1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 15: Normal Work

Clear weather spread across the Wild Area after we left Turffield, and the open sky made every hill look wider than it had from the stadium road. Grass Badge shine still felt new in my case, but the wind pulled our attention forward instead of letting us stare at it forever.

We set up near a safe camp area where the ground was dry, the sightlines were open, and Pokémon could stretch without crowding one another. Pikachu hopped down from my shoulder, sniffed the bright air, and flicked his tail toward the distant paths.

Alice checked the map while Gloria watched the grass for sudden movement. Flora sat beneath a clear patch of light, smoothing the Grass Uniform package she had bought in Turffield. Helen was already studying her curry supplies, and Elena's Indeedee arranged cups with quiet precision.

Alice's phone rang before anyone could decide whether to train or rest. Jane appeared on the screen with Hammerlock Academy's crest behind her. "Ash, Alice, I hope the weather is clear where you are. The Normal-type practical work is ready."

Elena glanced toward the phone. "Another Pokémon Job?"

"That's right," Alice said. "Grass work helped Yoshida's Coffee. This time the academy wants Normal-type partners to handle flexible, everyday tasks."

Jane nodded. "Normal-type work is valuable because it does not depend on one narrow specialty. Today's board includes fabric development, delicate cloth handling, reception work, customer care, taste testing, and food input for common dishes."

Meowth folded his arms with immediate pride. "So this is the type where everyone finally admits being normal takes talent."

Skwovet stuffed a berry into its cheek and stood straighter, clearly choosing to take that as praise.

Jane smiled. "The recommended starting request is from LASS. They are developing multi-purpose fabric and need Normal-type Pokémon to help test softness, strength, flexibility, and everyday usefulness."

"That sounds perfect for Wooloo," Alice said, resting a hand on Wooloo's Poké Ball.

"And Snorlax," I added. "If a fabric survives Snorlax comfort testing, that means something."

Helen looked up from her curry tins. "Please warn the fabric makers before Snorlax tests anything by sleeping on it."

Jane laughed softly. "The company has been warned. They also approved an academy-supervised Dynamax basics field after the work. Today you will handle Max Guard as a safety lesson and Max Strike as the Normal-type practical move."

Pikachu looked toward me, ears high with interest, "Big power, ordinary work, careful hands."

"Exactly," I said. "We keep it useful, not flashy."

LASS had set up a temporary work tent near the Wild Area station, where clear weather gave them room to test fabric outside without rain or mud. Long tables held cloth samples, thread spools, measuring frames, and piles of fibers waiting to be sorted.

The project manager, Ms. Lacey, greeted us with bright eyes and tired hands. "Thank you for coming. We want cloth that can become scarves, covers, bags, uniforms, or bedding. Every sample works for one purpose, but fails at another."

"That is why Normal types fit," Alice said. "They can test ordinary use from many angles."

We sent out Wooloo, Snorlax, Eevee, Audino, Meowth, and Skwovet. The group looked mismatched at first: soft wool, huge strength, nimble paws, gentle hearing, clever hands, and berry-cheek enthusiasm. Then the first sample reached the table, and every partner found a role.

Wooloo stepped onto a square of fabric and turned slowly, feeling the texture under its hooves and wool. It rubbed one side, paused, and sneezed when loose fibers tickled its nose.