In the berry orchard on the farm.
Mike stared in disbelief at the Oran berry trees that were growing increasingly well before his eyes.
"Aven, how did you do it?" he asked, astonished.
Having been a berry farmer for half his life, this was the first time he'd discovered that potions could be used on berry trees—and with such incredible results.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't a potion, but fertilizer… Aven thought to himself while keeping a calm expression and nodding with a smile.
During this time, to accelerate the Oran trees' growth, he had used composted fertilizer mixed with water to irrigate the orchard—and the results were immediate.
"This is fantastic! At this rate, we might be able to harvest the Oran berries before the beast tide arrives," Uncle Mike said with joy.
Beast tide? Aven's mind recalled this major event that greatly impacted Fruitvale Village.
Every year, near the beginning of winter, beasts would migrate down from the mountains. Some would even cross the Heavenspire Mountain Range into the Black Forest.
Those that reached the Black Forest often invaded human territories due to food shortages, and Fruitvale Village—situated right on the forest's edge—became their first target.
During this time, the villagers would harvest as many berries as they could, or else the berries would be devoured by the invading wild Pokémon.
It was only early autumn now. That meant in just three months, wild Pokémon would begin invading this area? Realizing this, Aven's expression darkened. He had intended to use these berries to make potions—he wasn't going to let wild Pokémon destroy them for nothing.
"Won't Aspiration City help out?" Aven asked. He had a good impression of the white-haired female lord of Aspiration City.
Uncle Mike nodded and said,
"Every year before winter, Aspiration City sends agents to the orchards around the Black Forest to purchase ripe berries."
"As for the wild beasts that invade… there are simply too many. Even if the lord wants to help, she doesn't have enough manpower."
The wild Pokémon that enter human lands are mostly common species like Rattata and Starly, and their numbers are indeed overwhelming.
Of course, if it was just about protecting a few specific farms, Aspiration City could manage—but there were too many small villages near the Black Forest. It was impossible to safeguard them all.
'Looks like we'll have to come up with something ourselves.' Aven stroked his chin, deep in thought. If Fruitvale Village could form its own militia, they might just be able to defend the orchard.
Of course, an ordinary militia wouldn't be enough—they'd all need to have Pokémon of their own.
"If the situation gets really bad and powerful beasts invade, the lord will relocate all of us to the city. I remember there was a major beast tide five years ago," Mike continued.
Aven nodded at the explanation. He also remembered that relocation from five years ago, though Mike hadn't told him the reason back then.
"Alright, let's not worry too much. I've lived in Aspiration City for years and have only seen one big beast tide," Mike said, patting the now pensive Aven on the shoulder. He then added, "Aven, your potion is incredibly effective. I hope you can make some for the other villagers as well."
In his mind, the best defense wasn't forming a militia, but harvesting as many berries as possible before winter came.
Aven nodded and agreed to Mike's request for now.
Excited, the village chief of Fruitvale Village didn't waste any time. He immediately dragged Aven along to help prepare more of this special potion to irrigate the orchard so the villagers could get ready for winter sooner.
"Ugh! Damn Oddish! It's stealing nutrients from my orchard again!"
As they arrived at another villager's orchard, Aven suddenly heard the orchard owner shouting in frustration.
Farmers tend to speak their minds, and when they're angry, their curses carry for miles.
Oddish… Aven's mind clicked, and he recalled information about the species.
It was a small, grass-type Pokémon with a dark blue, bulb-like body, two legs beneath it, and five green leaves growing on its head.
Oddish was the most common Pokémon in the Black Forest. They sought out rich, nutritious soil to plant themselves in, and would often sneak into villagers' orchards.
Unlike Petikik or Cherubi, Oddish had no economic value at all. On the contrary, it absorbed the soil's nutrients, making it a nuisance—like a weed that farmers despised.
Recalling all this, Aven's eyes suddenly lit up.
They were numerous, grass-type, easy to care for, and had gentle, friendly temperaments. Weren't they the ideal choice for a village militia Pokémon? If they could all learn the Powder Trio moves (Sleep Powder, Poison Powder, and Stun Spore), they'd be a force to reckon with.
With that in mind, Aven followed Uncle Mike into the villager's orchard and saw the man holding a wooden stick, chasing a small blue Pokémon.
The Oddish was running straight toward Aven, and he caught it in his hands, making the little guy panic and flail its legs in mid-air.
"Uncle Texi, let me take this Oddish off your hands," Aven said.
Hearing that, Texi casually waved his hand—he truly had no fondness for Oddish.
"Easy now, little one. I'll let you go in a bit," Aven said, smiling at the Oddish before setting it on the ground.
Petilil watched with her big, round eyes.
Just as the Oddish tried to run, Petilil's body suddenly glowed green—she had used Absorb.
Oddish froze, its energy draining rapidly as Petilil grabbed it with her little hands.
Seeing this sneaky move, Aven smiled without saying anything, though both Mike and Texi gave surprised glances.
If they weren't mistaken, Petilil had just used the power of a magical beast—but since when could Petilil use that kind of move?
"Texi, I came over today because I've got something for you," Mike was the first to recover. He took a potion bottle from his coat and handed it over.
"A potion?" Texi asked in confusion as he took it and gave it a sniff. His eyes suddenly lit up. "Oran berry?"
Mike proudly nodded, then patted Aven's shoulder. "My nephew Aven made this himself. He's a apothecary now!"
"Aven? An apothecary?"
Texi's eyes widened. As someone who worked with berries, he fully understood the significance of being a apothecary!
(End of Chapter)