On the sandy shores of the Isle of Armor, two trainers knelt in defeat, questioning everything they knew about battles. Moments ago, they had been utterly crushed by a traveling Grass-type Pokémon Master—at least, that was how they now perceived Summer.
Of course, that was just their personal interpretation. The real reason they thought this? Summer's Pokémon were all Grass-types, and the Steel/Flying Corviknight had been used purely for transportation. After all, Corviknight was the most popular and reliable flying Pokémon in Galar—it made sense to assume he wasn't part of the main team.
"Ugh… They looked so cute, but they were absolute monsters in battle! And that stupid burning club just smashed right through us—how is that even fair?!"
Clara, still sniffling, wiped away her tears of frustration. Was her dream of becoming Galar's biggest idol going to end here, defeated by some nobody on a random island?
"That confidence… it wasn't arrogance at all—it was pure power," Avery muttered through gritted teeth, punching the ground in frustration. Again and again. "That damn Rillaboom's mental pressure was unbearable! And how did he even know all my Pokémon were holding items?! I made sure to hide them perfectly!"
Then, suddenly, realization struck them both at the same time.
Wait a minute…
There was never any actual limit to how many people could enter the dojo.
We made that up.
That meant…
We can still join the dojo!
If they trained under Master Mustard, they'd have a shot at catching up to Summer.
Slowly, Clara and Avery dusted themselves off, exchanged glances, and began striding toward the dojo.
They still didn't particularly like each other. But…
Compared to Summer, this person isn't that bad.
Of course, they both secretly thought: But once I surpass Summer, this guy is going down first! Because our aces overlap!
At the entrance of Master Mustard's dojo, a short-haired woman in a green off-the-shoulder sweater swept the pathway, humming a tune as she cleaned the stone steps. Her well-defined muscles hinted at years of intense training, though her vibrant makeup and accessories suggested an elegant side as well.
Summer approached her politely. "Excuse me. My name is Summer. Is Master Mustard currently in the dojo?"
The woman paused mid-sweep, glancing him up and down before smiling. "Oh, you're the kid from the beach battle, right? I saw that fight from a distance—not bad at all! I'm Honey, Master Mustard's wife and the dojo's caretaker."
She rested her broom on her shoulder, tilting her head. "You're here for training, then?"
Summer shook his head. "Not exactly. I actually came to speak with Master Mustard about something specific. Would you mind letting him know Gideon sent me?"
At the mention of Gideon's name, Honey's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh! You mean Gideon, the former Dark-type Elite Four member? That's interesting… but I could've sworn he specialized in Dark-types. So why is his apprentice a Grass-type Trainer?"
Summer chuckled. "I learned a lot from Gideon, but I never officially became a Dark-type specialist."
Honey nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. It's important to follow your own path. Just like how Mustard and I have our own. Well, come on in—I won't make a guest stand outside."
She easily pushed open the heavy dojo doors with one hand and gestured for Summer to enter.
As they walked inside, the dojo was alive with activity. Students, all wearing traditional training uniforms, shouted in unison as they practiced their stances and punches. The rhythmic thud of fists meeting punching bags filled the air.
Honey called out to them, her tone both warm and firm. "Great job, everyone! Keep it up! Train your bodies and your minds!"
"Yes, Lady Honey!" The students responded enthusiastically, though many of them stole glances at Summer, wondering if he was the newest recruit.
Honey led him to a door and pushed it open. "Mustard, dear! You have a visitor~" She turned back to Summer with a wink. "I'll leave you two to talk—I've got more students to welcome today. Play nice, alright?"
Summer nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Lady Honey."
As Honey left, Summer stepped inside the room… and found Master Mustard sitting in front of a TV, completely absorbed in a video game.
The elderly man, wearing a casual jacket and hat, held a game controller in both hands, rapidly pressing buttons with a childlike grin on his face.
"Ahh, so you're Summer, right?" he said without even looking up, still focused on his game. "Giddy already told me you'd be comin'—so, what's on your mind?"
Summer hesitated for a moment. "Uh… Giddy?"
His brain took a second to register what Mustard had just said.
Oh… oh no.
I forgot he gives everyone weird nicknames.
Trying to push that aside, Summer took a breath. "I wanted to ask about two things. Do you know where to find Dynamax Mushrooms and Armorite Ore?"
Mustard nodded, still tapping away at his game. "Ohh, that? Easy! Dynamax Mushrooms love humid areas—forests, caves, anywhere damp. Just keep your eyes open, and you'll find 'em in no time."
"And the Armorite Ore?"
Mustard finally paused his game, setting down the controller as he let out a hearty laugh.
"Ahh, Armorite Ore is a different story. You see, it's not about where to look—it's about who is guarding it. If ya want Armorite Ore, your best bet is to find the strongest Pokémon around and beat 'em down. Odds are, they're sittin' on a stash."
He gave Summer a knowing smile, clearly not worried about his chances.
"Appreciate it. That helps a lot," Summer said with a nod. But he wasn't done yet.
"There's… one more thing I wanted to ask," he continued carefully.
"Oh?" Mustard stroked his beard. "Go on, then."
Summer's expression turned serious. "Do you know anything about Dragon King Howard?"
Mustard's hand slipped on the controller, and the TV screen flashed a game-over message.
He sighed, setting the controller aside. Turning to Summer, he placed his hands behind his back, his usual playful demeanor fading into something more solemn.
"I know him," Mustard said after a long pause. "Or rather… I knew him."
"…Knew?" Summer's eyes widened.
Mustard exhaled, his gaze steady. "Howard is dead. He passed away in an accident some time ago."
Summer's mind reeled. "That can't be…! Then… then who did I see at the Crystal Pool…?!"
Mustard shook his head. "He was a great man. Even though he was the head of the Howard family, he never acted superior. In fact, he was one of the kindest leaders they ever had."
Summer clenched his fists. "What… what kind of accident was it?"
"That, even I don't know." Mustard's voice grew heavier. "But that man… he was always obsessed with uncovering hidden power. If something went wrong, it was probably because of that."
Then, Mustard suddenly grinned again, as if lightening the mood on purpose.
"Ah, but don't you worry 'bout that! If you become famous enough in Galar, the Howard family will come looking for you."
Summer narrowed his eyes. "Famous… enough?"
"Yup! Like, say… becoming the Champion!"
Mustard gave him a cheeky wink.
Summer exhaled slowly.
The Howard family… just what kind of influence do they have in Galar?