Chapter 115: Tailored Pokéblocks
"But Professor," Xiu countered respectfully, pushing back against Professor Oak's implied criticism of his Pokéblocks formula, "you're mistaken about the Choco-root powder.
While its primary application in standard pharmacological preparations is indeed for topical burn treatment, that doesn't mean it lacks internal systemic effects as certain compounds within the root," he continued, drawing on knowledge gleaned from deep dives into obscure herbal remedy sections within the Stationmaster's notebooks,
"when ingested regularly in small, controlled doses, have been observed to enhance a Pokémon's natural cellular regeneration processes, specifically in response to thermal stress. It boosts their innate resistance to burns, rather than directly healing existing ones like a berry might."
Professor Oak looked genuinely surprised, raising an eyebrow. "Is that so?" he murmured thoughtfully. "Enhanced thermal resistance through ingestion… Interesting. And this discovery… is it your own?"
"No, Professor," Xiu admitted honestly, shaking his head. "It's based on findings from other researchers, observations I encountered during my studies." He deliberately kept the source vague. "As for its effectiveness… well, theory is one thing. Practical application is another. You'd know better than I after proper testing, wouldn't you?" He subtly placed the burden of verification back on Oak.
"Indeed," Professor Oak conceded, stroking his chin, clearly intrigued by the unfamiliar application of the ingredient. "I confess, material science isn't my primary field of expertise. It's entirely possible there are properties I'm unaware of." He chuckled softly. "It's precisely because no single individual can claim mastery over every aspect of Pokémon science that collaboration and diverse perspectives are crucial."
Xiu smiled inwardly, relieved that his explanation, rooted in niche knowledge that Professor Oak wouldn't necessarily possess, had successfully deflected the initial criticism and subtly established his own credibility. Sometimes, knowing different things is more valuable than knowing more things.
"Alright," Professor Oak conceded, moving past the Choco-root debate. "But that still doesn't fully explain your overall formula modifications. The original recipe," he tapped the paper again, "provided by your acquaintance… it was clearly optimized for enhancing Scyther's speed. Your changes, while incorporating potential defensive elements like burn resistance, seem to de-emphasize that primary advantage. Why?"
"Because, Professor," Xiu replied, his expression turning serious again, "speed is crucial for Scyther, yes. But maximizing only that advantage, while ignoring its critical weaknesses… felt unbalanced. Especially considering…" he paused deliberately, "…Scyther's potential evolutionary path."
"Ah!" Professor Oak understood instantly. "You modified the formula with Scizor in mind! Anticipating the evolution!" His face lit up with renewed interest, the earlier skepticism completely gone. "Focusing on building resilience, particularly fire resistance, before the evolution even occurs… clever!"
"Not entirely," Xiu admitted with a slight nod. "Just… considering the possibilities. Whether Scyther evolves or not, enhancing its fire resistance seems beneficial either way, given its typing. And balancing speed with durability feels like a more robust long-term strategy than pure specialization."
"A sound philosophy," Oak mused. "Though potentially sacrificing peak performance in one area for broader competence in others." He looked thoughtful. "Interesting." He didn't comment further on Scyther's formula, seemingly accepting Xiu's rationale. "And Abra's Pokéblocks? What changes are you proposing there, given our discussion about its condition?"
Xiu outlined his plan. "Based on your advice, Professor, I need to shift the focus entirely away from mental enhancement and towards physical development. The original formula contained several ingredients known to stimulate brain activity – certain nuts, rare herbs… I intend to remove those entirely." He pointed to a specific berry listed in the original formula. "This one, Persim Berry, while good for confusion, also has mild psychoactive properties. I plan to replace it."
"Replace it with what?" Oak asked curiously.
"Rawst Berry," Xiu stated immediately. "Similar texture and palatability, but its primary known effect is soothing burns. More importantly, it lacks the psychoactive compounds of the Persim Berry— a neutral replacement focused solely on basic health."
"Why not Lum Berry?" Oak countered, testing him. "It cures all status conditions, including confusion, and is generally considered superior."
"Availability and cost, Professor," Xiu replied pragmatically. "Lum Berries are significantly rarer and more expensive than either Persim or Rawst. And," he added, "given Abra's current needs, a broad-spectrum cure isn't necessary. Avoiding potential mental stimulation is the priority. Rawst Berry provides a safe, affordable alternative."
Professor Oak nodded slowly, accepting the logic.
— — —
The next few days were consumed by the creation of Pokéblocks. Adjusting the formulas wasn't just a matter of swapping ingredients. As Oak had warned, interactions mattered. Xiu spent hours cross-referencing ingredient properties in the Stationmaster's notes and Oak's library texts, calculating nutritional values, ensuring the new combinations wouldn't have unforeseen negative effects. He ran small test batches, carefully observing texture, aroma, and stability.
The changes for Scyther and Happiny were relatively minor, mostly fine-tuning ratios and adding the Choco-root powder and silicate supplements for Scyther, while slightly increasing Happiny's calcium and protein intake to support its rapid growth.
Abra's formula, however, required a complete overhaul, focusing entirely on physical resilience and energy reserves without adding any ingredients for psychic 'development.
It was painstaking work, but thankfully, Professor Oak, despite his initial skepticism, proved an invaluable resource. While he maintained he wasn't an expert in this specific area of Pokéblock formulation, his foundational knowledge was immense.
He offered crucial insights, pointed out potential pitfalls Xiu had overlooked, suggested alternative binding agents or preservation techniques. Their discussions often devolved into lively debates, Xiu defending his innovative (if sometimes theoretically shaky) ideas while Professor Oak countering with established principles and decades of experience.
In the end, Xiu learned more about practical Pokémon nutrition in those few days working alongside Oak than he had in weeks of solitary study.
Finally, the new Pokéblock batches were complete – small, nutrient-dense pellets tailored to each Pokémon's revised needs.
"Professor," Xiu said, holding up a beaker containing a sample of the Pokéblocks designed for Abra, "would you care to… try one?" He offered it with a completely straight face.
Professor Oak looked horrified. "Get that away from me!" he recoiled dramatically. "Don't you dare!" He glared suspiciously at Xiu. "I still remember those 'snacks' you brought back from town the other day! Why were they so crunchy? And why did that Growlithe from town seem so interested in them?"
"What's wrong with Pokéblocks?" Xiu countered innocently, popping one of the Abra pellets into his own mouth and chewing thoughtfully. "It's made of high quality ingredients and is perfectly edible— a bit bland, perhaps, but harmless." He grinned. "Besides, wasting the leftover test batches is a waste, and those 'cookies' I made? They were perfectly good!"
"You… you tricked me into eating Pokémon food?!" Oak sputtered, looking utterly aghast.
"Technically," Xiu pointed out with a sly smile, "I just left them on the table. You just assumed they were snacks, Professor."
Professor Oak stared at Xiu, speechless for a moment, remembering how he'd actually quite enjoyed the 'cookies'. He cleared his throat, quickly regaining his composure, refusing to acknowledge the possibility. "Ahem! Well," he stated firmly, changing the subject, "now that the Pokéblocks are sorted, perhaps we can finally begin the real work."