"Bigger prizes mean tougher opponents — that's fine by me." Chen Shi smiled.
"I want to see the level of talent from other regions."
Steven Stone immediately felt the same thrill.
"You're right — the bigger the reward, the stronger the rivals."
The two exchanged a grin and continued sipping tea.
"This tea is excellent. Last time I left in a hurry and didn't get any — this time I won't be polite."
Chen Shi waved casually. "No problem."
Steven Stone leaned back. "Recently, there's been a stir in Kanto — the Draconian family's Lance has surged in reputation.
Rumor says he's been promoted to Senior League Investigator."
Chen Shi raised a brow. "Lance? That strong?"
He remembered that Senior Investigators usually needed near–Elite Four strength.
Like Junsha Muzi — her Mightyena is almost Elite Four-tier.
If Lance already had such power, that was real pressure.
Time to train Multi-Dragon harder.
Chen Shi continued, "There's also Kanto's Silver Academy ace Konoa, Sinnoh's battle goddess Kaluna, and Galar's undefeated prodigy Leon. They all look fierce."
Steven Stone's eyes lit with excitement. Competing with such geniuses was as thrilling as discovering rare ore.
Chen Shi then lowered his voice. "And there are still hidden prodigies."
"Like the girl Grandpa asked me to bring out of the Spirit Shrine — she's no pushover. She's traveling now."
"Spirit Shrine?" Steven Stone blinked. "You mean the Ghost Sanctum?"
Chen Shi nodded. "Yes."
Steven Stone exhaled. "There are far too many hidden talents. One World Championship will flush all of them out."
A sly glint crossed Chen Shi's eyes.
He tilted his head.
"Steven Stone, can I ask for a small favor?"
Steven Stone straightened immediately. "Of course. Anything."
Chen Shi rubbed his fingers together innocently.
"The girl from the Spirit Shrine is extremely sheltered. Her grandparents asked me to help her… see the real world a bit. She's so naïve it's dangerous."
Steven Stone nodded slowly.
"I want her to learn a little hardship. Could you arrange for a few people to scam her a tiny bit of money? Nothing harmful — just enough to teach her caution."
Steven Stone stared at him.
"…You're serious? Her elders entrusted you to protect her, and you want me to scam her?"
Chen Shi coughed. "Relax. Her grandparents agreed."
Steven Stone blinked — then grinned.
"Alright. Send me her photo and travel route. I'll handle the rest."
Chen Shi internally apologized to poor Furong… but tough love was tough love.
Steven Stone suddenly remembered something. "By the way, in three days there's an Elite Four Exhibition Match — the newly appointed Dark-type Elite Hua Yue versus Fire-type veteran Mura. It's in Fuyan Town. Want to go?"
Chen Shi considered it.
"Sure. It's time to take my Pokémon out for some experience. Multi-Dragon needs battle exposure."
He also wanted to visit Meteor Falls — maybe he'd find a meteorite.
Steven Stone, being a stone fanatic, would definitely join.
"Meteor Falls?" Steven Stone's eyes sparkled. "Count me in."
"Let's leave today," Steven Stone suggested. "Devon Corp is busy with fossil revival, but I can take a short break."
Chen Shi grinned.
Getting Steven Stone to join him was always easy — just mention rocks.
"I'll gather my team and tell Grandpa and Grandma," Chen Shi said as he headed toward the back mountain.
Inside Salamence's cave, he found Multi-Dragon.
"Multi-Dragon, I'm taking you out to train. Want to come?"
"Kia!" the dragon cried excitedly.
Chen Shi nodded to Salamence.
"Dragon-sis, I'm borrowing him for training. He needs more battle time."
Salamence let out a deep roar that summoned allies.
Soon, Venusaur, Swampert, and Swampert Junior arrived.
Chen Shi told Swampert only Leafeon needed to come.
Swampert nodded and sent the junior away.
"Booi~" Swampert nudged Chen Shi's arm affectionately.
Then Leafeon's soft call echoed as he rushed over and leapt onto Chen Shi affectionately.
"Leafy! Long time no see!" Chen Shi laughed, hugging him tight.
And with that — the journey to witness the Elite Four had begun.
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