After buying a map from a small roadside shop, Peter set off toward Arboliva's Forest with Buneary.
"Mi-choo, mi-choo~!"
The little rabbit hopped, flashed, and darted around the bicycle—weights strapped snugly to her body.
This was a task Peter had specifically assigned her.
By repeatedly switching speeds using Splash and Quick Attack, Buneary would force her body to rapidly adapt to acceleration and deceleration—laying the groundwork for awakening the Speed Boost Ability.
As he followed the winding forest road, Peter pedaled steadily while opening the system interface.
That giant Arboliva was far beyond what even Miltank could handle.
If he wanted to intervene, he needed more cards in hand.
He'd accumulated 15 Master Points so far.
After a moment's thought, Peter decided to spend 50,000 Poké Dollars on a double draw.
[Ding! Master Lottery activated. Draws available: 2. Balance insufficient. Please recharge.]
Peter tapped Recharge without hesitation.
[Ding! 50,000 Poké Dollars deducted. Drawing…]
[Draw complete! Rewards obtained: Blastoise Watering Can, Soothe Bell!]
…
Blastoise Watering Can:
A watering can containing unlimited high-quality mineral water!
No more worrying about running out of water for plants!
Each drop is strictly quality-controlled through 36 separate processes.
Water safety guaranteed!
We don't produce water—we simply transport nature!
—Municipal Waterworks Co., Ltd.
Soothe Bell:
Held Item. When worn, it emits a pleasant chime that soothes the Pokémon's heart, greatly increasing affection gain.
The watering can was mainly for Berry farming in games—useless in reality unless Peter planned to buy land.
The Soothe Bell, however, was perfect for Buneary.
After all, Lopunny evolves through affection, which was why Peter rarely recalled her into a Poké Ball.
As for the other reason…
Well—she was soft, adorable, and extremely huggable.
"Ding-ling~"
The moment Peter took the Soothe Bell from the system inventory, its gentle chime washed over his heart like warm hands calming restless thoughts.
"Pale yellow suits you pretty well."
With a thought, Peter equipped it.
The bell appeared naturally around Buneary's neck—no straps, no cords—yet it stayed perfectly in place.
System-held item integration was truly convenient.
"Mi~!"
Buneary hopped onto his shoulder and planted a loud kiss on his cheek.
She clearly loved it.
-----
The Heart of the Forest
By dusk, one human and one Pokémon finally reached the central region of Arboliva's Forest.
Peter had already sprayed Max Repel, yet rustling sounds still echoed from every direction.
In the end, he released Miltank, only relaxing once her presence stabilized the surroundings.
The Pokémon here were far stronger than those in Eterna Forest—he had to stay sharp.
Along the way, Peter saw many Paldea-exclusive Pokémon…
He even spotted a Zorua in the distance.
He threw a Poké Ball immediately—but Zorua transformed into Mothim midair and escaped effortlessly.
"…Still too weak," Peter muttered.
"Even when I spot rare Pokémon, I can't seize the opportunity."
Steadying his breath, he looked toward the forest's center.
There, towering above all else, stood a colossal ancient tree.
Bathed in sunset light, it was surrounded by smaller trees like devoted guardians.
The surrounding flora grew unnaturally lush—as though instinctively protecting something sacred.
Peter watched as Wiglett, Foongus, and Komala carried water in leaves from distant streams, carefully pouring it at the tree's roots.
…
[Arboliva – Lv. 63]
(Elite Four-tier, Alpha Form)
Description:
An Arboliva that has mastered the breath of the forest itself.
Using its own life force as an anchor, it sustains the vitality of the entire woodland and is revered by all Pokémon and plants here.
However, due to ongoing environmental pollution, its roots have begun to wither, and its branches and leaves show signs of decline.
…
Peter frowned.
Now he understood.
The surrounding flora weren't worshipping Arboliva—they were sharing their energy with it.
The Pokémon, too, were doing the same.
"Environmental pollution… How did it come to this?"
As Peter tried to step closer, a Oranguru dropped down from a tree and blocked his path.
"Guru-guru! (Human, stay back!)"
"Um… I think Arboliva is sick. I might be able to help. Could you let me take a look?"
Peter continued forward slowly.
Oranguru snapped its leaf fan open.
Energy Ball exploded at Peter's feet, forcing him back several steps.
"Guru! (No humans allowed!)"
Peter clenched his jaw.
So the source of pollution really was humans.
"…I'm sorry for disturbing you."
He bowed slightly.
"I'll find a way to help. If I succeed, I hope you'll let me return."
With that, Peter turned and left.
From the treetops, Oranguru silently watched him go.
…
The Rot Beneath the Roots
Peter circled the forest perimeter.
As expected, guardians were stationed everywhere—Greedent, Grimmsnarl, Spidops, and others.
No openings.
"…Pollution that affects plants can only come from soil or water."
Just then—
A low mechanical hum echoed in the distance.
Following the sound, Peter reached a forest lowland devoid of trees.
Industrial machines sprawled across the clearing, long pipes disgorging wastewater and sludge.
Mountains of decaying industrial waste filled the basin, releasing a choking stench.
"…This place was turned into a dumping site."
And it had existed for years.
The groundwater and soil were already poisoned—
Only Arboliva's life force had kept disaster at bay.
Peter's chest tightened.
That Pokémon had been purifying the land alone, slowly being eaten away.
"Miltank—Ice Beam!"
A freezing ray engulfed the machinery, ice spreading rapidly and sealing half the sludge pit.
The discharge halted—temporarily.
But this wasn't enough.
Peter mounted his bike and rode toward the pipe's source.
Behind the tree where he'd stood, a small light-green Pokémon peeked out, staring after him.
"Smoli~…"
-----
Elsewhere — The True Culprit
Artazon outskirts.
Chris Industries Chemical Plant.
As usual, Ajay locked the factory gates.
As the owner, he made daily rounds—ensuring workers didn't fall into the bad habit of leaving on time.
Overtime of at least two hours was standard.
Watching employees grumble helplessly always brought him immense satisfaction.
The evening breeze brushed past as he hummed to himself.
"Strange… the wind feels hot tonight.
No—what's hot is my heart."
He smirked.
"Looks like I'll hit the Golden Sands Club later… cool off with a few girls."
At that moment—
The factory behind him erupted into roaring flames.
BOOOOOOM—!!!
The explosion tore through the night sky.