Teach them the techniques?Raven paused.
Did this mean he directly passed knowledge to the villagers?
Just then, another line of beginner-like hints appeared on the panel:
[Assign residents to certain work—this greatly increases their chance to comprehend related techniques!][The lord also has a chance of learning shared knowledge from residents, unlocking tech in advance!]
Raven finally understood.
He didn't need to literally lecture them. If he assigned someone to raise Combee, for example, that villager might eventually grasp honey processing and become a beekeeper.
Of course, if he didn't assign, then it would only depend on personal talent and luck.
But that last line made Raven twitch.
He couldn't help recalling that infamous moment in Civilization VI:
[A villager has shared with you the secrets of nuclear fusion!]
…Convenient indeed.
With that settled, Raven turned back to the list under Animal Husbandry.
Miltank would give milk. Tropius bore bananas. Wooloo and Mareep had warm wool perfect for clothing.
But when his eyes reached the last entry—"Groudon"—he fell silent.
…Could that really be raised by humans?
[Groudon: The embodiment of land. Possesses the power to banish rainclouds, expand continents through searing light and heat. Revered as a savior against floods, it craves natural energy and seeks to outmatch Kyogre, turning sea into land. Difficulty of raising: Hell.]
Raven: "..."
Obviously, those legendary Pokémon were listed only for show. With their pride and divine stature, they would never allow themselves to be raised.
It reminded him of what Quiche once said:
"Even gods are, in the end, just Pokémon."
That must be why the legendaries were included here—at least nominally.
But Groudon aside, what truly caught Raven's interest was Aron.
[Aron: Dwells deep in mountains. To forge a steel body, it devours iron ore, though sometimes it wanders to lowlands, gnawing on bridges, tracks, or carts—an infamous nuisance. Favorite food: metallic ore. Provide ample iron, and it will bond easily. In the past, miners often relied on Aron to locate ore veins. Difficulty of raising: Moderate.]
A Steel/Rock type, evolving into the formidable Aggron.
What fascinated Raven most was its nature: Aggron claimed entire mountains as territory, and when landslides or wildfires ravaged its domain, it would restore it—hauling soil, planting trees, keeping its land pristine.
A ferocious beast… with a gardener's heart.
Raven actually admired that. If possible, he would love to tame an Aron. For guarding the land, or even landscaping—it was perfect.
Closing the panel, he saw Dratini and the others had finished dinner.
He had the dishes cleared, then spent some time playing with them before Aelif arrived to report the day's matters.
Now that the cabins were finished, and snow was falling hard, the villagers had settled indoors to winter in peace.
"…My lord, is there any work you'd like us to continue?" Aelif asked after his report.
Raven shook his head. "No—let everyone rest for now. We'll act when winter passes."
"As you command." Aelif bowed, ready to leave.
But Raven suddenly stopped him. "One more thing."
"Yes, my lord?"
Raven's expression grew serious. "This land isn't ours alone. If anyone finds wounded or starving beasts outside… we must do what we can to help them."
It wasn't only his dream to build a place where humans and Pokémon coexisted. Their very arrival had destroyed some habitats. They owed it.
Aelif blinked, then nodded firmly. "I understand, my lord."
By now, even he—and many others—had realized something:
Beasts weren't as terrifying as they once thought.
They were clever, felt emotions, remembered kindness, even fought to protect humans.
"I believe the others will gladly do this," Aelif said.
Raven nodded. Sure, he could wait for Dratini to evolve, then fly on Dragonite over the village to show what was possible.
But the peasants would only see his power, not their own potential.
Most of them had lived all their lives behind castle walls. Many had never even touched a beast—only heard tales that painted them as monsters.
To change that, they would need to see for themselves. To live and work with Pokémon firsthand.
"Please rest well, my lord."
Aelif bowed and departed.
Raven, weary at last, washed up and lay down. Surrounded by Dratini and the warm, furry Minccino, he quickly drifted into sleep.
＊
Meanwhile, deep in the forest.
The snowy night lay still and silent.
Four or five Sneasel crouched in the shadows, their eyes gleaming wickedly as they fixed on a single target.
Any Pokémon scholar would know at a glance—they were working together, hunting.
In a clearing, a Snivy crept cautiously forward.
A blizzard was coming—it needed shelter fast.
But then its senses prickled. Several hostile gazes pressed in from the dark.
It stiffened instantly.
Discovered, the Sneasel struck.
One by one, they leapt from the shadows, claws flashing icy-cold light, lunging at Snivy from every side.
(End of Chapter)