NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: But I'm 007
Luke's eagerness was evident in his tone, so much so that even Jacaranda on the other end of the call could sense it.
Looks like the lack of money is finally pressing down on him.
Jacaranda gave a meaningful smile and said calmly:
"There's no need to rush. The Orange Academy is currently on break. Classes won't start until spring, a month from now."
"This time will be just right for you to complete the initial construction of your place, bringing you one step closer to your dream."
"As for the Tera Orb, I recall that the lighthouse research station in South Area One, where Doctors Sada and Turo work, is quite close to Pallet Town. I'll handle the costs and arrangements. Such a precious item should be delivered personally—it'll give you peace of mind, won't it?"
[Host, why do I feel like this woman has ulterior motives?]
Luke's smile froze momentarily. He replied in his head, albeit awkwardly,
"You think I'm stupid? I've seen more tricks than the number of hosts you've contracted with. I can pretty much guess Jacaranda's intentions... but fair is fair. This is a deal I'm willingly making!"
"Do you even understand the value of a job as a teacher with ironclad benefits? Two classes a week with a decent salary—that's the dream of every overworked 996 employee!"
Although Luke had never been to Orange Academy and didn't know exactly how much a teacher's salary was, he figured it would at least cover his utility bills.
Not to mention, he could get the Tera Orb's creation costs covered. How could he pass up such a good deal?
[But I'm 007 here...]
Luke: "..."
For a moment, he didn't know how to continue the conversation.
Despite bantering with the system in his head, Luke didn't forget to handle business. Like a responsible adult, he confirmed details with Jacaranda regarding the starting date, salary, and other specifics.
Satisfied, Luke waited for her to hang up first. The moment she did, he nearly cheered aloud.
Yes!
Not only were his utility bills sorted, but he'd also have extra cash left over!
Jacaranda had promised that even during his probationary period, he'd earn a salary of $50,000 per month.
With little work to do, he was more than happy.
Sure, the income didn't quite match the prestige of a champion-level trainer, but high-profile tasks and responsibilities often came with more headaches.
Thanks to the advancement of productivity, the prices of most goods across the regions were relatively standardized.
Pokémon-related items were more expensive. For example, Poké Balls like the standard Red-White Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls cost slightly more than they did in the games.
They were pricier, but still affordable for the average person. Regular wages could easily buy a good number of Poké Balls, so there was no need to risk life and limb just to afford one.
Land prices were also reasonable in small towns like Pallet Town. For instance, Luke had purchased a plot bordering the wild mountains, rivers, and forests for just $2 million from his savings.
In big cities like Lumiose or Castelia, though, prices would be an entirely different story.
Luke weighed the Tera Orb's raw material in his hand while pondering the future layout and operations of his farm.
"By the way," he asked, "do you have any features like a system space or storage space?"
The raw material was too valuable to leave lying around. Until he visited the research station in South Area One, he worried about carrying it with him or leaving it at home.
[Sorry... I don't have those features.]
Strangely, Luke thought he could sense a tinge of sadness in the system's words.
Sighing, he scratched his head, unsure how to console it. Instead, he rummaged through a box of items.
"I think there's a usable bag in here somewhere."
Muttering to himself, he searched until his eyes lit up upon spotting a small, woven canvas shoulder bag.
It was probably something the elderly woman had made for her husband. Luke didn't mind using items from the deceased—he was a firm materialist, after all.
Placing the Tera Orb raw material into the small bag, he adjusted the strap to keep it securely in front of his chest, feeling slightly reassured.
"Alright, now I can go shop for some essentials."
---
That night.
The sky was dark and studded with countless stars, with soft moonlight illuminating the serene scene.
Suddenly, a gust of wind broke the calm. A blur of orange descended from the sky, accompanied by the concerned voice of a young man.
"Slow down, slow down! Tonight's dinner is still on your back!"
Luke pushed open the creaky gate of his future farm, visibly exasperated. Behind him, a Luxray carried a load of supplies on its back.
"Bo-ooh!"
A low, slightly dopey cry echoed as a rotund Dragonite with tiny, adorable wings on its back scratched its head sheepishly, clearly guilty.
Dragonite realized it might have gotten too excited.
After all, it had been ages since it could let loose—and there was a feast waiting tonight! So maybe it flew just a *little* too fast.
Luke held his forehead, immediately recognizing that Dragonite had missed the point entirely.
It thought he was upset about its flying speed and recklessness when, in reality, he was worried about it accidentally dropping the bottles and jars strapped to its back.
Without the right seasonings, Aegislash was sure to get mad.
How had the clever little Dratini he once knew grown into such a personality after its long evolution journey?
But when Dragonite stretched out its arms, as if asking for a hug, its expression so innocent and reminiscent of its hatchling days, Luke couldn't stay mad.
With a sigh, he embraced it briefly.
"Alright, let's get to work."
Luke walked over to Luxray, unloading its heavy burden of bedding and household supplies. Meanwhile, Dragonite carried food and condiments.
Luke smiled.
"I'll go inside and get everything set up. Tomorrow morning, I'll head to South Area One to visit Dr. Sada and Dr. Turo."
"Luxray, Dragonite, take everything to Aegislash in the back. He'll handle it."
"Meow!"
"Bo-ooh!"
Dragonite and Luxray cheerfully trotted off to find Aegislash.
It had been far too long since they'd had Aegislash's grilled skewers.
The mere thought of sizzling meat skewers, dripping with seasoning and spices, made their mouths water.
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