When Alain stepped into this coffee shop, his footsteps paused slightly.

He had visited the original "Sunrise Café" before - luxurious in style, with sunset light streaming through rainbow-colored glass into the interior, every furnishing shimmering with a subtle luster. Some claimed to have spotted actress Karine there.

But this current coffee shop was completely renewed, leaving an immediate visual impression -

Cuteness.

A cozy warmth that instantly made people relax, spacious and tidy furnishings with vibrant green plants placed on the linen tablecloths of wooden tables.

Alain's gaze lingered on one spot - the Haunter pressed against the glass window, momentarily lost in thought.

That very Haunter... the one that had swept through Lucian's entire team in the Champion League!

"Gengarrr~"

A cozy warmth that instantly made people relax, spacious and tidy furnishings with light green plants placed on the linen tablecloths of wooden tables.

When should I set out~~ I'll give master a surprise then!

"Grrr..."

Charizard didn't seem to like this environment much, restlessly turning its head left and right.

But when its gaze fell upon the squinty-eyed Sylveon, Charizard wisely kept quiet.

My intuition tells me... it's better not to provoke this Sylveon!

"Bui~"

Seeing that Charizard had no intention of provoking, Sylveon yawned boredly and went back to the courtyard to swing.

"Welcome." Lu Ye said: "What can I do for you?"

The voice brought Alain's attention back. He looked up toward the counter, his pupils slightly contracting.

A mix of nervousness from meeting a senior, tension from facing a powerful trainer, excitement from craving a battle...

He perfectly concealed this fighting spirit, lowering his head politely:

"Teacher Lu, I'm here on Professor Sycamore's behalf to visit you upon your arrival in Kalos and invite you to the research institute for a discussion!"

While Alain observed this 'legendary trainer',

Charizard didn't seem to like this environment much, restlessly turning its head left and right.

Black vest, blue neck accessory, more mature compared to Ash, with a constantly accompanying Charizard behind him -

Ash's rival in the Kalos region, Alain. His Charizard was nicknamed 'Water Absorb Charizard' by fans, the writer's favorite who could tank multiple Thunderbolts and golden water shurikens!

Of course, aside from 'Water Absorb Charizard' having high levels, the Dragon typing of X form was quite advantageous in type matchups.

"The research institute? I'll visit in a few days."

Lu Ye changed the subject, asking:

"Haven't we met at the Scientific Summit before?"

Alain was startled, never expecting the other to still remember him, nodding:

Seeing that Charizard had no intention of provoking, Sylveon yawned boredly and went back to the courtyard to swing.

"From how things look now." Lu Ye looked Alain up and down, smiling as he asked: "Have you started your journey already?"

"Exactly." Alain nodded vigorously, eyes burning with belief, secretly clenching his fist: "Charizard and I are training to become the strongest Mega Evolution masters!"

After Alain introduced himself,

The entire café fell into silence.

Matori glanced at Alain, adjusted her round glasses, automatically recalling information about Alain in her mind.

As Team Rocket's secretary and intelligence officer, Matori's direct team "Matori Matrix" prioritized information warfare above all.

"Alain, Mega Evolution master, partner is Mega Charizard X, strength..."

Matori relaxed, crossing her legs on the sofa, thinking to herself: "Comparable to an Elite Four member."

"Grrr!"

With Alain's 'become the strongest' declaration, Charizard spread its wings, about to tilt its head back and breathe fire.

A cold glance swept over.

The Arcanine lying low on the ground lazily rose, its tiger-like eyes emitting intense Intimidate, baring its teeth as if yawning.

Just because I act like a husky at home doesn't mean outsiders can shout loudly on my territory!

Charizard looked startled, then immediately serious: "Grrr..."

Alain also noticed this Arcanine that had been hiding behind the sofa, now standing with extraordinary presence.

He wasn't the type to be timid - quite the opposite, he craved battles just like Ash.

Even facing a trainer who had shut out an Elite Four member in the Champion League, Alain still believed in his bond with Charizard.

Alain's eyes burned like torches, growing more wary of the man before him while simultaneously rising with intense fighting spirit.

Wanting to challenge this powerful Mega Evolution master before him -

To showcase the bond between me and Charizard... the Mega form that transcends evolution!

Aura keenly sensed Alain's emotional changes.

Teacher Lu raised an eyebrow.

Instead of fighting Ash, he's coming to farm experience from me?

But in the current timeline, Ash is still traveling in the Unova region, and Alain has just started his journey.

This 'Water Absorb Charizard' before me really isn't much to look at in terms of strength.

If Alain doesn't actively challenge me, I shouldn't bully a junior either.

Though I've bullied enough juniors already, one more 'Water Absorb Charizard' wouldn't make much difference...

"Ahem!" Lu Ye cleared his throat lightly - filling his stomach was more practical anyway.

"I generally understand the situation." Lu Ye said to Alain: "Would you like to stay for a simple meal?"

Though phrased as an invitation, it was actually a dismissal.

Alain frowned deeply, glanced at Charizard, then lowered his head:

"To be honest... I do have a personal request!"

Alain looked at the Haunter by the glass window, continuing:

"I've heard that you are also a Mega Evolution master."

"I want to learn the mysteries of Mega Evolution from you... If possible, please battle me with your Blastoise!"

Hearing this, Lu Ye was momentarily stunned.

Challenge my turtle?

So Alain, you're pretty brave!

Alain had watched the entire Champion League and knew his chances against Mega Haunter were slim.

But in the Lily of the Valley Conference finals, that Mega Blastoise's Mega form had been broken by Charizard.

Alain was confident that with Charizard's strength, they could definitely spar with Teacher Lu's Blastoise.

Moreover... my goal is to become the strongest Mega master.

For this, I need to use Mega Charizard X to reverse those type disadvantages!

Alain's eyes burned intensely as he brought his arms to his sides and bowed: "I beg you!"

The coffee shop fell into silence.

Sunset light streamed into the room, Alain's expression resolute as he maintained his bow.

Charizard stood behind him, gaze sharp, staring directly at Lu Ye: "Grrr!"

To be honest, Teacher Lu didn't have any major issues with this 'Water Absorb Charizard'.

If Ash and Greninja shared a bond, so did Alain and Charizard.

The mistake lay in the wrong philosophy. (The wrong writer)

In pursuing strength, they neglected other precious things.

Lu Ye turned on the faucet, leisurely washing dishes as he said casually:

"To you, Alain, what does Charizard mean?"

Alain was startled, slowly raising his head before clenching his fist: "Charizard is my strongest partner."

"The will to constantly push ourselves in desperate situations, bravely facing type disadvantages..."

"I want to reach the pinnacle of strength together with Charizard, no matter the cost!"

Alain's determined voice echoed through the coffee shop.

Lu Ye turned off the faucet, took the towel handed by Sirfetch'd, and raised clear eyes.

Influenced by Fleur-de-Lis's ideology, Alain had a strong obsession with becoming 'the strongest'.

He constantly pushed Charizard's growth, and Charizard in turn exerted its utmost for Alain.

There was undoubtedly something missing here...

Because protecting what you value doesn't require being the strongest - the desire 'to protect others' is what's truly powerful.

Like Steven protecting all of Hoenn;

like Dan Emperor shouldering all of Galar.

The current Alain couldn't comprehend this truth yet.

He would meet Ash during his journey, meet his little girlfriend Manon, even meet Steven.

But now, he and Charizard were still too green.

"Are you sure—"

Lu Ye stood by the counter, like an ordinary shop owner, eyes sharpening as he smiled and asked:

"You want to challenge me?"

The voice was clear and gentle.

Yet a drop of cold sweat traced down Matori's forehead, her chest pounding intensely.

Aura keenly sensed Alain's emotional changes.

No, that wasn't Giovanni - that was the mentor of the entire Rainbow Rocket!

Alain felt his throat constricted, his breath inexplicably stifled - he hadn't even experienced this feeling around Fleur-de-Lis.

This man's strength probably far exceeded his imagination.

But I must issue the challenge anyway.

Charizard and I will reach the pinnacle of strength!

Alain adjusted his breathing, mustering all his strength to say in a low voice: "Please, accept my challenge!"

The entire coffee shop was filled with a heavy atmosphere, even the air turning viscous.

"Togepriii~ヽ(≧∀≦)ﾉ"

Until Togepi happily ran through the hall, instantly breaking the silence.

Alain's conviction wasn't dissimilar to Ash's.

As a teacher, there was naturally a need to beat up beginners, ahem, educate juniors.

Lu Ye nodded:

"I accept."

Alain's shoulders relaxed as he let out a long breath, realizing his palms were actually sweating.

"However." Lu Ye said, "We need to finish dinner first."

"I roughly understand the situation." Lu Ye said to Alain: "Would you like to stay for a simple meal?"

Ducklett standing nearby as assistant chef giggled.

Absolutely right~~

Need to eat well to have energy for battles quack~!

"It's fine, I'll wait outside the shop." Alain turned to leave.

Lu Ye called out to stop Alain.

"No need to go outside - come help me test for poison... ahem, test the dishes!"

...

Today's shop recommendations were Eevee latte, Pikachu crispy spicy curry, and Apple Berry salad.

The so-called Eevee latte featured Eevee latte art, cute in design, with a wonderful taste that could calm the soul.

Matori picked up the Eevee latte, carefully taking a sip, immediately feeling the smoothness upon entry.

After savoring the taste, Matori turned her gaze to the richly aromatic Pikachu curry.

The curry rice was arranged in Pikachu's shape, even the ears perfectly recreated, soaking in rich broth with spices that made one's mouth water.

Matori held her spoon, unsure where to start.

"What's wrong?" Lu Ye asked.

"It's... it's too cute." Matori said softly, "I can't bear to eat it..."

Lu Ye took Matori's spoon, crushed the 'Pikachu' ears on her plate, then returned the spoon:

"This way the curry will absorb more flavor."

Matori: "...Thank you."

Alain and Charizard sat at another table, each with a plate and a bowl of [Apple Berry salad] before them.

It wasn't that they had no appetite.

They simply couldn't afford the main courses.

Alain looked at Charizard burying its head in the salad bowl, asking: "How does it taste?"

No response at all - Charizard 'munch munch' chewed the Apple Berries, tail flame burning vigorously!

"So cultivating cooking skills to the extreme can also have Pokémon training effects?"

Alain looked like his worldview had been refreshed, muttering:

"Mr. Siebold's culinary skills probably don't reach this level either..."

On the other side, Matori scooped a small spoonful of curry, held her cheek, her face instantly flushing red.

She trembled all over with tingling sensation, seeing Pikachus playing happily in the forest, a sparkling golden river flowing by.

"So, so delicious!" Matori's eyes moistened.

Lu Ye fell into thought,

Did I add too many spices...

Whatever, as long as the customer is satisfied!

Night gradually fell, Miare City interwoven with neon lights.

The little ones gathered around the freshly baked macarons from Rotom (Oven Form), eating heartily.

If curry rice represented the Galar region, then macarons definitely represented the Kalos region.

Vibrantly colored macarons, exquisite and small, crispy outside and soft inside, equally suitable for Pokémon consumption.

"Ka-may..." Blastoise continued chewing energy blocks.

Turtle doesn't like brightly colored macarons... same principle as not eating brightly colored mushrooms.

Then, Blastoise turned its gaze toward the Charizard wearing the Mega device.

"Ka-may...ヾ(⌐■_■)"

This Charizard can actually Mega Evolve!

Looks like I need to prepare Revival Root in advance...

"It's about time for the main event." Alain stood up, burning gaze turning toward them, "Teacher Lu!"

Lu Ye: "The main course pricing is too high, I'm afraid you can't afford it."

Alain: "...I meant Pokémon battle."

Lu Ye glanced at Matori.

Matori immediately understood, saying respectfully: "This shop has professional battle grounds in the backyard, please follow me."

Lu Ye: ???

I meant for you to take the Water Absorb Charizard to the backyard?

I meant for you to rent a venue and have Alain pay for damages if it gets destroyed!

Matori said softly: "The underground battle grounds in the backyard meet Champion League standards, please don't worry."

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned.

There's a battle ground underground too?

Arriving in the backyard, Matori pressed a switch. The center of the field immediately split open to both sides with rumbling mechanical sounds as a brand new battle ground gradually rose.

Thud!

The field fixed into place.

Lu Ye looked slightly surprised, then murmured: "I could have Meowth and the others come renovate this later."

If nothing else, at least ensure this coffee shop won't be demolished by Earthquake!

For caution's sake, Lu Ye had Sylveon use [Light Screen + Reflect] move combination to reinforce the surroundings.

Influenced by Fleur-de-Lis's ideology, Alain had a strong obsession with becoming 'the strongest'.

Before he finished speaking, the Rotom Pokédex had already picked up a flag, floating to the center of the field.

"Absolute fairness and beauty in judgment, Rotom!"

Alain in his black vest suddenly reached out and clenched his fist, saying sharply: "Go, Charizard!"

"Grrr!"

Charizard flapped its wings and landed on the field, stirring up fierce winds, the evolution stone around its neck gleaming brilliantly.

Lu Ye threw a Dive Ball, the surrounding fierce winds immediately calming under Aura's influence.

Thud!

A heavy yet solid landing sound.

Blastoise with an evolution stone hanging around its neck silently looked at this 'Water Absorb Charizard', the cannon on its back glowing mysteriously.

An intense sense of apprehension rose in Alain's heart.

But he too had his own pride, the bond between him and Charizard!

"Battle begin, Rotom!"

As soon as the flag was waved down, Alain extended his gloved right hand, the Keystone bracelet on his wrist flashing dazzling light as he suddenly clenched his fist:

"Charizard, Mega Evolution!!"