In some breeding-focused libraries, books such as the section on Ice-type Pokémon hatching introduce the idea that Ice-type Pokémon are best hatched in relatively low-temperature environments. This approach is beneficial for the subsequent growth of Ice-type Pokémon, making them healthier than Pokémon hatched under normal conditions. However, this health benefit is not only imperceptible to the naked eye but is also difficult to observe during their growth. The difference compared to Pokémon hatched in ordinary environments is negligible and can be ignored.
Of course, this kind of common knowledge is well known to Master Victor and Terrance. On this snowy mountain, the environment is almost the best possible for hatching an Ice Vulpix. Although most people are unaware of the benefits of doing so, Master Victor once published a paper summarizing the differences in the growth of Pokémon hatched in various environments, backed by extensive experimental data.
The most notable aspect of these differences is in disease resistance. From major congenital diseases to minor, harmless colds, Pokémon hatched in suitable environments are far less likely to encounter these problems. In contrast, Pokémon hatched casually by some Trainers in unsuitable environments tend to have relatively weaker “resistance.” This “resistance” can also be described as adaptability to the environment and pathogens.
For example, a Charmander that suddenly moves to a colder place may have weaker cold resistance and be more prone to catching colds if it was not hatched in a suitable environment.
This is an example of health in action. However, this ability can also be acquired later through training, so most Trainers do not pay much attention to it.
“This is ice jade, which can only form after hundreds of years of accumulation in massive snowy mountains. Do you know its effects?” Master Victor asked Terrance.
As the hatching of the Ice Vulpix approached, Master Victor took the opportunity to ask Terrance some questions.
Master Victor pointed to the tray holding the Ice Vulpix’s egg. The tray was made of jade, which was beautiful and constantly emitted a chilling aura. It was clearly of different quality compared to the mass-produced Pokémon Egg trays on the market. In fact, from the moment Terrance first saw the Ice Vulpix’s egg, he recognized the quality of the tray.
“Ice jade, huh… It slightly nourishes the immune function of Ice Vulpix. Additionally, after the Ice Vulpix hatches, it can have a calming and soothing effect. If the effect is strong enough, the Ice Vulpix will be born with excellent mental strength, which is very beneficial for its early development.”
“Not bad…” Master Victor said with a smile.
Although Terrance’s explanation was a bit disorganized, the general idea was correct. This jade material could not only be used to make Pokémon Egg trays but could also be crafted into accessories for Pokémon to wear later, providing a subtle influence over time.
However, this effect is minimal and does not show any noticeable results. Apart from wealthy individuals, ordinary Trainers cannot afford it.
“Although ice jade is impressive, it’s still somewhat inferior to the nutrient solution that was used for hatching Swablu,” Master Victor said. He took out a drop of the nutrient solution, which contained the essence of numerous drugs and plants and was of extraordinary value. While ice jade is rare, it can be bought with enough money. However, the pharmacological knowledge behind the nutrient solution is something no one other than Master Victor possesses.
“Just as Fire-type Pokémon hatching in volcanic ash or on trays made of warm jade results in better health, ice jade is one of the best materials for making trays for Ice-type Pokémon eggs. I specifically prepared it for the Ice Vulpix. Besides that… Wepear Berry, Watmel Berry, Durin Berry, and Rabuta Berry—do you know what kind of food can be made from these four berries?”
“Wepear Berry, Watmel Berry, Durin Berry, Rabuta Berry…” Terrance was silent for a moment. He knew these four berries—they were all very rare. He was aware of some foods and nutritional supplements that contained one of these berries, but something that contained all four? He had never heard of such a thing.
However, foods and nutritional supplements made with any of these four berries were known to enhance a Pokémon’s intelligence.
Terrance looked at Master Victor and could only offer a guess related to this particular effect.
“Haha, it’s normal that you wouldn’t know. I got this recipe from a Senior Breeder. It’s a small recipe that’s very helpful for newly hatched Pokémon in improving their comprehension. I’ll teach you the preparation method later.”
“The effects of the four berries are similar, but if you want them to complement each other without overlapping, the preparation method requires careful attention. It’s a bit tricky to handle and will be a challenge for you at this stage.”
Comprehension—or intelligence—could allow Ice Vulpix to awaken certain moves earlier than it should have learned as it grew stronger, and of course, it has other benefits as well.
Ice leaves, Frost Flowers, coconut water, mulberries… and some neutral, warm-natured plants, vegetables, and fruits. Terrance noticed that Master Victor had prepared everything thoroughly—perhaps a bit too thoroughly.
Among these were several items that Terrance didn’t recognize at all. It seemed that witnessing the hatching of the Ice Vulpix and caring for it in its early stages would be a great opportunity for him to learn a lot of new knowledge.
Twelve hours after the Ice Vulpix’s egg began showing signs of hatching…
Crack!
Even though he had experienced two Pokémon Egg hatchings before, Terrance still felt a twinge of excitement in his heart. After all, this was a Pokémon he had never seen before.
A dazzling white light enveloped the egg. At that moment, Terrance noticed some movement and froze for a second. It seemed Master Victor had quietly left, leaving the task of witnessing the egg’s hatching to him.
By doing this… perhaps the newly hatched little Vulpix would develop a stronger bond with Terrance.
Vulpix is a small, four-legged Pokémon that resembles a fox. The Vulpix Terrance remembered had reddish-brown fur. But this Vulpix, as it appeared in Terrance’s view, had fur as pure and white as snow. Its eyes, shifting from blue to white and resembling amber, slowly opened and quietly locked onto Terrance’s gaze, warming his heart.
The large, pointed ears of the newborn were not fully unfolded yet, and its six tails, due to its infancy, looked like just one tail. The fluffy white fur on its head was the same color as its fluffy tail. Though newly hatched, this Ice Vulpix already displayed the radiant potential of a beauty. Terrance had no doubt that if this Alolan Vulpix were to participate in a Pokémon Contest, even without bonus points for skills, its adorable looks alone would be enough to garner a huge wave of crazy support from the audience!
The small Ice Vulpix was using its four pale-blue paws to work hard at climbing out of its eggshell. This process took some time, and Terrance quietly observed the little guy throughout. At that moment, Terrance realized that he would soon have his hands full.
Caring for a newborn Pokémon is a skillful task, and it seemed that Master Victor had decided to leave the entire responsibility to Terrance.
“Please take care of me from now on…”
Terrance silently muttered to himself. There weren’t many Pokémon that could capture his heart like this. Over his four years of traveling, he had only put his heart into raising six Pokémon. Now, there would be an adorable Vulpix added to that number.
Gently nuzzling the little Vulpix’s forehead, Terrance began to get to work.
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