Pokemon: Legacy

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In Paldea, a single Tera Shard sells for roughly 3,000 Pokédollars, putting it on par with other commonly held items like the Hard Stone.

The primary use of Tera Shards lies in Mesagoza's famed Treasure Eatery. By collecting 50 shards of the same type, you can prepare a special dish that changes a Pokémon's Tera Type.

"For the well-off, being able to adjust a Pokémon's Tera Type opens up tactical possibilities," Eric mused as he examined the two Fighting Tera Shards in his hand. "But for most trainers, their default Tera Type is sufficient. These are better off being sold."

Shaking his head, Eric pocketed the shards. The abundance of Tera Crystals across Paldea ensured a steady supply, and the marketplace often had plenty of scattered shards available for purchase. Some even made a living scavenging them.

As for the Klawf, Eric chose not to catch it. The culinary appeal of its claws lay in their wild origin farm-raised Klawf claws couldn't compare.

High-end restaurants specifically requested wild Klawf claws, as the flavour difference was staggering.

Having secured the prized claws, Eric and Luxray set up camp in a flat clearing. Under a starlit sky, they lit a fire and prepared to steam the claws.

Cracking open the shells revealed six or seven pounds of pristine white crab meat. A nearby stream provided water for steaming, a method that would draw out the full sweetness of the meat.

Eric remembered his time in Medali after challenging Larry, the Normal-type Gym Leader. At the Treasure Eatery, a chef had scolded him for boiling Klawf claws instead of steaming them.

That memory lingered, making tonight's simple yet precise preparation feel all the more rewarding.

With the fire crackling and the scent of sweet, steamed crab wafting through the air, Eric wasn't worried about attracting wild Pokémon.

Between Luxray's intimidating presence and its earlier Tera roar, no local Pokémon would dare venture near.

When the steaming was done, Eric lifted the lid, releasing a cloud of fragrant steam. Inside, the tender crab meat glistened with juices. The aroma alone made Eric's mouth water.

The best ingredients often require the simplest preparation.

Eric and Luxray shared a look before diving in, ignoring the heat as they dug into the crab meat. Each bite was a burst of flavour succulent, tender, and imbued with a natural sweetness that made the entire journey worthwhile.

Luxray's eyes sparkled as it wagged its tail in delight, savouring every bite.

Though Luxray devoured most of the meal, Eric didn't mind. Sharing such a rare delicacy with his partner felt right.

By the end of the feast, Eric had decided to save the second claw for the other Pokémon back home. After all, enjoying a delicacy together was an experience best shared.

The crisp air of early spring carried a chill, but Eric felt warm and invigorated after the meal. Luxray, too, seemed recharged, its fur sparking faintly as its internal energy surged.

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The Next Morning

Eric and Luxray woke at dawn, efficiently packing up their campsite and heading back down the mountain. Their destination lay a few hundred meters east: a small lake nestled within a wetland.

They reached it within ten minutes.

The wetland teemed with life. Wooper and Quagsire waded near the edges, Psyduck and Marill paddled in the water, and Barboach wriggled through the mud.

The lake itself was deep and well-supplied, more than capable of filling the massive pit back at Eric's farm.

The surrounding wetland environment would make it easier for Swampert to dig a temporary channel to redirect water.

Satisfied, Eric crouched by the lakeside. From his pack, he pulled out a water-testing kit, dripping some lake water onto the test strip.

After a three-minute wait, the strip revealed no red lines, confirming the water's cleanliness.

"It's perfect," Eric said, smiling as Luxray nudged him. He patted its head, adding, "Once we're back, we'll bring Swampert to handle the rest."

Though the lake had passed inspection, Eric wasn't in a hurry to leave. He decided to explore the wetland, hoping to find a water-type Pokémon to bring back to the farm.

Wooper and Psyduck didn't catch his interest. While Wooper evolved into the easygoing Quagsire, its laid-back nature made it ill-suited for the farm's demanding work.

Psyduck and Golduck, meanwhile, were better companions for fishermen than farmers.

Marill and Azumarill, though playful and strong, seemed too chaotic for a peaceful farm environment.

Eric scanned the area, searching for a Pokémon that might be the right fit. His patience paid off after five minutes of careful observation.

There, near the water's edge, a small Pokémon had just emerged.

Its slick blue skin gleamed in the sunlight, its round body bouncing slightly as it waddled ashore. A spiral pattern adorned its belly, while a tadpole-like tail swayed gently behind it.

It was a Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon.

While Poliwag's base form was unimpressive, Eric's eyes lit up with anticipation. He wasn't thinking about Poliwag itself but its final evolution: Politoed.

Politoed's unique abilities made it one of the most suitable Pokémon for farm life. Eric's farm could greatly benefit from its Rain Danceability, which could nourish crops and maintain the water levels of the lake-to-be.

"This one," Eric thought with excitement. "This is exactly what the farm needs."

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