"Hah... it's over."

Flint leaned forward with hands on his knees, panting heavily.

The Heatran from earlier had exerted tremendous pressure on him. Its Flash Fire ability rendered Flint's proud flames utterly useless.

While he could have won through attrition... whether he could escape unscathed remained questionable.

He couldn't help but cast a grateful glance at the black-haired young man.

Teacher Lu was helping the injured middle-aged man up, asking gently, "You alright?"

"Nothing serious." Handsome Guy grinned while leaning on Lu Ye's shoulder. "Just minor injuries, I'm used to it."

"Arf!" Arcanine raised its head with a bark, its singed mane making it look rather silly.

Lu Ye gazed at the massive volcanic seal stone, recalling the terrifying Magma Storm with lingering fear.

There had been a Heatran revival plot in Pokémon Generations... but that involved Galactic remnants trying to control the volcanic beast.

Back then, Interpol agent Handsome Guy single-handedly resolved the incident.

But this Heatran's awakening was likely caused by spacetime disturbances loosening the volcanic seals.

Not only did it retain rationality, but the abundant volcanic energy also made it far more ferocious in battle.

Lu Ye frowned in thought: "So it suppressed Flint through terrain advantage and Flash Fire."

Relying on field buffs - not very heroic!

After confirming his injuries weren't serious, the middle-aged man thanked Lu Ye and staggered forward.

"The detector readings have normalized," he said, picking up the dust-covered device. "I'll contact psychic specialists to reinforce the seals... they're best at this."

"Should've made Lucian work overtime," Flint grumbled while rubbing his burnt afro. "Using psychic powers to reseal that rock... would've been easier than me doing it."

Lu Ye blinked. That... actually made sense!

"Maybe Lucian didn't expect it to have Flash Fire either," Lu Ye remarked casually.

Both men gave Teacher Lu suspicious looks—

"How... did you determine that?" Handsome Guy asked hesitantly.

Flint rubbed his chin, eyes burning with growing suspicion that Teacher Lu secretly owned a Heatran.

No wonder he handled the volcanic eruption so skillfully - more proficient than me, a Fire-type Elite Four member!

Lu Ye suddenly realized he hadn't logged Heatran in his Pokédex yet.

"Because—" Teacher Lu explained:

"I won the gold medal at the Science Summit for my research on Sinnoh's legendary Pokémon."

Flint &

Handsome Guy: "..."

Not jealous at all.

Just feeling the gap between humans is unreasonably vast...

"Ahem, I'll report this to headquarters, Detective," Handsome Guy coughed into his fist as the incident concluded.

"I need to return to Flycloud City first... regarding subsequent commendations from headquarters, we'll notify you promptly."

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow, declaring righteously: "Funding isn't important... upholding justice is what matters."

"You get what I mean?"

Handsome Guy immediately saluted, moved: "Yes, sir!"

He'd expected the detective to demand more funding, never anticipating...

My perspective was too narrow!

Satisfied, Lu Ye nodded and placed his hand on Arcanine's side, using Aura to ease its injuries.

Flint also checked Infernape's condition with a Poké Ball, casually mentioning:

"Teacher Lu, that flame from Arcanine earlier... felt like the legendary Flame of Life."

Lu Ye: "You saw wrong."

Flint: "..."

Noticing Teacher Lu's gaze, Flint nodded vigorously: "I saw wrong."

Teacher Lu looked up at the sky.

Since Arcanine's Flame of Life wasn't exactly legal, better keep it low-key.

The Flame of Life, originating from Ho-Oh, was said to be inextinguishable and even possessed resurrection abilities.

Earlier, it was that gentle white flame that withstood Heatran's Magma Storm.

Moreover, the volcanic energy greatly benefited Arcanine.

Thus, Aura feedback indicated Arcanine's power had significantly increased again.

After widening the gap with first-tier Pokémon, Arcanine had caught up with the others (in destructive capability)!

"So difficult..." Lu Ye muttered with complex emotions. "Not sure if I can restrain them now..."

It was already 11 PM.

Outside the cave was pitch black, only illuminated by lava's glow.

"Arf! ᕦ(･ㅂ･)ᕤ" Arcanine remained energetic, wagging its burnt black tail.

"Pokémon Centers can treat these burns," Flint said, recalling Infernape. "Let's head back."

Suddenly feeling something cold in his pocket, Flint remembered—

Almost forgot about this!

Lu Ye stood up, confirming the volcanic seal stone showed no more activity.

From the stone emanated an almost human-like trace of fear—

As a Heatran that had lived so long,

It understood reading people was an art.

And that was the secret to longevity...

Lu Ye didn't dwell on it, but when his gaze fell on Arcanine's Rainbow Wing, he froze.

The Rainbow Wing appeared scorched, its luster gone, only a faint glow remaining at the base.

This was familiar territory.

Lu Ye instinctively channeled Aura, then widened his eyes in surprise.

"No effect!"

The Rainbow Wing remained dull, showing no signs of lighting up.

When Lu Ye picked it up, the wing completely "blacked out," switching from power-saving mode to shutdown.

Lu Ye: "..."

Are you challenging me, Aura Guardian?

After several failed attempts, Lu Ye pondered:

"Could it be... energy depletion?"

The Rainbow Wing had resurrection-like effects powered by Ho-Oh's Flame of Life.

Arcanine's previous strength couldn't fully withstand Heatran's Magma Storm.

The Rainbow Wing not only protected Arcanine but helped it break through its limits.

But with its energy depleted... naturally it "shut down."

"Do I really need to find Ho-Oh for a recharge... that's too dangerous!"

Lu Ye felt a familiar chill down his spine.

Legend said a darkened Rainbow Wing... brought disasters and calamities.

In the movie I Choose You!, when the wing blackened, Ash was attacked by Marshadow, the "Guardian of the Rainbow," ending up with only his hat remaining until Ho-Oh resurrected him.

Staring at the Dull Rainbow Wing, Lu Ye broke out in cold sweat.

Buddy... this ain't something to mess with!

Then he comforted himself—

That happened because the wing was held by "evil-hearted people."

This time it's just energy depletion.

Probably won't attract that Marshadow... hopefully.

Tucking the Dull Rainbow Wing away, Lu Ye adjusted his mood:

"Right now, the priority is being wary of Ash."

"As long as we avoid the Giratina plotline... should be fine!"

Distant cave exit light appeared—

Either starlight or Shinx's faint electric glow at night.

Relaxing, Lu Ye smiled at the simple-minded Arcanine beside him.

"Good work today."

"Arf~!" Arcanine grinned proudly, lifting its large head.

Handsome Guy smiled watching this scene.

He looked down at his partner, the police-cap-wearing Croagunk.

"Ribbit~" Croagunk smiled, high-fiving the agent.

Then Handsome Guy clutched his poisoned right hand, expression twisting:

"Don't use Poison Touch, Croagunk!"

The agent's pained cry echoed across the wilderness.

Flint, hands in pockets enjoying the fresh air, suddenly said:

"Oh right, Teacher Lu, Volkner has a challenge for you."

"Challenge?"

"That guy wants to invite strong trainers to challenge the Sunyshore Gym."

Flint grinned: "Maybe that kid Ash fired him up! I can't wait to battle him seriously!"

"So," Lu Ye said, "he's inviting me to Sunyshore City?"

"Yep." Flint scratched his head. "He'll cover accommodations... you'll see when you get there."

Sunyshore City = Beacon Badge.

Beacon Badge = Gracidea Flower.

Gracidea Flower = Giratina movie plot.

The equations flashed through Teacher Lu's mind as he declined:

"I'll pass on Sunyshore City. Tell Volkner I can't make it."

"Is that so..."

Flint said: "How about accepting the challenge letter? So I can give Volkner closure."

Considering he should refuse more tactfully,

Lu Ye nodded slightly, deep in thought.

Speaking of which, how much does Volkner resemble the Fourth Hokage?

Curious... but can't go, lest complications arise!

Flint handed the "challenge letter" to Teacher Lu, smiling:

"Here, you can keep it as a souvenir if you want."

At that moment,

Teacher Lu froze.

Simultaneously, the system notification sounded:

[Ding! Mission progress updated]

[Badge Collection: (8/8)]

[Mission Reward: Gracidea Flower*1!]

Lu Ye: ?

"You call this,"

Lu Ye stared at the shining Beacon Badge in his hand, lips dry:

"A challenge letter?"

"Yep."

Flint said casually: "It's the most representative item from Sunyshore Gym!"

"Besides, you might need it for the Lily of the Valley Conference." Flint nudged Lu Ye. "Pretty thoughtful, huh?"

Lu Ye: "..."

Flint watched Teacher Lu looking around: "What are you searching for?"

"My Poké Ball, where's Haunter's Poké Ball."

"Why do you need Haunter's Poké Ball?"

"No-rules wild battle," Lu Ye said ominously.

Flint: "..."

Flint: "Hah, Teacher Lu, you're so funny!"

Taking a deep breath, Lu Ye walked ahead, saying slowly:

"I'll visit Sunyshore Gym in a few days... tell Volkner to prepare."

"Eh?" Flint blinked. "Thought you weren't going."

"I changed my mind!"

Teacher Lu walked through the cold night, figure solitary, back aching slightly.

How foolish... only thought to guard against Ash.

Never considered Flint and Volkner being close friends who might carry the Beacon Badge...

"Tsk—" Teacher Lu inhaled sharply, taking out his notebook.

Afro Flint, Fourth Hokage-lookalike Volkner...

This grudge, Teacher Lu remembers!