Just as Yuga opened the door to his home and stepped inside, the voice of the system suddenly rang out in the darkness, startling Yuga.
[ Congratulations to the host for completing the hidden quest: Distinctive Characteristics. ]
[ Explanation: In order to better develop the Day Care, the host actively engaged in thought and took action, bringing back Pokémon with their own distinctive features to the Day Care. ]
[ Evaluation: Extremely excellent.]
[ Reward: Qualification to open a Sub-Ecopark. ]
[ Congratulations to the host for achieving the achievement: Triumphant Return. ]
[ Explanation: The host ventured out for the first time and succeeded. A noteworthy accomplishment. ]
[ Reward: Ground-type Pokémon Universal Pokéblock formula. ]
Although he was startled, Yuga's mood quickly brightened upon hearing the system's message.
Yuga switched on the lights in his shop and addressed the system, "How do I activate this qualification to open a Sub-Ecopark?"
The system replied, [ A Sub-Ecopark is an independent space attached to the main Ecopark, each with its own unique characteristics. ]
[ Here are the Sub-Ecopark options the host can choose from: Volcano, Shallow Seashore, Grassland, Mine, Desert, Snowy Summit, Forest, Cavern, Haunted House, Dragon's Den... ]
Yuga found a chair and sat down, then without hesitation, he selected Desert. Currently, he needed an environment suitable for accommodating his Gligar, Flygon, and Trapinch. The others could be accommodated in potential future Sub-Ecoparks.
After selecting, Yuga curiously asked, "How do I activate this?"
The system explained, [ As long as the host confirms the selection, the system will immediately activate it for the host. ]
[ Sub-Ecoparks are connected to the main Ecopark but are also independent. The entrance to the Sub-Ecopark is within the main Ecopark, but apart from the host and the Pokémon in the Day Care, no one else can see or enter it. ]
Yuga exclaimed in amazement, "That's impressive! Can you activate it for me? How long will it take?"
The system reassured him, [ It won't take long, just five minutes. ]
Yuga questioned, "So quick? Didn't the main Ecopark's transformation take twelve hours?"
The system clarified, [ It's different. The main Ecopark involves modifying and decorating the existing space, while the Sub-Ecopark is a pre-existing space. The system just links its entrance to the main Ecopark. ]
Yuga had an epiphany, "I see."
While waiting for the system to activate the Sub-Ecopark for the next five minutes, Yuga inquired about the information regarding the universal Pokéblock formula.
This so-called Ground-type Pokémon Universal Pokéblock was a type of Pokéblock suitable for all Ground-type Pokémon, meaning both Gligar and Flygon could consume it.
Yuga felt his system was truly considerate, always providing rewards tailored to his needs.
Examining the formula, Yuga noticed that the berries required to make this Pokéblock were quite common, making the production cost very low.
Yuga wasn't one to believe that something cheap was necessarily subpar; his system's offerings were generally high-quality, and he believed this Pokéblock was no exception.
Approximately five minutes later, the system notified Yuga that the Sub-Ecopark had been successfully activated. Yuga immediately stood up, ready to explore the new area.
When Yuga arrived at the main Ecopark of the Day Care, it was pitch dark, and the Pokémon in the yard were already asleep. Yuga didn't want to disturb them, so he focused his attention on a faint, azure-colored gateway appearing at the edge of the yard.
Yuga walked over silently and passed through the gateway, greeted by a scenery of a lake. The water was a vivid blue, crystal clear, and the lake was surrounded by fruit trees, radiating a vibrant atmosphere.
Perplexed, Yuga asked, "Wasn't it supposed to be a desert? What's going on here?"
The system explained, [ This is the oasis at the heart of the desert. ]
Realization dawned on Yuga; he had forgotten that oases existed within deserts.
Yuga requested, "Please provide me with information about this place."
System: [ The area of this desert is much smaller than real deserts, but it's ten times the size of the main Ecopark. Most of the area is covered in yellow sand. ]
[ The central part of the desert has three adjacent oases, each with the same environment, and each oasis is about the size of the main Ecopark. ]
[ The entrance connecting the desert and the main Ecopark is set in the central oasis. ]
[ It's currently daytime here because it's just connected to the main Ecopark. In about twenty-four hours, the time here will synchronize with the outside. ]
[ That's the overall situation. ]
Yuga found it strange and commented, "Looking at the size of this desert and the oases, I can't help but feel is the main Ecopark, and the one outside is the Sub-Ecopark."
The system explained, [ It's not like that. The reason the main Ecopark is called the main Ecopark isn't about its size, but because it's directly connected to the world of Pokémon, it's a part of the Pokémon world. ]
[ However, no matter how large a Sub-Ecopark is, it's essentially just a fragment of space. If the main Ecopark ceases to exist, they'll lose their support and disappear. ]
Yuga nodded in understanding, "I see."
Afterwards, Yuga released all of his Gligars and Flygons.
He placed the Gligars in the oasis on the left and accommodated the Flygons and Trapinchs in the oasis on the right. As for the central oasis with the entrance, Yuga left it empty.
Since Yuga had already tamed the leaders of the Gligars and Flygons, the other Gligars, Flygons, and Trapinchs were quite obedient. The Pokémon eggs were also placed in their respective territories.
Yuga called the leaders of the Gligars and Flygons over and addressed them, "This vast space will be your home from now on. I know your relationship isn't great, so I've already divided the territory for both of you. Remember, no causing trouble for me in the future."
Both Pokémon nodded simultaneously and then returned to their designated territories.
After completing these tasks, Yuga comfortably took a shower and fed his Floette and Audino. Then, he went to sleep.
Lying on his soft bed, Yuga felt truly content. He hadn't realized how much his home meant to him until he returned from the desert. The feeling of being home was so comforting.
The next morning, Yuga got up, dressed in pajamas, yawned, and with disheveled hair, he groggily went downstairs, startling Suzuki Koen who had come over to open the shop.
"Wow, you scared me."
Suzuki Koen Koen patted her chest.
"It's just the boss returning. I thought it was a thief coming into the shop."
Perhaps due to a really comfortable sleep last night, Yuga still seemed half-asleep. He rubbed his eyes and greeted, "Good morning."
Suzuki Koen replied, "Good morning. By the way, the fifty Pokémon eggs for the Day Care have arrived. I couldn't reach you, so I started selling them directly in the shop."
Upon hearing Suzuki Koen's words, Yuga became a bit more awake and said, "Understood, that's the right thing to do."
Saying that, Yuga glanced behind Suzuki Koen and asked, "Where's Dian? Why hasn't he come?"
Suzuki Koen chuckled and said, "He's still lazing around at home, refusing to get up. Strawberry is keeping him company at home."
Strawberry was the Skitty that Suzuki Koen had bought from the shop the first time she visited. Usually, when Suzuki Koen worked, Strawberry would keep Dian company in the shop.