CHAPTER 703: DOMINATE THE HOENN FRONTIER!

August 30th, Monday.

One day had passed since Lu Ye and Rayquaza returned from space.

After receiving the rewards from his Hoenn journey, Lu Ye officially began his vacation life in the Hoenn region.

His first stop was Slateport City, where he served as a judge for the Contest Spectacular 'Mikuri Cup'.

That day, the host of the 'Mikuri Cup' was Wallace's niece, Lizabeth.

Lizabeth had green hair in a high ponytail and wore a midriff-baring dress. She was an idol of Contest Spectaculars and even had her own theme song.

Under the bright lights, Lizabeth held a microphone while her partner Altaria circled in the sky, smiling brightly as she said:

"Everyone! Welcome to the Mikuri Cup!"

Instantly, the venue erupted with cheers.

"You have a niece?" Lu Ye asked in surprise, looking at Wallace from the judges' panel.

Wallace intertwined his fingers and smiled wryly: "My sister married quite early. Lizabeth is very interested in Contest Spectaculars and has a certain fan base in the Hoenn region, so I invited her to be the host."

"That girl is so cute!" Ruby's eyes sparkled as he looked at the stage.

Sapphire's forehead emitted a dark aura: "..."

Both Lu Ye and Wallace twitched their eyelids simultaneously.

Ruby, in danger!!

Sapphire grabbed Ruby by the ear and dragged him from the judges' panel to the backstage, faintly hearing Ruby protest:

"I was talking about that Altaria! Its name is Little Qingqing, I even helped name it..."

Wallace coughed lightly, maintaining an elegant smile as he asked:

"Teacher Lu, which partner do you plan to send for the upcoming judges' showcase?"

Lu Ye spun a Heal Ball on his fingertip, then snapped it shut with a 'pop'.

"Let Meloetta come," Lu Ye smiled. "After all, this is its area of expertise."

Ten minutes later, during the judges' showcase.

Meloetta floated in the air, its small hands gently resting on its chest, closing its azure blue eyes as it softly sang into the microphone by its ear. ȒãŊꝋ𝐁ЁⱾ

Tangible musical melodies formed golden light rays, weaving illusions of shade, streams, and golden apples.

Host Lizabeth stared dumbfounded at Meloetta floating mid-air.

Even Altaria's singing couldn't compare to Meloetta's.

For a moment, the venue fell completely silent.

Until Meloetta bowed to conclude its performance, then erupted in applause!

"So beautiful www"

"Become a Contest Spectacular idol, Lu Bao!"

"I remember last Mikuri Cup, Teacher Lu brought Sylveon, this time he brought Meloetta - Sylveon must be jealous!"

Rumors circulated that Teacher Lu was also skilled in the coordination field.

The audience at the scene confirmed these rumors and were deeply amazed by Meloetta's singing.

After today's Mikuri Cup ended, Lu Ye continued staying in Slateport City.

That evening.

Bamboo Lan arrived in the Hoenn region and watched the Slateport City art exhibition with Lu Ye.

"After the natural disaster, various cultural activities are gradually recovering."

Lu Ye walked along the quiet, bright corridor and said softly: "The Mikuri Cup was also held early to relieve the heavy atmosphere."

Bamboo Lan held Lu Ye's arm, looking at the framed paintings hanging on the wall, her profile noble as she whispered:

"Legendary Pokémon from the ancient era... every time they awaken, they bring disaster to humans."

Lu Ye looked at the oil painting, which depicted a smoking Mt. Chimney, and replied:

"However, it's precisely because of Groudon and Kyogre that the Hoenn region has abundant energy. You could say it's a blessing in disguise."

Bamboo Lan nodded gently, turning to look at Lu Ye: "I received the gift you gave me."

"What gift?" Lu Ye didn't react immediately.

"Last year's Tanabata Festival return gift," Bamboo Lan said with a smile.

The two walked hand in hand through the quiet art gallery.

"Oh... that time Garchomp's Draco Meteor almost caused a forest fire," Lu Ye said.

"Garchomp's proficiency isn't that concerning," Bamboo Lan said helplessly.

"By the way, isn't today Monday?"

"Lucian took annual leave, so I arranged time off with Grandma Kukuno."

"How many days is your vacation?"

"Three days."

"I suggest we go to the Battle Frontier."

Lu Ye said, "I plan to collect all the Frontier Symbols within these three days."

"Why do you want the Frontier Symbols?" Bamboo Lan asked curiously.

"The prizes don't matter, I mainly want to get Frontier Medals for the little ones!" Lu Ye said firmly.

Bamboo Lan crossed her arms and pursed her lips: "That's fine, the Frontier buildings are quite distinctive. Besides challenges, we can also do some sightseeing."

During her free time, the Sinnoh Champion would often visit battle facilities, such as the two Battle Chateaus in Unova and Kalos.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter floated behind Lu Ye, covering its mouth and snickering.

Yay.

We can collect shiny metal badges again~!

...

The next day.

Hoenn region, Battle Frontier.

Mr. Frontier was a chubby businessman who loved wearing Alola shirts and sunglasses.

It was he who purchased the Frontier and built it into Hoenn's battle facility.

Ash had once conquered the Battle Frontier, having been invited by Mr. Frontier back then.

On this beautiful sunny day, Mr. Frontier was lying on a beach chair enjoying the sea view when he received the news, his sunglasses almost falling off in shock.

"L-Lu Ye is coming to the Frontier!?" Mr. Frontier stammered.

Battle Arena Head Greta said helplessly: "After all, he's Teacher Lu, nicknamed the Baby Cup Killer."

"I suggest," Battle Factory Head Noland said, "that you just give the Frontier Symbols directly to Teacher Lu, to prevent him from blowing up the Battle Frontier."

Symbols were similar to badges. The Frontier had seven symbols in total, and collecting all seven would earn Pokémon medals to boost their style.

Additionally, points earned during challenges could be exchanged for rare items.

A drop of cold sweat ran down Mr. Frontier's forehead.

Teacher Lu wasn't here to challenge.

He was clearly here to stock up on goods!

"Don't panic!" Mr. Frontier forced himself to stay calm. "We have Pyramid King Brandon! With Brandon's three pillars, we might still be able to stop him!"

"Mr. Brandon," Greta said carefully, "is still repairing the temple in Snowpoint City..."

"Hasn't he been repairing it for almost half a year already!!"

"I heard from Mr. Brandon that this is already the third or fourth time..."

"What about Mr. Tucker's Battle Palace? In the Battle Palace, trainers cannot command their Pokémon, battles rely entirely on the Pokémon's will. That man's proud commanding ability should be useless there!"

Tucker was an elderly man with a white beard, his arms bearing marks of energy erosion from the Blue Orb, leaning on a scepter.

"I'll do my best," Tucker said hoarsely.

The key point is, I heard Lu Ye's Pokémon can challenge facilities on their own.

For the Battle Palace's mechanics, this is completely their specialty...

Amid the Frontier's tense, battle-ready atmosphere.

Teacher Lu officially arrived at the Battle Frontier.

Different from the anime setting, the Frontier facilities were all located in the Hoenn region, eliminating the need to travel back and forth between Kanto and Hoenn.

The first challenge was called the Battle Tower, requiring seven consecutive 6v6 victories while climbing the tower, with no items allowed for recovery during battles.

Architecturally, the Battle Tower's gleaming glass shone brightly under the sunlight.

Mr. Frontier along with several Frontier Heads including Greta and Tucker looked up at the Battle Tower, discussing:

"Which Pokémon do you think Teacher Lu will use?"

"Arcanine probably, since Arcanine has Morning Sun for recovery."

"Hmm... by the way, did you restrict Mythical and Legendary Pokémon in the rules?"

An awkward silence fell.

Then, the Frontier Heads' expressions changed simultaneously.

Oh no, big trouble!

On the seventh floor of the Battle Tower, Lu Ye commanded: "Latias, use Recover!!"

"Rati~" Latias wore the Heart Water Droplets around its snow-white neck, its red feathers refracting sunlight as it became enveloped in a gentle white glow.

The substitute Head looked utterly hopeless - all the HP they had painstakingly whittled down with five Pokémon seemed to have been completely restored in an instant!

Using Legendary Pokémon to battle beginners!?

Are you a Legendary Pokémon user too, Teacher Lu!

"I... I surrender..." the substitute Head fell into deep depression.

Since Battle Tower Head Lila's whereabouts were unknown, Lu Ye defeated the substitute Head and obtained the "Symbol of Ability."

Looking down at the gleaming metal symbol, Teacher Lu nodded slightly.

Judging by age, Latias was still a baby too.

Using Latias to battle the Frontier... completely reasonable!

Outside the Battle Tower.

"Only half an hour? The Battle Tower has already fallen!?" Mr. Frontier stared in disbelief.

"Well, we couldn't really restrict Teacher Lu..." Greta said with an embarrassed smile.

"Mr. Tucker!" Mr. Frontier shouted, "Please hurry back to the Battle Palace and prepare for the next challenge!"

"No need."

Tucker looked completely calm and serene, detached from worldly affairs.

"I just received news. While Teacher Lu was challenging the Battle Tower, he already sent Haunter to take Pupitar and challenge the Battle Palace."

Everyone looked bewildered.

Looking toward the direction of the Battle Palace, they saw flying sand and stones, yellow dust filling the sky, with faint rumbles of Earthquake echoing!

Battle Palace.

Pupitar roared with its head held high, raising a sandstorm around itself. Instantly, the ground tremors swallowed a majestic Camerupt that stood like a small mountain!

"Gengarrr~" Haunter stood at the command position, grinning at the ashen-faced substitute Head.

"Symbol of Spirits," Get☆Daze!

Upon learning that the Battle Palace had also fallen.

Mr. Frontier took off his sunglasses, cupped his hands, and rubbed his face.

"We can't make challengers pay for field repair costs," Greta whispered, "or it would damage our reputation~"

"I know," Mr. Frontier sighed. "We can only pin our hopes on the upcoming rental battle segment—"

"Mr. Noland, I'm counting on you. If you can make him earn fewer points, I'll give you a raise!"

Noland was a muscular man wearing a red beret and a stand-collar white trench coat.

"Using the Battle Factory to stop that man, huh."

Noland pressed down on his beret, muttering:

"We can only hope that Teacher Lu has bad luck in the random rental segment and doesn't draw suitable Pokémon..."