Making Money Isn't Shameful

Terastallization.

As a special phenomenon unique to the Paldea region that occurs with Pokémon, it holds the same status as Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Gigantamax – three "special systems" unique to the Pokémon world.

Its effect is incredibly game-changing, capable of temporarily altering a Pokémon's type.

It can even change a Dragon-type to Fairy-type, or a Fire-type to Water-type.

Along with the type change, it grants STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) for moves of the new type, significantly boosting the Pokémon's combat capabilities.

In the current timeline of the Paldea region, as far as he knew, Terastallization had been researched by the couple Dr. Futaba and Dr. Jacq.

However, due to limitations in raw materials and a lack of mass acquisition channels, Terastallization had not yet become widespread. He and the Chief Champion Poppy had not used Terastallization in their battle.

Poppy, as the Chief Champion, surely possessed a Terastal Orb, but Rōmu certainly did not.

This outer shell, formed by Terastal energy seeping from beneath the Paldea region, which properly encased and protected a Raw Terastal Orb, was incredibly valuable.

It was valuable enough to restore Rōmu, who was currently struggling on the brink of poverty, back to a comfortable life.

Sell it to Poppy!

In a flash, this thought quickly surfaced in Rōmu's mind.

However, the special prompt system went haywire, constantly flashing text before his eyes.

[I know you want to sell it, but NO! DON'T SELL IT!]

[With it, your Pokémon's strength can increase even more. Why sell it?]

[Wuwuwu, please don't sell it, okay? I promise I'll help you when you're building your farm!]

[This is my lifelong request!]

"..."

Rōmu was speechless. What a pathetic system, acting as if he was bullying someone.

"It's not impossible for me to keep it, but you have to be available whenever I need a prompt, deal?"

[Yes, no problem!]

Seeing the text, which clearly conveyed its happiness, Rōmu sighed and mentally accepted this special prompt system.

This guy seemed foolish and without ulterior motives. Having a chat buddy to pass the time wouldn't be so bad.

After moving all the furniture and items that needed to be sun-dried outside with Swampert, Rōmu bumped fists with Swampert's right hand and smiled, saying, "Good work. We'll have a big meal tonight. Head back to your Poké Ball and rest."

Swampert nodded, touched the Poké Ball belonging to him among the six on Rōmu's waist, and vanished into it as a red light.

Rōmu stretched, his gaze sweeping across the ground.

Besides the furniture needing sunlight, the sealed cardboard boxes had also been opened, their contents scattered haphazardly on the floor.

He had already sifted through everything inside. Apart from a few photos of the elderly couple, there was almost nothing useful.

Rōmu planned to tidy these things up later and place them at the elderly couple's graves.

He had also found several bags of unlabeled plant seeds, likely flower and grass seeds.

Unfortunately, these seeds were no longer viable. The elderly couple probably hadn't preserved them properly when they bought them.

And a long time had passed; even if they had been preserved, they might not have lasted until now.

His only significant find was this Raw Terastal Orb in his hand, wasn't it?

Thinking this, Rōmu played with the Raw Terastal Orb in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then took out his phone to make a call.

Ring. Ring. The call was quickly answered.

"How rare. Why are you suddenly calling me today, Champion Rōmu?"

The voice on the other end belonged to Poppy, the Chief Champion and President of the Paldea League.

"I've retired, President. Just call me by my name."

Rōmu helplessly corrected Poppy's title. After developing in the Paldea region for a while, he had naturally caught Poppy's attention.

After getting acquainted, they had become quite familiar. Rōmu didn't feel as nervous talking to her as others did.

Poppy on the other end of the line shook her head slightly. Through this small probing, she could tell that even after half a month, Rōmu had not gone back on his previous decision.

Sighing silently, Poppy said with a calm expression, "Then what is it you need me for this time?"

Rōmu slowly replied, "I found a Raw Terastal Orb and wanted to ask you, President, to help me get it to the two doctors to be made into a usable Terastal Orb."

Hearing this, Poppy's expression immediately turned serious.

A Raw Terastal Orb, this was an extremely rare item.

Furthermore, Rōmu's request wasn't to sell it to her for money but to have it made into a usable Terastal Orb.

This meant he hadn't completely given up on the path of a trainer!

A plan instantly formed in Poppy's mind. She cleared her throat twice, her face full of smiles, "Acting as a go-between is a small matter. However... Rōmu, do you know how expensive it is to craft a Terastal Orb?"

Rōmu was bewildered. Weren't Terastal Orbs items that even new trainers would eventually obtain? How expensive could they be? Wait.

In an instant, Rōmu suddenly remembered that at this point in time, Terastal Orbs had only recently been developed. It was still a long way off from reducing costs and mass production through technological investment. Just like before his transmigration.

Many high-performance black technologies have long been realized, but due to limitations in materials and costs, they can only remain in laboratories and cannot be widely industrialized.

The Terastal Orb is currently in the same situation.

Oh no, I might have been too hasty!

Touching his chest, Luo Mu hesitantly asked, "If I provide the raw materials, how much would it cost to craft a Terastal Orb?"

Poppy smiled and replied, "If you sold the land you just bought, you could probably scrape together enough."

"Hiss..."

Luo Mu gasped, thinking, Crafting it is out of the question! Even selling myself wouldn't be enough to sell this land!

Considering he didn't need the item urgently, Luo Mu was about to give up on making the Terastal Orb when Poppy suddenly spoke, "But this problem isn't unsolvable."

Luo Mu froze, his ears involuntarily perking up to listen.

"I'll cover the crafting costs for you, but I have one condition."

"A condition?"

"In exchange, you need to become a battle teacher at Orange Academy in Mesagoza City."

"Recently, our battle teacher took an extended leave, and as the Chairperson of the academy, I've been troubled by the search for a replacement. You've come at the perfect time."

It's almost as if he walked right into my trap.

As Poppy finished speaking, Luo Mu, holding his phone, fell into thought.

Me, a teacher?

Isn't Poppy afraid I'll corrupt the future flowers of the Paldea region?

Besides, my dream isn't to be a teacher!

Before Luo Mu could refuse, Poppy, as if reading his mind, made an offer he couldn't possibly refuse.

"The battle classes are only two sessions per week, so it won't take up too much of your time. Also, Mesagoza City is very close to Pingdie Town; it won't take long to travel back and forth on your Dragonite."

"Most importantly, I will cover the entire cost of crafting your Terastal Orb, and your salary as a battle teacher will be the same as that of a full-time faculty member. Are you satisfied with this proposal?"

Luo Mu realized he was completely in Poppy's grasp. Every proposal she made hit exactly where he needed it.

Short working hours, a salary to help with household expenses, a free Terastal Orb crafting, and it wouldn't interfere with his dream of being a farmer.

Did he have any reason to refuse?

No!

Luo Mu immediately made his decision: "Chairperson, when should I start working?"