Terastallization.
A unique phenomenon in Paldea, on par with Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing.
Its effect is game-changing: it can temporarily alter a Pokémon's type.
You could turn a Dragon into a Fairy, a Fire-type into Water—anything is possible.
The new type also gains STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), greatly boosting combat power.
In Lucas's Paldea timeline, Terastallization had been discovered by Professors Turo and Sada, but since the materials weren't widely available, it wasn't yet popularized. He and Geeta hadn't used it in their battle.
Geeta, as the Champion, certainly had a Tera Orb, but Lucas did not.
The raw gem, formed by Paldea's underground Terastal energy and wrapped in a shiny blue shell, was extremely valuable.
Valuable enough to lift Lucas out of poverty and into a comfortable life.
Sell it to Geeta!
The idea flashed through Lucas' mind.
But the Special Prompt System frantically popped up with messages:
[I know you want to sell it. No! You! Can't!]
[With this, your Pokémon will get much stronger. Why sell it?]
[Please, I beg you, don't sell it! I promise I'll help you as you build your farm!]
[This is my lifelong request!]
"..."
Lucas was speechless. What a pathetic system—like he was bullying it.
"I can keep it, but you have to answer my prompts on call, got it?"
[Okay, no problem!]
Seeing the happy tone in the text, Lucas sighed and accepted the system.
This silly thing seemed harmless, and having a companion to chat with wasn't so bad.
After moving all the furniture and items outside with Swampert, Lucas fist-bumped Swampert and smiled:
"Thanks a lot. Let's have a feast tonight. You can rest in your Poké Ball now."
Swampert nodded, touched its Poké Ball, and disappeared in a flash of red light.
Lucas stretched and glanced over the ground.
Besides the furniture and boxes, he'd found nothing useful except some photos of the old couple and a few unlabeled bags of seeds—probably just flowers, and long since spoiled.
His only real gain was the Tera Orb raw gem in his hand.
He hesitated a bit, then took out his phone and dialed a number.
[Ring... ring... ]
The call was quickly answered.
["Well, this is rare. What made you call today, Champion Lucas?"]
The voice on the other end was Geeta, Chairwoman and Champion.
"I'm retired now, Chairwoman. Just call me by my name."
Lucas corrected her, a bit helpless. Since rising in Paldea, he'd gotten to know Geeta well, and they'd become friends.
On the other end, Geeta shook her head slightly. Even after half a month, Lucas hadn't changed his mind.
She sighed silently and asked:
["So, why did you call me this time?"]
Lucas replied:
"I found a Tera Orb raw gem and would like to ask you to help me get it made into a usable Tera Orb by the professors."
At this, Geeta's expression grew serious.
A raw gem for a Tera Orb was very rare. And Lucas was asking not to sell it, but to have it made into an Orb.
That meant he hadn't completely given up on being a trainer—there was hope!
A plan instantly formed in Geeta's mind. She coughed lightly and said with a smile:
["I can easily connect you with the professors, but... Lucas, do you know how expensive it is to make a Tera Orb?"]
Lucas was confused. In the future, weren't Tera Orbs standard for rookie trainers? How expensive could they be? Wait, no—
Suddenly, Lucas realized that in his current timeline, Tera Orbs had only just been invented, and mass production was a long way off. Just like in his previous life, many high-tech inventions existed but were limited by cost and materials.
It was the same with the Tera Orb.
Damn, I was too hasty!
Lucas nervously asked:
"If I provide the raw materials, how much does it cost to make a Tera Orb?"
Geeta smiled:
["Selling your newly bought land might cover it."]
Lucas sucked in a breath of cold air. Make a Tera Orb? Might as well forget it. He couldn't sell his land!
Just as he was about to give up, Geeta suddenly said:
["But there's another way..."]
Lucas froze and listened intently.
["I'll cover the cost, but I have a condition."]
"Condition?"
["You need to work as a battle instructor at Naranja Academy in Mesagoza."]
["Our battle teacher is on extended leave, and as Academy Chairwoman, I'm looking for a replacement. You're just right."]
She was practically waiting for him to ask.
Lucas fell silent.
He'd be a teacher? Wouldn't Geeta worry about him corrupting the youth?
And teaching wasn't his dream!
Before he could refuse, Geeta anticipated his thoughts and made an offer he couldn't reject:
["There are only two battle classes per week, so it won't take much of your time. Mesagoza is close to Los Platos—you can fly there quickly on your Dragonite."]
["Most importantly, I'll cover the cost of your Tera Orb, and you'll draw the same salary as a regular teacher. Are you satisfied?"]
Lucas realized Geeta had played him perfectly. Every offer hit his weak spots.
Short working hours, steady pay, a free Teras Orb, and his farm dream undisturbed.
Did he have a reason to refuse?
No!
Lucas made his decision on the spot:
"Chairwoman, when do I start?"