Naoki had no choice but to get up to answer the call.
As the video call connected, Professor Sada's strikingly confident face appeared on the screen.
Seeing her, Naoki instantly perked up.
"Professor Sada?"
Professor Sada smiled, "Long time no see, Naoki. How have you been lately?"
Thinking about the events of the past few days, Naoki nodded with a smile, "Pretty good."
He knew the purpose of Professor Sada's call and shouted towards the outside.
Soon, the crimson figure of Koraidon appeared in the room.
Naoki said, "Say hello to the professor?"
Koraidon looked at the person on the screen and happily chirped, "Aga～"
Professor Sada looked at the person and Pokemon close to each other on the screen and smiled:
"You seem to be getting closer."
"In fact, Koraidon has always been obedient." Naoki said, glancing at Koraidon.
"That's quite surprising." Professor Sada pondered for a long time and said, "Maybe your Koraidon is special."
She recalled the events of the past period.
To verify whether Koraidon and Miraidon could get along with humans, she and her husband, Professor Turo, started trying to let their son, Arven, interact with them.
But the interactions were not very successful.
Why is that?
Professor Sada fell into contemplation once again.
Looking at Professor Sada on the screen, Naoki thought again about her and Professor Turo's future, as well as Arven's unfortunate fate.
After a brief thought, he ultimately decided to intervene.
Naoki asked, "Professor, has your experiment reached a bottleneck?"
Professor Sada did not expect him to ask this, thought for a moment, and explained the difficulty Arven faced in interacting with Miraidon and Koraidon.
"I don't understand... After being captured by a Poke Ball, though Koraidon and Miraidon won't attack humans, they still remain cautious."
Koraidon and Miraidon?
Naoki thought of the rather aggressive Koraidon in the game and speculated:
"Perhaps because it has a more aggressive personality, even within the same Pokemon species, there are differences in personality."
Professor Sada nodded, "That can't be ruled out as a reason. Their personalities are indeed not as docile as the Koraidon beside you."
Naoki hesitated and then continued, "There's something else."
Professor Sada was a bit surprised, "Hmm?"
Naoki said, "It's because of Arven."
Professor Sada paused upon hearing this.
Naoki went on, "Both you and Professor Turo are entirely focused on research, neglecting Arven. At his young age, he might think that Koraidon and Miraidon have taken his parents away, so..."
Though he did not articulate his thoughts completely, Professor Sada understood.
She slightly frowned and then fell into deep thought.
Naoki did not speak further, giving Professor Sada ample time to think.
Professor Turo, who had not appeared on the screen, was the first to come back to his senses.
He walked into view, appearing more composed compared to Professor Sada.
"That's our oversight. Thank you for reminding us, Naoki."
Naoki thought to himself that he just didn't want to see Arven face a tragic fate where both his parents died.
Seeing the two pondering their own issues, he didn't say much and only thought about how to remind them of the future explosion event at the Fourth Observation Station, where they would perish.
But no matter how long he thought, Naoki couldn't find a good solution.
If he directly spoiled it to them, the two professors might not even believe him. And even if they did, their obsession with research wouldn't let them give it up.
Just as he was about to say something, Professor Sada interrupted, "Let's end the call here for today."
After a pause, she added, "After finishing here, Turo and I will go visit Arven. See you next time, Naoki."
Naoki hesitated but nodded, "Alright."
Forget it; I'll wait for a better opportunity next time!
After all, it's probably seven or eight years until the event occurs. When he becomes more familiar with the two professors, he'll explain in detail.
After ending the call, Dragonite returned.
Naoki, no longer feeling sleepy, began steaming a batch of Grassy Seeds for the Gogoat.
Watching the steam rising from the Grassy Seeds in the pot, Naoki suddenly remembered that Grassy Seeds could also benefit Calyrex.
Grassy Seeds can provide Grass Type Energy for Calyrex.
Just by consuming a sufficient amount of Grassy Seeds, coupled with the energy converted from the Power of Faith given by nearby farmers, Calyrex will no longer lack energy.
Perhaps it could even become like Gogoat, feeling uncomfortable without releasing energy daily.
However, unlike Gogoat's rough and direct way of releasing energy, Calyrex can channel energy through abundant harvests and blooming flowers.
Green Grass Cake can also provide a chance for the crops generated by Calyrex to mutate.
The two, when combined, can achieve a positive cycle.
In the game, when players help Calyrex reunite with its two steeds, it is willing to travel with them.
This poses the question: Will the real-world Calyrex be the same?
If Calyrex is willing to come to the ranch...
For some reason, a picture emerged in Naoki's mind:
—Calyrex enjoying afternoon tea in the ranch, elegantly sitting on a chair, with a small round table in front featuring Green Grass Cake and Grassy Seeds, while holding a cup of Kitakami's special tea, sipping gracefully.
It's quite a beautiful scene.
If Calyrex decides to come, he wouldn't mind hosting a tea party for it every day, preparing sumptuous afternoon snacks and treats.
But all of this hinges on whether Calyrex is willing to come.
As the legendary king who once ruled Galar in ancient times, whether Calyrex would leave its homeland is unknown.
Therefore, before that day arrives, he must, like a devoted believer building a kingdom for his divine faith, accumulate enough assets to attract Calyrex.
Of course, his intentions are definitely, definitely not because of Calyrex's two steeds.
Says who!
————
League Year 198, April 16, Summer.
In the morning, something significant happened at the ranch.
Three more Nacli evolved into Naclstack.
With three more Naclstack, their size was growing, making it nearly impossible for them all to fit in the Salt House.
Early in the morning, Naoki began directing them to dig and expand the living space.
However, this move was completely lost on a group of Naclstack who grew up indoors.
"Stack…"
They looked at each other, uttering low and frustrated growls, indicating their inability to do so.
Naoki: "…"
Hmm, that's indeed a problem.
Naoki fell into thought.
At this time, the only Nacli that hadn't evolved was about to cry, seeing the four large companions ahead.
Seeing its state, the considerate Alcremie immediately stepped up to comfort it, gently patting its body with tiny hands.
Naoki caught sight of that scene from the corner of his eye.
He has always had a deep impression of this Nacli.
Back in the wild, this Nacli was the weakest in its group and appeared slightly malnourished.
So far, he's taken a free-range approach to the salt production of Nacli, which is why the Nacli often followed Alcremie without intervention.
Naoki didn't want to lock them up for Rock Salt.
Seeing the state of this Nacli now, he immediately stepped forward, soothingly saying:
"Don't be sad. Even if you never evolve for your entire life, I'll still take care of you!"
The four other Naclstack were extremely envious.
"Nacli…"
Nacli felt anxious yet touched.
Though touched, it didn't want to remain unevolved for life! It wanted to evolve into Naclstack and give Naoki more Rock Salt!
Seeing Nacli's reaction, Naoki realized his mistake.
He scratched his head and quickly amended, "Don't worry, I'll do my best to help you evolve!"