In the kitchen, Wayne was about to undertake something important.
He also had a side quest to complete: gaining his grandfather's approval with Pokémon food.
Because Energy Cubes turned out better, Wayne had previously chosen to make Energy Cubes more often.
This time, Wayne planned to make Poffins.
Lucario and Arcanine both preferred spicy flavors. Metang, while generally not fond of spice, was also willing to eat it.
He wouldn't use the only two remaining Tamato berry, but Cheri Berries instead.
After all, the system's evaluation of his Poffin-making skill was: Schrödinger's Poffin.
Wayne's principle was to practice more if he was bad at something.
He also wanted to see the experience gain from making Poffins.
Following his grandfather—or rather, Onion Instructor—in relearning knife skills for half a month had greatly improved Wayne's focus.
Although his cooking skills were still at beginner level, they had improved considerably compared to before.
After all, he had watched the old man cook for over half a month.
After crushing the berries, he put them in cold water, stirring constantly while heating. After it became a batter, he poured it into molds and placed them in the oven.
This was the difficult part of making Poffins—it was highly dependent on heat control and stirring technique.
This was also the commonality between cooking and Pokémon food: heat control.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Wayne failed three times in a row, with the failed products laid out beside him.
His appraisal ability came into effect at this point.
After taking a bite, Wayne silently poured the batch into the trash can.
This was not meant for humans to eat!
Lucario looked at the failed products in the trash can, appearing a little helpless.
Lucario clearly remembered that Wayne had previously sworn never to make Poffins again after creating a burnt disaster.
Looking at Wayne's serious expression, though... Lucario decided that even if it wasn't tasty, he would eat it gracefully.
Wasting food was a shameful act—not something an elegant Pokémon would do!
Wayne murmured to himself, "It's all about the heat control..."
The old man, who had come to the back kitchen, happened to see Wayne engrossed in making Poffins.
"Then I can only concentrate harder."
Wayne patted his cheeks and focused entirely on making Poffins, diligently analyzing where the heat control had gone wrong, completely oblivious to the old man's arrival.
Stirring the berry paste, Wayne stared at the flames as devoutly as if he were offering incense.
Seeing Wayne's expression, the old man nodded with satisfaction.
It was the final stage. Wayne stirred clockwise with a spoon, and a pleasant fragrance filled the air.
Wayne quickly poured the berry paste into the molds and then placed them in the oven.
"Ding."
As soon as the oven was opened, Lucario caught the scent of the Poffins.
(It actually succeeded!)
Lucario was slightly surprised.
Arcanine, on the other hand, sniffed eagerly, and drool flowed from its mouth.
They looked like pink cookies—these were Poffins.
Depending on the color of the berry used, Poffins would have different colors as well.
Wayne's appraisal ability quickly provided information.
A spicy Poffin that was slightly under-stirred and overcooked.
It had succeeded, but it wasn't as good as the Energy Cubes he usually made.
At this level, it would probably be difficult to gain his grandfather's approval, right?
Wayne was not discouraged. He just needed to take it slow and keep improving.
"It's done. Try it."
Lucario clasped his paws together in prayer.
(Well then, I'll dig in.)
Lucario picked up a piece, and the moment he took a bite, his tall ears suddenly twitched.
(Delicious!)
Ding, gained 13 Poffin proficiency points.
Ding, gained 12 Poffin proficiency points.
Looking at the heartily eating Lucario, Wayne stroked his chin in thought.
Based on quality, Energy Cubes should be rated higher, but Poffins yielded more experience points.
"Why are you eating so happily?"
(It's tastier than I expected.)
Lucario had eaten the Poffin with a do-or-die attitude, but the taste was better than he had imagined.
Wayne had some ideas forming. [Does the Pokémon's satisfaction level affect the proficiency gained?]
Wayne nodded slightly. "I can make more Poffins in the future."
He then waved to Arcanine and the others.
"Arcanine, Metang, come and try some."
Onion Instructor didn't eat spicy food, so Wayne didn't call him over.
Arcanine ate with the most enthusiasm. For him, as long as it was edible, it was fine—otherwise, he wouldn't have grown so plump.
"Bika."
Metang stared at the Cheri Berry Poffin for a long time with determined eyes... his gaze as resolute as if he were about to make a life-changing decision.
In reality, he was analyzing whether eating this thing would harm him.
Wayne couldn't help but cover his face. "Just eat it."
Metang had never eaten Cheri Berries before, and most importantly, he was skeptical of Wayne's Poffin-making skills.
After all, he already knew about Wayne's 'glorious past.'
Considering his Trainer's feelings, Metang—after much hesitation—picked up a piece of Poffin and chewed a small bite as if making a great sacrifice.
In less than a second, Metang's eyes lit up.
(So delicious!)
Ding, gained 8 Poffin proficiency points.
"How does it taste?"
"Meta!"
Lucario translated for Wayne in a timely manner.
(He says it's a bit spicy, but delicious.)
Wayne's mouth curved slightly, and he nodded confidently.
"I still have some talent, after all."
The old man behind him snorted coldly.
"You didn't control the heat well. The Berry Juice was boiled too thick, and it wasn't stirred properly. To make a Super Aromatic Poffin, your heat control is still far from sufficient."
Wayne quickly turned his head. "Grandpa?"
Only then did Wayne notice the old man standing behind him.
He was even more surprised by the old man's evaluation.
It was almost identical to his appraisal ability's assessment!
The old man had only glanced at it, without even tasting it, yet he had accurately pointed out the flaws in the Poffins he'd made.
Is this the prowess of Master Level cooking?
The old man then asked another question.
"What insights did you gain from making Poffins this time?"
Wayne's eyes lit up.
This was definitely an opportunity to complete the quest!
Wayne organized his thoughts carefully.
"There are many commonalities between cooking and Pokémon food preparation. Heat control, seasoning, and even knife skills all have an impact on the final product."
The old man nodded with satisfaction.
"Not bad. Half a month of practice wasn't wasted."
At the same time, the mechanical female voice sounded again.
Ding, side quest (Lionel's Wish) completed. Obtained random special dish — Smoked Sitrus Juice.
Wayne blinked. "Grandpa, are you satisfied with this Poffin?"
The old man, with his hands behind his back, snorted. "Even Gengar wouldn't eat it. It's just that everything has a learning process, and being willing to learn is the most important thing."
Wayne nodded in understanding.
The old man wasn't satisfied with the Poffins he'd made, but with his spirit of research and willingness to learn.
The old man showed a slight smile. "What do you want to eat tonight? I'll make it for you."
Training in the morning, practicing cooking in the afternoon, and learning Pokémon breeding in the evening.
The days were fulfilling yet monotonous.
Wayne returned to his room at ten in the evening. He looked at the personal panel that only he could see.
Special Dishes Codex:
1. Smoked Sitrus Juice, Class C:
Sitrus Berries smoked for three to five days, supplemented with Sweet Honey, rock sugar, osmanthus, roses, etc., then simmered for two hours and chilled.
(Click to view video production process.)
Effect: Quickly restores stamina after consumption. One cup is worth more than ten cups!
Note: Number of times that can be made per day (0/10). Exceeding this number will result in an effect equivalent to ordinary Berry Juice.