Chapter 44: Return to the Farm

"I understand, Uncle Norman, but I still hope that after my strength improves further, I can come back to spar with you again!" 

After listening to Norman's words, Rina knew she had been too demanding, but she still hoped to have a rematch with Norman's Slaking in the future to make up for today's regret.

"Rina, your personality is just like your mother's, so earnest and fond of challenges. You are always welcome here, anytime you want to challenge me!" 

Norman smiled helplessly and said.

At this point, Rex realized that Rina's mother and Norman were friends with a close relationship.

"Since you've finished challenging the Petalburg Gym, would you like to come over to my house for lunch?" 

Norman asked the two of them.

"I won't disturb you, Mr. Norman. I've been away from my own farm for a long time and I want to return soon!" 

Rex politely declined.

He knew that Norman's invitation was actually for Rina. After all, he was just a challenger and not very familiar with Norman, so he directly declined.

"What about you, Rina? If you come over, your Aunt Caroline will definitely be very happy, right?" 

Seeing Rex decline his invitation, Norman nodded and continued to ask Rina.

"Alright then, I'll bother you, Uncle Norman. I'll go to the Pokémon Center with Rex first, and then I'll come over to visit."

Rina indeed missed Aunt Caroline, and she felt it was impolite not to visit her after challenging the Petalburg Gym.

"That's great, you go treat your Pokémon first, and I'll tell your Aunt Caroline the good news."

After saying that, Norman turned and left.

"Then let's go!"

Rex said to Rina.

Later, the two of them arrived at the Pokémon Center and handed their injured Pokémon over to Nurse Joy for treatment.

Originally, Rex planned to use his own abilities to heal the Pokémon, but with Rina present, he didn't want to appear too unusual.

He could only wait until he got back to find an opportunity to heal Swellow and the others. After all, today's battles were indeed intense, and their injuries were not light, especially for Heracross, which fought until the end.

However, the more intense the battle, the greater the increase in their strength after being nourished by Rex's life energy. After all, Norman's Slaking was truly terrifying and exerted immense pressure on several Pokémon.

"Are you going back after treating Swellow and the others?"

While waiting for treatment, Rina asked.

"That's what I'm planning. After all, I've been away for more than half a month, and I don't know how things are going on the farm now!"

Rex replied truthfully.

"It's a pity. I was thinking about letting Grovyle challenge your Swellow after it's fully recovered."

Rina said regretfully.

"There will be opportunities in the future. Besides, I might participate in this year's Ever Grande Conference. By then, we'll have the opportunity to compete on the same stage."

Rex knew that Rina had already obtained four gym badges, so she would definitely be able to get eight gym badges before the start of the Ever Grande Conference.

"That would be great. You must participate. If you don't come, I won't talk to you anymore when I see you!"

Rina threatened.

"Alright, alright, I'll do my best. After all, it's a bit rushed for me now. I've only obtained one gym badge so far, and there's not much time left before the tournament starts!"

Rex felt that he had dug himself a hole by saying too much. With his procrastinating personality, if he hadn't mentioned this to Rina, he might have delayed participating in the Ever Grande Conference because of other things. Now it had become a promise to Rina, which left him somewhat speechless.

"It seems that I have to participate in this year's Ever Grande Conference after all. I wonder what rank I'll achieve if I participate."

Rex thought to himself.

"Well then, goodbye, Rina!"

At this point, their Pokémon had finished treatment. After bidding farewell to Rina, Rex planned to ride Swellow back to the Farm.

"Goodbye, don't forget our promise!"

Rina added before they parted ways.

"I won't forget!"

After saying that, Rex quickly had Swellow take off, flying directly towards Littleroot Town at a very fast speed.

Sitting on Swellow's back, Rex took stock of the gains from this trip. First, he unexpectedly captured three Polteageist, and then he purchased four Miltank Pokémon eggs from Makoto. After that, he obtained his first Gym Badge in this world.

Rex felt that this trip was not in vain, with plenty of gains.

After flying for about two hours, Swellow arrived at the town of Odale.

Rex planned to rest in Odale for one night before returning. After all, even with Swellow carrying him, flying such a long distance had exhausted his stamina, and he needed a good night's rest.

However, this efficiency was much stronger than walking on his own. If he had walked, it would have taken him a week to reach this place.

"Nurse Joy, hello, I'd like to check in."

Rex had Swellow land directly at the entrance of the Pokémon Center, recalled it into its Poké Ball, and then walked into the Pokémon Center to speak with Nurse Joy.

"It's you, Rex. Welcome back to Odale Town!"

Although Rex had only stayed one night in Littleroot, Nurse Joy still recognized him, as Officer Jenny had awarded him the honorary resident badge in the Pokémon Center, and Nurse Joy was one of the witnesses.

"Yes, Nurse Joy, I'm on my way back and would like to rest for one night in Odale Town. I'll continue my journey tomorrow morning."

Rex explained to Nurse Joy with a smile.

After completing the procedures, Rex rested in his room until dinner time. His battle with Norman had consumed a lot of his mental energy.

Later, Rex went to the same restaurant as before and enjoyed a meal with his Pokémon.

The night passed quietly.

In the early morning, after bidding farewell to Nurse Joy, Rex mounted Swellow and continued his journey back. After all, he didn't know many people in this town, although he knew Officer Jenny from Odale Town, they weren't familiar.

"I'm back!"

Rex pushed open the door of his house and said.

"Welcome back, boss!"

Yuli and Yui were overjoyed to see their boss return.

It was only then that Rex noticed that Yuli and Yui were using the Fruit Mixer to make energy cubes.

"Are you making energy cubes? I'm not disturbing you, am I?"

Rex walked up to them, looked at the Fruit Mixer still rotating, and asked.

"No, now I can use the Fruit Mixer to make energy cubes skillfully. Don't worry about bothering us. Besides, I'm teaching Yui how to make energy cubes now!"

Yuli smiled and said.

"Oh, that's good. If Yui can learn, you won't have to work so hard!"

Rex was very happy that Yui had such motivation.

Mainly, if she could learn to make energy cubes, the production of energy cubes on Rex's Farm would definitely increase significantly. Besides using them for their own use, they might even be able to sell some for profit.

"By the way, isn't Yuta here? And Akiko?"

Rex looked around and didn't see the two of them, so he asked.

"Yuta took Akiko to the orchard. After finishing his work, Yuta likes to go there to interact with the Taillows, hoping to gain their approval. Akiko doesn't like to stay indoors and went with him."

"Oh, I see. Have the Taillow laid any Pokémon eggs during this time?"

Rex continued to ask.

"According to what Yuta said when he came back, several Taillow Pokémon have already laid a few eggs, but they don't allow us to approach them, and they guard the Pokémon eggs very tightly."

Yuli said helplessly. Although she could command these Taillow Pokémon to do some things, it seemed that taking away their Pokémon eggs was not included.

(End of this chapter)