All thirty berry seeds were planted one after another. Each time a seed was placed into the soil, Tropius and Meganium would step forward to provide attentive care.
Tropius spread its broad leaf like wings, absorbing sunlight through photosynthesis.
It gathered the power of nature and infused it into the soil beneath its feet, giving the seeds buried underground a far better environment for growth.
At this time, Tropius had mastered a move called Natural Gift.
It could draw power from berries to attack, and conversely, it could also channel that power back into berries.
Combined with Tropius's rare Harvest ability, the growth requirements for the berry seeds were significantly reduced.
Not only would they grow faster than other berry seeds, but they would also grow stronger and bear more fruit in the future.
While Tropius focused wholeheartedly on nurturing them, Meganium was not slacking either.
She used her own power to strengthen the berry seeds.
Several vines extended from both sides of her body and plunged into the earth beneath her feet, emerald energy flowing back into the seeds.
This was a reverse application of the move Ingrain. Both Pokémon were using their own methods to care for these freshly planted seeds.
Compared to Tropius, Meganium's role might have seemed smaller at this moment.
In reality, that was not the case. Meganium's miraculous abilities ensured the minimum guarantee.
From seed to towering tree, countless unexpected accidents could occur along the way.
With Meganium present, if a young berry sprout began to wither, a single breath of healing like grass energy could restore it.
Paired with Tropius's attentive care, this batch of berry seeds would practically seem as if they had an undying blessing.
Berry sprout: The weather is too hot and it is scorching my delicate skin. I am done for.
Meganium: You are not allowed to die. Breathe.
Berry sprout: The watering was one minute late today. I am about to die of thirst.
Meganium: No, you are not allowed to die. Another breath of life energy.
Silas could already imagine the back and forth struggle between them.
After planting all thirty seeds, he inserted signboards beside each one indicating the different varieties.
Mission accomplished. Now all that remained was to wait for the seeds to sprout.
Clapping his hands, Silas called out to the two Pokémon busy in the orchard. "Meganium, Tropius, I will leave this to you. I am going to check on the other areas."
"Meganium!"
Meganium responded earnestly, expressing that they would complete the task perfectly.
They had come early in the morning to plant trees, and Silas had not yet done his routine inspection of the ranch.
He greeted Litten and informed it that Clauncher had come to train with it.
After observing for a while, he noticed that both Pokémon had made great progress.
Yes, both of them.
There was no need to elaborate on Litten's evasion skills.
Unless it was a large area of effect attack or a move that never missed, it was extremely difficult to lock onto Litten.
It could dodge in multiple directions within a very small radius, perfectly embodying the idea of being light as a swallow and leaving no trace even on snow.
Even so, Clauncher's Water Gun could occasionally hit Litten, which showed just how much the little one had grown recently.
After watching their training, especially Clauncher's transformation, Silas felt something was odd.
His Clauncher fought completely differently from other Clauncher.
Generally speaking, because of the ability Mega Launcher, Clauncher tended to focus on developing aura and pulse based moves.
The strategy was simple. A slow moving turret with high powered attacks that bombarded the opponent with overwhelming firepower.
But his own shiny Clauncher was entirely different.
Its firepower was just as strong, yet it did not rely on frequent attacks. Instead, it pursued explosive bursts aimed at a single decisive strike.
To put it in simpler terms, Clauncher was treating its cannon like a sniper rifle.
When Silas reached that conclusion, black lines seemed to appear across his forehead.
Well, it was not impossible.
It could zoom in, it had immense power, and it fired single shots. Clauncher was only missing the first feature.
Next time he went out, he would buy it a scope. Who could then say that the massive weapon in Clauncher's claw was not a sniper rifle?
It was just a bit larger and slightly more destructive. That was all.
'Wide Lens, Scope Lens, Zoom Lens, Black Glasses, Wise Glasses, Choice Specs.' Silas counted silently in his mind. 'One, two, three, four, five, six types of glasses. That perfectly makes up for the drawback of a sniper that cannot swap scopes.'
Different opponents required different lenses. That fit the image of a sniper perfectly.
Not wanting to disturb their training further, Silas walked toward the cabin.
As soon as he arrived, he found the place unusually lively. The Meowth, Kangaskhan, Cyclizar, and the others were gathered there, seemingly surrounding a certain Pokémon.
As he approached, he could hear them trying to persuade someone.
"What are you all doing?"
Seeing that it was Silas, Kangaskhan stepped aside while explaining.
"Kang."
Grovyle is leaving. Everyone is trying to convince him to stay.
"What?"
The news came as a shock. Silas's gaze locked onto Grovyle, who stood surrounded by the others.
He had originally planned to let Grovyle stay naturally, allowing the bond to deepen over time until it became inseparable, and then invite him to officially join the ranch.
The sudden announcement of departure caught him completely off guard. There had been no warning signs at all.
Silas glanced at Cyclizar, hoping to get some explanation.
Not only Silas, but Cyclizar looked equally confused.
It had only learned about it when they met earlier that morning, just a few hours ago.
It blinked its innocent eyes at Silas, indicating that it knew nothing more.
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, Silas placed Minccino, who was blocking his view, back onto his shoulder and crouched down to face Grovyle at eye level.
"Grovyle, can you tell me the reason?"
"Grov…"
When asked directly, Grovyle actually became a little awkward.
Considering his rather aloof personality, Silas asked the other Pokémon to leave, even removing Minccino from his shoulder despite its attempt to secretly eavesdrop.
"Now it is just you and me."
"Grov! Grov!"
Grovyle explained the reason, and Silas's expression gradually turned strange.
The reason was simple. Early that morning, Grovyle had accidentally overheard the Heliolisk discussing that they wanted him to become their leader.
For Grovyle, who longed for freedom and romantic encounters, that was unacceptable.
He had originally intended to slip away quietly, but considering his friends at the ranch, he decided it was better to say goodbye before leaving.
He wanted to complete his unfinished journey and search for his true love.
Meeting Grovyle's determined gaze, Silas knew the decision was final. There was no longer any place for him to interfere.
"If you have the chance, come back to visit. Cyclizar, the others, and I will all be waiting for you at the ranch. I hope you find your true love."
Grovyle's departure had always been within Silas's expectations. That was precisely why he had not invited him to join the ranch earlier.
Even without the Heliolisk incident, with Grovyle's free spirited personality, leaving had only been a matter of time.
In the end, Grovyle departed, embarking on his own journey.
Pokémon personalities varied greatly. Some preferred stability, while others cherished freedom.
Everyone had the right to choose their own way of life, and Pokémon were no different.
The one most saddened by Grovyle's departure was Cyclizar. It had lost a playmate.
It remained gloomy throughout the day, until several streaks of yellow lightning rushed down from the back hill. Heliolisk and the Helioptile had come in a panic.
After listening to Heliolisk's explanation, Silas summarized, "You were planning to celebrate Grovyle's birthday. Everything was prepared, and then you realized he had disappeared?"
(End of Chapter)