Pokemon: I'm a Farmer

After the first discussion, the Meteor Falls expedition team went their separate ways to prepare, and Rex was no exception. He originally thought this commission would take at most ten days to half a month, so he didn't prepare too many supplies. In particular, there wasn't enough food for the Pokémon.

Fortunately, there was a Pokémon store in town, so he didn't have to worry too much about the food issue. He just needed to go to town to stock up.

After replenishing essential food and water, Rex also bought a set of miner's clothing and digging equipment. These items would surely be useful underground.

Although he had Sandslash to help, Rex still wanted to experience the fun of digging himself. After all, with his current physical condition, he estimated that he wouldn't get tired even after digging all day.

"Mai, are your supplies ready? I'm about to head back."

Rex had just come out of the store when he ran into Mai, who was also heading back, so he asked.

"Everything's ready. I'm heading back to Professor Birch's lab now."

Mai replied after patting her backpack.

The two then headed back to Professor Birch's lab together. At this time, Beach and John hadn't returned yet. Feeling a bit bored, Rex and Mai started exploring Professor Birch's botanical garden.

Not only did it have starter Pokémon ready to be distributed to new trainers, but it was also home to many Pokémon left in care by trainers from White Town.

There were many Pokémon that Rex had never seen before. The place had developed into a small ecosystem. While not as brutal as the wild, strength still determined each Pokémon's position in this environment.

Like Seviper and Zangoose, even if they were caught by the same trainer, they couldn't coexist peacefully. It was an instinct deeply rooted in their genes, destined to result in a life-and-death battle whenever they met.

Rex and Mai didn't get to wander for too long before Professor Birch roped them into helping Milo feed and clean up after the Pokémon in the botanical garden.

They didn't resist, and soon both were dressed in lab coats, getting to work.

Rex didn't mind; after all, he had strength and stamina, and he was used to farm work, making him quite good at physical tasks.

Mai, however, found it harder to keep up. Before long, she was sweating profusely and breathing heavily, clearly not accustomed to such labor.

"Mai, why don't you rest for a bit? I can handle the rest."

Seeing her struggle, Rex quickly suggested.

"No need, I can do it."

Mai was tempted by the offer but stubbornly refused after glancing at Rex, who wasn't even breaking a sweat.

Although Rex's offer was rejected, he didn't push it further and continued working, handling most of the heavy lifting.

"Thank you both so much today. Without your help, I'd still be busy for quite a while," Milo said gratefully after they finished.

Although Milo was used to the busy life at Birch's lab, having help made her day a lot easier.

"Actually, Rex did most of the work. I did a lot less than him," Mai said, blushing a little.

Even though she had declined Rex's help, she wasn't good at manual labor, so Rex ended up doing most of the tasks, though she didn't slack off either.

When Rex and Mai returned to the lab, they found that Beach and John still hadn't returned, which puzzled them. After all, they were just buying supplies, so it shouldn't have taken this long.

Fortunately, they didn't have to wonder for long. Beach and John soon came back, looking quite pleased with their haul.

"Beach, where did you two go this afternoon? Why did it take so long?"

Rex asked curiously.

"We went to Petalburg City. We figured the supplies there would be more abundant, so we could get everything we needed. Now we're fully stocked," Beach replied with a smile.

"I see!"

Soon it was dinner time, and to treat the group, Professor Birch took them to a local restaurant.

Although Rex found the food there to be fairly average, everyone enjoyed their meal, their excitement for the upcoming expedition clearly showing. Each of them was eager for the adventure and the rewards it might bring.

"I've uploaded a map of Meteor Falls to your Pokédexes. This map was compiled by various trainers who have been to Meteor Falls, and it highlights some spots where Mega Stones might be found. You can use it as a reference when exploring."

Back at the lab, after modifying their Pokédexes, Professor Birch handed them over and explained.

The map was an unexpected bonus, saving the group from aimlessly wandering around Meteor Falls. At least they now had a clearer idea of where to look.

The next morning, Rex woke up early and prepared everything, only to find Mai already having breakfast.

"Mai, why are you up so early? We still have plenty of time before we leave."

Rex asked, taking a bite of a sandwich from the table.

"I'm used to it. When I travel, I get up even earlier than this. I'm done now, so take your time."

Mai wiped her mouth with a napkin, then got up and headed outside.

Rex didn't pay it much mind and continued eating his breakfast. Before long, Beach and John joined him.

Once the three finished and headed to the meeting point, they found Mai already training with her Sceptile and Gallade.

Judging by the intensity of the battle, it was just a warm-up session.

"Since everyone's here, let's set off!" Mai said, recalling her Sceptile and Gallade before releasing an Altaria.

Rex also released his Swellow. Its large size caught the attention of the others, even Beach, who had seen it before.

Beach then released his Salamence, while John's flying Pokémon was a Charizard, exuding an imposing aura.

Salamence was initially lazy, but when it saw Swellow, its eyes narrowed, and it quickly moved to shield Beach. Clearly, it hadn't forgotten their previous battle.

"All right, Salamence. Swellow is our ally now, so let's put the past behind us," Beach reassured his Salamence, which relaxed slightly but kept most of its attention on Swellow.

In contrast, Swellow remained calm by Rex's side, as if nothing had happened. However, Rex knew Swellow wasn't as peaceful as it appeared. It still resented being weaker than Salamence.

(End of Chapter)