Even over the phone, Geeta could faintly sense Lucas' eagerness in his voice.
Looks like he's already feeling the pinch of having little money.
Geeta gave a meaningful smile and said slowly,
"No need to rush. Naranja Academy is currently on break, and classes won't start again until spring, a month from now."
"That gives you just enough time to finish your initial construction and get a step closer to your dream."
"As for the Teras Orb, I remember the Lighthouse Laboratory where the two professors work is near Flatplate Town in South Area One. I'll handle the cost and arrangements. Such a precious item should be delivered to them by you—it'll be more reassuring that way."
[Host, why do I feel like this woman has some other motive?]
Lucas' smile froze for a moment. He awkwardly replied in his mind,
'You think I'm dumb? I can pretty much guess Geeta's goal... But business is business, and I'm willing to take this deal!'
'Don't you get the value of a cushy teaching job that only requires two classes a week and pays well? That's the ultimate dream for us wage slaves, except maybe staying at home and doing nothing!'
Lucas had never been to Naranja Academy and didn't know how much teachers earned, but at the very least, it should be enough to cover his future utility bills.
Plus, getting the Tera Orb for free—how could he refuse such a good deal!?
[But I'm 007...]
Lucas: "..."
He suddenly didn't know how to continue that conversation.
Despite joking with the system in his mind, Lucas didn't forget his actual business.
Like any responsible adult, he confirmed with Geeta the exact starting date, salary, and other details. Lucas waited for Geeta to hang up, then almost cheered out loud.
Awesome!
Not only would his water and electricity bills be taken care of, but there'd even be money left over!
Geeta promised that even during his probation period, Lucas would get a monthly salary of 50,000.
Few responsibilities, good pay—he was perfectly satisfied.
It might not seem to match his status as a champion-level trainer, but the more important the job, the more trouble it usually brought...
Probably due to increased productivity, the price of most goods across the regions was very standardized.
Pokémon-related items were a bit expensive—like Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls, all a bit pricier than in the games, but still reasonable. At least, with an average salary, you could afford plenty of Poké Balls. You'd never have to risk your life just to get one empty Poké Ball.
Land wasn't too expensive, either, at least in a small town like Flatplate. Lucas' land, bordering mountains, rivers, and forests, only cost him two million.
But in big cities like Lumiose or Hammerlocke, prices would be a different story...
Weighing the Tera Raw Gem in his hand, Lucas thought about farm layout and future business, then asked,
"By the way, do you have a system inventory or storage space or anything like that?"
This raw gem was too valuable. He was nervous carrying it around and worried about leaving it at home, at least until he could get to the research lab.
[Sorry, I don't have that function.]
Somehow, Lucas could sense a tinge of grievance in the text.
He sighed, not sure how to comfort it, and scratched his head before rummaging through the boxes.
"I remember there was a small bag in here I could use."
He mumbled as he searched until he found a small canvas shoulder bag.
Most likely, it was something the old lady had made for her husband. Lucas had no qualms about using the possessions of the deceased—he was a firm materialist.
He put the Tera Raw Gem in the bag, adjusted the strap so it stayed close to his chest, and felt a little more at ease.
"Alright, now I can go buy some daily necessities."
…
That night.
A sky full of stars shone over the dark town, the moonlight gentle and bright.
Suddenly, a strong wind swept through, carrying with it a blurry orange shape descending from the heavens. Along with the wind came a man's slightly exasperated voice.
"Slow down, slow down! Your dinner's in here!"
Lucas pushed open the farm's old gate, followed by Luxray, who was laden with supplies.
"Bwooo~"
A dopey cry rang out as a chubby Dragonite, with a cute little horn and two whiskers, scratched its head sheepishly, looking guilty.
Dragonite knew it had gotten a little too excited today, flying a bit too fast. But with a feast tonight and having been cooped up for so long, it couldn't help itself.
Lucas sighed, instantly seeing that Dragonite thought he was upset about the flying, not the more important issue:
He was just worried Dragonite might drop all the bottles and jars it was carrying.
Without the right barbecue spices, Gallade would be mad.
How did such a clever little Dratini turn into this after its final evolution?
But, seeing Dragonite's pleading look—so much like when it first hatched—Lucas just sighed and gave it a quick hug.
"Alright, time to get to work." Lucas walked over to Luxray and took the bags.
These were the bedding and home essentials for tonight, while Dragonite carried the food and seasonings.
Lucas smiled,
"I'll go tidy up. Tomorrow morning I need to visit Professor Sada and Professor Turo at the South Area One lab."
"Luxray, you and Dragonite go find Gallade behind the house and give him the stuff."
"Meowr~"
"Bwooo~"
Dragonite and Luxray responded cheerfully and trotted off to find Gallade.
They hadn't had Gallade's grilled skewers in ages—just thinking about it made their mouths water.
Aromatic, sizzling, perfectly cooked meat skewers, juices dripping...