Pokémon: The Reemployment of the Retired Champion of Paldea Chapter 182 181: The Orchard Defense Battle!

After spending a warm mont with the Mudsdale and the Sawsbuck, Lucas didn't bother wiping the slobber off his face in front of them—he knew that would only make them sad.

Well, he could just wipe it off later when he got back.

This was their way of showing affection. As long as it wasn't over the top, Lucas was happy to let them express themselves—honestly, he enjoyed it.

Gently stroking the Sawsbuck's branch-like antlers, Lucas admired the delicate pink flowers blooming perfectly. With these flowers, and the flower rings crafted by Comfey, the Sawsbuck had blended into the farm life seamlessly.

"In a little while, when sumr arrives, these flowers will fall and be replaced by lush leaves. I've heard they make wonderfully fragrant red tea," Lucas mused aloud, wiping his mouth.

The Sawsbuck gave him a helpless look, as if to say, "You're already thinking about harvesting us before sumr's even here?"

Lucas laughed awkwardly, suddenly rembering why he'd co to see Mudsdale and the Sawsbuck in the first place.

He quickly recounted the poisoning incident at the neighboring Jones Farm, emphasizing, "Basically, you all need to be careful of toxins. Always sll the grass before eating to check for anything strange. If anyone gets poisoned, co get or Comfey imdiately."

Mudsdale and the Sawsbuck exchanged glances and nodded.

Seeing they understood, Lucas gave each of them a good rub before leaving, satisfied.

…

The next morning, Lucas was rudely awakened by Serperior's vines, which unceremoniously dangled him upside down until he was awake.

Lucas's brain felt a bit congested from hanging upside down, and he had no idea why Serperior would treat him this way so early in the morning.

He hadn't teased Serperior lately, had he? Well, maybe… Sotis people act on impulse and forget about it right away.

Feeling a bit nervous, Lucas didn't dare protest.

Fortunately, once Serperior saw Lucas was awake, it let him down and urged, "Serperior~!" ("Get dressed, now!")

Lucas blinked and breathed a sigh of relief. Looks like he wasn't being punished after all.

He quickly swapped out his pajamas for regular clothes, rushed his morning routine under Serperior's stern gaze, and barely got a sip of water before Serperior whisked him outside with its vine.

Lucas was still grumbling about his rude awakening, but when he saw where Serperior brought him, his mood instantly brightened.

Fifteen neatly planted berry trees stood before him, their crowns heavy with lush, ripe fruit: Oran, Pecha, and Sitrus berries, all glistening with morning dew, their fragrance so strong it snapped Lucas's sleepy mind wide awake.

After a long wait, the saplings had finally grown into mature trees, and with the help of a trio of Vespiquen pollinators, they bore a beautiful harvest.

The thrill of achievent never got old. Lucas grinned. "It's harvest ti!"

A berry harvest was a big event on the farm. All the available Pokémon gathered in the small orchard, picking fresh berries.

Large baskets were lined up under the trees, steadily filling up thanks to everyone's hard work.

But as with any farm, a major challenge awaited: wild Pokémon invasions.

While the ground was covered by Luxray, Growlithe, and Fidough, the skies were another matter.

Other than the pink Dragonair and Dragonite caring for their leader, two Dragonair soared above, driving away flocks of flying Pokémon drawn by the ripe fruit.

Fletchling, Rookidee, Starly—even a few Murkrow—were all targets for dispersal.

However, hungry as they were, the wild fliers ford a coalition, treating the two Dragonair as boss-level opponents.

The four main flying Pokémon groups quickly ford a temporary alliance, planning to break through the defenders before sorting out who got what.

Against a few lone fliers, the Dragonair had no trouble, but the numbers kept growing, and the sweet scent only attracted more.

The Paldea region was rich in wild Pokémon, and this bounty also brought trouble to any berry farr—these airborne raiders were a nightmare.

It often took a lot of effort—and the help of trainers and Pokémon—to protect the harvest.

Perhaps because these berry trees were nourished by Grassy Terrain and cultivated with Tapu Bulu's special technique, plus dedicated care from other Pokémon, the berries were especially irresistible to wild Pokémon.

Soon, the wild fliers overwheld the Dragonair's defense, snatching berries from the treetops and knocking so to the ground, which made Lucas wince.

"These wild Pokémon are relentless—risking everything for a bite, even defying Dragonair's presence. Ti to send in the ace."

Turning to the Moltres beside him, preening its feathers, Lucas said, "Extra food today—drive them all away!"

Moltres paused, looking at Lucas for confirmation.

"You sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Deal!"

Moltres's eyes shone. He hadn't expected to get a bonus al just for showing up early—what luck!

With a piercing cry, Moltres soared into the sky, heading straight for the swarm.

The king has arrived—let the rabble scatter!

While the wild fliers could muster courage against Dragonair, the sheer pressure from Moltres, one of the apex flying Pokémon, was another story.

At the sight of Moltres, the wild Pokémon panicked and fled faster than they had arrived, their fragile alliance crumbling instantly.