A week later.
Today was the long-awaited day when the villagers of Rastor would finally get their chance to enter Rastor's Safari Zone and capture Pokémon of their own.
The village buzzed with excitement, as if celebrating a once-in-a-decade festival. Stalls lined the streets, laughter rang in the air, and an undercurrent of anticipation ran through every conversation.
After finalizing the data on the placement and rarity distribution of the 1,000 Generation I Pokémon Eggs, Arthur wasted no time. With the assistance of the Safari Dome's Porygon, he began surveying the designated zones.
He meticulously calculated the food and resources required to support the newborn Pokémon—most of the effort centered around the Munchlax Eggs. Knowing their gluttonous nature, he spread them far apart to prevent competition and ensure they wouldn't fight over food.
For now, beyond the food Arthur had prepared, the forest still teemed with natural resources. The wild monsters that roamed the area weren't too powerful—ideal for young Pokémon to encounter as their first challenge.
The Jujig Boars, in particular, had begun multiplying again. They were a perfect match for the newborn Pokémon—manageable prey that still offered a real fight.
As long as a Jujig Boar King hadn't been born, Arthur had no intention of intervening. In fact, he hoped the Pokémon would band together, sensing the subtle connection they shared. Despite their differences in form and type, they all came from the same origin—and Arthur believed they could feel it. That kinship might even foster cooperation in the wild.
He estimated it would take several generations of breeding and competition before food scarcity triggered territorial aggression among them.
The reason Arthur had been able to prepare the Pokémon so quickly—just a week—was because the thousand Eggs had already been incubated in advance. He had halted the process just before hatching, holding them in a delicate state of readiness.
So when the final phase of planning was complete, the Eggs—each engraved with illusion magic to conceal them from predators—were placed into the Safari Zone one by one, with help from the villagers he had hired to tend the Miltank Farm.
Technically, they could now be called Pokémon Breeders. But Arthur preferred not to give them that title—at least, not yet.
Just like with Anna Joy—where the title "Nurse Joy" had to be earned through formal training—Arthur believed the same principle should apply to Pokémon Breeders.
The villagers he had hired weren't quite there yet, though they showed great promise.
He had also invited them to participate in the official opening of Rastor's Safari Zone, offering them the opportunity to choose a Pokémon of their own. But most declined, hesitant to leave behind their peaceful routines tending to the Miltanks. They had grown fond of that quiet, steady life.
Arthur didn't press them. Instead, he expanded the operation—hiring more workers and increasing the size of the Miltank herd.
Originally, he had planned to let the Miltank and Tauros population grow gradually. But reality hit hard: the demand for Moomoo Milk had been wildly underestimated. He needed more—much more.
Anyway, back to the matter of the Pokémon Eggs—once they were given enough warmth, all of them hatched almost simultaneously. Now, under Arthur's close watch, the newborns had begun adapting to life in the Safari Zone. Eager to grow out of their baby stage, they explored their surroundings with wide-eyed curiosity.
All one thousand Pokémon had also formed a bond with Arthur.
It was inevitable—they were the very first generation of Safari Zone Pokémon. Arthur understood that, for now, it was better to remain close and personal with them.
To put it simply, they weren't ready to be truly wild. At best, they were semi-wild. Besides, Arthur still needed to bring them Moomoo Milk regularly, so close contact was unavoidable.
As a result, they were all quite friendly with Arthur and his team of apprentice Pokémon Breeders.
Yet even with their help, Arthur often felt overwhelmed—barely managing to keep everything under control.
Caring for a thousand Pokémon—each with their own needs, preferences, and space requirements—was an exhausting ordeal, draining both Arthur's body and spirit every single day.
His Misdreavus was so worried for him that it refused to eat, sparing Arthur from nightmares caused by its Confusion move and allowing him to sleep peacefully.
Virelyra lent a hand as well, though she mostly kept to a small group of Dratini and other Flying-type Pokémon. Meanwhile, his parents took charge of the Bug-types, and his sister handled the Water-type Pokémon.
There were plenty of hiccups along the way, but overall, progress was steady. Now, a week had passed since the eggs hatched, and today marked the milestone where every Pokémon in the Safari Zone had grown beyond their baby stage—ready to begin living their own lives.
So far, there had been no infighting. Instead, the Pokémon had started forming communities, hunting in groups and cooperating just as Arthur had hoped.
The sight of so many different Pokémon living in harmony blurred his vision with emotion.
He was one step closer to his dream.
After bidding farewell to his Porygon—who seemed happier than ever, embracing its role as observer and protector of the Safari Dome—Arthur left the zone. The Dome had felt lonely before, but now, with Pokémon living inside, Porygon thrived as it watched over them.
"Bro, should I join the others and try capturing my own Pokémon inside the Safari Zone?" Lena appeared beside him, her Wartortle at her side. Lapras remained in its Poké Ball, too inconvenient to move on land.
"Want to experience the real thrill of capturing Pokémon?" Arthur asked with a smile as he strolled through the lively village, warmly greeted by enthusiastic villagers.
The Safari Zone was set to officially open at noon, right after lunchtime. There were still about two hours to wait, but the villagers were too excited to be patient.
Today felt like the longest day of their lives.
Lena paused for a moment, glancing at her Wartortle before smiling. "It's getting harder and harder to level up my starter. I'm thinking about training a new Pokémon."
Arthur glanced over at the cool, handsome Wartortle, then at his own Pikachu, which was busily helping itself to a boiled egg at a nearby stall.
Pikachu was a regular there—the stall owner greeted it with a familiar smile.
With a mouthful of boiled egg, Pikachu darted back to Arthur, eyes curved in happiness. It climbed up to perch on his shoulder, contentedly munching away.
Misdreavus wasn't with him at the moment; it had gone off to play in the haunted house hidden in a secluded corner of the Safari Zone forest.
Arthur hadn't built an eerie forest as he'd once considered, but he had instead constructed a haunted house—a place where many Gastly happily spent their time. Initially, he thought the Gastly might enjoy mingling with other Pokémon, but after some careful communication, they requested a home of their own. So, Arthur built the haunted house, much to their delight.
Surprisingly, other Pokémon weren't scared of the eerie structure and often ventured inside to play.
As for his 'third' Pokémon, Virelyra, she was currently napping inside a Luxury Ball strapped to Arthur's waist, alongside the Poké Balls belonging to Pikachu and Misdreavus.
Normally, her two Poké Balls—containing Dratini and Swablu—shouldn't have been able to fit inside the Luxury Ball with her, but somehow, she managed it.
"Any Pokémon catch your eye?" Arthur asked, thinking about his own team—since he had already chosen Electric and Ghost types as his first two partners, he wanted to ensure strong type coverage moving forward. For him, it was either six different types for versatility or a full mono-type team for aesthetic harmony. Anything else just didn't feel right.
Lena paused to think, then nodded. "Shellder and Omanyte seem perfect for my shell team, but…" She hesitated, looking at her Wartortle. "As much as I love shell Pokémon, I think it's time I raise at least one offensive fighter."
Her Wartortle and Lapras had already been trained heavily in defense—they were built to endure, not strike.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Shellder and Omanyte aren't bad offensively. You could train them to hit hard if you wanted."
But Lena shook her head, cheeks flushing slightly. "If… if I train a shell Pokémon, I won't be able to resist building it into the ultimate defense… again."
Arthur blinked, momentarily speechless. What's with her obsession with defensive shells?
"So," he said slowly, "you're looking for a non-shell Water-type?"
"Y-yeah…" she replied, hesitant but clearly set on her decision.
He rubbed his chin. "Any other preferences?"
Lena fell into deep thought, her brows knitting together. Then, in a small voice, she asked, "Is there a Water-type… that's not quite a Water-type?"
Realizing how odd that sounded, she quickly shook her head and opened her mouth to explain—but stopped when she noticed Arthur had already slipped into deep thought.
After a moment, he smiled. "I've got a few options in mind. Want me to list them out—or do you want to try your luck?"
By "try your luck," he meant she could choose randomly from a pool of Water-types he had pre-selected for her. She wouldn't know what she'd get until the Egg hatched—but they'd all fit her vague, peculiar criteria.
"Then I want to try my luck!" Lena said without hesitation, her eyes shining with excitement at the thought of adding a third member to her team. "Thank you, Arthur!"
"Of course. Anything for my little sister," he replied, patting her on the head.
"Who's the little sister?! I'm your older sister, Arthur!" she pouted, though she still let him pat her head—clearly enjoying the affection despite her protest.
After a bit of playful bickering, the two of them arrived at the village square, where the familiar fountain stood at its center, bubbling softly—its gentle splashes echoing through the open space.
"This is where we had our first Pokémon battle…" Lena murmured, looking around with a wave of nostalgia.
Though she had visited the spot countless times with Arthur since then, today felt different—quietly sentimental, as if the past were just a step behind her.
"This place will soon be filled with aspiring Trainers and their newly caught Pokémon," Arthur said with a smile, equally caught in the moment. In the back of his mind, he was already picturing the chaos of future Pokémon Battles. He'd probably need to install a self-repairing magic circle in the village square—especially around the fountain—to keep it from being destroyed by stray moves.
Today's square was livelier than usual. Apart from the villagers, Arthur also noticed an increasing number of merchants and even a few Adventurers mingling about. Word of the Safari Zone's opening had clearly spread beyond Rastor.
Even the Adventurers, it seemed, wanted a chance to catch their own Pokémon.
But Arthur wasn't planning to let them just yet. They'd have to wait—and go through a basic character test in front of him first.
Actually… why should I do it all myself? he mused. I've got a whole team of apprentice Pokémon Breeders now.
Maybe it was time to register some of them officially. It would be better than waiting years for one of them to become a full-fledged Breeder. Alternatively, he could hire outside help to care for the Miltank and Tauros—especially now, since the flood of job applications from Rastor villagers for the Miltank Farm had slowed considerably after the Safari Zone's opening announcement.
"Oh? Aunt May's business is booming today?" Lena chirped, standing on tiptoe to peer at the long line of customers stretching outside the bakery.
Aunt May, Anna Joy's mother, had seen her bakery gain sudden fame ever since Anna Joy started training to become a nurse at the Pokémon Center.
May Bakery's sales and foot traffic had definitely increased, but this many customers? It seemed almost outrageous.
Maybe Anna Joy is working inside right now, Arthur thought, noticing that many merchants and Adventurers had also joined the queue. Perhaps they're hoping to make a connection with her?
"Want to line up? I haven't had Aunt May's honey bread in ages—I'm craving it," Arthur asked his sister.
"Sure!" Lena replied happily, and they joined the tail of the long line.
About thirty minutes later, they finally stepped inside the bakery—only to be greeted by an unusual sight. The usual menu had been taken down, replaced by handwritten parchment signs listing milk breads in every imaginable form. Shelves were lined with braided loaves resembling maiden's hair, sweet rolls glazed with honey, stout buns stuffed with curds and herbs, buttery knot breads twisted into intricate shapes, soft rolls dusted with fragrant spices, and dense round loaves enriched with cream and a hint of seeds.
The rich aroma of freshly baked bread made Arthur's stomach growl.
Behind the counter, Aunt May was busy working alongside Anna Joy.
Anna Joy soon spotted them and greeted them with a warm smile and a gentle wave. "Arthur, Lena, welcome!"
"You're working here today?" Lena asked, eyeing the new menus with curiosity.
"Yeah," Anna Joy replied. "There's hardly anyone visiting the Pokémon Center right now, so I've got some free time." She glanced at her mother, busy at work behind the counter. "I'm here helping mom before the Safari Zone opens."
After the Safari Zone officially opened, she'd be busy at the Pokémon Center and wouldn't have much time to help at the bakery anymore.
"May Bakery has always sold such delicious bread," Lena said softly, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I miss the old menus."
"We're actually Joy Bakery now, dear Lena," Aunt May said with a smile. Then she turned to Arthur and added, "Thank you again, Arthur, for giving my daughter this opportunity."
Arthur smiled politely and accepted the gratitude, though he felt a bit stiff. Every time he saw her, she thanked him again and again—his ears were practically numb from all the appreciation.
They're even changing the name to Joy Bakery? he thought. Should I start calling her Aunt May Joy now? ...better not.
Looking around and seeing the delighted smiles of customers biting into the bread, Arthur asked, "Are you using Moomoo Milk?"
Though the two Miltanks now belonged to Anna Joy, Arthur still needed to hoard a steady supply of Moomoo Milk—it was never quite enough. Apart from keeping some for herself, Anna Joy's Miltanks had to meet a quota and send their milk to him.
Anna Joy smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes, there's nothing quite like Moomoo Milk to bring warmth and richness to every loaf."
Aunt May added, "We've been perfecting the recipes, and coincidentally, the day we introduced the new menu is the same day the Safari Zone opens."
Arthur nodded in understanding. With so many factors converging, it was no surprise that Joy Bakery's popularity had skyrocketed—the long line of customers outside now made perfect sense.
But these new recipes... where had they come from? Arthur studied the display with a puzzled expression. The breads didn't resemble anything one would expect in a quiet, remote village. They looked more like something served in a noble's castle.
When he asked Anna Joy about it, she simply smiled and said, "Reden taught me—and even helped me set up a reliable way to source some rare ingredients…" She paused, then added with a soft, amused giggle, "She's got a… unique personality, but we actually get along really well."
At that, Arthur's expression faltered. His gaze dropped to the seemingly innocent pastries.
These were Reden's recipes?
Food poisoning? That was the optimistic outcome!
But after a brief pause, he reconsidered. Anna Joy and Aunt May were seasoned bakers. Even if they'd never made these particular items before, they surely knew how to tell the difference between edible and inedible ingredients. The bread should be safe… probably.
Silently exhaling a breath of relief, he allowed himself to relax and began thinking about what to eat with his sister.
After purchasing two sweet rolls glazed with honey, both Arthur and Lena bid farewell and left Joy Bakery.
"Delicious…" Lena's eyes sparkled as she bit into the warm, golden bread. The sticky, fragrant honey clung to her fingers, while the soft dough melted on her tongue—a burst of flavor and freshness that washed away her fatigue, a testament to the nourishing power of Moomoo Milk.
"Indeed…" Arthur echoed softly. No words were needed when the taste left you speechless.
A quiet pride and joy swelled in Arthur's chest—after all, he had designed the very template for the Miltank, making him the creator of this prized Moomoo Milk. It had been difficult, but every bit of effort had been worth it.
As he walked home with Lena, preparing to spend the day secluded in the monitoring room, they passed by the village chief's house. There, Chief Joey stood chatting with a group of visitors.
The chief spotted Arthur and waved, his Rattata playfully nibbling at his white hair.
After exchanging brief greetings, Arthur's gaze shifted to the four guests eyeing him curiously.
An energetic man with flowing red hair streaked with silver, dressed in simple farmer's clothes; a rugged adventurer with shoulder-length black hair; a composed woman sporting a long brown ponytail, clad like a gardener; and a woman with heavy-lidded eyes, dressed in a witch's robes.
Each one was strikingly handsome or beautiful in their own unique way.
What an odd group... Arthur thought, his gaze lingering on the red-haired man. There was something strangely familiar about him, yet the way the man looked at him sent chills down his spine. It felt like Arthur was a rare treasure at the end of a dungeon—something to be either claimed or destroyed, should he turn out to be a mimic.
As the four pairs of eyes locked onto him, a wave of uneasiness crept over Arthur—a pressure reminiscent of Virelyra's Dragon Dance, though far less overwhelming.
Just then, Village Chief Joey broke the silence with a warm smile. "Arthur, these four used to live in our Rastor Village, but due to certain circumstances, they left. Now they're back—it's a cause for celebration!"
Arthur almost rolled his eyes. Does he think I'm a child? Who would believe that nonsense? Then he caught himself—Wait... I am indeed still a child..
Recalling just how mysteriously powerful Village Chief Joey was, Arthur figured this odd group must be strong too, maybe old friends of the chief.
Whoever they were, one thing was clear: this odd group was probably here because of Pokémon.
As if reading his mind, Joey confirmed, "Do you mind if they participate in the upcoming grand event: the Rastor Grand Rite of Pokémon Companionship and Capture?"
Who even names it that? So mouthful! Arthur painfully thought but didn't dwell on it long.
"Of course, I don't mind," he replied with a nod.
He didn't feel the need to question their character—he trusted Village Chief Joey knew them well enough to vouch for their treatment of Pokémon.
The four strangers remained silent as Arthur left the Village Chief's house with Lena, but their gazes lingered on him.
With Virelyra by his side, Arthur wasn't afraid of any attack. If they had malicious intent, her keen senses would have already roused her from her nap. The fact that she stayed silent meant they likely meant no harm.
In his mind, Arthur carefully noted their appearances, determined to keep a close eye on them from his monitoring room.