
Lewis was about to say something, but Marnie hurriedly pointed to the kitchen.
Hearing the noise from the kitchen, Lewis paused, then reacted, calling out loudly: "I'm here for patrol. How has the ranch management been during this period?"
"Everything is good," Marnie said.
While asking about the details of the ranch management like official business, Lewis felt around in his pocket, pulled out a diamond necklace, and handed it to Marnie.
He then mouthed to her: 'Happy Birthday.'
"Thank you." Marnie then reacted, trying slightly too hard to cover something up as she said, "Thank you for your concern. The ranch is doing well."
She then showed a relieved smile under Lewis's slightly apologetic gaze.
She had always known that Lewis valued Pelican Town and his position as Mayor far more than he valued himself.
Although she occasionally felt dissatisfied with their secret relationship, compared to that, if Lewis was happy, she was happy too.
But if there was a chance, she really hoped that one day she could stand with Lewis openly.
Like those young couples from before, under the gaze of the whole town, holding a proper wedding.
"Sorry—" Lewis said softly, then hurriedly left.
Marnie paused, then put the necklace around her neck.
Just then, the scent of Pumpkin Pie came from inside, followed by Jas's shout.
"You can come in!"
Hearing this, Marnie walked into the house. Before she could say anything, Jas spotted the necklace at once.
"This is so pretty. Who gave it to you?"
"It's— I bought it myself," Marnie paused, then said with a smile. "Occasionally, I also want to treat myself on my birthday—"
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