It was the same private room as before, only this time far more crowded and lively.
Chen Shi sat among the group, feeling as if reality were slightly unreal.
Here, beside him, sat figures who would become legends.
Steven Stone — the future Champion of Hoenn.
Lance — the future Dragon Master of Johto.
Cynthia — the future Champion of Sinnoh.
Lorelei — future Ice-type Elite Four of Kanto.
Phoebe — future Ghost-type Elite Four of Hoenn.
Even the "weakest" among them carried the weight of an entire region.
Yet now, all of them were simply eating dinner with him like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Unbelievable.
Chen Shi cleared his throat.
"For the upcoming World Championship… all of you plan to participate, right?"
"Of course."
Lance grinned confidently.
"How could I miss it? I'll become the Dragon-type Champion of Kanto."
Chen Shi nearly laughed.
His "dragon team"?
Charizard, Gyarados, Aerodactyl…
Real dragons? Zero.
But no one else caught his subtle amusement except Cynthia, who sensed something but couldn't place it.
Lance continued, proud:
"I've battled with them for years. They're my partners."
Chen Shi nodded calmly.
"I hope I can see them someday."
"You will," Lance promised with a hearty laugh.
His tone shifted as he continued:
"I heard from my father… this year's Championship isn't simple. It might influence how the League allocates future resources."
Lorelei nodded.
"Our Academy Head said the same."
Chen Shi raised a brow.
So… he was the only one who didn't know.
Figures.
Everyone here belonged to families whose influence reached the heavens.
Chen Shi was simply a civilian boy from a ranch.
It wasn't worth comparing.
Still, he took the Championship seriously.
He knew his situation:
Dragapult — once fully evolved, no problem.
Swampert — solid backbone.
But Florges, Leafeon, Togekiss, Metang, Charmander…
They needed time. Training. Growth.
Two months wasn't long.
But he'd do his best. That was enough.
Everyone's Plans
Lance asked casually while eating,
"Any plans for now?"
"I'm returning to Meteor Falls," Steven said immediately. His eyes gleamed.
The stone addiction was real.
"Train, mine stones, repeat."
"I'm returning to the Academy," Lorelei added.
"Special training."
"I'm going back to Sinnoh," Cynthia said quietly.
Her eyes lingered on Chen Shi for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Phoebe threw up her hand excitedly.
"I'm going traveling! I want to see the world!"
Chen Shi snorted.
"Just don't get scammed again and end up begging on the street."
Phoebe wilted instantly.
Steven coughed violently.
Only he knew exactly why.
Lance spoke next.
"I'm going to track down Team Magma. A squad was spotted at Meteor Falls. Someone engaged them and captured their leader."
Steven and Chen Shi exchanged eye contact.
Yeah.
That report was definitely theirs.
After Dinner
Everyone agreed to meet again at the Championship.
Later, Chen Shi found himself walking alone with Cynthia through the quiet streets of Lavaridge Town.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Eventually, Cynthia lifted her gaze.
"I have to go."
Chen Shi smiled.
"Safe travels."
She hesitated.
"Do you… have nothing else you want to say to me?"
He paused. Thought seriously.
Then began speaking—
"Take care of that lipstick — and the two stones. They're important."
"Raise Togepi well. Only feed her the Pokéblocks I gave you."
"When she runs out, tell me. I'll send more."
"If she learns any unusual moves, don't mention them to anyone."
"Don't forget to eat properly."
"Get enough sleep."
"Dress warmly — I heard Sinnoh is getting colder."
"Don't overtrain."
"And if anything happens, message me."
Cynthia listened quietly…
Watching him fuss over her like an overprotective mother hen…
And her eyes softened, glowing with a warmth she kept carefully hidden.
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