Under the setting sun, Ange, Diancie, Drizzile, Komala, and Munchlax rode the Espathra, strolling along the small path leading to the center of Medali.
On both sides lay withered yellow grasslands. Ange saw Dunsparce burrowing through the bushes; Pawmi sticking their heads into pits with their rears in the air, busy with unknown tasks; Shroodle rolling around together; and Rellor quickly rolling past with their mud balls. The scenery was peaceful and harmonious.
They soon arrived at the center of Medali.
Medali was a town with a highly developed culinary culture. Walking along the street, Ange saw all sorts of food shops and stalls.
Munchlax, being a total foodie, couldn't move its feet once it saw food, so Ange had to take the Pokémon on an eating spree from one end to the other.
As a chef himself, he wanted to take the opportunity to learn a few things.
Unknowingly, they walked in front of a building with the words "Treasure Eatery" written on the main door.
This is the Treasure Eatery?
Ange couldn't help but recall the Treasure Eatery's role in the game. It wasn't just a place to eat; it was also the location for the Medali Gym test, and one could bring Tera Shards here to change a Pokémon's Tera Type.
A Pokémon's Tera Type is fixed and singular, usually matching one of its original types. If one wishes to change it, they need to use Tera Shards at a specific place, like the Treasure Eatery, to prepare a dish for the modification.
He just didn't know if these activities could be performed here in reality.
Regardless, Ange was only here to eat, so he didn't worry about the rest.
"Let's go in, this place is very famous," Ange said to the Pokémon.
"Munch~"
Munchlax was the first to push open the door.
As for the two Espathra, because their bodies were too tall, they had to remain outside temporarily.
"Welcome," a server said with a sweet smile upon seeing them enter.
The Treasure Eatery was very lively, with almost every seat filled. As expected of a famous shop, the customers were chatting and laughing, and the sounds of battles even drifted through the air.
"Excuse me, sir, it's quite crowded. Would you mind sharing a table with someone else?" the server asked apologetically, seeing that Ange had several companions.
Ange nodded. "That's fine."
The server immediately beamed. "Thank you for your understanding."
With that, the server led Ange and his group to a long table.
A customer was already seated at the long table. He was dressed like an office worker and looked somewhat listless, as if all his energy had been drained away by a day of work.
This is...
Ange recognized him instantly. It was Larry, the Gym Leader of Medali, who also held a position as one of the Elite Four.
In the game, he truly did enjoy coming to the Treasure Eatery.
What a coincidence! Ange thought.
Larry wasn't a talkative person, and Ange wasn't particularly extroverted, so even though they sat face-to-face, neither initiated a conversation.
Larry ate his rice balls in small bites, chewing slowly. Every three bites, he would pick up the bowl of red bean soup beside him and take a sip.
Gulp~~
Munchlax stared intently at the rice ball in Larry's hand and couldn't help but swallow a large mouthful of saliva. The sound was so loud that Ange turned red with embarrassment.
Munchlax, can we please have some restraint?
"Munch~"
Munchlax scratched the back of its head and smiled sheepishly at Ange.
Ange helplessly pinched its cheek. "You ate so much along the way and you're still not full?"
"Munch~" I can eat!
Munchlax patted its belly and said proudly.
Larry, who had been focusing intently on his food, couldn't help but look up at Munchlax.
Ange looked at the menu and said to the server, "Please bring us ten Wasabi Rice Balls, two bowls of red bean soup, and two grilled fish!"
These were all ordered for Munchlax.
"Certainly," the server replied.
Next, Ange ordered a bowl of Plain Soba for himself plus a fried egg. He ordered the same for Drizzile. For Diancie, he ordered a grilled rice ball, an omelet, and a bitter melon stir-fry. For Komala, he ordered a steak, grilled fish, and an omelet.
Once the food arrived, Munchlax immediately couldn't wait to start feasting.
Because Munchlax ate with such obvious enjoyment, Larry across from them glanced over from time to time.
After finishing his own food, Larry stared at Munchlax for a moment and then silently beckoned the server.
"Please bring another bowl of Plain Soba."
"Certainly, one moment," the server replied.
It had to be said, watching Munchlax eat really stimulated the appetite. Without realizing it, not only were Ange and his group stuffed, but Larry was also leaning back on the tatami mat while rubbing his stomach.
Eating an extra bowl of noodles was his limit.
Burp~~
First time I've eaten this much! Larry thought.
After resting for a short while, Larry paid the bill and left.
Ange rested for a bit as well and intended to pay and leave.
At that moment, the server came over and said, "Sir, we are holding an event today. If you win a Pokémon battle, you can receive a 70% discount. Would you like to participate?"
A 70% discount? That was quite a significant offer!
However, Ange thought about it and decided to pass. He wasn't a trainer, so he didn't want to join the commotion.
Suddenly, Diancie pulled on the corner of his clothes. "Participate!"
"Huh?" Ange was stunned. "Forget it, a single meal doesn't cost that much."
"Participate! I want to participate!" Diancie insisted. "Even a tiny mosquito is still meat. Have you forgotten when we had no money!"
"Alright, alright, we'll participate! We'll participate, okay?" Ange laughed in spite of himself. "Since when did you become such a thrifty housekeeper!"
"Hmph! I've always been a thrifty housekeeper!" Diancie said indignantly.
"Yes, you're the thrifty housekeeper, and I'm the spendthrift!" Ange agreed helplessly, then looked up at the server. "Where do we participate in the battle?"
"Please follow me, sir."
The server led Ange to the area specifically used for battles in the Treasure Eatery and helped him register.
Shortly after, Ange heard his name being called.
"Diancie, let's go."
Ange walked into the arena with Diancie. The referee announced, "The next battle will be between Ange and Amethio. Please take your places."
As the referee's voice faded, Diancie walked onto the field. Amethio, standing opposite, took out a Poké Ball and released his Pokémon—Ceruledge.
The moment the referee saw Diancie, he exclaimed, "There is no data for contestant Ange's Pokémon in the Pokédex! Does anyone recognize this Pokémon? Meanwhile, contestant Amethio's Pokémon is the Fire Blade Pokémon—Ceruledge!"
Looking at the opponent, Ange remarked, A Ceruledge! What a cool Pokémon!
At the same time, he activated the Eye of Observation to check Ceruledge's data.
Ceruledge
Type: Fire, Ghost
Ability: Weak Armor
Gender: Male
Level: 51
Moves: Leer, Ember, Astonish, Fire Spin, Will-O-Wisp, Night Shade, Flame Charge, Lava Plume, Swords Dance, Bitter Blade, Shadow Claw, X-Scissor, Phantom Force, Spite.
Individual Values
HP: 18
Attack: 31
Defense: 19
Special Attack: 14
Special Defense: 30
Speed: 30
After reading, Ange couldn't help but marvel. What a strong Ceruledge! Perfect Individual Value in Attack, and Speed and Special Defense are only 1 point away from perfect.
Then he looked at his own Diancie.
Diancie
Type: Rock, Fairy
Ability: Clear Body
Gender: Genderless
Level: 58
Moves: Tackle, Harden, Diamond Storm, Guard Split, Smack Down, Flail, Ancient Power, Rock Polish, Light Screen, Rock Slide, Reflect, Dazzling Gleam, Power Gem, Play Rough.
Individual Values
HP: 31
Attack: 31
Defense: 31
Special Attack: 31
Special Defense: 31
Speed: 31
Uh... with even more luxurious data, is this a bit like bullying?
Before the match started, Ange reminded Diancie, "Diancie, the opponent's Ability is Weak Armor. Try not to use physical moves."
(Weak Armor: When hit by a physical move, Defense is slightly lowered, but Speed is greatly increased.)
"Understood," Diancie replied.
Because of this reminder, Amethio gave Ange an extra look.
The referee announced, "Battle begin!"
The opponent launched the first attack.
"Ceruledge, Phantom Force!"
Following Amethio's voice, a black vortex appeared behind Ceruledge, and it quickly jumped inside and disappeared.
"Diancie, be careful."
As Ange's voice rang out, the referee immediately shouted, "So contestant Ange's Pokémon is called Diancie!"
Diancie nodded and then extended both hands. A circle of rotating transparent walls appeared all around it, vanishing after making one rotation.
This was Reflect, which reduced physical damage taken by the user.
Seeing this, Amethio shouted, "Ceruledge!"
As he spoke, Ceruledge appeared behind Diancie, raising its blade-like hands to strike Diancie's back.
Diancie cried out and stumbled forward. The transparent Reflect wall surrounding it flashed rapidly like glass under the sun, blocking half the damage for Diancie before fading again.
Diancie spun around and fired a yellow-green beam of light at Ceruledge, accurately hitting it before it had a chance to retreat.
It was Power Gem.
The Rock-type Power Gem was super effective against Ceruledge, so Ceruledge screamed and was sent flying backward.
Meanwhile, because Diancie was protected by Reflect and had excellent natural defense, it hadn't taken much damage.
Ange shouted, "Diancie, another Power Gem!"
Amethio's reaction was very fast. He immediately shouted to the Ceruledge that had fallen to the ground, "Ceruledge, Phantom Force!"
A purple-black vortex appeared on the ground, and Ceruledge quickly dove into it and vanished. The ensuing Power Gem attack missed, blasting a deep pit into the floor.
Diancie nervously scanned the surroundings, not knowing where Ceruledge would appear.
Diancie's field of vision allowed it to clearly observe the left, right, and front, so its only blind spot was behind it. It naturally remained on guard against that direction.
Sure enough, after a moment, Ceruledge suddenly appeared behind it. Just as its blades were about to strike, a massive mirror made of diamonds suddenly rose behind Diancie.
This was created using Diancie's ability to produce diamonds.
Crack~~~
Ceruledge struck the diamonds, causing cracks to ripple through the hard gems.
Taking advantage of Ceruledge's moment of shock, Diancie turned around without hesitation. It fired a Power Gem at the diamond mirror. The yellow-green beam reflected off the diamonds and slammed into Ceruledge.
Ceruledge screamed again as it was sent flying back.
This time, it couldn't get back up.
Seeing this, the referee announced, "Ceruledge is unable to battle. Diancie wins! The winner is contestant Ange!"
The spectators outside the arena clapped and cheered.
Ange winked at Diancie. "Amazing! As expected of my Diancie."
Diancie actually didn't have much battle experience. Even with a higher level, winning wasn't easy.
Furthermore, Ange had barely given any commands throughout the match; it had relied entirely on Diancie itself.
Diancie also playfully winked back at Ange.
The crowd outside was buzzing with discussion.
"That Pokémon called Diancie is so strong!"
"Not just strong, but cute too!"
"I wonder where it was caught. I really want to catch one myself! Should we go ask?"
...
Ange walked onto the field with Diancie and said to Amethio, "Good game."
Amethio reached out and shook Ange's hand, saying expressionlessly, "A loss is a loss. There's no need for such pleasantries."
With that, he let go of Ange's hand and walked away.
Once Amethio left, Ange followed suit. He went to pay the bill and then left the Treasure Eatery with Diancie and the others.
Just after Ange left, someone suddenly gasped.
"I found information on Diancie! It's actually... a Mythical Pokémon! No wonder... no wonder there was no info in the Pokédex."
"What?! A Mythical Pokémon? Is that for real? Let me see!"
"Let me see too..."
...
In reality, books and the internet only contained a few words about Diancie, so the curiosity of the bystanders could not be satisfied. By the time they thought to look for Ange, he had already left the center of Medali on the Espathra with his Pokémon.
On the way back to the villa, Ange and Diancie each held rice balls to feed the Espathra. This was a special take-out Ange had gotten for them; they couldn't just run an errand for him and get nothing!
Take-out food was not eligible for the discount.
The two Espathra ate as they walked, their expressions very joyful. Besides the rice balls, their favorite thing was the Treasure Eatery's special jam sandwiches.
When Ange returned to the villa, Nasir was having dinner with the professors.
"Prince Ange, would you like to join us for a bite?" Nasir asked.
Ange shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, I'm already stuffed from eating out."
Nasir asked again, "Did you go to the center of Medali?"
Ange nodded.
Professor Sada said with a smile, "Then you must have eaten at the Treasure Eatery. The food there is one of Paldea's best!"
"That's right!" Professor Turo chimed in.
"I did go, and it was indeed delicious," Ange said with lingering satisfaction.
After saying this, Ange noticed Romeo looking at him with an accusing expression.
"Your Highness, you went out and didn't take me with you."
Ange scratched his head awkwardly. "Well, I saw you having such a good time with the Lechonk and Oinkologne."
Over there, Munchlax and Arven met again, and the two little ones happily hugged each other.
Feeling guilty, Ange said to Nasir and the others, "You guys eat, I'm going back to my room to rest." After saying that, he hurried away with his Pokémon.
Munchlax bid a reluctant farewell to Arven.
"Munch munch~" Let's play together again next time.
"Goodbye, Munchlax."
Arven also waved goodbye to Ange.
Back in the room, Ange played with the Pokémon for a while before intending to transfer Diancie, Munchlax, and Drizzile back home.
"Don't forget your special training after you get home. I'll be checking your homework when I get back," Ange instructed his two apprentices.
"Munch~"
"Driz driz~"
The two Pokémon nodded obediently. With Diancie acting as a demon coach, would they dare not be serious?
After sending the three Pokémon away, Ange went to chat with the two professors and Romeo for a while. Only then did he return to his room to wash up and fall into a dreamland while holding Komala.
In the early morning, Ange opened his eyes to the sound of a Squawkabilly. He looked toward the source of the sound and saw it was the same white Squawkabilly from last night.
He walked to the window, took out another carrot, and gave it to the bird. After eating, the Squawkabilly flapped its wings happily and flew away.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
The sound of gratitude drifted from the distance.