CHAPTER 702: REWARDS OF THE HOENN TRIP

【Slateport City Radio reminds you that our city is experiencing a once-in-a-millennium massive meteor shower. Please prioritize personal safety while enjoying the meteor shower...】

Lu Ye stood on the cliff overlooking Hoenn, watching the city's brilliant lights, the rippling waves at the night harbor, and the sweeping beams from the lighthouse.

In just one week, Slateport City had gradually recovered from the flood disaster.

Tonight's once-in-a-millennium meteor shower symbolized the finale of a battle.

Lu Ye heard footsteps behind him. Steven approached, his suit jacket slung over his shoulder, wearing a blue vest, and stood beside Lu Ye on the high slope to gaze into the distance.

"I really like this lookout spot."

Steven said, "Sometimes you can see Wailmer leaping out of the water. It's quite beautiful."

"I remember your home is in Verdanturf Town?" Lu Ye casually remarked.

"Yes, not far from here. I keep a few Beldum roaming freely at home," Steven said with a smile.

Lu Ye: "..."

His favorite Pokémon is Beldum, his favorite move is Steel Wing.

The life of Steven Stone is just that monotonous and dull.

"Teacher Lu, thank you once again for saving the Hoenn region," Steven said seriously. "Besides the official gratitude from the Hoenn League, I'd like to express my personal thanks to you."

Lu Ye was slightly taken aback but didn't refuse, listening as Steven continued:

"Cynthia mentioned that you've been looking for Z-Crystals recently..."

Lu Ye was startled: "Z-Crystals?"

Oh no, Mengmengda predicted this!

"Yes, although Z-Crystals are relatively rare, I found three Z-Crystals among my current collection: Steelium Z, Rockium Z, and Groundium Z. For the remaining fifteen Z-Crystals, I'll find a way to get them for you..." Steven said.

Lu Ye wore a complicated expression and quickly stopped him: "That's enough, that's more than enough!"

As expected of the mineral expert Steven, the Z-Crystals he collected were purely mineral-based like steel, rock, and ground types.

First, he couldn't remember that many awkward dance poses, and second, he really had no need to collect Z-Crystals!

His item slot was locked with Mega Stones, did he really need to carry Z-Crystals too?

Besides, he didn't even have a Shiny Stone yet, better to leave them for Steven to continue his collection!

Steven looked at Teacher Lu with confusion.

Could it be... Teacher Lu had already collected the remaining Z-Crystals?

"Then, for the remaining Z-Crystals, I can compensate you with Mega Stones," Steven said.

"Really, that's not necessary."

"What about Technical Records? Technical Machines?" Steven tentatively asked.

Lu Ye: "..."

That actually sounds good!

Perfect timing since Pupitar just evolved. Getting some suitable Technical Records would save Pupitar from blindly figuring things out!

After negotiations, Steven would help Teacher Lu find two Technical Records suitable for Pupitar.

"Spite" and "Strength."

Both were commonly used moves for Pupitar.

Especially Spite, as a newly added Dark-type physical move in the eighth generation, its power was astonishing. It had the effect of being unaffected by Intimidate users, making it very practical!

Considering Pupitar's current strength wasn't sufficient, training for "Precipice Blades" could be temporarily set aside.

The rage accumulated from not being able to eat during the Pupitar stage could be fully unleashed through training "Spite."

Lu Ye shuddered.

That rage... just thinking about it was terrifying!

Before going to sleep that night, at 1 AM.

The three Z-Crystals were delivered to Teacher Lu's residence.

Staring at the three Z-Crystals on the coffee table - steel, rock, and ground types shimmering with mineral luster - Teacher Lu remained silent.

Including Normal, Fire, and Bug types, he had now collected 6 different attribute Z-Crystals.

The remaining 12 types didn't seem too far away either...

Lu Ye shook his head, yawned, and fell into contemplation.

I wonder if Bamboo Lan saw the meteor shower I gave her.

A mere meteor? I'll smash it to show Mengmengda! (Just kidding)

After the Hoenn battle, I've become familiar with Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza.

I wonder if there's a chance to call them for help... anyway, those three owe me a favor now.

And then there's unlocking flight capability—

Lu Ye glanced at Latias.

He saw little Latias with dazed eyes, eyelids drooping, then peacefully napping on the sofa.

"Guess I've fulfilled Nurse Joy's wish of letting Latias experience major events," Lu Ye thought to himself.

With four Mythical Pokémon at home - Darkrai, Victini, Meloetta, and Latias.

Victini was in the Luxury Ball, Meloetta was in the Love Ball.

The remaining two could probably be tricked into working at the café even without being in Poké Balls... probably.

With the assistance of two small Mythical Pokémon, whether in battles or contests, he could handle himself quite well.

Wallace, this is what a true coordination master looks like! (Leans back)

Lu Ye coughed lightly, calmed his emotions, and prepared to inspect today's berries.

【Special Mission 'EpisodeΔ' Completed!】

【Mission Rewards: Random Legendary Item*1, Shiny Charm*1, Random Rare Berry*1!】

The Shiny Charm was usually the final reward after completing a region, perfectly corresponding to his completion of Hoenn's 'EpisodeΔ' storyline.

Its effect was to increase the probability of encountering Shiny Pokémon, raising the wild encounter rate from 0.024% to 0.073%, with the same effect on egg hatching.

【Shiny Charm: A mysterious gleaming charm said to increase the chances of encountering Shiny Pokémon. (Completely useless)】

Lu Ye: "..."

Teacher Lu, who had never encountered a wild Shiny Pokémon through eight generations, said angrily:

"Trash, next!"

For the random legendary item, according to the system announcement, there was a chance to draw important items like the Lustrous Orb or Adamant Orb.

Obviously, he wouldn't draw such SSR items, but this time, Teacher Lu had an unprecedented lucky streak!

【Ding! Obtained 'Heart Water Droplets'*1!】

【Heart Water Droplets: A pure crystal orb containing mysterious power. When held by an Eon Pokémon, the power of Psychic and Dragon-type moves increases. (Same as from the Water City)】

Lu Ye: "Holy crap, I actually got something good!"

"Rati?" Latias woke up confused and glanced over.

【Heart Water Droplets】 served as the exclusive item for Latias/Latios, said to possess the ability to control water flow and souls.

A month ago, 【Heart Water Droplets】 would have been completely useless to Teacher Lu, but now it could at least make Latias fly higher and faster...

Lu Ye looked down and said, "Latias, I have a gift for you."

Latias floated over sleepily: 「What is it?」

Lu Ye turned and handed the jade-like transparent blue crystal to Latias, saying seriously, "This suits you very well."

Latias froze, stammering:

「You... specifically searched, searched for this for me?」

"Yes," Lu Ye nodded.

Drew the exclusive item, had no choice but to give it to you.

"Rati~(⁎˃ᴗ˂⁎)" Latias extended her two small hands, holding the transparent Heart Water Droplets, her eyes curving like crescent moons.

「Thank you~! I'll accept it!」

"It really suits you," Lu Ye said casually.

Latias: "Rati~(*/ω＼*)"

Lu Ye: "..."

Why are you blushing like a bubble tea pot!

With the enhancement from Heart Water Droplets, although Latias lacked battle experience, she could still overpower Darkrai's Latios.

Teacher Lu thought about the PTCG World Championship, the 'Togepi Cup,' scheduled to be held in Miare City next week, his gaze sharpening.

As the 'Father of PTCG,' it's absolutely necessary for me to personally welcome duelists from all regions! (Just kidding)

The final reward was the system's main feature, the berry opening segment that Teacher Lu most looked forward to.

【?】

Lu Ye: "Give me a spicy berry, please!"

【Ding! Obtained 'Chili Berry'*1!】

【Chili Berry: Unparalleled spiciness. No one has been able to eat an entire berry in one go yet. (Prototype chili pepper, spiciness +4, sourness -4)】

Lu Ye's eyes widened.

He actually had two lucky draws in a row today.

Did I accidentally use up all my luck for the next few months?

The long red pepper-shaped berry before him emitted an overwhelming spicy aroma with just a light sniff, surpassing even Dragon Fire Berries and Electric Berries!

"This is the legendary spice I've been desperately searching for."

Lu Ye murmured to himself, slowly grasping the Chili Berry, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

Sorry, Chef Elite Siebold!

I will use spiciness to reach culinary heights even greater than your French cuisine!

"Gengarrr...(⊙ˍ⊙)" Haunter stared dumbly at Teacher Lu.

Another day of master's dramatic acting~!

...

August 28th, Saturday.

Verdanturf City Space Center announced that the colossal meteor crisis had been officially resolved!

Lu Ye had already received the compensation he needed and politely declined the generous gifts offered by the Hoenn League.

After all, Teacher Lu didn't want to get too involved with them.

For the Hoenn League, their awe of Teacher Lu had deepened even further.

With the 'EpisodeΔ' rewards and two gem fragments, plus unlocking new berries and new renovation company forms, this trip was definitely worthwhile.

"Speaking of which, why did I come to Hoenn in the first place..."

Lu Ye fell into thought, looking up at the sky:

"Oh... came for a home visit, then ended up crushing the two fools and the meteor."

As expected of you - Teacher Lu was getting tired of saying this phrase.

However, this meme passed down through 《Pokémon》 had become a famous quote comparable to Steven's 'In the end, I'm number one.'

After officially handling all matters.

Lu Ye walked out of the Hoenn League hall, his gaze falling on the small purple chubby figure walking ahead, slightly startled.

"Gengarrr~ヾ(≧∇≦*)ヾ"

Haunter extended his two short arms, applauding lightly as if no one was around, grinning with bared teeth.

Activating Trick Room in space right before Mega Rayquaza and Deoxys.

As expected of you, Haunter!

Lu Ye: "..."

Pokémon and their trainers really do become more alike over time.

Once Bamboo Lan arrives in Hoenn tomorrow for her vacation, we can travel for a few days before returning to Miare City.

Perfect opportunity to experience Hoenn's local customs, maybe even serve as a judge at the Mikuri Cup or compete at the Battle Frontier using rental teams.

Lu Ye remembered that winning at the Battle Frontier earned points that could be exchanged for various rare items.

"If I go to the Battle Frontier..."

'Tactician' Lu Ye looked up at the sky.

"The Frontier's boss, Mr. Frontier, probably won't go bankrupt... right?"

...