Taylor had studied the matching system extensively.
A high matching degree indicated that the adopted Pokémon would live happily. The higher, the better. The highest matching degree Taylor had seen was 88%, for the Bulbasaur he'd placed with the little girl. That Bulbasaur was now thriving.
A low matching degree suggested the Pokémon might not do well with its adopter.
This didn't necessarily mean abuse, but it could indicate personality clashes or the trainer simply not liking the Pokémon.
All these factors could lead to a low match.
"Lucian, do you like Poochyena?" Taylor asked gently. Lucian's face showed confusion, a look both Taylor and Officer Jenny noticed.
It was clear Lucian wasn't fond of Poochyena.
This wasn't surprising. At this age, children setting out on journeys typically preferred one of the region's three starter Pokémon.
Unfortunately, obtaining a starter Pokémon came with strict requirements, and not every family could afford one for their child.
"Mr. Daran, I think it's best to let your son choose his own starter Pokémon. Forcing him to take Poochyena might not make either of them happy," Officer Jenny said, stepping forward to speak with Lucian's parents.
Lucian's parents looked embarrassed. Seeing their son lower his head in silence, they didn't argue. They thanked Taylor and Officer Jenny and left with Lucian.
Since Lucian's family decided not to adopt Poochyena, the only Pokémon being adopted today was Meowth. With this in mind, Taylor led Ms. Rhea to find Meowth.
"Director, do your Pokémon roam freely?" Rhea asked after following Taylor and Officer Jenny for a while.
"Yes, except for mealtimes and bedtime, our Pokémon are free to move around," Taylor explained with a smile.
Though it was a basic orphanage, it was expansive, covering at least ten acres of land.
But this wasn't always ideal.
Taylor blew a whistle, and soon Kuro flapped its wings and landed on his hand, affectionately rubbing against his cheek.
Its small eyes were filled with attachment.
"Kuro's grown so much! I remember when I brought it here, it was so skinny," Officer Jenny said, her eyes softening as she looked at the Murkrow.
"Love helps them grow," Taylor said, patting Kuro's head. Officer Jenny paused, then smiled.
Taylor told Kuro he needed to find Meowth. Kuro nodded, took flight, circled in the air, and headed toward a specific location. Taylor, Rhea, and Officer Jenny followed.
"This path..." Taylor's expression grew subtle. He realized Kuro was heading toward the orphanage's training area.
The orphanage, a starter gift from the system, came with basic infrastructure, including training facilities.
When Kuro stopped, Taylor spotted Meowth.
But Meowth was exercising. It was running on a device resembling a hamster treadmill, while Poochyena ran happily beside it.
"Ms. Rhea, that's Meowth," Taylor said, introducing the Pokémon. Though Rhea had seen Meowth's information, Taylor felt it was important for her to see it in person.
He also checked the matching degree again.
No change.
"So cute, but this Meowth looks..." Rhea's expression was hard to read, while Officer Jenny stared intently at the Poochyena beside Meowth.
Taylor felt a bit embarrassed.
As part of Taylor's golden finger, the orphanage was more than it seemed. The exercise area had a [20% increased exercise effect], meaning training here yielded better results.
And that was before any upgrades. If upgraded, the training boost would be even greater.
Even so, Meowth and Poochyena had developed noticeable muscles, especially visible when they ran. Their physiques looked formidable.
"I want to adopt Meowth!" Rhea said enthusiastically. Taylor was surprised. He'd expected her to hesitate, but she seemed even more excited, and the matching degree rose by one percent.
"Of course, that's no problem," Taylor said, relieved. As long as Rhea liked Meowth, that was what mattered.
He called Meowth over, and both Meowth and Poochyena ran to him.
At first, Meowth was happy, but when it noticed Rhea gazing at it with affection, it hesitated.
Pokémon are intelligent, with IQs comparable to humans. Seeing Meowth's expression, Taylor knew it had guessed what was happening.
Poochyena, meanwhile, remained oblivious, panting with its tongue out to cool off.
"Meowth, this is Ms. Rhea. She likes you very much," Taylor said, crouching down to rub Meowth's head.
Meowth's eyes still held hesitation. It glanced at Rhea, sensing her affection, but...
Rhea, who had been watching Meowth closely, noticed its reluctance. Her gaze shifted to Poochyena.
Judging by Meowth and Poochyena's behavior, the two were close. Adopting only Meowth would mean separating it from its friend.
"Director, can I adopt two Pokémon?" Rhea asked softly, smiling at Meowth and Poochyena.
Taylor paused. Adopting two Pokémon? In his two months running the orphanage, he'd never encountered this request.
"Of course, but I'll need to conduct follow-up visits," Taylor said, understanding her intent. Rhea planned to adopt Poochyena as well.
That made sense.
Meowth and Poochyena had known each other when they were abandoned and had grown close at the orphanage. Separating them would likely make both unhappy.
Sure enough, when Taylor smiled and said Rhea wanted to adopt Poochyena too, Meowth warmed to her, even showing a hint of eagerness, which left Taylor with mixed emotions.
These little ones should never have been abandoned.