Not Being a Trainer This Time

Chapter 618: Chapter 337: The Struggle Between Glastrier and Spectrier (Part 2)

It’s quite evident from his look that he’s wondering whom to choose for the horse racing festival.

Naoki: ”...”

Wait, isn’t the horse racing festival supposed to allow only one horse?

Naoki lightly coughed and, after a brief moment of thought, said, ”In that case, let’s decide by drawing lots! Even if you don’t get chosen, it’s fine. There will be another horse racing festival next year, and you can go then.”

Drawing lots...

Glastrier and Spectrier reluctantly accepted.

Seeing this, Naoki returned to his room and prepared two white bowls.

He placed a Pecha Berry in one bowl and an Oran Berry in the other, then placed the bowls upside down in front of the two horses.

”Make your choice! Whoever picks the Pecha Berry will qualify for the horse racing festival. The one who picks the Oran Berry can participate next year!” Naoki said.

Upon hearing this, Spectrier and Glastrier widened their eyes and stared intently at the two identical bowls.

They both displayed clear hesitation on their faces, neither wanting to make the first decision, afraid of picking the wrong one.

After a while, Spectrier made its decision.

It gently lifted its hoof and placed it on the bowl on the right.

Seeing this scene, Glastrier immediately snorted with dissatisfaction and nudged Spectrier aside; it also wanted to choose that bowl!

Naoki was at a loss for words.

”No snatching. Everything should be done in order. Spectrier made the choice first, so the bowl on the right is theirs!”

Thus, Glastrier could only let go of its spot angrily.

Naoki opened the upside-down bowl, revealing a pink Pecha Berry inside.

Then Naoki opened the bowl on the left, which contained a blue Oran Berry.

With that, the answer was clear.

The Pokemon that qualified for the horse racing festival was—Spectrier!

”Congratulations, Spectrier! And Glastrier, don’t be discouraged; it’ll be your turn next year,” Naoki said.

”Neigh~oo!” Spectrier couldn’t hide its excitement.

Glastrier was very upset, snorting and turning its head away from Naoki, refusing to play with him.

Naoki: ”...”

Alder, struggling to contain his laughter, said, ”Your Pokemon truly has a unique personality!”

Naoki was momentarily at a loss for words.

As he returned the bowls to the kitchen, Calyrex, who was watching TV, casually asked, ”Whom did you choose?”

”Spectrier,” Naoki responded.

Calyrex nodded slightly, ”Spectrier’s speed does surpass Glastrier’s; with it, you can rest assured.”

After taking a few steps, Naoki suddenly felt curious and asked:

”By the way, Calyrex, when you were racing with Spectrier and Glastrier in the Galar Land, would one of them get upset if you rode the other?”

This question surprised Calyrex a bit.

After a moment of reflection, they shook their head and said, ”I never encountered such a situation. When I was riding one, the other would stay at my abode, awaiting my return.”

Is that so? Naoki pondered and then said, ”Spectrier drew the lot for the horse racing festival, and Glastrier got upset.”

Calyrex couldn’t help but chuckle, ”I’ve never encountered such a situation before; it seems my beloved horse cares quite a bit about you!”

Naoki: ”...”

Calyrex’s face showed a reminiscing expression, ”My beloved horses are not the same.”

”Spectrier likes calmness, is secluded and cold, and rarely interacts with other Pokemon.”

”Glastrier has always had a direct and aggressive nature; when it encounters something it wants, it’ll snatch it by force. But now it’s only a bit angry, which truly surprises me!”

Naoki wondered if it might be because of the presence of Koraidon?

But thinking of Glastrier’s angry look just now, he still felt a bit guilty.

So he went to Glaceon’s ice cellar to gather a basket of Iceroot Carrots to put in Glastrier’s trough for an extra treat.

Glastrier was still angry; it was doing fine originally, but as soon as it saw him approach, it turned around immediately, showing its rear to him, ignoring him.

Naoki: ”...”

Forget it!

He led Spectrier out of the stable to an open field across the river and, holding Calyrex’s Reins of Unity, mounted it.

Riding felt somewhat different than riding Koraidon and Cyclizar.

Spectrier’s form was large, and if it were to run at full speed, an inexperienced rider could easily fall off.

Though humans in the Pokemon World have unique constitutions and aren’t easily killed from falls, things like cuts and bleeding are still common.

Naoki hadn’t known how to ride a horse before, having been just a corporate worker in his past life, living in a concrete jungle, with no chance to engage in horseback riding or experience the great plains.

All his riding skills were learned from Calyrex.

Right when the two horses first arrived at the ranch.

By tightening his legs on the horse’s belly and pulling the reins, Spectrier automatically began to trot, running across the grassland.

Horse racing festivals in the Pokemon World are quite unique, as Pokemon are allowed to use moves during the race, Naoki pondered while explaining the rules to Spectrier.

”In that race, many Horse-type Pokemon will participate, and during running, they’re allowed to use moves.”

”So be cautious, while progressing along the racecourse, you’ll need to avoid opponents’ attacks.”