Agung stood tall in the middle of the marble lobby, his posture straighter than it had been in years. He looked at the scruffy, iron-willed cat sitting by the oven, and then back at the holographic display of the Central Computer.
"System," he declared, his voice firm. "Register this Galarian Meowth as my Official Starter. He's a worker, just like me. We'll handle this ranch together."
The Central Computer pulsed with a deep, golden light. A scanning beam swept over the Meowth, who hissed at the light before realization seemed to settle into its fierce eyes.
> [STARTER REGISTRATION COMPLETE]
> Partner: Galarian Meowth (Level 5)
> Nature: Adamant
> Warden Bond: Level 1 (The journey begins!)
> [STARTER PERK ACTIVATED: SHARED WORK ETHIC]
> As a 'Sanitary Worker' and a 'Galarian Meowth,' your synergy is unmatched. Cleaning, harvesting, and patrolling tasks now take 15% less time.
> [NEW ITEM UNLOCKED: THE WARDEN'S POKÉDEX]
> A specialized device for tracking the growth, potential, and market value of every Pokémon on your ranch.
The Meowth hopped up onto Agung's shoulder, its rough fur brushing against his neck. It felt heavy—solid. It was a weight Agung was happy to carry.
"Alright, partner," Agung said, checking the Hatchery timers one last time. The eggs were still humming. "The eggs need their peace, but we need to map out the neighborhood. If we're going to sell 100 of these guys to get to the Pokémon world, we need to know where the best nesting spots are."
He looked at the Lure Ball in his hand. He hadn't traded it yet.
"System," Agung asked, "before we head out into the Ancient Forest, show me the status of the Combee Egg. If we find a 'Sweet Scent' patch of flowers out there, can we bring them back to speed up the hatching?"
> [HATCHERY UPDATE]
> Combee Egg: 45% Progress.
> Tip: Bringing 'Honey-Dew Nectar' from the Ancient Forest will reduce the remaining incubation time by 3 hours.
Agung nodded. He had his Meowth, his Lure Ball, one Potion, and a piece of fresh bread in his pocket. He stepped toward the massive oak doors, and this time, he didn't hesitate.
"Meowth, keep those ears sharp. If you find anything shiny, it's yours. If anything tries to bite us... well, show 'em why they call you a Viking."
The First Patrol: Ancient Forest Borders
As they stepped off the mansion's porch, the transition was seamless. The manicured lawn gave way to tall, swaying grass that smelled of wild thyme. In the distance, the Ancient Forest loomed, its canopy so thick that shafts of emerald light barely pierced the floor.
Suddenly, Meowth's ears flattened. He let out a low growl, pointing a claw toward a cluster of oversized, blue flowers near the forest's edge.
> [ENCOUNTER DETECTED]
> A wild Oddish is foraging for nectar!
> Potential: Grade C
> Item held: Tiny Mushroom
Agung gripped his Lure Ball. An Oddish wasn't a Water-type, so the Lure Ball's catch rate wouldn't be boosted, but it was a Grass-type. If he caught it, he could start a garden for the Miltank's future grazing.