Once all the leaves from the Tree of Beginning were washed clean, Ange saw that it was not yet time for bed, so he planned to start making World Tree Tofu.
After making the World Tree Tofu, he would have Munchlax and the others take it home so that Charcadet and Oinkologne could directly bring it to Xerneas.
He hoped Xerneas could eat it early and recover sooner.
Despite having turned into a tree form, Xerneas could still eat things, as it was not a tree in the literal sense.
After the moisture on the leaves of the Tree of Beginning had drained, Ange took his apprentices and officially began making the World Tree Tofu.
Besides the leaves of the Tree of Beginning, another important material needed to make World Tree Tofu was plant ash.
Plant ash, as the name implied, was the ash left behind after plants were burned.
However, the plant ash needed for making World Tree Tofu was somewhat unique; plant ash from burning ordinary plants could not be used. It had to be produced by burning the leaves of Berry trees.
Furthermore, during the burning process, the leaves of six types of Berry trees—Chesto Berry, Pecha Berry, Rawst Berry, Lum Berry, Persim Berry, and Cheri Berry—had to be burned in a 1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio.
Only plant ash obtained this way could be used to make World Tree Tofu.
These six types of Berries were all relatively common, and their leaves were not difficult to obtain. Ange grew them in his own orchard, so he had prepared them long ago while he was at home.
Therefore, the first step in making World Tree Tofu was preparing the plant ash water, a process that was not complicated.
First, the plant ash was added to pure water at a 1:8 ratio and stirred, then left to sit and settle.
Next, gauze was used to filter the settled plant ash water, removing the ash residue and leaving only the pure plant ash water for later use.
The second step involved boiling the leaves and extracting the juice.
First, the leaves were boiled. A pot of water was brought to a boil, and the drained leaves of the Tree of Beginning were soaked in the boiling water for about three minutes before being scooped out.
Next, the juice was extracted. The soaked leaves were placed in gauze and repeatedly squeezed to press out the green liquid.
This process was completed by Ange, Munchlax, and Gengar together.
Ange and Munchlax were strong and worked efficiently. Gengar used Psychic to control the squeezing with its mental power, and its efficiency was no less than theirs.
Inteleon did not have an advantage in strength, so it remained responsible for helping Ange boil the water and soak the leaves.
The third step was the curdling and solidification.
First, the curdling. The extracted green juice was filtered into a large basin, and then the prepared plant ash water was added in a certain proportion and stirred evenly.
Then came the wait for solidification. The mixture was left to sit in cold water for about 10–15 minutes until it solidified.
The final step was adding the seasonings.
The solidified World Tree Tofu was a tender green color. Ange removed them from the basin and used a knife to cut them into small, square pieces.
Depending on individual tastes, different seasonings could be added.
For those who liked sweet flavors, sugar, condensed milk, or honey could be added.
For those who liked savory flavors, seasonings such as salt, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, chili, and sesame oil could be added.
Since he did not know Xerneas's preferences, Ange made both flavors.
Not only was Xerneas going to eat it, but Yveltal had to eat as well! This was the exclusive food shared by both Legendary Pokémon.
Once it was finished, Ange placed them into different plates according to their flavors and had Munchlax put them into the System Backpack.
Then he instructed Munchlax that, upon returning, Charcadet and Oinkologne should deliver Xerneas's portion, while Munchlax should personally deliver Yveltal's portion.
Ange and his three apprentices worked until very late, using up all the leaves of the Tree of Beginning picked that day. The amount made was surely enough for Xerneas and Yveltal to eat for a while.
Ange made the World Tree Tofu according to the quality of the leaves.
There were too few Special Grade leaves, so Ange only managed to make two portions, enough for one meal each for Xerneas and Yveltal.
To his surprise, however, these two portions of World Tree Tofu produced a special effect during the making process, capable of providing the consumer with a massive amount of life force in one go.
With this World Tree Tofu, Xerneas would surely be able to recover much faster.
After all the World Tree Tofu was prepared, Ange and his apprentices cleaned everything up.
By this time, it was already late, so Ange sent Diancie and the others back home.
However, Munchlax was unwilling to leave no matter what and insisted on staying here overnight. Ange could not persuade it otherwise and could only agree to let it stay.
If it stayed, it stayed; anyway, it would be in time to return home tomorrow morning.
That night, Ange set up a tent in Mew's home and shared a blanket with Munchlax for the first time in a long while.
Munchlax was furry all over, and hugging it to sleep was simply too comfortable.
Early the next morning, when the first rays of sunlight shone through the grotto overhead, Ange opened his eyes.
Munchlax was still fast asleep beside him. He did not know how it had rolled during the night, but it had already rolled to the other side of the tent.
Ange crawled over and gently nudged it. "Munchlax, it's time to get up!"
Munch~
Munchlax rolled over dizzily.
Ange patted its cheek helplessly. "If you don't get up, you'll be late!"
Munch~
Hearing this, Munchlax bounced up like a ball, completely awake.
"I'll teleport you home. Everyone should be getting up for breakfast soon," Ange said to it.
Munch munch~
Munchlax nodded vigorously. Although it was reluctant to part with its master, it still had work to do and could not be lazy because of this.
After returning home, Munchlax immediately rushed back to its room to wash up, then quickly ran downstairs and entered the kitchen to get busy.
When it went downstairs, Diancie was already leading the two Spinarak and Mareep in cleaning.
The two Spinarak each held a palm-sized cloth to help Diancie wipe the tables, while Mareep followed closely by Diancie's side, behaving very well.
Inteleon had already taken Ralts and the others to the Azoth Royal Capital early in the morning.
Passimian had also gone to the winery in the Secret Fortress early. It had begun brewing wine based on the knowledge learned from the training room.
Ange had already prepared the materials needed for brewing, such as Berries and grains, for it long ago.
Dusknoir and the Shuckle were assisting Passimian.
Shuckle had a special talent; placing grains and Berries inside their bodies could accelerate fermentation, simplifying the brewing process while also improving the quality of the wine.
The brewing knowledge Passimian learned specifically mentioned how to use Shuckle to brew wine.
Besides brewing, Passimian also learned how to make juice drinks.
Since learning the System's knowledge, it had silently resolved to become a master brewer, bartender, and juice blender in the future.
Once its skills improved, it would have Ange open the first floor of the Secret Fortress for it to run a bar. At that time, any Pokémon wanting to drink wine or juice could be satisfied here.
If it could be paired with Magearna's desserts, it would definitely be even better!
Passimian felt excited just thinking about it; it would certainly be able to run the bar well!
Magearna was also researching and making desserts in the kitchen on the second floor early on.
However, it had been a bit troubled recently.
According to the knowledge taught by the System, to create the highest grade of desserts, Magearna needed the help of an Alcremie.
But there were no Alcremie on the Nebel Plateau.
"Sigh... what should I do!"
In its distress, Magearna could only sit by the window on the second floor and stare blankly at the sky.
As the sun rose higher, the Nebel Plateau became increasingly lively.
the Altaria couple spread their wings and soared in the sky.
The Talonflame and Staraptor couples suddenly felt inspired early in the morning and actually played a game of flight racing in the sky. Joyful cries echoed from the clouds from time to time.
The three little friends—Swablu, Fletchinder, and Spritzee—gathered together, perched on the wall and huddled into three little fluff balls to lean against each other.
Beside them were the Dolliv sisters, holding hands and sunbathing.
Nacli and Garganacl walked back and forth on the floor of the plaza, making the sound of rocks rubbing against each other.
When Munchlax finished making breakfast, Diancie stood at the door and shouted:
"Everyone, breakfast is ready!"
Upon hearing this, the Pokémon ran toward Diancie's Grand Cafeteria one after another.
Volcanion was the first to arrive. It harnessed steam and descended from the sky, saying, "I'm starving!"
It had gone out for some exercise early in the morning and was already so hungry its stomach was sticking to its back.
Next, Tropius also descended from the sky.
It had already adapted to life on the Nebel Plateau and got along very harmoniously with everyone.
After breakfast, the Pokémon went to work one by one. Infernape originally wanted to ask Volcanion if it wanted to play a game of soccer, but saw that Volcanion was talking to Magearna.
The two Pokémon were talking and laughing. Volcanion's eyes were narrowed into crescent moons; Infernape felt that its "worthless" appearance was almost too much to look at.
So it turned around and left.
Feeling bored, Infernape intended to find a partner to spar with and move its muscles; otherwise, it felt its body would soon rust if it didn't stay active.
However, halfway there, it saw Passimian walking toward the Secret Fortress with Dusknoir.
Infernape suddenly stopped in its tracks.
Although both Pokémon had been on the Nebel Plateau for some time, they had not actually had much contact.
Thinking that both sides were monkeys, Infernape suddenly became interested in Passimian. How were its ball skills? Could it recruit Passimian into its own team?
If it could gain a powerful general, it could get the upper hand over Volcanion.
Being evenly matched with Volcanion's team all the time made Infernape feel very frustrated.
Just like that, Infernape followed Passimian and the others into the Secret Fortress and arrived at the winery.
Because the Shuckle crawled too slowly, they didn't go up to eat during breakfast; instead, Dusknoir and Passimian brought food down for them.
While the Shuckle were eating, Passimian began to fiddle with its brewing equipment.
These were its treasures, and they had to be meticulously maintained every day.
After entering the winery, the first thing Infernape saw were the various jars and bottles placed everywhere. Its nose twitched slightly, smelling the rich aroma of wine permeating the air.
This was Infernape's first contact with something like wine, so it did not recognize it.
Its arrival immediately caught Dusknoir's attention.
Noir? Infernape?
Dusknoir was surprised that Infernape would come here; they usually didn't have much contact.
As soon as Dusknoir spoke, the busy Passimian also noticed Infernape. It jumped nimbly and arrived by Infernape's side in the blink of an eye.
Passi passi~ May I ask if something is the matter?
Passimian asked.
Infern~ What are you doing here?
Infernape asked in confusion, having clearly forgotten its original purpose for coming.
Passi~ Brewing wine!
Passimian replied.
Infern? Brewing wine? What is that?
Infernape looked puzzled.
Passimian explained, Passi passi~ Wine is something to drink.
Infernape couldn't help but swallow its saliva. Infern infern~ Something to drink... is it good?
Passimian didn't know how to answer for a moment; wine was something some people liked and others didn't!
Suddenly it had a flash of inspiration, so it asked Infernape, Passi passi~ Do you want to try some?
Since its good friend had gone out with Ange, it lacked a partner to help it taste wine.
If Infernape liked drinking... wouldn't it have one more drinking buddy?
Infernape hesitated for a moment and then nodded gently.
Passi passi~ Then come with me quickly.
As it spoke, Passimian pulled Infernape over to a wooden counter. Behind the counter were rows of wooden shelves holding various wine bottles, jars, and crocks.
These were all Passimian's trial products from this period.
With the Shuckle and the high-priced brewing machine rewarded by the System, Passimian's brewing efficiency was exceptionally high, and it had brewed all sorts of wine in a short time.
After inviting Infernape to sit, Passimian took a wine bottle and a glass from the wooden shelf.
The first thing it invited Infernape to taste was red wine.
This red wine was brewed using Mellon Berries as the main material, and the taste was mellow and sweet.
There were actually other types of red wine, but Passimian hadn't had time to brew them yet.
Passimian placed a goblet in front of Infernape, then took out a decanter and poured the purple-red liquid into it.
Decanting was an indispensable process for drinking red wine.
Passi passi~ You need to wait a while.
Passimian said to Infernape while looking at the decanter.
Infernape nodded. It stared at the crystal-clear liquid in the decanter for a while and finally couldn't help but think:
Drinking something is really troublesome.
Seeing the impatience on Infernape's face, Passimian smiled and then took out a wooden barrel.
Passi passi~ Why don't we try some beer first!
As it spoke, it opened the barrel plug and placed a large beer mug in front of Infernape.
Passimian had all kinds of wine glasses here; they were free gifts that came with the high-priced brewing machine.
Gurgle gurgle~~
Soon, the mug was filled to the brim with yellow, frothy liquid.
Passi~ Try it.
Passimian said to Infernape with a smile.
Passi passi~ This wine needs to be drunk in big gulps to be satisfying.
Hearing this, Infernape didn't hesitate to pick up the mug and take a huge gulp.
Gulp gulp~~ In the blink of an eye, not a single drop of beer was left in the mug.
Passi~ How is it?
Passimian asked impatiently.
Infernape smacked its lips and licked them, trying to savor the taste, then said:
Infern infern~ It's not bad, but the taste is a bit strange.
Passimian said, Passi~ It's like that the first time you drink beer.
Passi~ Let's try something else.
Saying so, Passimian took out several porcelain jars and placed them on the wooden counter.
These porcelain jars contained white wine.
According to the brewing method, wine was generally divided into three categories: fermented wine, distilled wine, and prepared wine.
The red wine and beer Passimian took out first were fermented wines, while the white wine it took out now was a distilled wine.
Next, Passimian took out glasses specifically for drinking white wine; it was a set of exquisite white porcelain cups decorated with the patterns of the Twelve Flower Goddesses.
Passimian was very fond of this set of cups.
Placing a row of cups in front of Infernape, Passimian filled each cup from the different porcelain jars.
White wine came in different proofs. The different porcelain jars in front of Passimian contained white wine of different alcohol concentrations.
From left to right, they were 60%, 53%, 43%, 38%, 32%, 25%, and 20%.
With the various aromas of the wine mixing together, Infernape couldn't help but swallow its saliva.
How did it feel that this thing called white wine was even more attractive to it than the beer just now!
Passi passi~ Quickly, try it.
Passimian urged.
Passi passi~ Unlike beer, white wine needs to be tasted slowly to get the flavor.
Infernape nodded and took a small sip from the cup on the far right.
Hiss~
After drinking, Infernape drew in a breath. It was so fragrant!
Next, it couldn't wait to taste them one by one from right to left, and unexpectedly, the more it drank, the more it got into it.
Exciting! This thing called white wine was too exciting! Especially the two cups on the far left!
It was so refreshing to drink!
Unknowingly, Infernape became a bit tipsy.
Passimian watched Infernape quietly; it could clearly see that Infernape had a special fondness for high-proof spirits.
After Infernape finished tasting the white wine, Passimian took out glass bottles one by one. The wines inside these glass bottles were multi-colored: pink, blue, green, deep red...
This time, Passimian brought out fruit wine. Fruit wine belonged to the "prepared wine" category of the three main types.
The fruit wines Passimian brewed were not high in alcohol; these were specifically brewed for Pokémon and people who did not like high-proof spirits.
Passimian placed five or six transparent glass cups in front of Infernape and then poured a full glass of fruit wine into each one.
The fruit wines of different colors arranged together were a pleasing sight to the eye.
As Infernape tasted each one, Passimian introduced the names of the wines to it.
"This is Pecha Berry wine; the taste is gentle and the flavor is mellow."
"This is Pinap Berry wine; it's sweet and sour with a fresh taste."
"This is Nanab Berry wine; the aroma is rich and the texture is smooth."
"This is Tanga Berry wine; the taste is spicy and very stimulating."
...
Soon, Passimian figured out that besides the white wine from before, among the fruit wines, Infernape especially liked the Tanga Berry wine.
By the time all these were tasted, the red wine from earlier was just about finished decanting.
Passimian put away the other wines and glasses, then picked up the decanter and poured it into the tall glass in front of Infernape.
Passi~ Quickly, try it!
Passimian said.
Passi passi~ Red wine also has a unique flavor.
Infernape picked up the glass and was about to pour it into its mouth when Passimian quickly stopped it.
Passi~ This also needs to be savored slowly.
Helplessly, Infernape could only bring the glass to its lips and take a gentle sip.
The taste was indeed not bad.
However, Infernape still felt that the white wine and Tanga Berry wine from earlier were more satisfying to drink.