CHAPTER 693: VERMILION ORB, INDIGO ORB

The Hoenn region, Mt. Chimney.

Xiao Yin, wearing gloves, extracted a vermilion orb fragment from beneath a heated rock, then turned to look at Boss Giovanni who stood with his hands in his pockets.

"Is this it?"

"Yes, a fragment of the Red Orb, containing a portion of Groudon's power. The complete Red Orb could even control Groudon."

Giovanni said calmly: "But now, it's just a harmless fragment."

"Is this similar to what you sent Marshal to find in the Underwater Cavern?"

"More or less. If he finds it..." Giovanni said, "I plan to give both fragments to Lu Ye. What do you think?"

"Whatever." Xiao Yin shrugged. "I don't need this."

"...What do you want then." Giovanni frowned with a sense of indebtedness.

Xiao Yin remained silent for a moment, then stared intently at Giovanni and said seriously:

"Get the tokusatsu show on Miare TV back on air as soon as possible."

Giovanni: "..."

Might as well send someone to buy Miare TV and give it to Xiao Yin.

"But... are we really okay with sneaking in and taking the fragment while Groudon isn't home?"

Although Xiao Yin often did things like this, such as stealing badges and Pokémon, this was his first time robbing a Legendary Pokémon's home.

"Don't worry. Only the complete orb poses a threat;

fragments aren't important to Them."

The father-son tradition of home raiding was strikingly similar—back in the day, Giovanni had even stolen Hoenn's soil to strengthen Deoxys.

Giovanni said calmly: "We just need to retreat before Groudon returns."

Xiao Yin nodded thoughtfully.

His earpiece beeped.

Marshal panted: "Boss, found it... a piece of indigo stone fragment!"

"Excellent."

Giovanni nodded slightly, "Meet up in Miare City."

Miare City had built underground shelters, likely making it the first city to restore communications, electricity, and Pokémon Centers.

Marshal grinned: "Boss, you're brilliant!"

Giovanni kept one hand in his pocket while examining the vermilion orb fragment in his palm.

Two fragments containing the power of Groudon and Kyogre—Lu Ye had no reason to refuse them.

A slight curve formed at the corner of Giovanni's mouth.

Never owing anyone, and having established cooperation and trust with Xiao Yin...

No matter what, the ultimate winners would always be Team Rocket and me, Giovanni!

**

August 15th, Sunday, night.

After 16 consecutive hours of combat, Teacher Lu returned to Kanaz City and lay flat on the sofa in Devon Corporation's lounge, his legs twitching.

"I'm about to die..."

「I'm exhausted too.」 Latias lay weakly on the sofa as well.

Flying continuously for 16 hours was already pushing little Latias to her absolute limits.

Having engaged in aerial combat for the first time without causing an air disaster, Teacher Lu deserved congratulations.

Steven sat on the adjacent sofa, legs crossed, sipping iced coffee with a smile:

"I've invited the Hoenn Gym Leaders, Wallace, and others to Kanaz City for a victory banquet."

Steven glanced at his wristwatch: "They should all arrive within three hours."

"Did you notify the Sinnoh Champion?"

"Of course, she departed from the Sinnoh region immediately."

"Help me up!"

Steven was slightly taken aback as Haunter supported Lu Ye's lower back.

Teacher Lu declared solemnly:

"As a master chef, how could I let guests prepare the feast themselves!"

"You can't rest yet, Teacher Lu!" Lu Ye slapped his own left shoulder vigorously.

Steven's mouth hung open.

Respect for Teacher Lu... increased in a rather peculiar domain.

Reinvigorated, Lu Ye took the coffee cup handed by Steven and discussed the follow-up developments of the incident.

"You're saying... Ruby and Sapphire are at the Sky Pillar, undergoing Rayquaza's trial?" Lu Ye took a sip of coffee.

"Correct." Steven said with a frown, "It's been a full day, and I haven't received any news from Ruby. Either things are going extremely smoothly, or..." ʀАℕo͍BЕṤ

"No need to worry about that couple."

Lu Ye laughed: "I've heard Ruby was a genius who could drive away Salamence at just five years old."

"And Sapphire." Steven relaxed slightly, smiling as he continued, "Professor Birch says she can now hold her own against Aggron in single combat."

Lu Ye choked on his coffee: "Cough, cough."

"Teacher Lu, are you alright!"

"Cough... I'm fine. Sapphire's quite skilled in unrestricted format battles too."

"Though she only unleashes that astonishing power when Ruby makes her angry."

Steven thought for a moment and said: "That might be what Wallace calls... the power of love?"

Lu Ye said calmly: "It's the power of jealousy."

"If there's still no news by tonight, I plan to go to the Sky Pillar with Mr. Qianli."

Steven said seriously: "After all, we need Rayquaza's help to successfully resolve the meteor crisis!"

The Prismatic Meteor had been successfully recovered. After inquiring, Lu Ye learned this meteor was one of the keys to evolving Rayquaza.

It was said that trainers who passed the Sky Pillar trial would become successors, commanding Rayquaza to use 'Dragon Ascent,' which was also key to Rayquaza's Mega Evolution.

On one hand, Steven placed his hopes on Mega Rayquaza;

on the other, President Devon's application of Infinity Energy in dimensional transmission devices was being urgently prepared.

Steven briefly outlined the plan to Teacher Lu and mentioned he would explain it to Wallace and others during the upcoming victory banquet.

"What's a dimensional transmission device?" Lu Ye asked curiously.

"Simply put, it transports items from one dimension to another. The scale is higher than spatial teleportation, involving different universes."

Lu Ye realized that the Arceus he encountered during his time travel in Michina was from a parallel universe.

GF also had settings about different universes. In "Pokémon: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon," Battle Tower Tycoon Lila traveled from a 'universe without Mega Evolution' through an Ultra Wormhole to the 'Mega universe' Alola, becoming an Interpol agent.

Thinking about the various berries coming from across dimensions, Teacher Lu's expression turned subtle.

"Teacher Lu, what's wrong?"

"I was thinking about the berry stall... cough, never mind, please continue."

"Due to the massive energy consumption of dimensional transmission, my father believes we could draw inspiration from King AZ's ultimate weapon, using life energy as the device's core."

Steven said: "But you should know the ultimate weapon once brought destruction to Kalos... life energy isn't humane. So, we attempted to obtain the Prismatic Meteor, using Mega Energy as a substitute."

"Using the Prismatic Meteor as an energy core, we'd launch a rocket equipped with the dimensional transmission device to send the meteor to another universe."

Steven sighed:

"If Rayquaza remains indifferent, this is our final method."

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned.

This really is stitching together game, anime, and manga plots.

If I hadn't already caught up on all the storylines, I might have crashed and burned!

"I understand..." Lu Ye rubbed his temples, "If Ruby hasn't returned by tomorrow, I'll go to the Sky Pillar with you."

Steven said gravely: "We can't trouble you further, Teacher Lu."

"No problem."

Lu Ye said: "After all, I promised Bamboo Lan I'd watch the 'Little Luxio' meteor shower with her."

Steven was slightly taken aback, then smiled: "This time it's the power of love?"

"This time it's the power of commitment."

Lu Ye rotated his wrist.

Anyway, I've already soloed the land-dweller and the sea-dweller, might as well take on one more green caterpillar!

But before that...

"Pupitar, pack up."

Lu Ye grinned:

"Time for the feast!"

"Bangii!! (✪ω✪)"

Pupitar placed Togepi on its head and let out a delighted roar.

"Togepri! (ﾉﾟ∀ﾟ)ﾉ"

Togepi pointed forward—big dinosaur, charge ahead!

"Quack... (´థ౪థ)σ"

Sirfetch'd looked utterly dejected.

My leek, the leek I dropped into the sea!!

Lu Ye glanced at Sirfetch'd and said calmly:

"Mr. Steven sent someone to retrieve it for you, and I ordered several 【big leeks】for you from the equipment department... from now on, you can toss your Meteor Assaults freely!"

The leek Ducklett lost was a held item that increased critical hit rate, not the poisoned original from home.

The original being poisoned... also meant not worrying about Ducklett nibbling on the leek when feeling peckish...

"Quack! （๑`▽´๑)۶"

Sirfetch'd became full of energy.

Hooray, more leeks to swing around!

"Sirfetch'd's signature move is Meteor Assault, right?" Steven asked curiously.

Lu Ye: "Meteor Assault? Meteor Assault? Whatever... it's all the same!"

...

Having not eaten for a full day, yet driven by a chef's competitive spirit, Teacher Lu took charge of the victory banquet.

Rough estimates included Hoenn's eight Gym Leaders, the Johto trio, and later-contacted Senior Red and Ash...

Most importantly, he had already contacted Mengmengda in advance.

Seeing Lu Ye safe and sound in the video call, Cynthia breathed a sigh of relief.

"If work is busy, you don't need to specially come from Sinnoh." Lu Ye said.

"If Palkia and Dialga awaken, would you return to Sinnoh?"

"Of course." Lu Ye replied without hesitation.

"Then it's the same for me." Cynthia said, "I wasn't in Hoenn to intercept Kyogre and Groudon, but I promise you..."

"Next time, I'll fight alongside you." Cynthia's tone was firm, her gray eyes clear.

Feeling an inexplicable sense of reassurance, Lu Ye suddenly realized something was off:

"Next time?"

"I've already guessed it." Cynthia crossed her arms and said helplessly, "Don't worry, there will definitely be a next time."

Lu Ye: "..."

Darn it, I can't even refute that!

"I'll arrive in Kanaz City soon." A bright smile curved at the corner of Cynthia's mouth.

"What would you like for dinner?" Lu Ye asked casually.

Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, lowered her gaze, furrowed her brows, and fell into prolonged indecision.

Lu Ye quietly observed Cynthia's solemn, delicate face during her selection struggles, her flawless skin. Enjoying the passage of time after the great battle.

By the time they hung up half an hour later, Cynthia carefully uttered three words as if carving ice:

"Ice cream."

"Received." Lu Ye smiled with premeditation.

The elegant, noble golden-haired beauty glanced up at Lu Ye, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly as a smile gradually spread across her face, like ripples spreading across clear water.

**

Preparing feasts was a required skill for master chefs.

His gaze swept over the dishes one by one.

For the Pokémon, there were energy cubes, bofuretsu cakes, poffin bread, macaron cookies, bricks...

Lu Ye: ?

Pupitar: ψ(*｀ー´)ψ

"Ah, that's your diet... quite the hard food!" Lu Ye nodded.

Thinking about the various berries coming from across dimensions, Teacher Lu's expression turned subtle.

And the ice cream Cynthia kept thinking about.

Post-disaster communications gradually restored, and the chat group began buzzing again. Lu Ye took a moment to glance at the group interface.

Wallace: "Have Groudon and Kyogre left already?"

Ash flushed with excitement: "Yes! Teacher Lu commanded Regigigas and beat Groudon to the ground!"

Wallace was momentarily stunned.

"Due to the massive energy consumption of dimensional transmission, my father believes we could learn from King AZ's ultimate weapon, using life energy as the device's core."

Green: "...That's too exaggerated."

Red: "I'm in Hoenn, and that's basically what happened."

Green was stunned for a long time;

with Red's corroboration, it instantly became much more credible.

"So... Teacher Lu traveled back and forth between east and west alone, stopping both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre?" Wallace asked in disbelief.

"Essentially, yes." Steven said with a smile, "Rest and recover peacefully. Your contributions in repelling Primal Kyogre are evident to all."

Wallace's mouth hung open.

While I was unconscious, Teacher Lu single-handedly repelled Hoenn's twin gods!?

The gap between champions can be this huge!?

Back in White Poplar Town, Wallace had already partnered with Teacher Lu once, and this time he received Teacher Lu's assistance again.

"The Hoenn League has caused Teacher Lu so much trouble..." Wallace murmured.

"No need to worry." Alice nodded like a little adult, saying: "Because Grandpa Alder and the Unova Alliance owe Teacher Lu just as much!"

Flint scratched his explosive hairstyle.

Come to think of it, doesn't Sinnoh owe Teacher Lu even more!?

After all, Teacher Lu basically crushed the Sinnoh dragon trio along the way!

Oh... saying 'owe' isn't quite right, since the Sinnoh League practically gave away their champion...

After finishing a day of special training, Ash browsed the group interface, eyes wide:

"Teacher Lu defeated Groudon and Kyogre!?"

Instantly, question marks exploded like fishing dynamite.

Lorelei: ???

Bruno: ???

Lance: ???

Teacher Lu had already closed the group interface out of sheer embarrassment.

The number one Lu Ye hype-man in the group is definitely you, Ash!

...

At that night's victory banquet.

Qianli was worried and distracted, barely tasting his food. Midway through, he found Steven and expressed his desire to go to the Sky Pillar.

"Teacher Lu will join us in action tomorrow." Steven said softly, "You should rest tonight too, Mr. Qianli."

The flat-topped Qianli, who hadn't slept for two days, crossed his arms and finally let out a light sigh.

Lu Ye observed Qianli and nodded silently.

Truly the man who could train Slaking into 'Vigoroth King'... Qianli, like Steven, was another workaholic!

Qianli's training method involved swapping Spinda's and Slaking's abilities through Skill Swap, then replacing Slaking's 'Truant' ability.

Despite being a Gym Leader, Qianli was no weaker than Elite Four members and even had potential to challenge for Hoenn's champion position...

Lu Ye looked around and spotted many familiar faces.

Pigtailed Roxanne, elderly Ironspin, and bandaged Wallace...

"Tonight's chat group can unlock quite a few new characters..." Lu Ye murmured.

This isn't a chat group at all—it's clearly a trading card mobile game, Pokémon Masters!

Steven and Wallace discussed post-disaster reconstruction work.

Cynthia leaned close to Lu Ye and whispered:

"Jerome said the mansion in the Hoenn region was also destroyed by the floods..."

As I expected, Mengmengda also owns property in Hoenn.

"I know how to handle this."

Lu Ye nodded profoundly: "I know a chain renovation company."

"That company will definitely show some respect to me, Lu!"

...

One hour later.

"Teacher Lu, I've long admired you!"

The renovation team leader, partnered with a Vigoroth, shook Lu Ye's hand vigorously as if gazing upon a saint.

Lu Ye: "...Are you the third uncle or fourth cousin of that person from Unova?"

"I'm not quite sure what you mean..."

The renovation team leader·Hoenn form paused briefly, then smiled:

"However, I heard about your deeds on Miare City radio."

"My crew and I also want to contribute to the hero who saved Hoenn and to Hoenn's reconstruction efforts!"

"Roar!!" The Vigoroth maintaining Bulk Up poses roared in unison.

Lu Ye was slightly stunned.

Good grief... my reputation with renovation companies across all regions is about to max out!

Unlocked successfully, renovation team leader·Hoenn form!

...