ALL NOVEL Chapter 72 – Making Tablets
Seeing them leave, Floyd pulled on Arbok's tail and continued walking. He approached the Graveler and asked them to help him dig. After a few moments, he placed the dead Arbok and buried it near the tree. Then he returned to the base.
Upon reaching the base, he sensed a mournful atmosphere. This was the first time someone had died on the team. The Chinese group was the most affected because they had lost one of their comrades. He observed Hu Tianyi, who was silent. Although he had calmed down, the grief was evident on his face.
The other group was quiet, clearly shaken by the events. Numerous Caterpie used their silk to wrap around Ren Mingzhe's body. Floyd noticed Kanraku, who kept apologizing. Chen Yu then said, "Professor, you should rest first. The damage has been done, and we can't reverse it. We're all unsettled. Let's give ourselves some time."
"I understand. If there's anything you need, please let me know," Kanraku replied, feeling helpless. Knowing he couldn't change the past, he left with Suzuki and his disciples and returned to the laboratory.
The bond between the groups seemed fragile, but Floyd remained hopeful that the worse thing will not happened. He found a secluded spot near the safe zone, away from any surveillance cameras. He glanced at his Pokémon and then at Axew, saying, "Let's go, it's time for you to evolve."
Upon hearing the word 'evolve', Axew's eyes sparkled. This was the moment he had been waiting for. He knew that if not for Floyd's caution earlier, he might have already evolved. But he trusted Floyd's judgment. Without an everstone to suppress the evolution, Axew already done his job to suppressed his desire, but this time, with Floyd's affirmation, Axew was eager for the change.
'Game Panel, initiate 80% simulation for Protein tablet,' Floyd commanded, spending 6,000 points. He then retrieved a significant amount of berry powder from his backpack and placed it in the berry blender, starting to press various buttons. His method resembled pokeblock creation, but this time he used only berry powder.
As minutes passed, beads of sweat formed on Floyd's forehead, a testament to his intense concentration. He couldn't afford any mistakes. As the blending neared completion, he took a deep breath, trying to maintain focus. When he finally heard the 'Ding!', a huge sigh of relief escaped him. Those minutes had felt like hours.
After collecting the eight tablets, he collected them to the bottle.
However, he couldn't rest yet. Taking another deep breath, he prepared for the next step. 'Game Panel, initiate 80% simulation for Carbo's tablet,' he commanded, spending another 6,000 points. This left him with only 650 points. Floyd then took a different type of berry powder from his backpack, placed it in the berry blender, and repeated the previous process.
'Focus, Focus, Focus,' was all that ran through Floyd's mind as he continued blending, ensuring he pressed the right buttons. His gaze remained fixed on the blender, not even blinking as the process reached its climax.
Finally, the familiar 'Ding!' rang out.
"Success, hahaha!" Floyd exclaimed, collapsing on the ground from exhaustion and elation.
Axew, along with the other Pokémon, celebrated the achievement. Axew was especially ecstatic, knowing this was all for him.
Floyd took the 7 pieces of Carbo's tablets and placed them in a bottle. He saw two cases of bottles, one with a tablet of protein and the other with a tablet of carbos. In reality, he couldn't have afforded these tablets if not for his own improvement. And yes, Floyd managed to improve his proficiency to intermediate. However, even with intermediate proficiency, it didn't mean he could afford them due to their price.
If he were buying only the lowest-grade tablet, he wouldn't have had to worry about spending points. With intermediate proficiency, he could make it. There might be some failures, but if he wanted to increase his chances of success, he could use the simulator.
However, knowing the breeding method, Floyd was aware that giving these tablets could have side effects for first-stage and middle-stage Pokémon. For instance, if they consumed low-grade Carbo's tablets daily to increase speed, the Pokémon would become smaller. If they consumed low-grade Iron or Protein tablets daily to boost their attack or defense, they would grow taller or larger, sacrificing speed. If they took low-grade Calcium or Zinc tablets daily to amplify their Special Attack or Special Defense, their regular Attack or Defense would decrease.
These tablets are better consumed when a Pokémon reaches its full evolution stage because the side effects are minimized.
Thus, Floyd aimed to create a medium-grade tablet, which required advanced proficiency. He used a significant amount of berries, with berry powder being a key ingredient. Not all berries produce powder.
For Protein tablets, the most suitable were Tamato and Spelon because of their powder yield and complementary flavor.
For Carbo's tablets, Magost and Watmel were the best choices. Creating these tablets cost him 7,500 points each, totaling 15,000.
If he had high-grade berries like Liechi, he could have crafted both types of tablets for only 7,500 points.
Since he didn't possess such berries and points, Floyd gritted his teeth, reduced the simulation success percentage to 80%, and spent 12,000 points. This nearly depleted his entire week's earnings, leaving him with only 700 points.
He couldn't delay any further. If Axew evolved without his intervention, he'd regret it. The idea of waiting to earn the needed 3,000 points wasn't an option. Failure in crafting even one tablet would be devastating. Thankfully, the worst didn't come to pass.
Rising to his feet, he sighed in relief and dialed a number on his phone.
After a few moments, a dejected voice answered, "Floyd-san?"
He recognized Kanraku's somber tone, influenced by recent events.
"Professor, my Axew is about to evolve," Floyd informed him.
"WHAT? What did you just say? It's evolving? Where are you?" Kanraku's voice surged with excitement.
"Don't worry, I'm going Beast Sanctuary," Floyd replied, smiling.
"Okay, okay, I'll wait for you here. I'm on my way," Kanraku's voice was hurried. Floyd even caught Suzuki's voice in the background, "Professor, where are you off to?"
"To Floyd-san, anyway, I'm going first" Kanraku commanded.
"This..." Multiple voices of his disciples looked at him with doubt.
With that, Floyd ended the call, turned to his Pokémon, and declared, "Let's head out!"