Pokemon: I'm a Farmer

Early the next morning, Rex packed up and flew on Swellow toward the residence of Island King Hala.

If he could obtain a Z-Ring on this trip, Rex believed Swellow's days to becoming a Totem Pokémon were just around the corner. That morning, Swellow's body had grown noticeably larger than the day before, a clear sign that even without a Sparkling Stone or Z-Crystal, Swellow was developing a body increasingly attuned to Z-Energy. Once it accumulated enough, it would naturally cross the threshold into becoming a Totem Pokémon.

Soon, Rex arrived at Hala's home following his map. Hala lived in a villa with an orange roof located in the northwest part of Iki Town.

The town was small and surrounded by forest. At its center stood a ceremonial stage, its perimeter marked with white patterns. This was where Hala, as island king, would battle challengers of the island trial—and also where rituals were held to honor Melemele Island's guardian deity, Tapu Koko.

"Hello, is anyone home?"

After ringing the bell a few times and getting no response, Rex called out loudly.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!"

After a while, a booming voice came from within.

"And you are?"

Hala opened the door and asked.

"My name is Rex. Hello, Island King Hala. Professor Kukui sent me here to take your challenge!"

Rex quickly introduced himself upon seeing Hala's puzzled look.

"Oh, right! Kukui did mention you. That kid really has high hopes for you!"

Hala thought for a moment before recalling the details.

At this point in time, Alola had yet to establish its Pokémon League. Even among local trainers, very few were granted the honor of undertaking the island trials. For Hala to grant Rex this opportunity as an outsider had required significant resolve—though Kukui's recommendation had played a major part.

There were still tensions between local and foreign trainers. Giving a Z-Ring to an outsider like Rex could bring Hala criticism from local trainers. That said, as someone who had served as island king for many years, Hala wasn't the type to be easily swayed by such concerns. He simply had to judge whether it was worth the trouble.

Had Rex come on his own seeking a Z-Ring, Hala would have turned him away instantly. But because of his close relationship with Kukui—and the fact that Rex's goal of nurturing a Totem Pokémon intrigued him—Hala decided to give him a chance.

"Come in, Rex, no need to be shy!"

Once Hala confirmed Rex's identity, he welcomed him warmly into the house and even poured him a local Alolan beverage.

The drink tasted somewhat like coffee and was said to help with alertness. Alolans kept it at home not only for personal use but also for entertaining guests.

"Rex, may I take a look at your Swellow? Kukui told me it's got a real shot at becoming a Totem Pokémon."

After they were seated, Hala asked his question directly.

This was one of the main reasons Hala had agreed to test Rex. If the young trainer's theory could be proven, it would have major implications for Alola. As one of Alola's top trainers, Hala had long felt the limitations of his older partners. Their growth had plateaued, and he had been forced to start training new Pokémon to continue advancing.

Naturally, Rex didn't hesitate. Seeing that the living room was fairly spacious, he released Swellow on the spot.

Swellow now stood nearly 2.5 meters tall. Its sudden appearance made the already generous room feel immediately cramped.

"Your Swellow's eyes are sharp—clearly a reflection of your excellent training, Rex. And... I can feel just a trace of Totem aura from it."

Hala gazed at the towering bird in awe.

Until this moment, he'd taken Kukui's words with a grain of salt. But now, seeing Swellow in person, he realized Kukui might have been downplaying it. If not for the lack of an actual Totem aura, Hala could have sworn he was looking at a full-fledged Totem Pokémon.

"Rex, I've prepared two trials for you. A few days ago, an Ultra Beast emerged from an Ultra Wormhole and arrived here on Melemele Island. I've been tracking it ever since. Your first trial is to help me locate it. Of course, if you have the strength, you're welcome to subdue it yourself."

Hala paused to take a sip of his drink, then continued:

"If you manage to capture it solo, I'll throw in a bonus gift. But regardless—whether you find its location or subdue it—I'll consider that a pass for the first trial. As for the second one, it's simple: you just have to defeat me."

Hala had faith in Rex's abilities. With Swellow's power alone, he was confident the young trainer could handle most surprises—even an Ultra Beast. If nothing else, escape was definitely possible.

Due to spatial instability above Alola, creatures from other worlds—Ultra Beasts—would occasionally slip through Ultra Wormholes into the region. These beings, utterly alien in biology and behavior, often caused chaos.

The very reason the island king and queen system had taken shape in Alola was because of the havoc wreaked by these Ultra Beasts. Much of the job of an island monarch was to protect their territory from such threats.

Rex knew that in a few years, the Aether Foundation would take over this role. With its advanced technology, the foundation would eventually develop systems to monitor Ultra Wormholes, track Ultra Beasts via satellite, and use Ultra Balls to capture and return them to their world.

He wasn't sure if the Aether Foundation had those tools yet. And despite knowing Lusamine—Lillie's mother—led the foundation, Rex wasn't eager to approach a woman who'd become dangerously unhinged after the disappearance of her husband.

(End of Chapter)