Pokémon: Starting with a Pokémon Ranch.

Chapter 169 The carvings on the ancient tree: the prototype of adding the finishing touch to an insect painting

Arriving at the bottom layer of the ancient tree, one can see the patterns that Su Yu had noticed earlier.

These patterns are etched on the ancient tree, and it's clear that these carvings depict the Rayquaza. Moreover, they depict the Rayquaza that adds the finishing touch to the design.

"Was it inscribed here by a rabbi?"

Su Yu asked in confusion, after all, the ancient tree couldn't have seen the Sky-Sitting, and neither could the green caterpillars here.

The only possible explanation is that of Celebi, who is capable of time travel.

"This document contains detailed records of every step Rayquaza takes when using the 'Dragon's Eye' technique. I wonder if... Caterpie can learn a weaker version of 'Cater's Eye' from this."

Su Yu thought to himself, "I might as well let the caterpillar come and take a look for itself later."

When he returned to the tent, Alcremie was there with several baby Caterpie, and it seemed that Alcremie was playing with them.

Drumstick and Tropical Dragon have set off again to search for treasure. It seems that this time, Drumstick is determined to find the treasure and is determined to challenge this forest.

Seeing this, Su Yu took out some cooking utensils from the tent and placed them on the ground, saying:

"You guys go play over there, I need to start making dinner."

"I wonder if Ke Rui and the others will be able to catch any fish. If they do, we can have fresh fish soup tonight."

When Su Yu came out of the ranch, he also brought some rice with him, because it is one of the easiest staple foods to preserve.

Adding some ingredients gathered during the journey, a pot of wild vegetable porridge was quickly cooked.

The unique aroma emanating from the wild vegetable porridge attracted several baby green caterpillars. Seeing this, Su Yu smiled and said:

"Do you want some too? It's not that I can't share some with you, just be careful it's hot."

Su Yu took out some porridge and gave it to the green caterpillar. After waiting for a while, Ke Rui and Gladio returned.

Upon returning, Ke Rui said with great pride:

"Haha, that kid Gladio is out of commission. I guess we'll have to rely on him after all."

As he spoke, he took out five or six fish strung together.

Gladgio defended himself by saying:

"That's because my Eevee kept causing trouble; otherwise, I would have caught it already!"

"Come again tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, Ke Rui laughed a few times and then handed the fish to Su Yu.

Su Yu took a look and thought that these fish were quite suitable for making grilled fish, and luckily, he also brought some seasonings with him when he came out.

So he sprinkled seasonings on the fish and grilled it over the fire for a while.

To his surprise, his unintentional baking actually resulted in a special dish.

Special dish: Charcoal-grilled fish.

"Special effect: Delicious Meal lv1. After consumption, it provides a feeling of fullness and a pleasant mood for three hours."

"Fishing King lv1. Consuming this will grant you the blessing of the King of Fishing, greatly increasing your chances of catching fish."

Goodness, the sea's favor, huh?

This can be made into a special dish?

Just as Su Yu was wondering, Ke Rui, who was standing next to him, casually picked up a grilled fish and started eating it.

"Mmm! Delicious, so delicious, as expected of you."

After taking a bite, Ke Rui's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected that Su Yu could make even a simple grilled fish so delicious.

Seeing Ke Rui's state, Gragio remained somewhat doubtful. Seeing this, Su Yu said:

"Eat up, what are you standing there for?"

"oh oh……"

Gladgio quickly picked up a grilled fish as well. After taking a bite, he too was amazed by the delicious taste.

"It smells so good..."

Gladio thought to himself.

Seeing this, Su Yu nodded in agreement. It seemed that this dish could be added to the menu of the barbecue restaurant they planned to open in the future, but only for a select group of customers.

Most people would be content with just regular grilled fish; there's no need for a special dish.

……

after eating.

Gladgio and Corri were so full that they sat on the ground looking at the stars, their round bellies bulging.

Alcremie was playing with the baby Caterpie not far away, using the [Magic Shine] move to illuminate the surroundings and provide light for Su Yu and his companions.

After catching up with his friends, the caterpillar returned. Seeing this, Su Yu led the caterpillar to the ancient tree, intending to let it examine the paintings.

At this moment, a Butterfree that was passing by on patrol said:

"Fuyi~" Lately, bird-like Pokémon from the surrounding area have been frequently coming to ambush us at night.

When the time comes, you should just stay in your own tents and don't go out unnecessarily.

Upon hearing this, Su Yu frowned. Were they bird-like Pokémon around them?

It seems the feud between birds and insects continues to this day.

After speaking with Butterfly for a while, Su Yu, accompanied by Caterpie, went to the painting and said:

"I think you're not too unfamiliar with Rayquaza. This painting depicts Rayquaza using the 'Dragon's Eye' technique."

"Look at this painting and see if you can glean anything from it."

"Hiss~!" Upon hearing this, the caterpillar also showed a very serious expression and looked at the painting.

As for painting insects, after being misled by Su Yu, Green Caterpillar had actually done some research, but he had never really figured it out.

Looking at the painting, it was as if it saw Rayquaza using a move, and all its insights into the move came flooding out, immersing it in the painting.

Seeing this, Su Yu stood quietly to the side and waited.

He couldn't really help Caterpie understand the moves much, after all, he was just a cook and rancher.

But he believed in Caterpie's talent; with Caterpie's genius, it might actually be able to glean something from the painting. After all, Caterpie's talent was as extraordinary as the protagonists in fantasy novels.

After about ten minutes, the caterpillar finally emerged from this state. It looked to the side and attempted to use an unknown technique.

However, this move ultimately failed. The caterpillar only darted forward a short distance before stopping.

"Hiss 0.o?" It failed?

The green caterpillar asked, quite puzzled.

Seeing this, Su Yu smiled and said:

"Divine beast-level moves are not so easy to learn, especially since this is Rayquaza's signature move."

"But at least you've got the basics down now. With more practice and observation, you might be able to master it completely. In my prediction, the fully-fledged version of 'Painting the Insects' will at least be able to defeat the Heavenly King."

Hearing this, the caterpillar nodded. It seems he'll have to practice more from now on.

(End of this chapter)