"Little one, these are the materials for the second phase of Poison Training."
After organizing the ingredients, Aven smiled as he pointed to a pile that included beast venom, Oran Berries, and Lum Berries.
Petilil's big round eyes lit up as it stared unblinkingly at Aven preparing the toxic potion, listening intently.
"Especially this Lum Berry—it's the key ingredient in the full version of the toxic potion."
"With this Poison-type berry added to the formula, the potion's effect will be several times stronger than the current version you're using."
As he spoke, Aven picked up the Lum Berry and carefully began processing it.
Lum Berries have the ability to absorb surrounding Poison-type energy—so much so that they can even absorb the effects of Poison-type attacks.
Thus, although the Lum Berry is technically a poisonous fruit, many adventurers who venture deep into forests or swamps carry it to purify toxic gases.
A berry that absorbs Poison-type energy... Petilil nodded seriously, making sure to memorize the berry's appearance and effect.
Next, Aven moved on to handling the beast venom and other supporting ingredients, a process similar to the previous toxic potion preparation.
However, once the Lum Berry was added, a clear change occurred—the color of the toxic potion gradually deepened into a darker purple.
But then, Petilil, relying on its sensitivity, suddenly felt that the Poison-type energy in the potion had weakened, leaving it a little confused.
"Concentration is the essence," Aven chuckled. In this upgraded toxic potion, the Lum Berry served as the main ingredient, capable of concentrating and purifying the poison.
Petilil nodded again and silently repeated Aven's words in its heart: Concentration is the essence...
Once the toxic potion was completed, Aven carefully poured it into a glass vial and then moved on to preparing an antidote.
This time, however, the antidote wasn't for treating Luxray's poison, but specifically prepared for Petilil.
With the addition of the Lum Berry to the toxic potion, the previous antidote was no longer effective—it had to be reformulated.
Following the antidote, Aven started preparing healing potions. His movements were orderly, like an efficient assembly line, as bottle after bottle of potions was produced and packed into his bag.
Meanwhile, Sir Enzo paced anxiously around the room, clearly growing restless.
Just as he was about to head outside to check, Aven finally returned, holding Petilil in his arms, calm and unhurried.
"Aven, have you finished the potion?" Phyllis asked, a hint of impatience in her voice. This Aven was really something—so slow and composed!
"All done."
Aven smiled, walked over to Luxray, took out a bottle of antidote, and poured it directly into the Pokémon's mouth.
After putting the bottle back into his backpack, he clapped his hands. "Alright. That's it."
That's it?
The other apothecaries in the room were stunned.
They had all racked their brains trying to cure this poison, and yet Aven made it seem ridiculously simple.
Just as Master Johann opened his mouth to say something, he saw the purple blotches on Luxray's body rapidly fading. In just a short while, they were completely gone.
It was clear now—the poison had been cured. Just like that!
"The poison's really gone… How did he do it?" Master Olaileaned in to inspect Luxray and repeatedly compared the ingredients listed on the formula in his hand, scratching his head in frustration.
Olai, a research fanatic, was triggered again. After watching Aven effortlessly detoxify Luxray, his obsession kicked in—he had to figure out how this formula worked.
Master Johann was also left speechless. Though more focused on profit, he couldn't help but covet such a powerful antidote. At that moment, the iron-armored Rhyhorn carriage flashed through his mind.
"Aven, since the poison is gone, Luxray just needs some good rest now," Aven said calmly to the crowd of still-busy apothecaries.
Sir Enzo finally snapped out of it, beaming with joy. He gave the apothecaries a respectful gesture, both in gratitude and as a polite cue to take their leave.
"Now that Luxray is cured, I'll take my leave," Master Johann said first.
Enzo expressed his gratitude once again, and a servant led Master Johann away to collect his treatment fee from the steward.
Even though he hadn't succeeded in curing Luxray, it was standard practice for apothecaries to receive a treatment fee—otherwise, no one would be willing to help in the future.
Olai followed shortly after, eager to return and continue researching the venom extracted from Luxray's blood.
Aven watched the two masters leave with a smile, picked up a fruit from the table, and took a leisurely bite. He clearly had no intention of leaving right away.
"Aven, I'll take you now to complete the transfer of the iron-armored Rhyhorn carriage," Phyllis said, making a polite gesture toward the door.
Aven didn't hold back. Hugging Petilil, he followed the purple-haired woman to the viscount family's magical beast stable.
As they approached, Aven immediately sensed two sharp gazes fixed on him. He turned to see two large migthyenas—neither equipped with any magical beast gear.
These were the same two migthyenas that had attacked the farm the night before. Recognizing Aven, they became visibly alert.
So this is their way of being transparent with me… Aven followed Phyllis onward, quietly pondering.
Soon, they reached the iron-armored Rhyhorn's area. The stout beast stood tall, still harnessed to its carriage. The weight it bore stirred a hint of heaviness in Aven's heart.
"Rhyhorn, we meet again."
Taking a deep breath, Aven smiled at the beast and patted its back gently.
The Rhyhorn turned around and instantly recognized Aven as the one who had treated it. It let out a friendly snort.
"Looks like you still remember me—or maybe it remembers it."
Aven laughed as he took out a healing potion and poured it into the Rhyhorn's mouth.
The Rhyhorn happily drank the potion, let out a satisfied huff, and nuzzled Aven's hand affectionately.
Sometimes, Pokémon really are this simple—treat them with sincerity, and they'll return it in kind. Aven smiled to himself.
According to researchers in his past life, Pokémon are highly sensitive to emotions. They can easily detect changes in a person's mood.
Beside him, Phyllis watched their interaction with surprise. She hadn't expected Aven to build such a bond with the Rhyhorn in such a short time.
(End of Chapter)