Time flew by, and before long, it was five in the afternoon.
Lin Feng had just seen off the hardworking Hoopa construction team, who had been at it all day.
Dinner time was approaching.
As Lin Feng, Gardevoir, and Blissey stepped into the garden, the Talonflame waiting there immediately brightened with anticipation.
But when Lin Feng brought out today's food, Talonflame's expression froze again.
Today's food looked similar to yesterday's—shiny little round cakes.
Though the cakes tasted excellent, the fact that they glowed was… troubling.
It would have to glow again and spend another night asleep.
"Don't worry. Today's cakes won't glow once you eat them," Lin Feng said with a soft laugh, watching Talonflame's worried expression.
The cakes he made the other day had been nothing more than water and flour. Today, however, he had added the finest Moomoo milk.
Finally, he kneaded the dough with Steenee juice.
So these little cakes were lighter in color, their quality had improved, and they now carried two new cooking effects.
Emotional energy had influenced the cooking as well.
[S+ Grade Fresh Milk Cake] – Round cakes made from Moomoo milk, vibrant pumpkins, and honey. They give off a floral fragrance and enhance happiness when eaten.
Cooking Effect 1: Eating for the first time increases the Pokémon's presence and happiness.
Cooking Effect 2: Boosts luck slightly.
Cooking Effect 3: A mix of ingredients gives rich energy, temporarily enhancing internal energy activity. The more consumed, the stronger the effect.
Special Cooking Effect: Infused with the creator's emotions, giving it a unique effect. This cake increases Victini's attraction by 50%, a perfect blend of emotion and cuisine.
Energy activity increased.
It was designed to attract Victini.
Truthfully, Lin Feng was thrilled to see these effects triggered. Emotional energy had worked again, meaning Victini would likely enjoy these cakes even more.
Upon hearing that there were no side effects, Talonflame's eyes lit up.
It didn't hesitate and grabbed a cake.
The moment it swallowed it, however, something felt different. Its internal flame energy surged uncontrollably, filling it with vitality.
It remembered this sensation vividly—its first time eating cooked meat had felt the same.
Back then, it had even gone wild, dashing around the unfinished garden with Quick Attack.
"Perfect, the effect is excellent!"
Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction. "It won't glow; it will just make your energy more active. After finishing, I'll reward you with a lap around the garden."
Talonflame froze for a moment.
A new effect?
"The more you eat, the more energy you'll have. This seems perfect for you," Lin Feng continued.
He handed it two more cakes. "You should take some time to practice your battle skills too."
In the last match, Talonflame's combat performance had embarrassed Lin Feng.
The opponent's Shroomish had outclassed Talonflame in technique. Even though Talonflame's energy level was far higher, it had still taken two blows.
Talonflame chuckled awkwardly, understanding Lin Feng's point.
"But don't worry," Lin Feng added. "I can help you find a mentor."
Without looking back, he distributed food to the other Pokémon.
Talonflame paused, then looked up eagerly.
"Who?" it seemed to ask.
Lin Feng explained, "Dragonite. It has extensive field battle experience and is perfect for teaching you combat techniques. I'll tell it not to use energy attacks, just physical moves. How does that sound?"
Lin Feng figured Dragonite had plenty of free time, and Talonflame was now fully grown. It should have strength, but maybe not refined skills. Speed alone wasn't enough.
What Lin Feng didn't notice was Talonflame's reaction. Its beak dropped open in shock, and the cake it had been eating fell to the ground.
Dragonite? No!
It looked terrifying!
"Hmm? What do you think?"
Lin Feng realized Talonflame hadn't replied and turned to look at it.
At that moment, Talonflame edged toward Gardevoir, whispering softly, "Cha, Chamo…"
It seemed to be saying to its mentor, "Mom, if I have to fight Dragonite, you must watch, or I'll be defeated…"
Gardevoir, though slightly exasperated, offered a practical suggestion: use Salamence instead. At least Salamence wasn't as scary.
Lin Feng couldn't help but chuckle.
If Talonflame didn't want Dragonite, it could have simply said so, but it went to Gardevoir to complain instead.
Salamence happily agreed to the arrangement.
After distributing the food, Lin Feng sat down and waited.
Mew and Jirachi hadn't returned yet. Jirachi seemed fascinated with the outside world.
This time, Lin Feng specifically asked Mew to bring Jirachi back before dinner.
The little cat obeyed obediently.
Soon, two small figures flew in from the outskirts of town.
Meowth and Jirachi.
"Yomiao~" Meowth called out excitedly.
Jirachi followed, looking happy. "Lin Feng, do you have a wish?"
Jirachi was still considering Lin Feng's wishes, so even though it had enjoyed its playtime, it returned just in time.
"Don't rush," Lin Feng said, smiling at the two small figures. "You've been playing for so long—you must be hungry. Have some food first."
"Kira~" Jirachi rubbed its belly, right where its third eye was located.
It was just hungry.
"Yomiao!" Meowth swooped down, shouting for some catnip.
"Alright, alright, alright…" Lin Feng added some catnip to the food without hesitation.
He sighed quietly. This little cat was becoming more familiar every day. It would eat, then go out to play again.
Just as he was thinking this, Mew pulled out a yellow feather sparkling with electric sparks.
"Yomiao~" it chirped, "For you, for you…"
Lin Feng blinked in surprise, staring at the feather in Meowth's hand.
No, where did you get that…
"Yumiao?"