A Large Number of Walking Grass

Most of the Oran Berries weren't ripe yet. Aiven sighed after a brief inspection.

However, perhaps that was precisely why so many Oran Berries remained on this tree.

After his own inspection, Aiven finally found seven ripe Oran Berries among the many. This level of ripeness made them excellent materials for crafting Poké Balls.

Aiven put away the seven Oran Berries, wrapped them up, and placed them in the backpack on the Ironclad Rhinoceros's back.

The Tank Skunk, lying on the ground in the distance, had been watching Aiven's actions. Seeing that he only picked a few ripe Oran Berries, it breathed a sigh of relief and abandoned its plan to use its stench.

"Let's go," Aiven said to his three Spirits.

Before leaving, he glanced back at the Tank Skunk lying on the ground. After a moment's thought, he took two Orange Fruits from his backpack and placed them on the ground.

A White Oran Berry tree needed a Spirit to guard it until it was fully ripe. This Tank Skunk had guarded it for so long; it was a good guardian.

Otherwise, if other Spirits saw the heavily injured Tank Skunk, they might come to snatch the White Oran Berry tree. During a battle between the two Spirits, the tree could easily be damaged.

Watching Aiven ride away on the Ironclad Rhinoceros, the Tank Skunk finally broke free from the vines binding it and cautiously moved towards the Orange Fruits, sniffing them.

As a Poison-type Spirit, the Tank Skunk wasn't afraid of any toxins. After a brief hesitation, it swallowed the Orange Fruits.

Instantly, the Tank Skunk's eyes lit up. The Orange Fruits were incredibly delicious. Compared to them, it suddenly felt that Oran Berries weren't as appealing anymore.

With the Oran Berries obtained, Aiven's return speed increased significantly. The sky was already gradually darkening, and he had to leave the Black Forest before nightfall.

Based on his knowledge, many dangerous Spirits were active at night. Even in his previous life, the forest was unsafe at night, let alone in this world filled with wild Spirits.

The journey was relatively smooth, and they exited the Black Forest before sunset.

Watching the sunset, all the Spirits breathed a sigh of relief. Cherrim let out a big yawn, its petals began to retract, and it transformed back into its Overcast Form.

However, Aiven didn't leave immediately. He continued to wait outside the Black Forest.

He had made an agreement with a Walking Grass to wait for it at the spot where they entered the Black Forest when it got dark.

He didn't have to wait long before he saw over a dozen Walking Grass emerge from the Black Forest. The one leading the group spotted Aiven and immediately ran over happily.

"Walking Grass, well done."

Aiven praised them from the bottom of his heart as he looked at the Walking Grass standing in the distance, looking shy and not approaching.

He counted carefully and found seventeen Walking Grass gathered there. Adding the eight Walking Grass already on the farm, that made twenty-five Walking Grass in total.

Happily accepting Aiven's praise, the Walking Grass swayed the leaves on its head and communicated simply with Aiven.

These Walking Grass were originally from the same Walking Grass tribe as it. They had followed voluntarily after being persuaded, but a significant number of Walking Grass had still chosen to remain in the Black Forest.

Even though the soil in the Black Forest wasn't as fertile as that in the orchard and they constantly faced attacks from other Spirits, it was still their home, and they didn't want to leave.

"It's okay. One day, you'll prove to them that your choice was the right one."

Aiven smiled and patted the Walking Grass's head to comfort it. Under the care of him, a Spirit breeder, the Walking Grass would surely grow quickly.

By the time they returned to Orange Fruit Village, it was completely dark.

Uncle Darby and Aunt Irene were often looking towards the outskirts of the village.

It was already past dinner time, and they were very worried that Aiven hadn't returned.

Aiven had only told them he was going out and hadn't mentioned going to the Black Forest. Otherwise, Uncle Darby would have already organized the villagers to search for him there.

"Aiven, the kid's finally back."

From afar, they saw Aiven returning on the Ironclad Rhinoceros, and Aunt Irene breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, she pretended to be unconcerned and walked towards the farm, intending to reheat the dishes.

Uncle Darby breathed a sigh of relief. Although Aiven wasn't his biological son, he had always treated Aiven as his own.

The next moment, he suddenly froze, a look of helplessness on his face. Seeing the more than ten Walking Grass following behind Aiven, his expression darkened.

He really didn't understand why Aiven had brought back so many Walking Grass. These small Magical Beasts were utterly useless.

"Uncle Darby, I'm back," Aiven greeted him with a smile.

Uncle Darby responded softly. He opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing. Aiven was an adult now, and more importantly, a proud Apothecary.

You'll understand in time. Aiven could see Uncle Darby's opinion of the Walking Grass and thought to himself, he calmly led the Walking Grass back to the orchard.

Upon returning, he took the Ironclad Rhinoceros, laden with medicinal herbs, back to the farm. The Walking Grass, on the other hand, walked towards the grassy area with anticipation.

A large quantity of medicinal ingredients, seven Oran Berries, and twenty-five Walking Grass – Aiven was very satisfied with this trip to the Black Forest. He would have plenty to keep him busy for a while.

First, he needed to prepare the Flower Dew Potion that would allow the Walking Grass to learn the three powder techniques. Depending on the effect of the powder, he would need to prepare separate Flower Dew Potions for Sleep Powder, Paralysis Powder, and Poison Powder. Then, he would research how to make Poké Balls.

"Aiven, what kind of fruit is this?"

As Aiven was organizing the medicinal ingredients, Uncle Darby discovered the Oran Berries and asked in confusion.

He had been a fruit farmer for over ten years and had never seen fruit that looked like this.

"This fruit is called an Oran Berry. It's not edible; I use it to prepare medicine," Aiven said with a smile, patting little Andy, who had come over curiously.

Upon hearing that it wasn't edible, little Andy immediately lost interest and listlessly looked out the window.

The little guy had been quite depressed lately. There were already eight Walking Grass on the farm, but none of the Spirits were willing to become his Magical Beast.

However, he heard that Brother Aiven brought back more than a dozen Walking Grass today. Little Andy thought to himself, with so many Walking Grass, he felt his chances were pretty good.

If it weren't for the fact that it was night, he would have immediately run over to the grass area to interact with the Walking Grass and get them to become his Magical Beast.