During the Grain Buds season, rainfall gradually increased, and Lilycove Island was enveloped in a light drizzle all night.

By morning, the skies had cleared again, with sunlight baking the damp ground.

Led by Sylveon, Lu Ye headed to the buffet restaurant to meet up with Ash and the others to discuss that afternoon's match.

As soon as he stepped through the automatic doors, a cool breeze greeted him. Ash waved enthusiastically, calling out:

"Teacher Lu, over here!"

Ami, dressed in a white sundress with her orange hair tied in braids, smiled politely. "Good morning, Teacher Lu."

"Good..." Lu Ye's gaze landed on the small mountain of plates stacked in front of Ami, pausing briefly before finishing, "...morning."

The seemingly ordinary Ami, shy and compassionate, had an unexpectedly large appetite.

Rumor had it she frequently dined at Asagi City's cafeterias... several of which had since gone out of business.

"Ara, Teacher Lu~"

The girl cradled a Ditto in her arms, which gradually morphed into the shape of a Kadabra. She grinned mischievously:

"If you're considering forfeiting, for just 100 bucks, I can have Kadabra teleport you away~?"

"That joke's ancient!" Lu Ye deadpanned.

"Though this business idea's surprisingly good."

The girl rested her chin on her hand. "Eliminated contestants who can't catch their ships back... Little Ditto can teleport them straight to the port."

"Mmm~" The Kadabra melted back into a pink, liquid-like Ditto.

"Gengarrr?" Haunter stared curiously at Ditto before squishing its own face to mimic Kadabra.

"Pika!" Ash's Pikachu joined in, playing dress-up with Haunter and Ditto.

"Togepriii~ (ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪"

Togepi giggled at the transforming Haunter and Pikachu.

Watching the playful little ones, Lu Ye crossed his arms and smirked.

This buffet restaurant had two "Dittos"—one was Haunter, the other was Pikachu!

Breakfast consisted of toast, fruit salad, and iced coffee.

Bruno didn't join them at the restaurant, having no interest in such food... His heart belonged solely to Angry Steamed Buns.

Sipping his iced coffee, Lu Ye listened to the crisp clinking of Ami's cutlery.

Ash munched on a sandwich and asked through a full mouth: "Where's Champion Cynthia?"

"Still lazing in bed."

Lu Ye paused, then explained: "She usually wakes up around noon."

The elegant and beautiful Cynthia wasn't particularly skilled at housework, often leaving research materials and books in disarray.

Previously, she'd hired professional butlers. Currently, Teacher Lu, Little Rotom, and the ever-enthusiastic Haunter handled the chores.

"Ooh~ Waking up at noon~" The girl drawled teasingly.

"A-ah..." Ami's fair cheeks flushed pink for some reason.

"Was she up all night researching strategies?" Ash asked curiously.

Lu Ye sipped his coffee calmly: "You could say that."

"No wonder Teacher Lu has such dark circles," the girl giggled behind her hand.

"Not last night. Last night I was playing cards," Lu Ye said.

"Huh?" The girl blinked.

*Ahem!* Ami choked on her ice water.

Ash, not quite getting it, scratched his head. "After today's Top 16 matches, the brackets will be set."

"Who do you want to face?" Lu Ye asked knowingly.

After a moment of silence, Ash's gaze cleared. "I want to defeat Paul."

A rival's influence on a trainer's growth was invaluable.

Like how Ruby had inspired Norman, or Green and Red pushed each other forward...

As for Teacher Lu, he had only one true rival.

And that was A-Jin!! (Not really)

"Teacher Lu's match is the last of the Top 16," Ami said softly. "We'll know the results this afternoon."

Ash nodded, lost in thought.

Lu Ye, needing to return and wake up Mengmengda, stood to leave. "See you all this afternoon, then!"

"Got it!"

At exactly 10 AM, the day's Lily of the Valley Conference matches commenced in the main stadium.

Cynthia had changed into her regal black outfit, her face showing no trace of fatigue as she intently observed the competitors.

Thinking of Lu Ye staying behind to organize her research materials, warmth stirred in her heart.

This peaceful domestic life softened her emotions.

But... he was also a champion who had defeated Arceus.

Was it really okay to have him doing housework?

Shaking her head, Cynthia's gaze sharpened, a faint smile playing on her lips.

No matter what, he's my man!

Meanwhile.

Teacher Lu surveyed the spotless room, hands on hips, nodding in satisfaction.

Honestly, this is my Way of the Ultimate Househusband!

"Let's go, Larvitar."

With a flourish, Lu Ye removed his apron and donned sunglasses, his aura shifting dramatically.

"Time for our Top 16 match!"

"Larvi~!" Larvitar snarled ferociously, a hungry dragon's roar!

Wen Nai, with her sun-kissed skin, braided hair, freckles, and denim shorts, was a rookie trainer from Hoenn.

Making it to the Lily of the Valley Conference's Top 16 was thanks to her bond with Spiritomb.

More importantly, she'd once encountered the Hoenn Champion and gifted Steven a fossil she'd stumbled upon.

Steven, being the generous billionaire he was, reciprocated by giving Wen Nai a precious Keystone and Spiritombite set.

Wen Nai had been utterly dumbfounded.

How could any champion be as perfect as Steven!

But no amount of money could sway her—she was here to prove her bond with Spiritomb!

With Mega Spiritomb, Wen Nai had fought her way through the Lily of the Valley Conference.

Now, facing Teacher Lu, she was dumbfounded all over again.

"Mr. Steven!" Wen Nai frantically messaged Steven, tearfully pleading: "Any tips for battling Teacher Lu?!"

Steven was currently mining.

After half an hour, he kindly replied with a gentle discouragement: "Prepare to forfeit, Wen Nai."

Wen Nai: "???"

"Or you could... try to win one round," Steven mused. "Teacher Lu might go easy on you."

Wen Nai's eyes lit up, clenching her fists determinedly. "Got it!"

Not getting completely swept would count as success!

This was practically the unanimous consensus among all trainers facing Teacher Lu.

At 2 PM under clear skies, Wen Nai gripped her Keystone pendant tightly, striding confidently toward the sub-stadium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Lily of the Valley Conference quarterfinal qualifiers!"

The announcer's booming voice echoed through the venue, the audience buzzing with excitement.

Amid the cheers, Wen Nai squinted at the opposite player tunnel, her eyes shining.

Finally... the legendary Teacher Lu!

"H-Hello!"

During the handshake, Wen Nai introduced herself nervously: "I'm Wen Nai from the Hoenn region!"

"Mr. Steven mentioned you." This update is available on novel⦿fire.net

The handsome black-haired trainer smiled. "Let's give it our all!"

Wen Nai sighed in relief.

Who knew the infamous Teacher Lu could be so friendly?

Like Unova's Alder, this champion was known for mentoring and battling newcomers.

And according to Steven, Teacher Lu was undoubtedly stronger than Champion Alder!

This match would be a valuable learning experience!

"I will!" Wen Nai nodded firmly.

Taking their positions on opposite sides of the rocky battlefield, Lu Ye observed the slightly nervous girl.

She reminded him of another Hoenn native, Sawyer, who'd reached the Kalos semifinals in his first year.

These exceptionally talented rookies were all discovered by the retired champion Steven.

Though no longer champion, Steven continued supporting Hoenn's league in his own way—

By handing out Mega Stones!

Sorry, but with money, you really can do anything!

Shaking his head, Lu Ye's Dusk Ball gleamed matte in his hand.

The randomized terrain was a common rocky field, providing ideal conditions for the pseudo-legendary hatchling.

As cheers surged like tidal waves, the referee raised his flags high:

"Trainers—release your Pokémon!"

Simultaneously, Lu Ye and Wen Nai threw their Poké Balls, red beams shooting forth.

Amidst jagged stone pillars and gravel, Larvitar planted its feet firmly, the scar-like markings beneath its eyes accentuating its battle-hungry gaze:

"Larvi! (▼へ▼メ)"

A crystalline energy film clung to its scaled back—the Weakness Policy, boosting its power when struck by super-effective moves!

Since Tyranitar had numerous weaknesses, the Weakness Policy became its unique suppression tool, a tactic equally effective for its pre-evolved form.

Trained through Giovanni's Essence of Earth methods, Larvitar possessed remarkable endurance, capable of withstanding water and grass attacks!

The Weakness Policy was Teacher Lu's contingency plan for Larvitar.

Wen Nai didn't seem to have noticed.

Before her stood a hunched, purple Spiritomb, its gem-like eyes betraying faint fear.

"Larvi... (¯﹃¯)" Larvitar seemed to already savor the flavor.

Spiritomb couldn't help shuddering.

This was the terror of prey facing its natural predator!

"Begin!"

At the referee's command, Wen Nai struck first: "Spiritomb, Taunt!"

This Spiritomb's Prankster ability allowed it to execute status moves faster.

"If I can just stop Teacher Lu from setting up Dragon Dance," Wen Nai thought grimly, "there's still a chance!"

"Spiritomb leads with Taunt!" the commentator announced. "Is this a preemptive read on Lu Ye's strategy?"

In the stands, Flint grinned. "This kid's got guts."

"She's one Steven took notice of," said Grandma Kukuno, sipping from her thermos. "Must have something special."

Spiritomb's hunched form melted into shadows, reappearing behind Larvitar to provocatively poke its shoulder with sharp claws.

Yet Larvitar had no intention of dancing, immediately whirling to smash a fist into Spiritomb's face!

BAM!!

Even crossing its arms in defense, Spiritomb cried out as it was sent skidding back. Larvitar pressed forward relentlessly, fangs glinting with a vicious white glow!

"Larvi!!"

"Against Spiritomb, Prankster is usually the assumption," Lu Ye explained. "Guts isn't bothered by Will-O-Wisp, so skipping Dragon Dance for an all-out assault works better."

Mid-explanation, Larvitar chomped down hard on Spiritomb's arm, drawing gasps from the crowd!

"I predicted your prediction!"

"Tastes like chicken, crispy too!"

"Spirii!" Spiritomb recoiled in pain before being recalled in a red beam.

"But now I don't have to worry about Dragon Dance!"

Wen Nai declared earnestly, throwing another ball: "Go, Pelipper!"

With its Drizzle ability, Pelipper emerged amidst swirling mist, wings spread wide!