[Will-O-Wisp: A Fire-type status move. The strange and eerie flames can inflict a burn on the opponent.]
The Will-O-Wisp released by shiny Charcadet lightly struck Charcadet. The latter sneezed, but it did not enter a burned state.
Will-O-Wisp has no effect on Fire-type Pokémon.
"Charca?"
"Charca~"
Seeing this, Silas smiled and gently patted the two Charcadet. "The Lava Cookies you ate can increase the power of your Fire-type moves. There is also a small chance of learning new moves."
Shiny Charcadet's mastery of Will-O-Wisp was proof of that.
"CHARCA!!!"
Charcadet widened its eyes in shock. It did not doubt Silas at all and immediately devoured the rest of the Lava Cookies without leaving a single crumb. It felt completely fired up.
After saying a quick word to Silas, Charcadet dashed off in a hurry to find Litten for a rematch. It wanted to avenge its earlier loss.
Silas did not stop it. Instead, he picked up the well-behaved shiny Charcadet, who was still eating, and gently wiped its mouth with a cloth.
"How about you come with me for a walk around the ranch?"
"Charca?" (Up?)
Shiny Charcadet let out a soft, cute sound and stretched out its arms, asking to be held.
Holding the Charcadet in his hands felt like carrying a small heater. Silas put on his coat and turned back to remind Jigglypuff and Morpeko not to run around and to stay inside.
None of the Pokémon even turned their heads. They stared at the television without blinking.
It was cartoon time, and nothing was more important.
Silas slowly stepped out of the house and greeted Arboliva in front of the door. It and Registeel were both in disguise, one pretending to be a tree and the other a metal statue.
He recorded their conditions in his notebook before heading to the mushroom house.
As soon as he pushed the door open, a mix of earthy scent and the faint fragrance of mushrooms greeted him.
"Scool~"
The Toedscool peeked out from behind the cultivation racks and gathered around Silas, their tentacles pointing toward the shelves, their eyes shining with excitement.
As he approached the racks, the earthy smell became stronger. The three-tier shelves were neatly arranged with identical grow bags.
Compared to the beginning, the bags had changed significantly.
White, fluffy mycelium covered the surface like a thin layer of cotton, while the lower part still showed the brown cultivation medium.
This was the early stage of mycelium growth, though a few had already reached the later stage.
Some bags were completely enveloped in white mycelium, firm and solid to the touch. One even showed a brown surface layer, a sign typical of shiitake development.
After checking all the grow bags, not a single one showed signs of mold.
Turning around, Silas praised the Toedscool. "You've done a great job. Not a single bag has gone moldy. You must have worked very hard. Thank you."
"Scool!"
Being recognized for their hard work made the Toedscool extremely happy, and the reward that followed made them spin in circles on the spot.
"In a bit, I'll have Indeedee bring you a jar of candied fruit as a reward."
As soon as he said that, the Toedscool surrounded Silas and spun around him so fast he nearly got dizzy.
They loved candied fruit more than anything.
"Scool~" x3
"Alright, alright." Holding them steady, Silas agreed to their request. "One third honeyed, one third crystallized, and one third dried fruit, right?"
"Scool!"
The Toedscool nodded together. They all liked candied fruit, but each had their own preference.
Since he was already there, Silas also checked their physical condition and recorded everything in his notebook before leaving.
After taking a few steps, he suddenly turned back.
He decided to take a look at the poisonous mushroom house as well.
The growth there was painfully slow. Even with suitable conditions, the mycelium had only formed a thin layer.
At this rate, by the time they were singing and enjoying hot pot, the poisonous mushrooms would only be halfway grown. The Toxtricity brothers would probably cry from frustration.
Leaving the mushroom house, Silas headed to the greenhouse.
Through the glass, he immediately spotted the three cats.
During winter, with no crops to tend, this was their most relaxed time.
They had plenty of free time to do whatever they wanted.
"Meow~" x3
"I'm just here to check." Silas set down shiny Charcadet and continued, "Come here, let me examine you."
He checked Meowth, Alolan Meowth, and Perrserker one by one, recording their data in detail.
"Meowth, you need to lose some weight." He poked its round belly. "If you keep eating like this, you'll turn into Garfield."
"Meowu!" (I don't want that! After winter, I'll definitely slim down!)
"Do you want Perrserker to supervise you, or would you rather exercise with Morpeko?"
"Meow…"
Perrserker cast a glance from the side, making Meowth shiver. It immediately chose to exercise with Morpeko instead.
As for Alolan Meowth, there was no need to worry. It had always maintained a habit of morning exercise, and its weight was perfectly normal.
"Perrserker, you should reduce your training a bit. You've been overdoing it."
With a low growl, Perrserker obediently agreed.
After confirming the health of the three cats, Silas moved on to inspect the special crops in the greenhouse.
The Silver Chalice Tulips produced silver coins daily, which the cats absolutely loved.
The Devil Pepper plant remained small, with several dark red peppers hidden among its green leaves.
"Achoo!"
Getting within three steps of it, Silas sneezed from the pungent smell. It was incredibly strong.
"Charca?"
Stepping back, Silas noticed shiny Charcadet and asked, "Do you like it?"
Shiny Charcadet nodded and then shook its head. "Charca~"
(Ignis would like it. It loves spicy food.)
Ignis was the nickname of Charcadet.
"When I have time, I'll make something for you to try. I'll also invite Pyroar to visit the ranch."
Moving past the Devil Pepper plant, Silas looked at the Rainbow Gourd Vine.
The seven small gourds showed no sign of growing. It might have seemed like winter was slowing their growth.
But in reality, the true reason was that the red core could not transmit energy, causing the vine's growth to stagnate.
Why was it not transmitting?
Because the three cats guarded the Silver Chalice Tulips almost nonstop. The red core could barely emerge except during their mealtime. Under those conditions, growth slowing down was inevitable.
"Next…"
Turning to a new page in his notebook, Silas wrote down the names of the Mudsdale trio and the herd of sheeps.
Keeping detailed health records for all the ranch Pokémon was necessary.
Arriving at the stable, the Mudsdale trio were lazily lying around, taking a nap.
As soon as he called them, they woke up, and then immediately pounced on him.
Their large heads pressed against him all at once. The third Mudsdale, unable to get a good spot, tugged at his clothes with its mouth.
After playing with them for a while, Silas finally managed to free himself.
He jumped up and tapped each of them on the forehead, giving them an exasperated look.
"Mud Mud~"
The Mudsdale tried to act cute, gently rubbing him with their hooves.
After completing the health records for the Mudsdale trio, the two Flaaffy and the three Mareep, Silas headed toward the garden.
Behind him, the Mudsdale trio followed closely, step by step.
They simply wanted to spend more time with him.
(End of Chapter)