Maternal Aura

After leaving Ecruteak City, the rancher drove east.

Unlike the people Baimu had watched travel on foot before, the rancher could carry far more equipment in his car. His camping setup was on another level.

Baimu had certainly never seen a tent big enough to hold a cow, a horse, a sheep, a monkey, and a gorilla... No, a burly middle-aged man, with plenty of room to spare.

The rancher had also brought a stove, pots, and other proper kitchen gear, along with tables, chairs, and even a small generator. His campsite was brightly lit, and he had a laptop for video calls with his family.

He lit a burner, set down a pot, stir-fried a few dishes, and enjoyed a drink. Life was good.

When he had nothing else to do, he fished for Magikarp and Goldeen by the stream or fed passing wild Pokémon. When the mood struck, he rode Rapidash across the open plains, showing trainers along the way that the world had not only princes on white horses, but burly men on white horses too.

Then he taught the young trainers who looked down on middle-aged men a lesson through Pokémon battles.

What a relaxing camping trip.

He was living the good life.

Baimu began to wonder why the rancher had set out on this journey.

Was he really doing it so his daughter could hold her head high and he could fulfill his dream? Or had he reached middle age, wanted a hobby of his own, and seized the chance to sneak away for a break?

It was hard to say. Really hard to say.

During that time, something else happened.

The Pokémon Egg he had found by chance finally hatched, and what emerged surprised Baimu.

``` [Your Pokémon Egg has hatched.]

[You obtained Swinub.