Agung watched the Oddish struggle, his protective instincts from years of patrolling the city streets kicking in. He didn't want to "delete" a living creature; he wanted to manage a sanctuary.
"System," Agung called out, his voice steady. "Tell me straight. If Meowth overdoes it, does that Oddish just... vanish into digital dust? Or does it stay on the grass?"
The Central Computer's voice resonated with a reassuring, hum-like frequency.
> [SYSTEM ECOLOGY PROTOCOL]
> Warden Agung, this is a Biological Sanctuary, not a simulation.
> * Fainting: When a Pokémon's HP reaches zero, it enters a "Fainted" state. It will remain on the ground, exhausted and unable to move for a period of time.
> * Persistence: Fainted wild Pokémon do not disappear. They will eventually recover and retreat to their dens, or they can be brought to the Mansion's Health Wing for faster recovery.
> * Warden's Duty: As the Warden, you can choose to leave a fainted Pokémon alone, or you can use a Potion or Revive on a wild Pokémon to earn its deep gratitude (and a massive boost to its 'Catch Rate' or 'Friendship').
> * The Food Chain: While "disappearing" doesn't happen, wild predators (like Arbok or Pidgeot) may target fainted prey. Your presence as a Warden prevents this within your immediate vicinity.
Agung let out a long sigh of relief. "Good. I'm a cleaner, not a ghost-maker. I don't want any 'disappearing' on my watch."
He looked back at the battle. The Oddish was barely standing, its leaves drooping. Meowth was poised, his claws unsheathed and gleaming in the emerald light.
"He's ready to finish it, partner," Agung said to Meowth. "But look at those roots. That Oddish knows this soil better than we do."
Agung reached into his pocket and felt the cool, smooth surface of the Lure Ball. It was his only one, but he realized that a "Gardener" who knew the local flora might be worth more than a random Water-type he hadn't even found yet.
"Change of plans, Meowth! Don't scratch him again."
Agung stepped forward, balancing the Lure Ball in his palm. He recalled the weight of the heavy brooms he used to swing—this was much lighter. He took aim and tossed the blue-and-red sphere.
"Welcome to the team, little sprout!"
> [ITEM USED: LURE BALL]
> The ball hits the Oddish!
> Shake...
> Shake...
> Shake...
> [CLICK!]
> [SUCCESS! WILD ODDISH CAUGHT!]
> Species: Oddish (Male)
> Nature: Relaxed (+Defense, -Speed)
> Potential: Grade C
> Held Item: Tiny Mushroom (Added to Inventory)
The Lure Ball vanished, and the Oddish's data appeared on Agung's Pokédex.
"I'm keeping him," Agung decided instantly. "System, register the Oddish as 'Ranch Staff: Head Gardener.' He can help the Miltank find the best grass when she hatches."
Meowth grunted, looking a bit disappointed he didn't get to land the final blow, but he quickly went back to sniffing the Tiny Mushroom Agung now held.
> [NOTIFICATION]
> Warden Agung, with two Pokémon now under your command, your 'Patrol Power' has increased!
> The Oddish is pointing toward a dense thicket of thorns. It seems to recognize the scent of the Honey-Dew Nectar you were looking for.
"Good work, Oddish!" Agung patted the small blue head. "Lead the way. We've got a Combee egg to hatch and a kitchen to stock."