Chapter 24: Renting Diglett

Under the motivation of rewards, the players successfully completed the wood collection task before logging off.

Watching the players panting heavily with trembling legs, Leon couldn't help but feel emotional.

He had underestimated the players' potential. They were truly willing to go all out for rewards.

Leon even thought that if he had offered sufficient rewards earlier when dealing with the Ursaring, these players would have dared to fight it head-on.

"Congratulations on completing the wood collection task. These are your well-deserved rewards."

Leon distributed some EXP and Pokédollars to the players.

The EXP was automatically added to them through the system interface.

As for the Pokédollars, Leon had Walter craft them from scrap metal.

The system-distributed Pokédollars were virtual and couldn't be withdrawn, only used for purchases in the shop module.

He also couldn't transfer these Pokédollars to the players since they didn't have access to the task interface.

Leon had no choice but to create physical currency himself. He would act as a middleman—players could use this currency to buy items from him, and he would restock from the system shop.

Of course, the selling price to players couldn't be the same as the shop's. He needed to earn a small intermediary fee.

Moreover, distributing physical currency enhanced the players' sense of achievement. They were already playing with the Pokédollars excitedly.

"As for the farmland usage rights, I'll have someone guide you to choose your plots tomorrow after you return from the divine realm."

Leon turned his gaze to Ethan Carter.

"The one who collected the most wood among you was SilentTongue. His farmland will be larger, and he'll also receive a special reward."

Leon handed a Poké Ball and a Sticky Glob to Ethan.

"The function of the Poké Ball has already been explained earlier. This Sticky Glob is used to restrict a Pokémon's movements. You saw its effect this morning when I used it against the Ursaring."

Ethan accepted the rewards excitedly. He had initially thought the special reward was just a Poké Ball, but he was pleasantly surprised to receive a Sticky Glob as well.

This item had even trapped the powerful Ursaring. It was another lifesaving tool for him.

He happily stored both items away, then heard Leon continue.

"Additionally, you can rent a Diglett for free to help with plowing your farmland."

"A Diglett? Another Pokémon? It can help with farming?"

"I only know Whack-a-Diglett. Aren't rodents usually pests for farmland?"

Seeing the confused looks on the players' faces, Leon decided to show them firsthand.

He led the players to the courtyard, where the Diglett were chewing on tree roots.

"Is this a Diglett? It doesn't look like a rat at all. More like an earthworm."

"Earthworms in real life are good for soil. Do these things have the same ability?"

"They eat tree roots? No wonder the lord asked us to bring back some roots when cutting trees."

The Diglett gathered around when they saw Leon. They had been living very comfortably these past two days, with plenty of Pokémon food and fresh tree roots to eat.

Leon had kept all his promises, so they were naturally willing to fulfill their duties and work hard to help humans farm.

Besides, if they only ate without working, the Diglett would feel uneasy, afraid that Leon might abandon them someday.

"These people need your help with farming, but they don't know your capabilities. Show them what you can do."

Leon crouched down and spoke to them.

"Diglett!"

The Diglett nodded. They didn't want to disappoint Leon.

The Diglett turned and burrowed into the nearby soil. As they moved forward, large patches of earth were overturned.

In no time, they had tilled the entire area.

The players were stunned.

"That was so fast! Their efficiency is insane!"

"The soil is perfectly tilled. You could almost start planting right after a little cleanup."

Seeing the players' eager expressions, Leon knew they were hooked. He sweetened the deal further.

"You've all seen it now. Diglett are masters at farming. They can till the soil in no time."

"Moreover, their droppings enrich the soil, significantly increasing crop yields."

Leon pointed to one of the Diglett and said to Ethan.

"This Diglett will be rented to you for free. You just need to feed it some tree roots every day."

The other four players watched enviously as Ethan took his Diglett. They wanted one too.

"Alright, the rewards have been distributed. You may return to the divine realm now. See you tomorrow."

Leon pretended to head back to the castle.

Seeing him about to leave, one of the players finally spoke up.

"Wait! Lord Leon, can we rent these Diglett too?"

Leaf stopped Leon.

"I'm afraid not. These Diglett are meant to help the townsfolk whose farmlands were damaged."

"SilentTongue got his for free as a special reward. You don't qualify for rentals yet."

Leon shook his head in refusal, which immediately made the players anxious.

"Lord Leon, we're your people too! We came from the divine realm to help you develop the territory. Not to mention, we've completed many tasks for you. Even if we haven't achieved great merits, we've worked hard! Please rent them to us!"

"Well... you do have a point." Leon feigned hesitation.

Leaf and the others saw his reluctance wavering and pressed further.

"And we won't rent them for free! We'll pay Pokédollars!"

Leon was delighted. This was exactly what he wanted!

He pretended to think for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said.

"Fine, I'll rent them to you!"

The players cheered and rushed to hand over their money.

But when they checked their pockets, they realized they didn't have enough.

"The rental fee is this high? I only have enough for two days."

"You're lucky. After deducting the Pokédollars for respawning, I don't even have enough for one day."

Leon, noticing their financial struggles, offered them a solution.

They could rent on credit and repay later by deducting from future task rewards.

The players were deeply moved. They hadn't expected Lord Leon to be so considerate, even willing to lend them money without interest.

So when Leon recommended renting Dugtrio instead, they agreed without hesitation.

Lord Leon would never deceive them!

Though Dugtrio's rental fee was higher, it plowed faster and knew the move "Bulldoze," which further boosted crop growth speed and yield.

Since they were already in debt, they might as well go all in and rent a Dugtrio.

Thus, aside from the calm Luna and Ethan (who got his Diglett for free), the other three players rented Dugtrio.

They also saddled themselves with heavy debts.

Yet they were thrilled, convinced they had scored a great deal. Before logging off, they even thanked Leon profusely.

Once the players were gone, Leon returned to his study. Looking at the Pokédollars that had left his hands not long ago and were now back, he felt a twinge of guilt.

He had wanted the players to use Diglett for farming to set an example for townsfolk who feared Pokémon. Yet he had to act reluctant to rent them out.

His real goal was to recover the players' Pokédollars.

With this scheme, not only did he get the players to promote Pokémon-assisted farming, but he also made them indebted to him.

"I'm starting to sound like a capitalist. Will they hang me from a lamppost someday?"

Leon muttered to himself.

"Probably not. They even thanked me when they logged off. Besides, even though they're in debt now, they got happiness in return. It's not a bad deal."

Knock knock.

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Young Master Leon, the Ursaring has woken up. Would you like to see it?"

"Yes, I'll head over now."

Leon stood up and walked out. He had many questions for that Ursaring.

(End of Chapter)