Hearing the system's explanation, Ethan couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile.
Because he knew his guess had been right.
Among the remaining two opportunities, one was indeed related to a Pokémon.
A blue-tier opportunity—based on Ethan's experience with the system—meant that this Hatenna's aptitude was likely around Overlord-tier.
Not Champion-tier.
Not King-tier.
But still very good among Pokémon.
Otherwise, Hatenna wouldn't qualify as an opportunity at all.
"Are you two new students taking the entrance assessment?"
"What would you like to order?"
Just as Ethan was observing Hatenna, a gentle voice reached his ears.
A woman in her early thirties, wearing a warm smile, walked over.
From her attire, she was clearly a staff member of the restaurant.
Ethan quickly pulled his attention back.
"Do you have any recommendations?" he asked politely.
The woman smiled and introduced several of the restaurant's signature dishes.
Since Ethan and Geng Zhi had multiple Pokémon with them—and since Geng Zhi was, well, rich—
he waved his hand boldly and ordered everything.
For such a generous customer, the woman was naturally delighted.
She said she'd be right back and headed into the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the Hatenna nearby quietly brought over plates and chopsticks, placing them neatly in front of Ethan and Geng Zhi.
Seeing this, Ethan was surprised.
"Is this Hatenna the restaurant's Pokémon?"
Just then, the woman returned from the kitchen.
Seeing Hatenna helping out, she smiled warmly.
"Thank you for helping, Hatenna."
"Leave the rest to me."
She gently took the utensils from Hatenna and continued setting the table.
Hatenna didn't say a single word the entire time.
That made Ethan even more puzzled.
She didn't seem like the woman's Pokémon either.
Thinking too hard was tiring—so Ethan chose the direct route.
"Um… big sis, is that Hatenna part of the restaurant?"
Ethan was tall, handsome, and polite.
Being called big sis by someone like him instantly lifted the woman's mood.
She quickly became more talkative.
From the conversation, Ethan learned her name was Galia
—originally Gu Li (古丽), adapted to a more Pokémon-world-friendly name.
She was the owner of this forest restaurant.
As for Hatenna—
She wasn't the restaurant's Pokémon at all.
She was a wild Pokémon living in this forest.
"That little one?"
"Don't let appearances fool you," Galia said with a chuckle.
"She's very socially anxious… but strangely loves lively places."
"About two months ago, she started hanging around outside my restaurant every day, just watching people come and go."
"You know how busy it gets here—she moves slowly, so she could've easily been stepped on."
"So I invited her inside."
Galia smiled as she continued.
"She comes every morning and leaves at night."
"It's like the atmosphere here makes her feel comfortable."
"When I'm too busy, she even helps a little."
"She's just very shy—even with me, she barely talks."
Ethan looked at Hatenna with newfound surprise.
He genuinely hadn't expected such a contradictory personality.
Socially anxious… yet loves crowds?
Come to think of it—
There were quite a few humans like that too.
Once he understood the situation, Ethan nodded and didn't ask further.
Geng Zhi, sharp as ever, noticed Ethan's interest and grinned.
"So, Ethan… you like that little one, huh?"
Ethan nodded openly.
"Yeah. I really do."
System reasons aside—Hatenna was genuinely cute.
Geng Zhi raised an eyebrow.
"Then how are you planning to catch her?"
This wasn't a game or anime.
In reality, Poké Balls didn't brainwash Pokémon.
They only stored them.
Countless people had tried the "beat it first, catch it later" method—
only for the Pokémon to rebel afterward.
And forcibly capturing Pokémon was illegal.
On top of that, Hatenna was socially anxious.
This was tricky.
"No idea yet," Ethan admitted calmly.
"I'll figure it out as we go."
"Right now, I'm starving."
"Let's eat first."
Seeing the dishes being served, Ethan decided food came first.
Baby Tyrunt strongly approved of this decision.
"Here you go, Tyrunt and Marshtomp."
Although Ethan and Geng Zhi ordered many dishes,
most were meant for their Pokémon.
Pokémon-specific food existed in this world—but most Pokémon disliked it.
Just like humans, they preferred fresh, tasty meals.
Galia's cooking was excellent.
Not flashy—but once you took a bite, you wanted another.
Tyrunt especially went wild.
One braised pork knuckle wasn't enough.
He loudly demanded another.
Galia, amused, gave him an extra one for free.
Ethan could only praise her generosity.
A few sweet compliments later, Galia was practically glowing.
With Tyrunt around, the atmosphere at their table was lively and cheerful.
Laughter filled the space.
And—
That emotion drifted.
From the counter, Hatenna quietly lifted her head.
Hidden beneath her hair, her small eyes watched Ethan's group.
Their happiness…
It felt warm.
She kept watching.
Ethan didn't notice.
But Tyrunt, the social butterfly, did.
The moment he caught Hatenna looking over, he narrowed his eyes mischievously.
Grabbing a chicken leg, he waddled over.
"Tyra!"
He placed the chicken leg in front of Hatenna.
An invitation.
Come eat something tasty with us.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
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