Chapter 22: 1st night
When Terrance was at the Old Green House, besides studying Breeder knowledge, he never neglected his physical training. However, because most of his energy was focused on studying, his physique was only slightly better than that of his peers on average.
Holding the container, Terrance arrived under a tree and took out a fruit to quench his dry mouth.
Although the road was difficult to travel, the humans in this world have excellent physiques, and with Terrance's physique, he could still endure it.
"The optimal incubation temperature for Flying-type Pokémon is 40 degrees. Although the nutrient solution releases heat, the temperature is still not enough, especially considering Swablu's Dragon-type bloodline has been greatly enhanced. I need to find a suitable place to hatch it."
Looking down at the thermometer in his hand, Terrance knew that if the incubation temperature of a regular Flying-type Pokémon egg exceeded 40 degrees, the embryo could die. However, Swablu has nutrient solution to regulate it, so the optimal temperature could be slightly increased.
A favorable hatching environment also has a significant impact on a Pokémon's innate potential.
The white egg with blue patterns floated in the center of the nutrient solution, swaying as if it could break at any moment. After observing it for a while, Terrance prepared to go to the upper level of Mt. Chimney.
That area was close to the volcanic crater, and the outermost temperature might be suitable for Swablu's birth.
Early in the morning today, Altaria descended with the Pokémon egg. According to Master Victor, if this Swablu was raised well, it would not be inferior to the main Pokémon of Elite Four of various regions. This greatly motivated Terrance.
Although a Pokémon's potential didn't necessarily mean everything, it was still a good start, and Terrance had confidence in raising Swablu well.
While talent was important, hard work was also crucial.
...
...
High above in the sky, a dark shadow observed Terrance's every move. It was Altaria. Although Terrance was the examinee this time, Altaria couldn't help but worry about its own child. If the Pokémon egg was threatened, it would appear immediately.
In the shadow of the forest, another figure also kept an eye on Terrance. It was Master Victor's Pokémon, currently carrying out Victor's order to secretly protect Terrance.
Without Beautifly, it was too dangerous for Terrance to wander alone in the forest. No one could guarantee that nothing unexpected would happen.
However, Terrance was unaware of this at the moment.
Swish, swish—
Terrance, who had already set off, suddenly saw a shadow jump up and quickly hugged the Pokémon egg, assuming a defensive and escaping posture.
But after Terrance saw who it was, he breathed a sigh of relief.
It was a very small brown creature that looked like an acorn.
Seedot!
Shaking his head, Terrance avoided the little guy. This Pokemon often scares other Pokemon who are searching for food in the forest because it looks too much like a regular acorn. This has led them to develop a peculiar and intimidating nature, especially when Pidgey, who is hunting for food, is often scared by Seedot.
Seedot usually doesn't initiate attacks, so after successfully scaring Terrance, it hopped directly into the bushes.
It was a false alarm. Fortunately, it wasn't an aggressive Pokémon.
Mt. Chimney was not close, and Terrance was very cautious throughout the journey, carefully observing the surroundings. However, by the afternoon, he still hadn't reached Mt. Chimney.
"There's a lake..."
The forest lake could be considered a small ecosystem, often inhabited by many Pokémon because many Pokémon would come here to drink water at certain times.
This place was already close to Mt. Chimney, and Terrance didn't expect to come across a lake.
At this moment, there weren't many Pokémon around the lake. As he approached, Terrance could clearly see Barboach swimming in the lake.
However, as soon as these Barboach noticed Terrance approaching, they immediately submerged into the muddy soil in the lake.
"Splash~~~~~~~~~~!!"
"Splash~~~~~~!!"
Two sounds appeared simultaneously, causing splashes of water to fly up from the lake. Terrance stood behind, witnessing two Marill jumping into the water to play.
Around here, there should be many other Pokémon, but Terrance hadn't noticed any. He didn't want to linger, so he continued walking towards Mt. Chimney.
Seeing these Water-type Pokémon, a mix of joy and sadness filled Terrance's heart.
Beautifly was not actually the first Pokémon at the Old Green House. When Terrance had arrived, Grandma Arlan had another Pokémon by her side, a Vaporeon. However, the Vaporeon was too old and passed away shortly after Terrance's arrival.
As a result, Grandma Arlan fell seriously ill.
Losing a companion who had been by your side for decades would bring grief to anyone's heart.
"Sigh~~~" Terrance sighed. He doesn't like this kind of feeling of life and death separation.
As he looked at the small life about to be born in his hands, Terrance couldn't envision what the future would hold several decades later.
However, now was not the time to think that far ahead.
Swablu had not yet hatched, and a bright future awaited them. Holding the Pokémon egg, Terrance eagerly anticipated the birth of the small life.
"Once I cross these thickets, I should be able to reach Mt. Chimney, right?"
Terrance continued on, recalling Master Victor's words. Some paths may be blocked by thickets, but in the wilderness, it is better to traverse through difficult paths with thickets than to venture onto rocky paths.
"Click... click..."
Terrance had already prepared a small knife. There were obvious signs of human activity in this area, and the path seemed relatively clear. After stowing the Pokémon egg in his backpack, Terrance forged ahead, clearing his way through the thorny vegetation... However, by dusk, Terrance had still not emerged from this thicket.
Coming to a halt, Terrance decided to rest here for the night. In this environment, it was clear that Pokémon did not inhabit this kind of place, making it relatively safe.
During his first night here, Terrance felt incredibly lonely.
Unlike before, Beautifly was not by his side. The cold, pitch-black night sky constantly stimulated Terrance's senses. This was the first time he had lived alone in the wilderness, and to be honest, Terrance disliked this feeling. Humans were social creatures, and the more people around, the more secure one would feel. Perhaps it was because Terrance had just embarked on his journey, but he was still somewhat unaccustomed to this situation.
As night fell, although this place was located beneath a volcano, it was completely different from the scorching heat during the day. A slight chill crept into Terrance's heart. To protect Swablu's egg, he had no choice but to hold it tightly and fall asleep, providing it a comfortable environment with his own body temperature.
This test could also be considered as Terrance's own trial. It would last for a whole month, which was not considered long for any Trainer. However, faced with this indescribable sense of unfamiliarity, Terrance couldn't help but be amazed. The feeling of being completely isolated from civilization, different from regular travel, was truly uncomfortable.