After chatting with Blue and the others for a while and learning more about the Breeder Competition, Austin put down his Pokégear and looked at the system's virtual panel.
A new side quest had appeared.
Raise Fame (Optional)
Represent the Black Crest Jubilife Breeding House in the 24th Breeder Competition and achieve at least a Top 8 finish.
Reward: Based on final results.
…
Afternoon.
Austin stood quietly to the side, watching the scene unfold.
Ryu calmly resolved a small dispute with Evees, then pushed a food bowl toward a tiny Pichu.
"Pichu~" (๑＞＜๑)
Pichu happily buried its face into the bowl, which was nearly as big as its body.
With its oversized ears and tiny frame, it barely reached Ryu's ankle.
Dai Yui laughed.
"Ryu's really good at taking care of others."
Dad nodded.
"He was like that even as a Riolu. Back then, he even helped look after Agni when he first arrived. That's probably why Agni is so good with younger Pokémon now."
Nearby, Agni flicked his large, fan-like tail, playfully teasing a pink Jigglypuff.
"Puff! Jigglypuff!"
Thankfully, it wasn't the one that could Sing.
On the other side, Zenith and Drakloak looked slightly out of their depth.
"Meta"
(Recording behavior.)
Zenith hovered in place, his eyes flashing like streams of data.
He was analyzing everything: Ryu's patience, Agni's playfulness, and Austin's past methods.
(Be gentle… maintain expression… adjust approach…)
(...Learning successful.)
"Metagross" ୧꒰•̀ᴗ•́꒱୨
Drakloak, on the other hand, gave up halfway.
Still very much attached, he drifted back toward his mother, Dragapult.
Austin didn't interfere.
He was busy, and this was exactly why Ryu and the others had stepped in.
Ryu had taken the initiative to help lighten Austin's workload.
While grooming required more precision, caring for young Pokémon and teaching basic moves were well within their abilities.
At the Breeding House, this kind of care functioned like a daycare service.
And so, this lively scene took shape.
Mizuki adjusted her glasses and spoke sharply.
"What are you all standing around for? Get back to work."
"Alright!"
Dad responded.
Dai Yui covered his face in mock shock.
"This is terrible. The employee is ordering the boss around."
Mizuki shot him a look.
"Less talking. You, too, get moving."
"Understood!"
Dai Yui snapped upright.
Although Dad was technically the boss, his goofy nature meant no one treated him too formally.
The real authority behind operations was Amanda, who handled all finances.
The ongoing price war from the rival Breeding House was beginning to take its toll.
Customer flow had dropped over the past two days.
Still, Dad remained optimistic as ever.
He suggested renovating the outdoor grounds.
Some areas needed leveling.
Others required adjustment for better use.
And a portion was set aside for planting vegetables.
Dai Yui took charge of that task with enthusiasm.
He even got restless if someone tried to help.
As for Dad, his involvement had a different reason.
Amanda had told him clearly.
He needed the exercise.
His late-night indulgence has made him plump.
"Hoo… hoo…"
Ethan's breathing grew heavy, sounding like a bellows.
He paused, leaning on his machine, watching Dai Yui, who was drenched in sweat but still full of energy.
"Dai Yui… how do you stay so fired up?"
Dai Yui scratched his head.
"Me? You'd better pay attention."
"Alright, go on."
Ethan pulled out a small notebook.
Dai Yui clenched his fists.
"First, you go like this. 'Wah!' Then…"
He suddenly threw his head back and shouted.
"Owooo!"
"And then, 'Pa!' Your energy explodes!"
Nearby, Incineroar copied him exactly.
Both of them stood there, practically radiating intensity.
"Incineroarr!"
"I'm fired up!"
Leon stared at the two of them, completely lost.
A breeze passed by.
"Machamp… we still have a lot to learn."
"Champ"
. . .
Austin had been busy with two main things.
The first was helping Arcanine recover.
Every morning, he took him out into the wilderness to run.
Even though Arcanine was still afraid, he never refused. That alone was progress.
Compared to Feebas, Arcanine's condition was far more manageable.
Austin understood the cause.
A flashbang, followed by multiple Electrode detonating at close range.
The memory had carved itself deep.
It explained why Arcanine preferred dark corners and reacted sharply to sudden stimuli.
As long as those triggers were avoided, he could still live normally.
Austin had no intention of pushing him back into police work.
That life demanded stability under pressure. Arcanine didn't have that anymore.
Even with recovery, the symptoms could resurface at any moment.
Like a hidden fuse waiting to ignite.
That kind of uncertainty puts everyone at risk.
So Austin kept things simple.
Help him recover. Let him live peacefully. That was enough.
The second task was research.
Austin had been focused on the Special Cuisine Index.
His sixth video would be Mapo Tofu (B-rank).
He had also registered for the Advanced Breeder assessment, scheduled in five days.
At the same time, he had decided to participate in the upcoming competition in Hearthome City.
The goal was clear.
Improve his skills. Build reputation.
When Breeders registered, they had to list their affiliated Breeding House.
If Austin reached the top eight, the name Black Crest Jubilife Breeding House would appear in multi-regional broadcasts.
And there was also the system's side quest.
Raise Fame.
The higher the placement, the better the reward.
If he won…
Then everything would change overnight.
Hearthome City wasn't far. It lay just east of Jubilife City.
By train, the trip was short.
If Zenith flew at full speed, it would take less than two hours.
As for Feebas, Austin was still waiting.
The help hadn't arrived yet.
"Strange…"
He frowned slightly.
"She's not the type to go back on her word."
Several days had already passed.
Austin exhaled and shook his head.
"No need to rush. I'm the one asking for help."
With that, he returned to his work.
Mapo Tofu.
He had gone through the process countless times.
Tofu is cut and placed into lightly salted water, simmered gently to remove the raw taste.
Wok heated, oil added.
Minced beef first.
Then the aromatics.
When it came to thickening the sauce, timing was everything.
Three stages. No mistakes.
The minced meat returned.
Garlic sprouts added.
Finally, a generous sprinkle of Sinnohan peppercorn powder.
The aroma filled the room instantly.
He paused.
Checked everything.
Then the system responded.
Mapo Tofu (B-rank)
Austin raised his arms slightly.
Success.