Chapter Fourteen: The Old Popsicle Can't Handle Spicy Food

“Well, the equipment is quite complete.” Zhu Suihan whistled, “So, Miss Joy, I’ll need you to come with me. I really don’t have much talent for these machines.”

“No need for formalities. The last batch of Pokémon has already been treated, and the seriously injured ones are resting in the recovery ward, so I’m free now.” Joy smiled, “But, sir, if I’m not mistaken, you were making Pokéblocks outdoors just now—high-quality Pokéblocks, I’d wager. Otherwise, you wouldn’t carry such a lingering aroma.”

Zhu Suihan scratched his head, “Uh, are they really that good? It was my first time making them.”

“They’re very good—and also quite dangerous.” Joy instructed Zhu Suihan on how to use the grinder, explaining the risks as she went. “When you make Pokéblocks outdoors, the scent spreads in all directions. Sometimes it attracts powerful Pokémon, which can be very dangerous.”

“Especially high-quality Pokéblocks. If the trainer isn’t strong enough, it’s like smearing yourself in honey and standing at the entrance of a Ursaring’s den.”

Zhu Suihan chimed in, “Let me guess, the wind is blowing right into the den?”

Joy and Chansey laughed, “Exactly.”

“Well, thanks to nature’s mercy.” Zhu Suihan felt fortunate he hadn’t wandered far. Had he been in places like Mt. Silver or Crown Mountain, he would have been chased eight hundred miles away.

“But to achieve such results on your first attempt is rare. I suggest you recall that feeling.” Joy said, “For a beginner, every accidental success making high-quality Pokéblocks is an experience worth remembering.”

Zhu Suihan tilted his head, “Perhaps I don’t need that sort of thing.” If this luck comes around a few more times, the process might become muscle memory.

Joy’s gaze held a look of amusement—“You’re quite interesting, young man.”

“So, could you help me make a batch of Pokéblocks later? The payment is the recipe for that batch.” Bringing the somewhat arrogant youth back to earth was a classic Joy move!

Zhu Suihan nodded decisively, “Deal.” Free money—he couldn’t pass it up, or fate might take offense.

Lapras moved at his waist, gaining a new awareness of Zhu Suihan’s shamelessness.

But a new recipe—did that mean new flavors of Pokéblocks to taste? Please, Trainer, give it your all!

“You want to make Pokéblocks using powdered Evolution Stones?” Joy was surprised. “I thought that method was mostly medicinal—I’ve never seen it used for Pokéblocks before.”

“It’s fine, but I think the best instrument for this would be an energy extractor; that would minimize impurities.” Zhu Suihan packed various powders into jars and bottles. “Miss Joy, could I have a look at the recipe?”

“Of course, here you go. For the bill, just settle it at the front desk later.”

Zhu Suihan glanced at the recipe and was instantly baffled. “Lum Berry—isn’t that berry extremely astringent?”

But the rest of the recipe made even less sense, his hands trembling. “Cheri Berry, Tamato Berry, Haban Berry…” All spicy!

Joy patted her partner’s head, “This is my Chansey’s favorite Pokéblock recipe. She loves spicy food.”

Zhu Suihan: Heretic—prepare for the stake!

“Lucky!” Chansey struck a fighting pose reminiscent of a Machamp, her egg-shaped body showing distinct muscle lines.

Goodness, this was truly the pink demon—gym edition.

Standing before the Pokéblock machine, Zhu Suihan gently tapped the Pokéball. “Give it up. This recipe isn’t for ordinary mortals like us. Even a few Fire-type Pokémon would struggle.”

Lapras hung her head, thoroughly convinced by Zhu Suihan’s caution. She really didn’t dare taste it!

Haban Berry—even non-Fire Pokémon who take a bite reportedly spew flames on the spot, and the recipe called for three!

Shouldn’t one wear gloves handling that?

Carefully processing the berries, Zhu Suihan was grateful the recipe detailed the necessary precautions, or he’d be learning Fire Punch by the end of the day.

After cooling and shaping, there was a second heating step. Zhu Suihan could only hope the Pokémon Center’s ventilation was up to the task; he wasn’t keen on choking.

The Pokéblock machine started. Truthfully, Zhu Suihan felt like a warrior embarking on a one-way journey, but fortunately, the machine was well-sealed.

Joy and Chansey took one look and confirmed Zhu Suihan was a novice—his technique and posture were amateurish.

Who makes Pokéblocks by leaning over the machine and staring into the container?

“Hm, almost done.”

With the pulp finished, Zhu Suihan recalled the earlier situation—this time he used the Pokémon Center’s machine.

If the Pokéblocks still came out as beads, it had to be his technique.

And after successful production, the excess internal airflow would surely escape.

Back in Team Rocket, why was there never a gas mask option in the raffle?

Sss—

“It’s done.”

A bubbling sound echoed as Pokéblocks rolled onto the tray, their translucent texture unchanged but now fiery red.

Joy, Chansey: Did it really work?!

After thinking, Zhu Suihan opted for gloves to transfer the finished product into a box, which he handed to Joy.

“Could you help me appraise the quality?”

Joy glanced at her impatient Chansey and shook her head. “No need—the way my partner’s acting tells me your Pokéblocks are a success, aside from their appearance.”

Zhu Suihan spoke mysteriously, “You don’t understand—these are elixirs.”

Joy: What?

Chansey took the box from Zhu Suihan, eagerly popping one into her mouth, her face instantly radiating contentment.

“Lucky~”

Zhu Suihan said, “This recipe must be a copy, so I’ll gladly accept it.” With a few tweaks, it might become an advanced version for Fire-type Pokémon—a true windfall.

Joy couldn’t comprehend it, utterly shocked, doubting Zhu Suihan’s identity just like the Delibird once had.

Was he a humanoid Togepi?

“You—this is really your first, no, second time making Pokéblocks?”

“Yes.”

Thanks for asking—reporting from Azalea Town, newly revived.

“With this skill, you’re already remarkable. With more precise machines, the Pokéblock quality could improve even more.” Joy examined the beads in her hand. “You called these…elixirs?”

“It’s nothing, just a joke. Honestly, I have no idea how I made Pokéblocks like these.”

Zhu Suihan casually picked one up. “But aside from the spicy scent during airflow release, there’s nothing wrong holding it.”

Joy laughed, “Why not taste one? It’s the fruit of your labor.”

“Good point.”

Joy: Wait—!

“No, I was just jok—”

Boom!

The moment the Pokéblock entered his mouth, Zhu Suihan looked as if he’d eaten wasabi for the first time—taking huge bites and chewing fiercely. Instantly, his face flushed red, his expression twisted.

Now he understood the role of the Lum Berry—it encased the ultra-spicy Pokéblock, sealing all heat and nutrients inside.

The astringent shell signaled the body to brace itself, warning every part to prepare.

Then, the terrifying heat arrived.

“Not bad, just alright, I can handle it.”

Zhu Suihan, stubborn as ever, managed three words before giving in, grabbing a handful of sweet berries from the incense burner to soothe his mouth.

Joy hurried out, returning with a glass of water. “Are you okay?”

“Cough, cough, I’m fine.” Zhu Suihan tossed a Pokéball, “Lapras, use Ice Beam on me.”

“Woooo—”

A blue beam painted Zhu Suihan with cold, encasing him in ice once more.

Crackling sounds echoed as Zhu Suihan punched through the ice, instinctively touching his lips.

Good, no sausage lips—what a relief.

It was an experience of fire and ice, but at least all the strange heat and spice had been purged from his body.

Chansey was stunned. “Lucky?”

“I’m fine—just an Ice Beam. I could take a Water Gun followed by Thunderbolt and still be okay.”

Zhu Suihan looked at Lapras, “How about it, want to try?”

Lapras shook her head furiously, “Wuuu!”

You’re trying to kill me!

Zhu Suihan was impressed. “To eat these Pokéblocks, you two truly are remarkable.”

Joy and Chansey exchanged a look, then scratched their heads with embarrassed smiles.

“Actually, even my Chansey can only handle one Pokéblock at a time—that’s her limit. For humans, your approach is outrageous.”

Zhu Suihan: “Really?!”

“Really. I learned this recipe from a breeding master, and according to him, even high-level Fire-type Pokémon need to follow strict dosage guidelines.”

Lapras’s long neck collapsed to the floor, laughing so hard her flippers slapped the ground, thoroughly pleased with her trainer’s iron-headed display.

Zhu Suihan quietly raised the Pokéball, “Enough, get back in.”

He hadn’t expected Miss Joy to only half explain, or perhaps he’d acted too quickly.