Caller: Professor Sada.
"Huh?"
Lucas made a curious sound. Why was Professor Sada calling now—was the Tera Orb already finished?
His slim, long fingers quickly tapped the answer button. The phone speaker crackled, and Lucas sighed, "This phone needs replacing."
He'd bought it second-hand with most of his savings after transmigrating, knowing how important technology was.
And it was thanks to this phone that he'd met Luxray…
"What's wrong with your phone?"
A slightly amused female voice came over the line—it was Professor Sada.
Lucas, about to drift into memory, was snapped back by her voice. He blinked, then replied, "It's just old. I should find a chance to get a new one."
"I see." On the other end, Sada spun in her chair with her long legs, then got to the point, "The Tera Orb is ready."
"Oh?" Lucas' eyes lit up. This was good news. He immediately asked, "Should I come to the lighthouse lab to get it?"
"No need. A little delivery boy volunteered~" Sada's tone softened, with a hint of pride.
"…Arven's coming?" Lucas hesitated, but Sada's silence confirmed it. He said helplessly, "He's only ten. You're letting him cross South Area One to Flatplate Town?"
"Why not? At ten, kids in other regions get their first Pokémon and go on a journey. And Mabosstiff is with Arven—its strength is enough for a beginner's area." Sada knew what Lucas was worried about. "Besides, Arven's very independent lately and started learning to cook."
"You're right, Professor Sada."
Lucas admitted she'd convinced him.
He'd forgotten one of the most outrageous things about this world:
At ten, kids get a starter Pokémon and go out adventuring.
Both Arven and Nemona were now old enough to be considered independent.
"Anyway, Arven left a while ago—he should be arriving at Flatplate Town soon. He doesn't know where your farm is, so you'll need to meet him at the town gate."
"Alright, I got it." Lucas nodded, looking over to see Swampert approaching.
Sada seemed to remember something. "By the way, if you've got questions about the orb, ask me in the next few days.
Once Naranja Academy starts, my husband and I will be back in Area Zero for research, and we won't have time."
Lucas paused, "Both of you in Area Zero… what about Arven?"
Sada's expression was a bit odd. "Naranja Academy is a boarding school. Even when we're home, Arven lives at the dorms to help him adapt. Don't be fooled by his looks—he's independent, and recently started learning to cook."
"So, for now, I'll have to trouble you, Teacher Lucas, to look after him~"
"…Sure." Lucas sighed.
After chatting a bit more, Sada hung up. Lucas turned to Swampert, apologizing, "Let's go. We have to pick someone up in town."
Swampert nodded, its steps as solid and steady as the earth.
…
South Area One, Lighthouse Lab.
After Sada hung up, her husband Turo, dressed in his futuristic outfit, said, "Seems like we'll owe that teacher a special gift once our research advances…"
Sada stroked the beast-tooth necklace on her chest. "Since I heard rumors of bullying at the academy, I've been worried about Arven. He's not cunning, and might just put up with it. Other than Chairwoman Geeta, we don't know anyone at the academy."
"Clavell plans to join, but that's not much help right now."
"It's probably my instincts—I feel that the new teacher is trustworthy, so I shamelessly asked him for help."
Turo took out his Violet Book, lost in thought. "Shameless, huh? You're right. To chase our dreams, once we enter Area Zero, we'll barely have time for Arven—and who knows how long that'll last."
"One side is the dream I've had since youth, the other is being a parent. Reality is cruel…"
Sada stood and patted Turo's shoulder. "But Teacher Lucas' question hit the core—if we're gone, what about Arven?"
"Will he be sad? Lonely? I'm ashamed to say I never thought about it before."
Turo hugged Sada gently. "Let's work hard—find the balance between dreams and responsibility."
"Yeah."
…
"Wow~ Is this Un-big brother's farm?" Arven looked around with curiosity at the scenery.
You almost said 'uncle,' didn't you?
Lucas forced a smile. "As you can see, most of it's still wasteland. Turning it into a real farm will take a long time."
Arven nodded thoughtfully, then crouched to fetch a black, Poké Ball-like crystal orb from his Mabosstiff's backpack and handed it to Lucas.
"Big brother Lucas, this is the Tera Orb Mom asked me to bring you."
Lucas took the orb. The first sensation was cold and smooth, flawless as if naturally made.
The black crystal shell made it hard to imagine how dazzling it would shine when used.
He marveled at the skill required to make such a beautiful item.
Arven tugged his sleeve, "Do you know how to use it, big brother Lucas?"
Lucas hesitated but nodded. He remembered the basics—let's see if it works.
He looked at Swampert, who met his gaze. They instantly understood each other. Lucas grinned, feeling a rare excitement in his chest, and shouted, "Terastallize, Swampert!"