Chapter 4: Species Optimization, Master of Negotiation

"Mr. Summer. Hmm, I understand. As a forest ranger, you must know much more than me, an amateur."

Marnie didn't dislike diligent people. If the trainer's duty was to cultivate powerful Pokémon and strive to win every battle, the forest ranger's duty was to protect everything in the forest.

"Then let's exchange contact information. If you need help, you can call me. I know some really good people who would definitely be willing to protect Sunset Forest," Marnie said, taking out her phone from her coat pocket.

It was a Rotom Phone, a product of the new era, equipped with numerous functions, and housing a Pokémon named Rotom, which could communicate with people, making operations more convenient.

Marnie's Rotom Phone case was composed of pink and black, with the logo of Spikemuth Gym in the center, currently hot-selling in Spikemuth Town.

"Unfortunately, my phone is out of battery."

Summer awkwardly picked up his extremely retro phone and showed it to Marnie.

"This is an antique that even the oldest grandpas in town wouldn't know how to use."

Marnie's unexpectedly sharp tongue, but she was right. This phone indeed looked like a relic from the last century.

"Alright, I'll leave my number with you. I happen to have paper and pen with me."

Marnie walked to the table, took out a small notebook, and saw that the first few pages were filled with writing, with blank space appearing only after flipping through more than halfway.

"Here, Mr. Summer." Marnie quickly wrote it down and tore the page off to hand it to Summer.

"Oh, if there's ever a situation I can't handle, I'll definitely rely on you." Summer nodded as he received it. The numbers on the white paper were elegantly written.

"Phew, feeling a bit tired. I'll head back now," Marnie said, lifting her backpack and turning around. "And remember to keep that secret!"

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed. Also, good luck on your journey as a trainer."

"Mm." Marnie stopped at the door, then gently turned around. She placed her slender fingers on her cheeks with a slight upward curve at the corners of her mouth, revealing her signature smile.

Then, she put down her hands, returning to her usual expressionless face, and walked out the door, the creaking sound of the wooden stairs accompanying her swift departure.

"This feels so youthful. Well, let's deal with the problem now. Let's go, Grookey."

"Raaawr~" Grookey waved its stick happily, always feeling joyful as long as it was with Summer.

Meanwhile, walking through the forest, Marnie whispered to the Morpeko:

"Morpeko, do you think my smile just now was a good response to Mr. Summer's encouragement?"

"Mor mor~" Morpeko mumbled while munching on berries.

"Hmm? Not good enough? You're quite strict!" Marnie quickly petted Morpeko's head. "I guess I need more practice. When will I be able to naturally smile in response to everyone's encouragement?"

Marnie repeated the action, still feeling unsatisfied. She let out a silent sigh and headed in the direction of Spikemuth Town.

"Is this the Coba Fruit Tree?"

The fruit tree in front of Summer didn't look particularly special, especially since all the fruits had disappeared.

"According to the Forest Ranger Assistant's information, Coba Berries are the favorite food of bird Pokémon."

The voice in his mind sounded strange as always, completely dedicated to forest protection. So, Summer simply referred to it as the Forest Ranger Assistant.

"Its effect, I remember, is to reduce damage from Flying-type moves. Hmm, it's the same type of fruit as the Coba Berry."

"The Colbur Berry reduces damage from Dark-type moves, so it should be the favorite food of Dark-type Pokémon, which means Morpeko probably loves it the most."

Originally, Summer had planned to optimize the quality of Coba Berry trees to attract bird Pokémon to settle in this forest. But this newly acquired ability changed his mind.

[Obtained Forest Ranger skill "Forest Pact," effect: Reach an agreement with Pokémon living in the forest. Note: The number of agreements depends on their favorability.]

"Optimize!"

A dazzling green light emanated from Summer's hand, and Grookey, sitting on his shoulder, widened its eyes. Did Summer just emit light?

As the light dissipated, flowers quickly bloomed on the Colbur Fruit Tree, matured, and bore fruit. In no time, the branches were filled with large fruits.

"Success! Grookey, I'll leave you to pick the fruits from the higher branches, and I'll take care of the rest."

Grookey didn't quite understand what was happening. Suddenly, so many fruits appeared. Was this normal?

"Rawr!"

But it wouldn't refuse Summer's request. It agilely climbed up the trunk, then swiftly started picking the Colbur Fruits.

"Alright, it's my turn now."

Summer eagerly reached out to pick the fruits. After about ten minutes or so, they finally filled their bags. Even then, there were still many fruits left on the Colbur Fruit Tree.

"What a terrifying ability."

Summer sighed and picked two fruits, handing one to Grookey and putting the other near his mouth.

"Eat up, Grookey. The fruit after labor is the sweetest."

The pink, spiky fruit burst with sourness when bitten into, causing saliva to flow incessantly. But after the sourness faded away, it left a lingering sweetness that made one unable to resist taking another bite.

"Oh, I didn't expect guests to arrive so soon."

A group of Morpeko suddenly appeared, surrounding Summer and Grookey. A rough count revealed at least thirty of them, likely even more.

The black Morpeko had ferocious expressions. Their crimson eyes seemed to have lost their reason, and only food could calm their hunger.

"Take this!"

Summer threw two Colbur Fruits into the group of Morpeko. They jumped and scrambled to grab them, with the Morpeko that touched them first immediately stuffing the entire fruit into their mouths.

"Grookey, follow my lead and throw fruits at them!"

"Rawr!"

Grookey jumped into the bag and threw a fruit with its stick, sending it flying. Another Morpeko got to enjoy the fruit.

During the throwing process, Summer made a surprising discovery. Just two fruits not only calmed the Morpeko but also made them lose interest in the fruits. Did Species Optimization also increase satiety?

"This is the last one!"

The remaining black Morpeko calmed down after eating the Colbur Fruit that flew toward them. Now, the group of Morpeko was looking at Summer and Grookey with adorable eyes.

"Morpeko!"

Summer looked at the Morpeko around him and pointed to the Colbur Fruit Tree behind him.

"The fruits taste good, right? In the future, I'll make more similar fruit trees appear in the forest. I just need you to agree to one request!"

The Morpeko glanced at each other. This was the most delicious fruit they had ever

 eaten, and they were quite full. So, there was only one answer.

"Mor mor~~"

The Morpeko all made sounds simultaneously, roughly meaning they agreed, after all, Morpeko's lifelong dream was to have some fruits.

"Very well, my request is simple. If the bird Pokémon don't attack you first, you're not allowed to attack them. Is that okay?"

[Agreement reached, agreement reached, agreement reached.]

The same voice echoed repeatedly, and Summer nodded in satisfaction. Now, part of the plan had succeeded.

Grookey peeked out, looking up at Summer with admiration in its eyes. He didn't seem like a forest ranger but more like the king of the forest!

(End of this chapter)