Pokémon Breeder's Story

Chapter 34: Steven

Steven Stone.

As the heir to the Devon Corporation and the young master of the Stone family, Steven, like other children, chose to become a Pokémon trainer upon turning ten. Today was the fifth month of Steven's journey. In just four months, he had already collected five gym badges and evolved his Beldum into a Metang.

After leaving Meteor Falls, Steven didn't linger on the road. He calculated that if he walked, it would probably be dark by the time he reached Fallarbor Town. This was a common occurrence during a journey. After a moment's thought, Steven decided to press on.

Sure enough, by the time he was halfway there, it was already evening. Steven looked up at the sky and saw that it was getting dark.

"In that case, let's just rest somewhere around here for tonight!"

There was still some distance to Fallarbor Town, but traveling at night was not very safe. Steven decided to wait until morning to continue.

The League's technology had already developed to a very advanced stage. With the application of spatial technology in backpacks, it was extremely convenient for trainers traveling in the wild.

Just as Steven was preparing to set up camp, his Metang suddenly flew forward and looked in a certain direction.

"What is it, Metang?"

Steven was a little confused. He followed Metang's gaze and saw a lit-up house on the side of the road not far ahead.

That is...

Steven was taken aback. He and Metang walked forward together. Soon, they saw a sign hanging on the door of the house. The sign read "Now Open for Business." And on one side of the door stood a small blackboard, which listed the main business of this building.

[Breeding Center Main Business]

[1. Pokémon Fostering]

[2. Moves Currently Available for Tutoring: Baby-Doll Eyes, Tackle, Sleep Powder, Swords Dance, Protect, Toxic, Odor Sleuth.]

[3. Egg Hatching: By fostering two Pokémon of the same Egg Group and different genders at the center, you can breed a superior offspring.]

[4. Rare Items for Trade: Common Stone, Big Root.]

[5. Now Buying in Bulk: Moon Stones!]

[6. Food and Lodging.]

"A breeding center? And an inn?"

Steven didn't need any Pokémon breeding services, but this place also seemed to be running an inn on the side. In any case, sleeping in a soft, comfortable bed was much more reassuring than sleeping in a wilderness full of dangerous wild Pokémon.

Steven decisively pushed open the door to the breeding center.

What greeted him was a lobby decorated in a very warm and slightly cute style. The lights were on. On the sofa meant for guests, a group of Clefairy were currently playing, while a Bewear was cleaning with a broom. The main door faced a counter, and behind it, a young man about his own age was leaning back in a chair, engrossed in a book. Beside the young man, on one side of the counter, a very young and energetic-looking Growlithe was lying down.

Outside the window was a boundless forest and wilderness shrouded in darkness, but inside the building was a completely opposite scene. A young man living together with a group of Pokémon... Under the warm lighting, the entire breeding center exuded a reassuring and cozy atmosphere.

A customer has arrived!

Hearing the door open, Kenji immediately looked up. But when he saw the visitor's appearance clearly, he was stunned for a moment. That unmistakable aura of a noble young master, that handsome face, and that flowing silver hair... Although the person's face was still youthful, Kenji recognized his identity at a glance.

It was the future Champion of the Hoenn region, Steven Stone! Except, not yet.

Kenji noticed the Metang beside Steven. So, this was Steven during his early journeying days?

"Welcome! This is Kenji's Breeding Center, and also the Bewear Inn!" Although he was puzzled, Kenji didn't show it on his face. He maintained a professional demeanor and greeted the guest. "Are you here to foster a Pokémon or for a room?"

"Pardon the intrusion. I'd like to rest here for one night," Steven replied.

"So you're staying the night." Kenji pointed to the small blackboard above the counter and said, "The prices for food and lodging are up there. If you need anything, just let me know."

Steven looked up and saw some basic information written there.

[The Bewear Inn]

[5000 Pokédollars/Night]

[The Bewear Restaurant - Current Menu:]

[- Ramen: 800/bowl]

[- Congee: 300/bowl]

[- Berry Juice: 100/cup]

[- Sandwich: 500/serving]

[- Pokémon Snacks: 500/serving]

[- Moomoo Fresh Milk: 600/cup]

[- Egg Fried Rice: 900/bowl]

"Grumble, grumble—"

After spending so long in Meteor Falls and rushing on the road all afternoon, Steven was indeed hungry. He was looking at the menu when a few of the Clefairy on the sofa suddenly hopped off, ran to his side, and took his travel backpack from him.

Steven was slightly taken aback.

"Please don't worry, this is a special feature of our shop, the Waiter Clefairy. They will take your bag to your guest room," Kenji explained.

Steven understood. Pokémon were very intelligent creatures, and he had seen many situations where Pokémon helped out in shops. He let go, handing his backpack to the two Clefairy, and watched them disappear up the staircase.

"Your room is on the second floor, first door on the right," Kenji said after Steven paid.

Steven nodded and then ordered, "I'd like a bowl of ramen, a cup of Berry Juice, three cups of Moomoo Milk, and three servings of Pokémon food, please."

"No problem. My name is Kenji, how should I address you?" Kenji asked.

"Steven."

As soon as Steven's voice fell, two more Clefairy from the group on the sofa hopped down.

"One bowl of ramen, one cup of Berry Juice, three cups of milk, and three servings of Pokémon snacks," Kenji repeated to them.

The two Chef Clefairy nodded happily. "Clefairy~!" We've got it!

Seeing this, Steven was taken aback. He watched the two Clefairy run towards the kitchen, and an incredible thought suddenly appeared in his mind. The meal he had just ordered... the chefs preparing it couldn't possibly be those two Clefairy, could they?

Steven's face was filled with astonishment. He turned to look at the young owner named Kenji.

Kenji smiled and said, "The Clefairy serve as my assistants at the breeding center. When I'm too busy or tired, they help me cook."

"They're your Pokémon?" Steven was surprised. It wasn't just because the Clefairy could help with work, but because Clefairy were known to be extremely rare Pokémon, almost never seen in the wild. They lived in quiet, deep mountains, their numbers extremely small. It was said that in some places, if someone carelessly showed them off, they would be targeted by thieves who specialize in stealing Pokémon.

And now... this breeding center had so many Clefairy!