It was only a flicker—a blur of teal and cream against the overgrown emerald weeds—but to Lin Feng's newly heightened senses, it might as well have been a neon sign.
His Eye of Exploration locked onto the target instantly, and the data that flooded his vision made his heart skip a beat.
Pokémon: Snivy (Female)
Ability: Contrary (Hidden Ability—Extremely Rare!)
Aptitude: Red (King/Legendary Potential)
Individual Values (IVs):
HP: 23
Attack: 21
Special Attack: 24
Defense: 25
Special Defense: 24
Speed: 31 (Perfect!)
Strength: Level 15 (Intermediate)
Skills: Leaf Blade, Grass Mixer, Glare, Vine Whip, Leech Seed.
Description: A highly intelligent, incredibly proud Snivy. It seems to have developed a refined palate for high-sugar Pecha Berries.
Affection: 5 (Wary)
Happiness: 10 (Slightly Grumpy)
Red Aptitude? Lin Feng's grip on his shovel tightened.
In this world, Pokémon potential was categorized by a color-coded tier system: White, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, and Gold. While a White-tier Pokémon could technically become a champion through sheer blood and sweat, it was like trying to win a Formula 1 race in a sedan. A Red-tier Pokémon was a natural-born monarch.
And the ability? Contrary. If this Snivy used a move that usually lowered its stats, those stats would increase instead. It was one of the most "broken" tactical abilities in the competitive world.
"A diamond in the rough... right in my backyard," Lin Feng whispered.
The Snivy was currently crouched behind a Pecha tree, its tiny hands clutching a half-eaten fruit. It was trying to blend into the shadows, but Lin Feng decided to play a different game. He didn't chase it. Instead, he channeled his Divine Everstone Power, radiating an aura of calm, grandmotherly hospitality.
"You know," Lin Feng said, his voice loud enough to carry through the leaves, "it's generally considered impolite to break into someone's home and eat their dessert without saying hello. Are you a guest, or just a very small thief?"
The rustling stopped. Snivy's pride was her greatest trait, and the word "thief" hit her like a Super Effective move.
Slowly, she stepped out from behind the trunk. Her skin was a brilliant, healthy green that shimmered like polished jade under the afternoon sun, her belly a creamy, silk-like white. She stood with her chin tilted up, looking down her nose at Lin Feng despite being barely a foot tall.
"Vine... Whip?" (Is this your tree?)
Thanks to his power, Lin Feng understood her perfectly. He gestured to the scattered pits on the ground. "It is. And judging by the graveyard of pits at your feet, you've had quite the feast."
The Snivy's cheeks flushed a soft pink. She looked at the abandoned state of the plantation, then back at Lin Feng. She had assumed this place was a "forgotten treasure chest." To find out it actually had a master made her feel incredibly undignified.
"Vine Whip! Snivy!" (I'll... I'll go to the forest and bring you back wild ones to pay you back!)
Lin Feng shook his head, looking disappointed. "Wild ones? Those are sour and watery. You've tasted my family's heritage berries; you know nothing in the wild compares to the sweetness of a cultivated Pecha. Bringing me wild fruit is like paying for a steak with a handful of grass."
The Snivy fidgeted, her tail twitching. She couldn't stand the idea of owing a debt, especially a "low-quality" one.
"How about this," Lin Feng proposed, the trap now set. "I'm reopening this Nursery, and as you can see, the weeds are taking over. If you help me clear this plot and guard the perimeter, we'll call it even. Plus..." He leaned in closer. "I'll cover your meals. And I don't just mean raw berries. I mean real food."
Snivy tilted her head, her amber eyes sparkling with suspicion and curiosity. "Vine Whip?" (Just pulling weeds?)
"Just pulling weeds," Lin Feng confirmed. "Think of it as a labor contract."
The proud grass-type looked at the massive field. To her, it looked like a lot of work. But the memory of the sweet juice from earlier lingered on her tongue. With a sharp, decisive nod, she stepped into the tall grass.
Swish!
Using her Vine Whip like two dexterous extra arms, she began ripping weeds out by the roots with terrifying efficiency.
Lin Feng watched her for a moment, a satisfied smile on his face. He had a Red-tier helper with a perfect speed IV. At this rate, the field would be ready for planting by sundown. "Work hard," he called out. "I'm going to the kitchen to prepare the 'signing bonus.'"
Inside the Nursery's workshop, Lin Feng felt a surge of confidence. The old berry mixers and freeze-dryers were dusty, but they still hummed to life.
With his Divine Breeder knowledge, the recipes in his head weren't just instructions; they were a symphony. He selected the ripest Pecha berries he had just picked, added a dash of specialized yogurt for fermentation, and a pinch of sweet-scented powder.
He moved with a fluid grace he never possessed before. Crushing, heating, solidifying—the process was art.
"Ding! Eye of Exploration Analysis:"
Item: Custom B-Rank Energy Cube (Pecha-Yogurt Blend)
Quality: Exceptional (Masterwork)
Primary Effect: Neutralizes Poison-type toxins up to the Overlord level.
Cooking Effect: 'Sweet Bliss.' Grants a 10% Poison resistance for 30 minutes and a temporary 5% boost to Special Attack.
Note: This quality is typically only achievable by Top-Tier Breeders with decades of experience.
Lin Feng whistled. "A B-rank with a combat buff? That's unheard of for a simple snack."
Back at the plantation, Snivy was a whirlwind of green. She had already cleared a massive square of land, piling the weeds neatly by the fence. She was panting slightly, the sun beating down on her back, but her pride kept her going.
"Take a break, Queen," Lin Feng called out.
Snivy paused, wiping a bit of dirt from her brow with a vine. She watched as Lin Feng approached, holding a small, shimmering pink cube. The aroma hit her before he even reached the fence. It was the scent of Pecha berries, but concentrated, creamy, and undeniably elite.
"Vine...?" (What is that?)
"A sample of what it means to work for a Divine Breeder," Lin Feng said, offering the cube on his palm.
Snivy didn't pounce. She maintained her dignity, leaning forward slowly. She took a delicate lick, her eyes narrowing as she tasted the yogurt-infused sweetness. Then, her eyes flew open.
Her pupils dilated. A shiver of pure, unadulterated pleasure ran down her spine, making her tail curl. She quickly snatched the rest of the cube and began to chew, her little cheeks puffing out.
It wasn't just food. It was like a warm sunbeam was radiating from her stomach to her very fingertips. Her exhaustion vanished, replaced by a tingle of energy.