"Hm, Nacli, Skiddo, and Miltank, huh…"
Seeing how much more confident Lucas was compared to last time, Ellie raised an eyebrow. Looks like Lucas's farm was developing well—he even had spare funds to expand, and was now eyeing Miltank.
When it comes to ranches, you can never avoid the topic of Miltank.
As Johto's globally famous signature Pokémon, Miltank's MooMoo Milk is considered the most nutritious, suitable for all ages. Whether elderly, sick, children, or overworked adults, everyone can get the nutrients they need from this fantasy drink.
Because it's so famous, and because many families prefer to keep their Miltank's milk for themselves rather than sell or trade it, unlike the more common ranch Pokémon, Miltank is always in short supply, and thus, more expensive.
Buying a Miltank through normal channels costs 50,000 League coins. In comparison, Skiddo and Nacli, which also have unique byproducts, cost only 20,000 and 15,000 League coins respectively.
Honestly, whether it's Purifying Salt or Skiddo Milk, their effects and value are only slightly below MooMoo Milk.
Even so, MooMoo Milk is still wildly popular. Ellie thought, if he were a customer, he'd probably also pick the tried and tested MooMoo Milk.
"Nacli and Skiddo are both doing well at the ranch, but as for Miltank… you're a bit late. Miltank were all sold out recently, and I haven't had time to go to Johto to pick out new ones."
Ellie spread his hands apologetically—even he hadn't expected Lucas's farm to develop so quickly, or that he'd already have the money to buy Miltank.
"Ah?"
Lucas's face changed. How did this happen just as he was planning to buy a Miltank?
"Well, nothing to be done then. Let's see the Pokémon you do have."
Sighing, Lucas looked at Ellie, who smiled apologetically and led the way.
Ever since Lucas agreed to help pick out a Tauros, Nemona had been quietly listening to their conversation.
Seeing Lucas's disappointed look at not being able to buy Miltank, Nemona's eyes shifted. She secretly pulled out a supposedly world-limited edition phone from her pocket and sent a message to her butler.
Just as she finished, she heard Lucas calling for her to catch up. She quickly put her phone away and followed.
Inside the Ellie Ranch, in a special area for energetic Pokémon, a herd of Paldean Tauros with gray fur and black manes were running at high speed—the ground shook as if an earthquake had hit.
If you stood too close, you might not even be able to stay on your feet amid their stampede.
Some Tauros, tired from running, would stop and spar with slightly different horns—this was their way of resting.
"Wow! Everyone's so full of energy, they're all raring to go!"
Nemona was more excited than anyone, feeling like every Tauros was her fated partner.
"Of course. Other than at night, I never restrict their running. This area is also isolated to avoid disturbing other Pokémon. That's why they're all so energetic and muscular!"
Ellie patted his chest proudly.
Suddenly, remembering something, Ellie asked, "By the way, do you have enough space, or a big enough park, for Tauros to run? Tauros need to run, or they'll get depressed or unruly."
Ellie felt that, even though he was selling Pokémon, he needed to make sure every one of them would have a good environment.
"Space? Park? Not really, but my house is by the sea, so we have a huge private beach, maybe a kilometer or two long. That should be enough for Tauros to run, right?"
Nemona looked at Ellie, unsure if her conditions were acceptable.
Ellie & Lucas: "…"
I'm tired of saying rich kid out loud!
Ellie twitched his mouth, nodded helplessly. "That's definitely enough. If you have Tauros run back and forth all day, it might even break its legs."
With Ellie' confirmation, Nemona nodded excitedly and looked at Lucas for help. If she picked herself, she'd probably buy all the Tauros!
Lucas had a hunch what Nemona was thinking—like buying all thirty-some 30,000-coin Paldean Tauros at once.
To stop Nemona's dangerous ideas, Lucas released Swampert onto the track as the Tauros returned.
"Nemona, watch closely—what counts most for Tauros is their unstoppable spirit. When two brave souls meet, the winner prevails. The Tauros that dares to charge Swampert is the one most worth catching."
Under Nemona's admiring gaze, Lucas calmly waved and gave the command, "Earthquake!"
Facing a charge from over thirty Tauros, Swampert didn't flinch.
At Lucas's command, Swampert unleashed a ferocious aura, slamming its fists to the ground. A shockwave of yellow energy erupted, shaking the earth!
Many Tauros lost their balance and fell, though their strong bodies meant only scrapes at worst.
Some Tauros, intimidated by Swampert's pressure, stopped running.
Swampert was holding back—the ground only shook, not cracked.
Even so, a dozen or so Tauros dropped out in the first second, and more quit as time passed.
Finally, one Aqua Breed Tauros charged all the way to Swampert, its thick horns crashing toward Swampert—
Swampert caught its horn with one hand, and no matter how hard Tauros struggled, it could not budge.
"What a powerful Swampert," Ellie murmured, awed by its strength.
Nemona was even more excited, hugging Lucas's arm and shouting how cool Swampert was.
Lucas patted her head and pointed at the Tauros caught by Swampert. "I think it's great. Want to try catching it?"
Nemona's grin was full of energy, her white teeth shining. She nodded hard: "Yes! I'll try!"
Nemona now had three Pokémon.
Her starter, Pawmot (who once saved her from kidnappers), an Ursaring (from a Teddiursa caught with Lucas in the Vespiquen's territory), and a pseudo-legendary, Goomy, hatched from an egg prepared by her family.
The Tauros battle was led by Pawmot, her most trusted partner. Nemona's battle skills surprised Lucas—she'd improved a lot over spring break. Travel and real battles really are the best way to grow as a trainer.
Pawmot's Thunder Punch was powerful—even Swampert was impressed, looking forward to Pawmot mastering Double Shock one day.
Nemona's forehead was covered in sweat, breathing hard from the intense fight.
But her expression was satisfied. Holding the Poké Ball with Tauros inside, she slumped down against Pawmot, cuddling close.
Lucas and Ellie exchanged glances and left Nemona to rest, heading to another area to pick Nacli and Skiddo.
Nemona and Pawmot were exhausted—though Swampert held back, the Tauros was still very strong, maybe even the leader of the herd (its horn was covered in scars, proof of its strength).
If not for Pawmot's type advantage, capturing Tauros wouldn't have been so easy. It was time to rest and recover.
On the way to the Skiddo area, Ellie asked Lucas curiously:
"Is she your student too? By the way, what do you teach, exactly?"
"Huh? I didn't mention it before? I teach Battle Studies. Speaking of which, your name is similar to one of my students, Aliquis."
"He's my grandson."
Ellie's calm words hit Lucas like a thunderbolt. After a moment of stunned silence, Lucas smiled in surprise.
"What a coincidence."
"Yes, it is."
Ellie's voice was also unsteady. He hadn't expected Lucas to be his grandson's teacher. But thinking of Swampert's overwhelming strength, it made sense—and he was glad.
With such a powerful trainer as his teacher, Aliquis would surely be able to step out from his brother's shadow.
The two walked in silence to the Skiddo pen.
Ellie didn't ask Lucas to take special care of his grandson. He knew Lucas would do his best regardless.
Because of their arrival, a few Skiddo lying lazily in the grass lifted their heads curiously.
Clearing his throat, Ellie said briefly, "I've already introduced them before. They're all gentle and good-natured."
At his words, the Skiddo came over, one nuzzling Lucas's leg affectionately, another boldly chewing on Lucas's dangling finger like grass.
Lucas patted each Skiddo's head, laughing, "They really are gentle and friendly."
After spending time with them, Lucas quickly picked two who were especially close to him.
Next, Ellie led him to the Nacli's residence—the Salt House.
It simulated their wild habitat, with small rock houses for security, and the rock salt they produced piled inside—clean and easy to collect.
Hearing Ellie's introduction, Lucas considered building a Salt House when he got home.
Opening the Salt House, aside from the clean rock salt, the small, Minecraft-style Nacli stacked in the center caught their eyes.
Ellie whispered, "Those are Nacli. Aren't they cute stacked together?"
"That rock salt, as I mentioned before, not only tastes great, but heals Pokémon. It's very popular outside."
Lucas nodded thoughtfully. Everyone knows about Garganacl—famous for its quality, and the stuff of many a young trainer's nightmares, with its Tera Ghost form's sinister laugh haunting their dreams.
Though his main aim was the rock salt, once the Nacli evolved, he wouldn't mind letting them teach his students a lesson or two—so they'd learn about the dangers of society early!
Nacli cost 15,000 League coins each. With plenty of budget, Lucas picked three with the best stats and potential—they'd make good practice partners for his students.
Back in the main hall, Ellie, unaware his grandson would soon suffer, quoted the final price: "Two Skiddo, 40,000 League coins. Three Nacli, 45,000. Total: 85,000 League coins."
"Card, scan, or cash?"
"Card!"
Flush with cash, Lucas handed over his bank card—transaction complete!