While they were talking, the Milcery in the bowl suddenly made a soft sound. Its creamy, soft body shifted from passive breathing to conscious movement, as if it would soon wake up.
Lucas noticed, and Ellie silently mouthed, "It's waking up."
Understanding, Lucas gently set the bowl on a nearby table and stepped back, so Milcery wouldn't be startled by a stranger upon waking.
Ellie smiled quietly. Although this Milcery was newly born, its personality was quite interesting—sure to surprise Lucas.
"Mil~cery~~"
Under their watch, Milcery first yawned in a cute voice, then opened its blank white eyes (which looked empty at first glance), still a bit hazy. Its creamy body made the effect stronger.
Milcery stretched, then, defying gravity, floated out of the bowl into the air.
This wasn't the Floating Ability—every Milcery could naturally float like this from birth. It was their innate gift.
Milcery first looked at Ellie, who'd cared for it and smiled. Then it turned to the stranger, Lucas, curiosity in its eyes.
It seemed Milcery had a nice temperament.
Noticing Milcery watching him boldly, Lucas had expected it to be shy. Ellie's words proved true: Pokémon at his ranch were generally friendly and popular with Academy students.
After a moment, Milcery, sensing Lucas's gentle aura, floated over and beamed a big smile.
"Mil~" ("Hello!")
"Nice to meet you, Milcery." Even though Lucas couldn't understand Pokémon's speech, his experience let him know Milcery was greeting him, so he smiled back.
"Mil~"
After Lucas responded, Milcery plopped into his palm, flattening itself, then quickly regaining shape.
"Is it… out of energy to float?"
Lucas blinked, feeling Milcery's unique, cloud-like texture.
"After all, it was born just ten days ago and hasn't mastered floating yet," Ellie explained with a smile. "Milcery's been waiting for its true trainer, and always looked forward to this day."
Joking, Ellie added, "Since you two get along so well, don't try to skip out on the bill, okay?"
"Of course not."
Lucas nodded, clearly fond of the little one in his hand.
As a Trainer, raising six main Pokémon took all his energy, but as a rancher, he had plenty of time to bond with all sorts of Pokémon.
His wish to become a rancher was to form bonds with more Pokémon.
Settling the Milcery matter, Lucas, accompanied by Ellie, then picked a Smoliv, a Mudbray, and a Fidough—each one with a good first impression and temperament.
Paying, Lucas asked, "Do you sell regular animals—chickens, ducks, fish, that sort of livestock?"
"No, I only sell Pokémon here. For regular animals, I suggest you check your own town. There should be some for sale," Ellie replied, confirming Lucas's payment had gone through. He handed over four shrunken Poké Balls. "As the seller, I shouldn't say this, but please take good care of these children."
"Of course. If you get a chance, you're welcome to visit my farm," Lucas said, putting the four Poké Balls in his bag and leaving his address.
Ellie took the address, "If I get the chance, I'll visit."
Having spent some money adding four new members to the farm, Lucas was in a great mood. Seeing it was nearly 1 p.m., he bought a curry-flavored sandwich from a shop in Mesagoza.
No wonder sandwiches are so popular for picnics and meals in Paldea—they really are delicious.
If he added those secret spices, the flavor would be even better.
After a walk around Mesagoza, as it neared 2 p.m., Lucas climbed the staircase leading to the Naranja Academy—a staircase so long it made people wonder if it reached the heavens.
Even with his good stamina from traveling, it took Lucas nearly fifteen minutes to reach the Academy's main gate.
There weren't many people outside—lunch was over and most students were back in class.
Lucas's Battle Studies class usually wasn't held in a classroom, since he preferred students to gain practical experience.
The notice for the first class to be held on the field had already been sent via Director Harrington.
Walking briskly, Lucas reached the field without trouble.
Class started at 2:30, and Lucas arrived right on time.
On the huge field, only fifteen students had gathered—it looked especially empty.
Seeing the new teacher—who'd made such an impression at the opening ceremony—the students stopped chatting and gathered around him.
Lucas smiled in satisfaction; he liked students who were this easy to manage.
He took the student list from his bag, planning to call names and memorize each student's face.
"Hello everyone, I'm your Battle Studies teacher. You can call me 'Teacher' or 'Mr. Lucas'." He greeted the fifteen students, and as they replied, "Hello, teacher," "Hello, Mr. Lucas," he scanned the familiar faces. "Let's start with roll call. When I call your name, please answer and introduce your starter Pokémon."
"First, Aliquis."