[Multi-Layer Mud Fruit Cake (C): A cake made using the special ingredient of mud. As a result, it is a special dish that ordinary Pokémon cannot consume, yet it is deeply loved by certain Pokémon.
Dish Effect: After consumption, it slightly increases Ground-type energy and has an extremely small chance of allowing the eater to comprehend a Ground- or Rock-type move.]
It worked!!!
And according to the evaluation from the so-called "cheat interface," it was rated C. If he were to replace some of the ingredients with higher-quality ones, reaching C+ or even B would not be a problem at all.
While Silas was carefully examining it from top to bottom, three figures in the distance could not resist the temptation and slowly approached.
"Mud! Bray!" It smells so good!
"Mud-mud…" I want to eat it, I want to eat it.
"Mud~ Bray~"
The Mudbray expressions were: (?q?)
The three Mudbray stared eagerly, drool spilling from the corners of their mouths.
In their perception, the mud cake before them was simply the most delicious food in the world, constantly tempting the greedy cravings deep within them.
"Huh! Mudbrays, you're all here?"
Coming back to his senses, Silas smiled and waved in greeting.
Noticing their expressions, he chuckled softly.
Taking the initiative, he invited them, "Come and have a taste. Let's see whether it suits your appetites."
With delicious food right in front of them, no more words were needed.
The three Mudbray let out excited cries and pounced toward the three-tier mud cake, biting down hard on the top layer first.
After tasting it, the Mudbray's expressions became: (*0*)
Their stomachs were completely conquered by the mud cake. It was so fragrant that they were practically dizzy with delight, instantly turning into ruthless eating machines.
The entire three-layer mud cake disappeared into the three Mudbray's bellies, leaving them sprawled out on the grass, too full to move.
Just as Silas was about to step closer, the eldest of the three Mudbray suddenly stood up.
Its face flushed bright red, wearing an expression of discomfort as if it could no longer hold something in.
The next moment, an inexhaustible surge of power erupted from its body, thick earth-yellow Ground-type energy wrapping around it.
It was as if it had transformed into a heavily armored truck, charging forward with a thunderous "rumble rumble rumble."
Immediately after, the Mudbray shot straight into the forest to the side, snapping trees along the way regardless of their size.
After running a full loop and venting the excess power in its body, the Mudbray finally let out a huge sigh of relief—it had almost burst earlier.
Meanwhile, Silas stared at the destruction left behind, feeling as if ten thousand Mudbray were galloping through his mind.
That just now was… High Horsepower?!
But that didn't seem right. Was the High Horsepower move really that powerful? Especially when used by a Mudbray with such a small body.
It made absolutely no sense. A huge question mark popped up over Silas's head.
Just as he was about to step forward to inspect things more closely, the other two Mudbray also abruptly stood up, dense Ground-type energy surging over their bodies.
One of them threw its head back and roared excitedly at the sky. Strange winds suddenly appeared, sweeping up sand and dust and shrouding a large area ahead.
With an overwhelming sweeping force, the sandstorm crashed straight into the Mudbray shed. Fierce winds tore apart the fence, and yellow sand buried the small building.
Silas: "..."
Wherever the Sandstorm passed, everything turned into a sandy environment. The ground took on a dull, earthy yellow hue, and the surroundings instantly became harsh and desolate.
Well then!
One had comprehended High Horsepower, another had learned Sandstorm—so what about the last one?
As if responding to Silas's expectation, the final Mudbray let out a strange howl.
It raised its forelegs high, nearly solidified, heavy Ground-type energy wrapping around them as it stomped down violently onto the ground.
The next instant, a crisp cracking sound rang out.
Cracks spread outward in every direction, extending straight toward the front of the Mudbray shed.
"Stop—no!"
Sensing something was wrong, Silas shouted urgently.
That shed had cost him 6,000 League Coins to build—he couldn't let it be destroyed just like that!
Whether the Mudbray heard Silas's voice or not, the fissuring shockwave suddenly veered aside, slamming into the nearby mud pool instead.
With a dull "boom," the mud pool exploded, dark brown sludge shooting skyward like a fountain before splashing evenly in all directions.
The sandstorm finally subsided. Fortunately, the Mudbray shed remained intact—misfortune narrowly avoided.
"Mud?!"
The three Mudbray tilted their heads in perfect unison, looking at Silas with eager expressions, clearly asking for praise and approval.
What could Silas do?
They were his own partners—of course he had to dote on them.
Moreover, the current situation was partly his own responsibility.
He had never expected the effects of the Mud Cake to be so powerful, allowing each Mudbray to comprehend a Ground-type move.
And each of the three moves was stronger than the last.
Thinking about it now, the mud cake probably only served as a trigger.
These past few days on the ranch, the Mudbray had been eating pumpkin porridge as their staple food, and a massive amount of energy had already accumulated in their bodies.
It seemed he could no longer let the Mudbray gorge themselves endlessly—he would need to control their intake.
Otherwise, they might give him another huge "surprise."
Silas squatted down and gently patted each of them. "You're all amazing. If one day I have to leave, how about I entrust the ranch to you?"
"Mud!"
The eldest Mudbray nodded vigorously, indicating that it would send any unfamiliar Pokémon flying.
The other two echoed in agreement—this was how they could repay Silas for taking care of them.
They absolutely could not allow anyone else to damage the ranch.
At this very moment, the Pokémon that would one day shake the Pokémon world and be revered as the "Three Holy Knights" were born.
And the young Holy Knights immediately encountered the biggest trouble of their lives.
Minccino and Kangaskhan came rushing over in a rage.
Seeing the damaged, messy state of the area only made them angrier.
The icy aura emanating from them made the Mudbray shiver uncontrollably.
They shrank their heads, blinking their innocent big eyes, seeking help from Silas.
Silas hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over, personally lecturing the Mudbray.
He also made them promise that such a situation would never happen again.
"Alright, I've already disciplined the Mudbray. Now come help me repair the shed."
Silas assigned tasks. "Minccino and Chatot, come with me to clear the sand and mud. Kangaskhan, please take the Mudbrays and help carry the wood over from beside the shed—and don't forget my tools."
Axes, saws, hammers—Silas had a full set of carpentry tools. Repairing the damaged fence and mud pool was no problem at all.
After a flurry of work, an entire afternoon passed by.
Silas's plan to experiment further with special-ingredient cooking had to be put on hold for now—he would revisit it when he had more free time.
Having the mud cake recipe alone was already enough.
Dinner that evening was especially lavish, with dishes made from fresh ingredients tasting completely different.
Every Pokémon ate until their bellies were round.
With both sides reconciled, the Mudbray continued playing behind Kangaskhan and the others.
As for Chatot, aside from guarding the orchard, it spent most of its time in the back mountain.
After all, birds yearn for freedom.
As long as it came back on time for meals each day, Silas's requirements were already met.
Though it would be even better if it didn't perch beside his ear early every morning and make a racket.
(End of Chapter)