Teacher Lu sat in the exhibition hall bathed in the flickering spotlight.

The surrounding congratulations, applause, and honors seemed unrelated to him.

He leaned back against the stiff chair, letting his eyes lose focus, sinking into a long silence.

The joys and sorrows of mankind are not shared;

I only feel their noise—

Lu Xun.

“That quote really is from Mr. Lu Xun… but that’s not the point.”

Lu Ye calmed his mood and examined the long-unseen system panel. A series of “ding” sounds made his scalp tingle.

Take it slow, don’t panic. First, throw a grenade of rational analysis…

“Haunter Mega Stone, is the reward from the Scientific Summit.”

Lu Ye murmured, “I’ve already prepared myself for this.”

At this moment, the dark red orb lay quietly in the ‘Backpack’.

But the problem was…

Goddamn, this is a chain quest!

[Quest Objective: Collect all eight Sinnoh region Gym Badges]

[Progress: (5/8)]

[Reward: Gracidea Flower]

Teacher Lu pursed his lips.

Seeing the quest reward, his mood instantly became complicated.

“I knew it, this broken system has no good intentions!”

Gracidea Flower.

An important item from the movie "Giratina and the Bouquet of the Sky."

It attracts the legendary Pokémon Shaymin, known as the “Embodiment of Gratitude,” allowing it to change form and release its exclusive cleansing move “Seed Flare.”

It can be said that the Gracidea Flower and Shaymin are the key to Ash’s involvement in that large-scale storyline.

Having just experienced the temporal shock in White Poplar Town,

now you want to shove the Gracidea Flower at me?

Could it be that Shaymin will come find me, then take me to duel Giratina one-on-one?!

I bet you’re just dying to see me dead!

“You didn’t even give a single warning, making me grab five badges straight away…”

Lu Ye stared at the progress showing [5/8] on the panel, his expression complex as he rubbed his temple.

“At this point, I can only set an ambush for it,”

“This quest absolutely cannot be completed… probably.”

The applause in the exhibition hall ceased, and murmurs from the researchers floated nearby.

“That was truly spectacular.”

“Indeed, no wonder it’s Teacher Lu!”

Though the surroundings were quiet, knowledge and honor focused on this unremarkable researcher.

Teacher Lu’s heart ached to the point he could barely breathe.

Joy and sorrow are not shared… Mr. Lu Xun did not deceive me!

Click—

The spotlight flickered as Professor Samuel Oak stood on the stage, smiling:

“Then, today’s selection officially ends. Thank you all for your hard work on Pokémon and scientific research!”

Immediately, Professor Oak bowed deeply. The scene was filled with shock, emotion, and respect…

In the sudden heavy atmosphere, Professor Oak smiled and said:

“Now, let me end with a haiku—”

“Save it for next time, Samuel.” From the audience, Professor Rowan, a senior, said sternly. Yet the corners of his mustache curved upward.

“I’ll listen to your show on Pokémon Radio.” Kukui chimed in with a cheerful laugh.

“Subarashi—actually getting to hear Professor Oak compose live!” exclaimed Professor Sycamore from Kalos.

“Hahaha, haha, hiccup.” That was Professor Birch.

With that,

the Scientific Summit in Suimài City came to a close.

Tomorrow would be the docking between research teams and commercial teams, with companies like the Aether Foundation, Devon Corporation, Malokomon Group, and so forth.

“More than half of these are villain organizations’ companies.”

Lu Ye thought with sweat on his brow:

“No wonder villains are said to value science, while the hero group is just a bunch of hot-blooded fools relying on empty talk…”

This trip, Mengmengda and Professor Mustardseed returned with great success.

Teacher Lu, originally thought to be just a tag-along, lost completely.

At the Suimài City Library, behind was a descending marble staircase.

Lu Ye looked at Cynthia’s smiling profile and felt a little comforted.

Mengmengda’s smile, I will protect it!

As he gazed, Haunter suddenly crawled out from beneath his feet, chuckling mischievously.

Haunter laughing out loud .jpg

“Gengarrr!ヽ(≧∀≦)ﾉ”

“…I guess I’ll protect your smile too, reluctantly.”

Teacher Lu said with a troubled expression.

…

In the afternoon, scholars gradually left Suimài City, and the loud whistle echoed over the canal.

Standing on the bridge spanning Suimài City, one could see soaring Wingulls and drifting Drifblims.

Dating with Mengmengda on the bridge, the wind brushed her straight, smooth golden hair. She smiled warmly, breaking the Forest Yokan dessert in her palm. The Wingulls hurriedly flew over, instinctively lining up in formation in the air beside the fiercely intimidating Garchomp.

“Truly amazing.” Lu Ye marveled, “Seagulls actually line up.”

“Captured precious photos, Rotom!” Rotom called out loudly.

Cynthia smiled slightly, tucking her golden hair behind her ear. “Are you planning to return to Masago Town next?”

“Yes, waiting for you at home, maybe go traveling when free.” Lu Ye nodded.

Cynthia gently nodded. The two stood by the bridge railing, gazing at the broad river. The canal stretched all the way to the distant ocean. The cargo ships at the port gleamed white, and the seawater refracted two distinct colors under the light.

Silent, only the shutter clicks from Rotom’s camera and the Wingulls’ long cries filled the air.

“…” Lu Ye couldn’t help but say, “Little Rotom, silent mode.”

Cynthia smiled softly, and the entire canal scenery, including the snowy white port on the opposite side, dimmed in comparison to her presence.

“I’ve wanted to ask for a while.” Lu Ye said.

“What?”

Lu Ye looked at the broken red bean dessert in Cynthia’s palm, pursing his lips:

“You fed me red bean cake, not the Forest Yokan from that restaurant yesterday, right?”

Cynthia: “…”

Lu Ye: “…”

That’s way too extravagant!

For a moment,

Teacher Lu seemed to hear Arcanine’s sorrowful howl.

When I get back, I’ll make it up to the dog, Lu Ye thought, and I need to have Rotom make more energy cubes!

(Rotom: Can’t comprehend, Roto!)

…

Time together was always short.

Cynthia had to first send Professor Mustardseed back to Celestic Town, then return to the Sinnoh League on Lilycove Island.

Teacher Lu sighed softly and mentally made a note for Aaron.

“Let’s go back to the inn, pack up, and prepare to depart.”

Lu Ye said to the shadow beneath his feet.

No response. Passersby cast curious glances.

Lu Ye expressionless, pretending to press a Bluetooth device by his ear:

“Yes, keep talking, I can hear you…”

…

Back at the inn.

In the hotel-style lobby, Lu Ye unexpectedly encountered an uninvited guest.

Scruffy stubble, sturdy build, wearing an outdated ragged cloak and work pants.

Lu Ye vaguely recognized the burly man blocking his way and asked thoughtfully:

“Are you…”

“I’m the curator of Suimài City, Donggua.” Donggua grinned, “Teacher Lu, I’m here to thank you for resolving Suimài City’s crisis.”

Lu Ye was slightly stunned, recalling the nightmare incident from days ago, and smiled politely: “It was nothing.”

Hearing this, Donggua’s eyelids twitched wildly.

Nothing?

How could Cresselia and Darkrai sound so unimpressive coming from your mouth!

Donggua again thought how wise his choice was.

A broad smile slowly appeared on his face as he thought:

Roark, you brat, just watch how I entertain our guest!

He picked up the green hiking bag beside his feet, dusted off the ore dust on top, and handed it to Teacher Lu:

“Teacher Lu, this is a small token from me as curator of Suimài City. Please make sure to accept it!”

Seeing Donggua’s bulging veins on his arm, Lu Ye’s eyelid twitched:

“What is this? So heavy?”

“Metallic Sheets.” Donggua laughed, “This is a large chunk of raw material, enough to make five or six metal sheets… They can be forged into armor or used to temper moves!”

Lu Ye’s eyes widened slightly.

Treasure friend, this stuff is not cheap!

The Steel-type King of Kalos, the Skarmory, uses the “Steel-type bonus” Metal Sheets to help Pokémon train specially. On TV, Ash’s Farfetch’d wears metal armor to refine its moves, gaining amazing power in a short time.

Knowing my own Ducklett, it won’t be outdone and will definitely be very pleased with this gift!

The snowy white commemorative Poké Ball at his waist suddenly shook.

[Sirfetch’d: Gah!! (´థ౪థ)σ (Don’t come near, Duck!!)]

Sensing Sirfetch’d’s thoughts, Lu Ye smiled faintly and reached out to take the bag:

“You just show up, why bring gifts too…”

Suddenly, the two froze simultaneously.

“Why is this so light?” Lu Ye shook the green hiking bag in his hand, looking at Donggua puzzled.

The sturdy miner Donggua opened his mouth wide, also wearing a ghost-seeing expression.

This guy looks weak and scrawny, with hardly any muscle… How does he have such incredible strength!

Teacher Lu: “Is it heavy?”

Donggua: “…”

Teacher Lu: “Why were you struggling so much just now?”

Donggua: “Ababa ababa…”

Shaking his head confusedly, suddenly Teacher Lu’s pupils contracted in horror.

Donggua hurriedly asked, “What happened, Teacher Lu?”

“You… what else did you stuff in this hiking bag?”

“Badges.” Donggua scratched his head oddly, “The Suimài City mine badges.”

“Ah!” Donggua smiled in relief, patting Lu Ye’s shoulder, “No problem, with your strength there’s no need for more gym challenges.”

“These badges are a little token from me personally, and also proper procedure. Just rest assured and accept them!”

Teacher Lu fell silent.

[Ding! Quest progress updated!]

[Collected Badges: (6/8)]

[Quest Description: The journey of a hundred miles is half completed at ninety;

may trainers never forget their original intention and remain youthful upon return…]

“…”

“Will you be staying in Suimài City these days?” Lu Ye suddenly asked.

“Yes, why?” Donggua scratched his head.

“I plan to stay in Suimài City a few more days.”

Teacher Lu smiled kindly: “Some little ones might come looking for trouble… please bear with them then.”

“Hahaha, I thought it was something serious.”

Donggua laughed loudly, hands on hips, “No problem, you can rest assured I’ll entertain them well!”

Lu Ye nodded with a smile.

Intentionally hiding badges in the backpack to confuse me, then bribing this treasure expert with Metallic Sheets.

Treasure friend, this grudge, Teacher Lu has noted it!