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Chapter 246 - Chapter 246: Deep in Focus Forest

"Champion?" Summer narrowed his eyes. "That means every past champion should have met someone from the Howard family… and that includes you, right? So, Master Mustard, what exactly is their goal?"

It made sense. Mustard had been Galar's champion for eighteen consecutive years. If the Howards sought out famous trainers, they would have definitely approached him. And if their influence reached modern-day champions, then even Leon—the undefeated king of Galar—must have encountered them.

Master Mustard chuckled, adjusting his hat. "Their goal, huh? Well… to be honest, even I don't really know." He waved his hand dismissively. "All they ever told me was that Galar's future would face a great trial, and that strong trainers would be needed."

A trial for Galar's future? Summer's mind immediately jumped to Eternatus' revival. But how could the Howard family have known about something that hadn't happened yet?

Unless…

Unless they had a way to see into the future.

Summer had already confirmed that Crystal Pool had the ability to warp time. Was it possible that other locations in Galar also held similar powers?

The more he thought about it, the more questions he had.

"Master Mustard," Summer pressed on, "if Galar truly faces a major crisis, why do you seem so… unbothered?"

Master Mustard grinned. "Simple, really. I've watched Galar's battle scene evolve for decades. I know how strong our trainers are. I know we'll be fine."

His expression became serious for a brief moment. "I've trained plenty of outstanding students. That's the confidence of a master." Then, his smile returned. "And besides—when the sky starts falling, it's up to us old geezers to hold it up, isn't it?"

Summer was silent for a moment before nodding. "I see." Though, he still wasn't used to being called 'Little Summer'.

Master Mustard's confidence was understandable. Galar was one of the strongest battle regions in the world. But what Mustard didn't realize was that the person planning to put Galar in danger… was the current chairman of the Pokémon League.

In other words, the kingdom's own leader was plotting treason against the throne.

Master Mustard suddenly clapped his hands together. "Still, I gotta say—it's refreshing to see a young trainer who genuinely cares about Galar's future." He flashed a grin. "How about this, Little Summer? Why don't you stay here and train at the dojo for a while?"

Summer gave him an appreciative nod. "I appreciate the offer, Master Mustard, but I can't stay too long. My job doesn't allow me to be away for too long."

Mustard laughed heartily. "Fair enough, fair enough! Then enjoy your stay on the Isle of Armor. There are things here that even the mainland of Galar doesn't have!"

With that, he plopped down onto the couch, grabbed his game controller, and resumed his video game as if nothing had happened.

Summer turned and quietly closed the door behind him.

Left alone, Master Mustard hummed to himself as he stared at the game screen, but his mind was elsewhere.

"…Howard," he muttered under his breath. "I can't shake the feeling that you're still around somehow. What exactly did you find in that pendant…?"

Stepping into the dojo's main hall, Summer was immediately greeted by the loud voices of Clara and Avery.

"Hello, everyone! I'm Clara! Super cute, super charming, and soon to be the most famous trainer in Galar! Let's all get along, okay?" Clara waved enthusiastically, her voice slightly higher-pitched than usual to sound extra sweet.

"I am Avery," the psychic-type specialist announced, flipping his cape dramatically. "A proud heir of a noble lineage of psychics. You should all feel honored to be training alongside me."

The dojo's students responded with a loud and orderly, "Please take care of us!"

Honey smiled warmly at the two newcomers. "Clara, Avery—you'll find your rooms on the second floor. Be sure to change into your dojo uniforms before training, alright?"

Both of them nodded quickly.

They had no idea Lady Honey was so nice! Maybe joining this dojo wasn't a bad idea after all.

But then…

"Oh? Summer, you're done talking with my dear already?" Honey turned her gaze toward Summer, her voice as cheerful as ever.

Clara and Avery froze mid-step.

Dear?

That meant… Master Mustard was her husband.

Which meant Master Mustard had personally spoken to Summer?!

The two of them turned to stare at each other.

Clara's eye twitched. We just spent all that time showing off in front of the students, and he casually finished a one-on-one conversation with Master Mustard?!

Avery clenched his fist. Is our rank… too low to even be considered worthy of speaking with the Master?

Summer nodded. "Yes, I've finished my business here. Thank you for your time, Lady Honey."

Honey smiled sweetly. "Oh, you're no trouble at all. I hope you have a wonderful time on the Isle of Armor!"

Meanwhile, Clara and Avery were standing completely still, massive question marks practically floating above their heads.

"…Wait a minute," Clara muttered. "Summer wasn't here to train at the dojo?"

Avery's face went blank. "Then… what was our battle even for?!"

Slowly, both of them raised their hands to their foreheads and smacked themselves.

We were such idiots…

Summer gave them a sideways glance, amused. It seemed they had finally realized how unnecessary their previous duel was.

Clara and Avery quickly regained their composure.

"…It's nothing, Lady Honey," Avery coughed awkwardly. "Just a slight headache."

"Ahaha, just had a sudden burst of inspiration for training!" Clara added quickly.

Honey tilted her head, but didn't question it. "Alright then! Let's head upstairs."

As they followed her up the steps, Clara and Avery secretly sent thankful glances toward Summer.

They had assumed he was some brutal, heartless battler—but now they saw that he wasn't such a bad guy after all.

After crossing Soothing Wetlands, Summer finally arrived at Focus Forest, one of the most complex environments on the Isle of Armor. Towering trees, winding paths, and rivers weaving through the dense vegetation reminded him of home.

He felt completely at ease.

Using his natural connection with Pokémon, Summer quickly befriended the wild Pokémon of the forest and gathered information about where Dynamax Mushrooms were growing.

He found exactly three clusters.

But beyond gathering materials, Summer had another reason for coming here—to let his Pokémon explore the forest and learn from its unique wildlife.

Of course…

He severely underestimated just how much his Pokémon would stand out.

Rillaboom, for example, simply wanted to observe the local Pokémon. However, its overflowing life energy caused every Grass-type Pokémon to scatter before it even got close.

Frustrated, Rillaboom finally pulled out his drum and started playing.

The melody slowly drew the Pokémon back. First, a single Applin rolled over in curiosity… then, one by one, more Pokémon gathered around, completely enchanted by the sound of the music.

By the time Rillaboom noticed, he was surrounded by an audience of fascinated Pokémon, swaying to the rhythm.

Meanwhile, Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant were being swarmed by Bug-types—specifically Heracross, Pinsir, and Flabébé.

Why?

Because their floral scent was too irresistible.

The Bug-types had zero interest in watching them dance.

They just wanted a taste.

The two Lilligant, completely oblivious to their intentions, simply took the eager stares as appreciation for their performance and happily continued dancing.

That graceful dance left an imprint on the onlookers' eyes, and they could only sigh in admiration. So beautiful. But as Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant took a closer look, they suddenly noticed something strange—the way the wild Pokémon were watching them. Their eyes weren't just filled with awe.

They were hungry.

Meanwhile, Corviknight had returned to its old habit—recruiting more bird Pokémon. It soared through the dense forest, spotting a flock of Drifloon peacefully floating over the river. Without hesitation, it launched into a serious lecture on how to deal with Bug-types. The Drifloon exchanged confused glances.

"Why is it teaching us this? We eat fish."

Jangmo-o, on the other hand, was genuinely trying to learn new survival skills. But just as it started observing some wild Pokémon, a deep, rhythmic boom echoed through the trees—Rillaboom had begun playing its drum. In an instant, all the Pokémon Jangmo-o had been studying scattered.

Annoyed, Jangmo-o searched for another potential opponent and soon spotted a tiny Goomy shivering behind a rock. Its golden eyes lit up with excitement. Oh, you're weak? No problem! I'll train you!

Goomy, trembling violently: (Internal screaming.)

Unlike the others, Ogerpon had never left Summer's side, claiming with a serious expression that someone needed to protect him. Never mind the fact that, at this point, most of the wild Pokémon here wouldn't stand a chance against Summer in a one-on-one fight.

Still, Ogerpon's presence attracted attention. A group of Blissey, drawn to its adorable appearance, had gathered around, doting on it like overprotective mothers. Eventually, it gave up resisting and simply let itself be pampered.

Summer checked his watch. "The time's about right. Everyone should be heading back soon." He had already gathered three Dynamax Mushrooms, so it was time to move on.

However, as his Pokémon returned, he immediately noticed something off. They weren't alone. A massive crowd of wild Pokémon had followed them, their eyes filled with admiration. Summer stared at his team in disbelief.

"…I told you to learn from them. Why did you bring half the forest back with you?"

His Pokémon looked away awkwardly. They hadn't meant to. The wild Pokémon had just kept following them. Some of them were even begging to come back to Sunset Forest with them.

Summer sighed, waving them off. "If you all leave, what happens to this forest's ecosystem? Sorry, guys, but you'll have to stay here."

The wild Pokémon looked devastated, but ultimately, they reluctantly turned back.

Leaving the reluctant Pokémon behind, Summer and his team arrived at the Battle Cave, nestled between Training Lowlands and Soothing Wetlands. The damp cave had a river flowing through it, making it the perfect breeding ground for mushrooms.

As he stepped inside, he took note of the cave's inhabitants. A few Noibat flapped across the ceiling, while Barboach and Poliwag swam in the underground river. Further in, a Gulpin peeked out from behind a rock, letting out a soft croak.

"…The Dynamax Mushrooms should be here," Summer muttered, scanning his surroundings. Their bright red glow should make them easy to spot.

"Ponio!"

Ogerpon suddenly tugged on his sleeve and pointed forward. Summer followed its gaze and narrowed his eyes.

Lying in the distance was a massive, crimson-faced dragon curled up in its nest, its chest slowly rising and falling. It was fast asleep. But behind it… a faint red glow flickered.

"That's a Druddigon," Summer murmured. Unlike most Dragons, it wasn't particularly strong, but it made up for it by bullying weaker Pokémon and stealing their dens.

Ogerpon raised its club excitedly. "Ponio! (Let's just knock it out and take the mushrooms!)"

Summer chuckled, shaking his head. "No need to rush things. Maybe it's just napping, and we can talk things out first."

Jangmo-o suddenly stepped forward, puffing out its chest. "Jang! (Let me handle it!)"

Summer hesitated before nodding. "Alright… but be careful."

Jangmo-o confidently marched up to Druddigon and tilted its head, glancing behind it. There were exactly three Dynamax Mushrooms. But something was off. Two of them had visible signs of being moved.

Before it could process this—

ROOOOAAARR!

Druddigon's eyes snapped open, its jaws stretching wide in a terrifying snarl. It had never been asleep.

It had been hunting.

The mushrooms weren't just food. They were bait.

Druddigon wasn't just aggressive—it was smart. It knew Dynamax Mushrooms were irresistible to many Pokémon. All it had to do was pretend to be asleep and wait for something to take the bait.

A deep, rumbling growl echoed from its throat as it lunged forward, claws glowing with draconic energy. It was using Outrage.

Jangmo-o's pupils shrank.

And then—

A deep instinct suddenly ignited within it.

The power of the dragons. The fury of an untouchable scale. The moment an enemy's claw grazes their skin…

The dragon awakens.

Jangmo-o's own eyes turned red as it let out a deafening roar, meeting Druddigon's Outrage head-on. From the cave walls, the sleeping Noibat shrieked in terror and fled.

[Jangmo-o has learned Outrage! (Unmastered)]

Summer watched in shock.

It just learned Outrage—on the spot?

Druddigon, still caught in its battle rage, froze for a brief second. It was supposed to be the predator. But that roar just now…

That wasn't the cry of prey.

It was the roar of a future king.

A dragon that must never be allowed to grow.

Just as it made its decision—to eliminate Jangmo-o before it could evolve—something whizzed through the air.

A spinning, glowing club slammed into the side of its head.

Druddigon staggered, disoriented, as Ogerpon charged forward, gripping another club.

"Ponio! (Don't bully my little bro!)"

Jangmo-o blinked in confusion.

When did Ogerpon become his older sister?

Meanwhile, Summer calmly approached the Dynamax Mushrooms. "So they were just bait," he murmured, plucking them from the ground. "Clever strategy. Too bad your strength didn't match your brain."

He sighed, shaking his head. "If you'd spent more time training instead of setting traps, you wouldn't have needed a trap at all."

Far across the Isle of Armor, deep in the Potbottom Desert, a massive bird Pokémon circled the air, its sharp gaze scanning the wastelands below.

Despite the relentless sandstorm, the fiery wings on its back burned unwaveringly, unaffected by the harsh winds.

It was searching.

For what, no one knew.

(End of Chapter.)

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