"What—?" Abigail stared at Ron, stunned.
"What I mean is," Ron continued, "you're an adult. You have the right to decide your own future—whether to adventure in Kalos or stay in Pelican Town."
Under Abigail's dazed gaze, he added, "As long as you can ensure your safety and financial independence."
"What do you mean?"
"If Pierre won't support you, the farm will hire you temporarily. Your wages will cover all your Kalos adventure expenses," Ron said. "On one condition—you follow instructions."
Abigail burst into tearful laughter. "When?"
"Tomorrow, if you're willing."
This was a stroke of luck. With Abigail here, she could take Gengar to the Mines herself—just stick with Rattata's crew, and she'd be safe from dangerous Pokémon.
Since her wages would fund her trip, no payment was needed until she left for Kalos.
Free mine labor secured.
Abigail eagerly agreed.
"Oh—and if you plan to challenge Gyms," Ron added, "visit Joy at the Pokémon Center. Register for this year's League and get updates on Kalos."
So she wouldn't arrive clueless.
"Got it! Thanks, Ron!" Abigail dashed home, overjoyed.
Ron watched her go, then turned to Froakie on his shoulder. "What about you? Want to enter the League?"
"Froakie!" Froakie chirped.
Guess that's a yes.
Ron headed to the farm, pondering. Challenging the League wasn't out of the question—but only after farm duties eased. He lacked battle experience. The lazy route? Max out every Pokémon's level and stats here, then steamroll through Gyms.
Stardew Valley's time dilation meant he could automate the farm in a year or two, then tackle the League. In Kalos, barely half a year would pass—plenty of time.
The League, huh…
At the farm gate, Rattata swarmed him. Last time he'd taken Froakie out, they'd assumed he'd gone for treats.
"I only had Beer and Spaghetti!" Ron protested, pulling out Gus's recipe notes. "I got these to cook you better meals!"
"Ratta?" Rattata sniffed suspiciously—then checked with Indeedee. Receiving confirmation, they dispersed like a tide, washing up and hopping into bed.
---
Summer 9 – The next morning…
Abigail arrived at dawn.
Gengar, ecstatic all night, rushed into her arms the moment she appeared.
"Ah! Amber! Missed me?" Abigail hugged it tightly, stroking its head.
"Gengar!!"
"I missed you too!!!"
Rattata popped up in the doorway, eyeing the reunion.
Ron emerged, glanced at the crowd, and asked, "Morning. Have you eaten yet?"
Abigail shook her head. She'd stormed out without telling Pierre.
"Join us for breakfast," Ron said, heading to the kitchen.
He'd just gotten new recipes from Gus. As he prepped ingredients, he called, "Indeedee—pour milk."
Indeedee, having pulled out Abigail's chair, floated to the fridge and fetched Moomoo Milk—from the farm's new Miltank.
Each produced 20 liters daily; any excess was sold to Gus and Jodi or turned into cheese. Jodi especially was grateful—her son Vincent needed nutrients, and cheap Moomoo Milk eased her worries.
Ron gestured to Abigail's cup. "Try it. Miltank milk—it's different from regular milk."
"Miltank?"
"A Pokémon. In the pasture. You can visit it after breakfast."
Abigail sniffed, then sipped—and her eyes lit up. Richer and sweeter than Marnie's milk, with an indescribable depth.
Ron returned to cooking.
After breakfast, he sent Abigail with the mining crew—Gloom included for safety.
"Register her as a new Trainer at the Pokémon Center first," he instructed the lead Rattata. "Then head to the Mines."
With that arranged, Ron began his farm chores.
---
Meanwhile, in Kalos…
This year's League was held in Snowbelle City—dubbed the Snowbelle Conference.
As usual, the Kalos League staff processed new Trainer registrations.
Unlike post-Badge applications, this granted Gym Challenge eligibility and provided essentials: Pokédexes, Badge cases, and maps—especially for towns without Labs.
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