hotmtlnovel Chapter 381 Bictini's "Cthulhu Cake"
Chapter 381 Bictini's "Cthulhu Cake"
Chapter 381 Bictini's "Cthulhu Cake"
With their minds wandering to all sorts of random thoughts, Xia Chi and Millerton strolled along leisurely.
By the time we reached the bamboo grove by the lake, our bodies had warmed up from the exercise.
Deep in the bamboo forest, the steady and rhythmic punches of Martial Arts Master Xiong had already reached my ears.
Master Xiong had naturally noticed Xia Chi's approach and paused slightly.
However, once the Aura realized it was one of its own trainers, it refocused its attention on its morning training.
Xia Chi also started practicing his boxing not far from him.
It was exactly the same as when I first met Kuma's apprentice on the Isle of Armor.
Meanwhile, Milton, who had followed, lay down listlessly to the side, his electronic eyes curiously surveying his surroundings, seemingly not quite understanding what was so enjoyable about this slow movement.
After Xia Chi finished his set of punches and exhaled, he couldn't help but laugh when he saw Milton's idle appearance.
"Millerton, if you really have nothing to do... dig up some winter bamboo shoots, and have Latias put them in your sandwiches when you get back. They're very fresh."
Upon hearing that it was edible and delicious, Millerton immediately perked up, his previously somewhat lazy eyes instantly becoming bright and alert.
It immediately stood up and, like a husky, carefully sniffed around on the ground covered with bamboo leaves, trying to find the location where the winter bamboo shoots were buried.
Xia Chi was startled by its posture, as if it was about to use its electric shock or dragon wave to blast open the entire bamboo forest in search of bamboo shoots at any moment. He quickly instructed, "Be careful when you dig, don't damage the environment."
"Gurgle!"
Millerton responded enthusiastically, and then his futuristic figure nimbly darted into the depths of the dense bamboo forest.
Only the rustling sound of digging remained.
There's a reason why Master Xiong insisted on practicing in the wild, even though he had a training room available.
When you truly calm your mind, integrate your spirit and will into every move, and breathe in harmony with your surroundings, the profound feeling of "unity of man and nature" is something that is difficult to achieve in a closed space.
Completely immersed in this state of self-forgetfulness, Xia Chi seemed to gradually lose his perception of time.
His every movement followed the rhythm of his body and the beat of nature. His consciousness became clear and focused, with only the sound of the fist cutting through the air and the rustling of bamboo leaves intertwining and echoing in his ears.
It wasn't until Latias arrived that Xia Chi snapped out of his reverie.
"Is it time for dinner?"
Xia Chi slowly stopped his movements, looked up at the sky above the bamboo forest, which was cut into pieces of gold by the bamboo leaves, and asked.
The next instant, Latias in her elf form passed through layers of lush green bamboo leaves and landed lightly in front of him.
She nodded vigorously, communicating telepathically, "Yes, yes, hurry back and eat, or it'll get cold!"
Xia Chi smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll go back now."
He then turned to Master Xiong, who had clearly also noticed the commotion, and asked, "Master Xiong, are you planning to practice a little longer and go back on your own, or are you coming with us now?"
Upon hearing this, a thoughtful look flashed in Martial Arts Master Xiong's calm eyes.
It sensed the energy it had expended, and then imagined the steaming, fragrant breakfast on its family's dining table...
Ultimately, the longing for delicious food temporarily outweighed the dedication to spiritual practice.
It responded with a low growl: "Roar!"
I'll go back with you.
Xia Chi understood, took out a Poké Ball, and a soft red light flashed, recalling Master Bear.
He then nimbly straddled Latias's smooth back.
Latias ascended gracefully into the air. Just before taking off, she seemed to remember something, looked around curiously, and asked telepathically, "Where's Milton? Didn't it come out with you this morning? Where has it gone?"
Xia Chi suppressed a smile and said, "It's... working hard for its breakfast. Let's go back first."
Latias tilted his head, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Although he didn't quite understand, he obediently agreed and transformed into a streak of red light, carrying Xia Chi steadily towards home.
When Xia Chi returned to the living room with Master Xiong, the elves had also returned.
They sat in a row at the dining table, clearly waiting patiently for the head of the household to return and start the meal.
Thanks to the fact that Xia Chi took into full consideration the needs of family members, especially some large members, when designing the island, the restaurant is very spacious.
This remarkably prescient design is now proving invaluable—
Even with Gadria and her Metagross, Gothic, Galladeo, and other Pokémon seated together, the space still felt spacious and not crowded at all.
"However... if Daigo and Michael come too, the current scale might still be a bit stretched..."
Xia Chi stroked his chin, pondering to himself.
Instantly, images flashed through his mind of Steven's massive steel army, Wallace's magnificent water-type team, and the other guests' Pokémon gathered together.
Just imagining the scene makes it seem like an unprecedented spectacle.
Oh well, we can just have an outdoor barbecue then.
Anyway, the island has no shortage of open space.
Pulling her wandering thoughts back, Xia Chi and Latias, who had returned to human form, sat down at the dining table.
Before I could even sit down properly, Bictini flew over with a piece of food... its shape was rather abstract, and it looked like a dessert.
"Tini~"
The little guy eagerly held up the plate of somewhat indescribable dessert in front of Xia Chi like a treasure, then stared at Xia Chi with his big, sky-blue eyes.
Looking at the "abstract artwork" that challenged his visual senses, Xia Chi hesitated slightly and said, "This is..."
Did you do this?
"Tini~"
Bictini immediately puffed out her little chest proudly, put her hands on her hips, and her face was full of smugness that said, "Praise me, praise me!"
However, it clearly forgot that this action requires the use of both hands.
As a result, the cake, which was already in a precarious state, instantly lost its support and plummeted straight down.
Fortunately, everyone in the house possessed unique skills.
Sitting right next to Xia Chi, Miao Ha reacted swiftly, her vines shooting out and tracing a graceful arc in the air, precisely and gently catching the abstract cake that was about to shatter.
Xia Chi sighed softly to himself.
Meow ha ha... Why are you reacting so quickly?
I almost didn't have to eat this Cthulhu cake...
However, since Magical Masked Cat has already "miraculously saved" the cake, Xia Chi has no reason not to taste Victini's gift.
Taking a deep breath and with the resolve to face death, Xia Chi took a bite of the rather ominous-looking cake under Bictini's expectant gaze.
The expected clash of various strange flavors did not materialize; the taste was surprisingly good.
Of course, this is good in comparison to its terrible appearance.
Because of this taste experience that far exceeded his expectations, Xia Chi showed a fairly genuine smile. He reached out and gently rubbed Bicotini's little head.
Then he praised, "I didn't realize you had such a talent for making cakes, Bictini."
Bictini's V-shaped ears twitched a few times, and her whole body swayed lightly because of the compliment, clearly very pleased.
"Tini~"
That's great! I'll work on a new recipe this afternoon and make something even tastier for you!
Xia Chi's smile froze for a moment, and the corner of her mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
He quickly adjusted his expression and said in a persuasive tone, "Hmm... I think such a delicious treat shouldn't be enjoyed by me alone. Next time you make a new creation, be sure to let Sister Cattleya taste it first. She's very knowledgeable and will definitely be able to give you more professional advice!"
At the other end of the table, Gadriya, who was taking small bites of soup dumplings, looked up and glanced at Xia Chi with a murderous glint in her eyes.
However, after seeing the expectant look in Victini's eyes as she turned to look at her, she helplessly pressed her temples and nodded slightly, tacitly accepting this "sweet burden."
Aside from the minor mishap caused by the bictimonious food at the Bictini restaurant, Xia Chi was quite satisfied with the rest of her breakfast.
After months away in a foreign land, heaven knows how much he missed Donghuang's breakfast.
"How's it going? Can you still eat steamed buns, soy milk, and fried dough sticks?"
After the meal, Xia Chi inquired about the guest who had come from afar with concern.
The group from the United States had received so much care from her, so now that they had the opportunity to be the host, Xia Chi naturally wanted to take good care of them.
"good."
Cattleya elegantly wiped her mouth with a napkin, her tone still devoid of emotion: "I don't have high demands when it comes to food and drink."
Her words were as concise and detached as ever.
But when she caught a glimpse of the fleeting disappointment on Xia Chi's face, she paused slightly, then added as if casually, "Moreover, Latias's cooking skills are excellent; the heat and seasoning are just right, and I like it very much."
The simple phrase "I really like it" coming from her mouth is already a very high compliment.
"That's good."
Xia Chi's expression brightened, and he stood up cheerfully, saying, "Youyi and I are going to the city to buy some supplies and ingredients for our New Year's Eve party. Would you like to come along? Shanghai is still quite bustling."
Without hesitation, Gadriya gently shook her head: "No, it's too crowded and noisy. I want to stay on the island and wander around and look around."
Xia Chi understood and nodded, suggesting, "Alright, then let Dragonite be your guide. It knows every plant and tree on the island better than I do, so it'll definitely lead you to the most beautiful scenery."
"Okay, I understand."
Cattleya responded calmly, which was considered an acceptance of the arrangement.
We stepped out of the main house, ready to set off.
Milton is still working hard in the bamboo forest for its "winter bamboo shoot business" and has not yet returned.
Rashiram has been elusive since early morning, seemingly lost in thought or perhaps inspecting her new territory.
Xia Chi had no choice but to ride Latias again to downtown Shanghai.
Yui, on the other hand, maintained her distinctive way of traveling—nimbly leaping up, grabbing a horizontal bar held by the giant swallow's claws, and then being carried by the giant swallow as she gracefully flew across the sea.
Putting everything else aside, the strength and balance of his core muscles alone are enough to leave Xia Chi in awe.
I even felt a little sorry for her just looking at her.
After landing smoothly on a secluded coastline in Shanghai, Xia Chi looked at Yui, who had landed gracefully and was breathing steadily, and couldn't help but suggest, "Yui, how about I find you a Corviknight from the Galar region? We can even attach a carriage underneath it, which will definitely make traveling much more comfortable and safer."
Upon hearing this, Yui shook her head and refused without even thinking.
She patted the large swallow beside her, who was also standing tall and proud, as if to say that she was perfectly fine, and said firmly, "Really, there's no need, sir. I've been working with the large swallow like this for many years, and I'm used to it. To me, it's the best partner."
Looking at the majestic but not particularly large size of the Great King Swallow, Xia Chi still advised, "No matter how well you coordinate, its size and carrying capacity are what they are. It's not the most ideal riding spirit. You'll definitely have a hard time on long flights."
"Relax, relax~"
Yui waved her hand, a hint of wildness and unruliness from her "Fire Goose" days appearing on her face.
"We've been through countless storms together, what's a little distance?"
She paused, her tone becoming exceptionally serious: "Besides, if I had other riding spirits, the Great Swallow would be heartbroken."
Having said all that, Xia Chi looked at the unreserved love and protection for her companion in Yui's eyes, and at the way the Great Swallow affectionately nuzzled Yui with its head, and was slightly moved.
He knew that if he said anything more, he would be considered unromantic.
Xia Chi could only smile helplessly and raise his hands in surrender: "Okay, okay, I was overthinking it. Your happiness is the most important thing."
Because we plan to invite Daigo, Michael, Leon, Kirito, and other friends to celebrate the New Year together, the amount of food and supplies we need to prepare is quite considerable.
As for bedding and toiletries, there's no need to worry about them. Every house on the island is fully furnished and ready to move in.
The purchasing process took up the entire morning, shuttling between several large markets and supermarkets in Shanghai, before the items on the list were finally crossed off one by one.
Looking at the mountain of various ingredients, drinks, and decorations in front of them, Xia Chi and Youyi exchanged glances.
It was absolutely impossible for the two of them to transport all these supplies back to the island in one go.
Although Latias was capable, Xia Chi couldn't bear to let her work as a freight laborer.
Ultimately, after discussion, the two decided to hire a small transport ship and arrange a time to deliver the purchased supplies directly to the island, saving time and effort.
So that's what I'm saying.
After a busy morning, Xia Chi felt even more exhausted than if he had fought a battle. Looking at the supplies that were about to be loaded onto the ship, he couldn't help but complain, "Our island is so big and has such a good environment. We could easily set aside an area to grow some vegetables and fruits that we need every day. That way, we could ensure the freshness and health of the ingredients and save ourselves the trouble of having to go through so much trouble to come and buy them every time."
Yui rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Master, do you really think I have three heads and six arms? Just the daily maintenance and coordinating the elves' living areas are enough to keep me busy. Opening up and managing a farm? How could I possibly manage it all by myself!"
Xia Chi thought about it and agreed that it made sense, so he said, "Well, we still have me, and although there are few people on our island, there are many elves."
Many elves possess intelligence comparable to humans, coupled with their extraordinary abilities to breathe fire and control water, making them far more efficient at work than humans.
Yui sighed and said, "That's true, but you hardly ever stay home throughout the year. Expecting you to take the lead in planting would mean you'd be out again before the seedlings even sprout. Ultimately, the island needs one or two more regular staff to help manage it..."
Yui's words hadn't been so bad, but the mention of the manpower shortage immediately brought one person to Xia Chi's mind.
Back when you were training on the Isle of Armor, didn't you promise Clara, the future Poison-type Gym Leader, that she would come to the island to be your butler?
Although Uniqlo has already taken this position, such a large island would definitely benefit from having another reliable manager or assistant.
When I invite Dante later, I'll also inquire about Clara's current situation.
Thinking this through, Xia Chi said to Youyi, "Hmm... I'll figure out a way to handle this."