Night fell, and Masago Town was utterly silent.

Cynthia sat cross-legged on the sofa, holding a game controller, her expression focused.

The screen showed the game Plants vs. Zombies, where Cynthia was placing four ‘Potato’ acorns around the ‘Mine’ eggplant.

The classic four protect one strategy—this was taught by Teacher Lu.

Lu Ye leaned back on the adjacent sofa, flipping through Professor Samuel Oak’s haiku collection with one hand while stroking Sylveon in his arms.

“Sirfetch’d is still practicing blade swings so late.”

Cynthia asked curiously, “Is it training some new move?”

“Essence of Steel,” Lu Ye sighed lightly. “Ducklett has always been this diligent.”

Cynthia nodded thoughtfully.

Lu Ye reminded, “Remember to use Fungi for the night maps;

don’t use Sunflower seeds.”

‘A large wave of zombies is approaching.’

Cynthia narrowed her eyes, exuding a sharp killing intent. She sent out the elegant and beautiful Snapdragon, whose dazzling Leaf Blade sliced the Coffin of Death in half.

Teacher Lu glanced at Cynthia’s fingers gripping the controller so tightly that her knuckles turned white, feeling a slight sense of admiration.

He had discovered yet another adorable side of Mengmengda.

After playing a few rounds, this time with the ‘Freeze Team’ lineup, they didn’t freeze even once.

“As expected, besides the law of conserved luck,”

Lu Ye mused inwardly, “there’s also the theory of innate luck ceilings...”

Perhaps from the fatigue of traveling, Cynthia went to rest early.

Teacher Lu, who planned to contact Interpol the next day, unexpectedly received a call from ‘Handsome Guy.’

The phone lit up with the caller ID, and Lu Ye was slightly stunned:

“When did I save his number?”

It seemed to be last year when he sought Xiao Yin... Lu Ye scratched his head and answered the call:

“I can hear you, go ahead.”

The middle-aged man in the brown trench coat, Investigation Chief ‘Handsome Guy,’ got straight to the point:

“Detective... we may need your assistance for this operation.”

‘Handsome Guy’ still remembered the first time he met Teacher Lu.

Back then, it was ‘Handsome Guy’ who invited Lu Ye to join the organization... Now, a year later, he had become Lu Ye’s direct superior.

‘Handsome Guy’ felt mixed emotions but remained optimistic.

After all, Detective Lu’s strength was well recognized. If he agreed to participate, the success rate would definitely increase!

“What’s in it for me?” Lu Ye became interested.

“Uh...” Handsome Guy hesitated briefly, then said, “According to our investigation, this volcanic eruption is related to the displacement of stones in Volcano Town.”

He added, “Our department has increased the reward for this mission and established a second-class merit... which might help with promotions.”

‘Interpol promotions...’

Teacher Lu stroked his chin.

Ranks didn’t matter much to him now. Team Rocket was a proper organization as well. Multiple paths were always better.

Lance was also registered with Interpol... maybe my subordinates could add a few more Officer Jennys in the future.

However... this incident was likely connected to Heatran, so caution was necessary.

“Flint is involved in this mission too, right?” Lu Ye recalled what Cynthia had said and asked.

Handsome Guy was slightly surprised and increasingly impressed by Detective Lu’s sources. He said:

“Yes, the current plan is for me and Flint to go together. What do you think?”

Should Flint take point while I have Blastoise clean up from behind?

Lu Ye pondered for a moment and said, “I do have some free time recently... but shouldn’t we request more funding?”

“Ah?” Handsome Guy was stunned.

“I don’t need it myself, but I must consider my subordinates.”

Lu Ye said seriously, “Besides, Flint is also a genius trainer who broke through the Champion League! Naturally, the funding should be sufficient, don’t you agree?”

Handsome Guy vaguely sensed something off, opened his mouth, then nodded:

“You mean...”

“I don’t need it. As a trainer, I must uphold justice as much as possible.”

Lu Ye waved his hand instinctively. “The key is you... and Flint—both top-tier experts!”

“Do you understand what I mean?” Lu Ye said gravely.

“No need to say more.”

Handsome Guy was deeply moved and said loudly, “I will explain the pros and cons to the finance department. This is not for personal gain but to quickly quell the disaster!”

Lu Ye nodded in satisfaction. “By the way, I’ll manage the funds. My Rotom is pretty good at accounting.”

“No problem!”

This request was reasonable. After all, Teacher Lu was just seconded.

With a Champion and an Elite Four member stepping in, Interpol should naturally show some support.

Regarding positions,

Lu Ye remembered that Lila, who joined Interpol after amnesia, even became the head of the countermeasure headquarters.

As for ‘Handsome Guy’... from Diamond and Pearl to Sun and Moon, he was always active, but his rank remained unchanged.

‘Handsome Guy’ himself never complained.

He was an investigator who relentlessly pursued justice, even after his partner died in battle, never giving up...

In this regard, he was somewhat similar to Lance and Archie.

“A qualified tool... no, qualified subordinate!” Lu Ye thought silently.

According to Handsome Guy, the mission was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Mengmengda would also return to the Sinnoh League to take over from Lucian, who had been working overtime for a long time.

“They say it’s a weekend off, but just commuting takes a whole day.”

Lu Ye shook his head helplessly. This was probably the trouble of ‘commuting.’

Knock knock knock—

Cynthia forcefully tapped the bedside table, and Teacher Lu looked up at the ceiling.

“Are you cosplaying as Eromanga-sensei...”

Lu Ye felt awkward and asked via phone, “What do you want for a midnight snack?”

The other end was silent for a long time;

upstairs was quiet.

Cynthia sat cross-legged on the bed, hugging her arms, brows slightly furrowed, lost in a painful choice.

Good, no more fuss—very good!

Lu Ye couldn’t help but pat himself on the back for his cleverness.

But he still went to the kitchen, muttering to himself:

“You’ve been spoiled... no glowing dishes left, so tonight it’s instant noodles!”

“Gengarrr~” Haunter lay on the kitchen counter, making one want to pinch the purple little chubby cheeks.

“You want some too?” Lu Ye glanced over.

“Gengarrr! (≧ω≦)/”

“Make it yourself.”

Lu Ye laughed, “Make one for me too, with egg and ham.”

“Gengarrr~（○｀ 3′○）”

...

The next morning, early dawn.

Opening the door to the living room, a noisy electronic sound greeted him. Cynthia sat on the sofa holding the controller:

“Good morning.” Cynthia turned back.

Lu Ye nodded slightly, curious: “What’s that smell?”

“Toasted bread.”

“You made it with Rotom?”

Cynthia’s cheeks flushed faintly as she nodded.

Lu Ye’s eyes widened, and he walked to the dining table.

On the shiny porcelain plate were enticing slices of bread, alongside a jar of jam.

No burnt spots! Lu Ye was shocked.

“Try it.” Cynthia turned on the sofa, arms resting on the back, smiling softly.

Lu Ye: (￣～￣)

“How’s the taste?”

Lu Ye pursed his lips, feeling somewhat touched.

The toast actually tasted just like toast!

“Honestly,” Lu Ye said, “I really regret trying this piece.”

“Really?” Cynthia said quietly.

“Because I might never taste such an excellent toast again.”

“Excellent?” Cynthia was puzzled by the adjective.

“Bravo, sublime, absolutely fantastic!” Lu Ye clapped his hands enthusiastically.

Cynthia rolled her eyes and turned back to her game.

“Chajiduyi~ (ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ”

Togepi sat beside her, also holding a game console, with a large bottle of cola and chips nearby.

“The taste really is great.” Lu Ye smiled.

Cynthia’s lips curved faintly but remained silent.

Lu Ye sat at the dining table, chewing the bread and casually opened the chat group.

Not many people chatted in the morning. After a while, Kotone sent a message:

“@Lance, a Dragon-type trainer from Unova came to the Smoke Gym today. Extremely strong.”

Lance clocked in at eight in the morning, wearing his cloak and sipping hot tea:

“Unova does have Dragon-type trainers... What’s up?”

“Nothing much,” Kotone replied, “just letting you know.”

“Oh.” Lance nodded silently and asked, “What’s the trainer’s name?”

“Alice,” Kotone quickly responded.

The chat group fell silent again.

Kotone cursed her cousin angrily—this guy, doesn’t he know how to make conversation?

When the topic of gym challenges came up, Ash loudly said:

“I arrived at Hearthome City this morning!”

“If everything goes smoothly, I can get the Beacon Badge today—let’s cheer together, Pikachu!”

“Pikachu~”

Pikachu’s cry came through the voice message, and Lu Ye replied:

“Good luck.”

“By the way~” Melisa tapped her chin, “I came back from Hearthome City yesterday... I heard Fire-type Elite Four member Flint is there too.”

Ash excitedly said: “Does that mean I can battle both of them?”

Old Man Ironspin laughed heartily:

“Ash, Volkner is really strong. That Electric-type master even makes me, the old man, concede defeat.”

“Pfft.” Marshal sneered, “It’s said he has the strength of an Electric-type Elite Four member... the rumors are getting more and more ridiculous. Ash baby, remember to flatten that guy’s face!”

Ash scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly: “I’ll try my best... haha.”

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.

Though he didn’t think Marshal would lose to Volkner...

Volkner indeed possessed Electric-type Elite Four-level strength... he and Flint were friends.

Flint, as the Fire-type Elite Four member, couldn’t get the better of Volkner.

But Volkner’s lazy personality meant he had no interest in weak trainers and freely gave out badges. Thus, beginners had a better chance of getting the Beacon Badge.

“So I’m guaranteed to get it?”

Lu Ye thought. “My battle video with Bruno is still pinned on the homepage... He wouldn’t insult me by giving the badge to someone else!”

Could he really find someone to deliver the badge to me?!

Lu Ye grinned broadly.

Meanwhile, Ash entered the Hearthome Gym and saw the casually placed Beacon Badge.

Flint, with his fiery red afro, was surprised: “Yo, I was just about to head out, and there’s already a challenger!”

Volkner, who resembled the fourth gym leader, sat in a chair, hands drooping on his knees, lazily raising his head.

“I’m Ash from Pallet Town.”

Ash loudly said, “Please give me an all-out battle!”

Volkner looked a bit surprised, then smiled.

“Great spirit in your eyes.”

Flint put his hands in his pockets, laughing broadly, thinking:

“After this gym match... it won’t be too late to meet with the Interpol people!”

...