December 13th, Saturday.
Three days remained until the opening of the Dragon-type Master Tournament.
Another ordinary morning, and Master Yu was busy preparing breakfast for the whole family in the kitchen.
Paldean sandwiches, canned beans, fresh Moo Moo milk, and instant miso soup.
All these were wonderful dishes that didn't require any culinary skills to make, forming today's meal at Sunlight Gym.
The development of pre-made meals in the Pokémon world was similar to his previous life, just without so much technology and harshness. The ingredients were mostly supplied by local farms and ranches, so both humans and Pokémon could eat them with peace of mind.
After all, the Pokémon world was never short of fresh ingredients.
Aiden hummed a tune as he prepared breakfast, inadvertently glancing out the window.
Under Cynthia's command, Garchomp and Kommo-o were clumsily dancing, looking quite comical.
"Pfft—"
Aiden couldn't help but chuckle, quickly lowering his head before Garchomp's gaze swept over and focusing back on his work.
Since Cynthia arrived, Aiden felt that time seemed to have sped up.
In the blink of an eye, this was already her fourth day in Paldea.
By the way, since the first day of living together with Cynthia, their interaction mode seemed to have no awkward phase at all, it was very natural.
There really is a strong relationship between childhood friends.
Not to mention Eevee and Riolu; these two Pokémon were incredibly close to Cynthia…
While Aiden was distracted by random thoughts, Miraidon, awakened by Kommo-o's imposing voice outside, sneezed.
What noisy guests.
Miraidon looked at Garchomp and Kommo-o practicing their moves.
Why be so hardworking every day? It would be better to lie down like me…
And they've been learning for days; if they can't learn, they shouldn't struggle anymore. Just sleep in like me!
Though constantly grumbling about these noisy guests in his heart, Miraidon's body remained still.
Because it couldn't beat them.
Having lost all its strength, it now only wanted to be a lazy fish basking in the sun, not wanting to make any more effort.
Thinking this way, Miraidon looked up at the sky.
The sun had been so good these few days; not sleeping enough would be such a waste.
Just then, Miraidon suddenly noticed a flash of orange swiftly pass through the clouds above, quickly disappearing from sight.
"Gao?"
Milotic blinked and quickly withdrew its gaze.
It must be an illusion, right?
...
Riding Dragonite through the clouds, Lance focused his gaze downward.
Recognizing directions and even finding one's destination in high altitudes was actually quite difficult.
However, fortunately, the target location was relatively easy to identify.
Mesagoza was located south of the central cavity of the Paldea continent; as long as one circled around the landmark known as "Area Zero Crater," they'd eventually find the right direction.
Of course, before heading to Mesagoza to register for the Dragon-type Master Tournament, Lance had another important matter to attend to.
"Dragonite, slow down a bit, let's check below."
Following the map guidance, after spending some time, Lance finally returned to the correct direction and found Cabo Poco where Sunlight Gym was located.
Upon landing, the first thing he noticed was Sinnoh Champion Cynthia training outside.
Lance naturally glanced at her information beforehand, knowing she was also one of the formidable opponents in this Master Tournament; her ace Garchomp had directly trounced the former Sinnoh Elite Four in one fell swoop…
These newcomers are really too powerful.
"Mr. Lance?"
Cynthia also noticed this guest who had descended from the sky and greeted him with a surprised expression.
"Hello, Sinnoh Champion Cynthia."
Lance nodded slightly, his expression serious yet polite, and then asked:
"This is Sunlight Gym, right?"
Although he didn't know why she was here, these personal matters among trainers weren't something he should inquire about.
He wasn't interested in gossip; becoming strong enough to uphold justice was his sole pursuit.
"That's right."
Cynthia nodded, pointing toward Sunlight Gym ahead.
"Thank you."
Recalling Dragonite into its Poké Ball, Lance turned and walked towards Sunlight Gym.
Knock knock knock—
The door was knocked. Aiden, who was just about to go out and call Cynthia back for breakfast, immediately went over.
Opening the door, a middle-aged man with reddish-brown hair, a robust build, and a resolute face appeared before him.
Besides these prominent physical features, the Investigator attire of Kanto and the iconic red and black cloak behind him hinted at his identity.
Kanto Elite Four, Lance!
"Hello?"
Aiden scratched his head, his face full of confusion.
Why did he come to my place?
He isn't like Champion Leon, who might get lost and can't find such an obvious place like Mesagoza, right?
"Hello, Mr. Aiden, or rather…"
"Teacher Azure Wings?"
The moment Lance spoke, Aiden was stunned.
Damn, oh no!
Could it be because I won against him last time using the Bug Baton Pass strategy, so this time while visiting Paldea, he "incidentally" came here in person to settle the score?
"Cough cough—"
Noticing Aiden's strange expression, Lance immediately cleared his throat and explained promptly:
"In our previous online battle, I learned many useful things from you, so this time I came specifically to express my gratitude."
"And my cousin Claire has also benefited greatly; after learning your Sniper Kingdra tactics, her strength has improved significantly."
As he spoke, Lance quietly observed this seemingly young gym leader trainer.
Indeed, just like the trainer image in the game, he was a youth under twenty years old.
But his demeanor gave off a sense of stability, combined with his ever-changing, unpredictable tactical style.
Absolutely an outstanding young man; his potential in the future surely rivals that of the Elite Four, and even becoming a champion isn't impossible.
Even the elders of the Dragon Envoy clan should approve of his decision.
"So…, Mr. Aiden."
After nodding to himself, Lance spoke again while taking a pale white Pokémon egg from behind his cloak.
"This Dragon Egg is a thank-you gift prepared by Claire and me. Please accept it."
"If it's you, you'll definitely be able to unlock this baby dragon's full potential and bring it to the highest stage."
???
Aiden stared blankly at the Pokémon egg in Lance's hand.
Since you're here, what's with the gift?
Moreover, using a Dratini as a thank-you gift, isn't that a bit too extravagant?
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