Lake Valor, Seven Stars Restaurant
"So, this is it? The so-called most famous restaurant in all of Sinnoh? Their marketing team really knows what they're doing."
Paul stood before an enormous building, its entrance adorned with a symbol of seven gleaming stars. Without hesitation, he pushed open the door.
"Welcome!"
A waiter gave a slight bow as Paul entered, greeting him politely.
"Excuse me, is it possible to dine here without a reservation?"
Paul got straight to the point. If it weren't for a sudden whim, he wouldn't have come here for a meal, much less made a reservation in advance.
"It is possible, but you may need to wait a little while. You'll be called in order—"
Just as the waiter was explaining, the doors behind him swung open abruptly. A young girl dashed out, her eyes brimming with tears, on the verge of crying at any moment.
"Ahhh! I lost again! When will I ever get to eat here…? Waaah…"
She clutched her face, sobbing as she ran past.
The waiter started to bid her farewell out of courtesy, but the devastated girl ignored him completely and disappeared into the distance.
This was clearly a common occurrence, so the waiter remained unfazed and proceeded to guide Paul inside.
"Since dining here requires a battle challenge, are Pokémon allowed to be out while eating?"
Paul asked as he followed the waiter.
For him, enjoying a meal wasn't just about himself—it was about sharing the experience with his Pokémon. If they weren't allowed to be present, then winning the challenge seemed rather pointless.
Stepping forward, Paul found himself not in a dining hall but in a battle arena. At the far end stood a well-dressed young man and woman, likely a couple from a wealthy family.
"This…"
"You're allowed to have Pokémon out while dining."
Before the waiter could finish explaining, the young noble couple overheard Paul's question and responded.
"As long as you defeat us, you can bring your Pokémon inside to enjoy a meal. However, keep in mind—no loud disturbances that would disrupt other guests, and absolutely no destruction of property." The young woman added.
The waiter introduced them: "These two are the owners of the restaurant—Master Roman and Miss Kylie. If you defeat them, you may enter and dine. If you lose… I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
"Are you ready?"
"Let's begin."
Paul had never feared a battle. Now that he understood the rules, he swiftly pulled out two Poké Balls and tossed them forward.
"Gabite, Electabuzz—battle stance!"
"Gaaa!"
"Buzzz!"
Gabite and Electabuzz exchanged a glance. Seeing it was a double battle, they instantly adjusted their mindset.
Brothers in arms, their strength unbreakable.
Roman: "Impressive Pokémon."
Kylie: "Let's give it our best!"
The two exchanged a knowing glance, then threw out their Poké Balls simultaneously.
Roman: "Go, Luxray!"
Kylie: "Go, Lopunny!"
A majestic Luxray and a lively Lopunny took the battlefield. From their stance and sharp eyes, it was evident that they were experienced battlers, showing no signs of hesitation as they sized up Gabite and Electabuzz.
This was Paul's first independent double battle.
He had no intention of holding back.
"Gabite, use Dragon Rush!"
"Electabuzz, use Thunder!"
"Gaaaa!"
Gabite let out a fierce roar. It's usually calm gaze sharpened in an instant, blood-red streaks appearing in its eyes. A killing intent spread across its body as it locked onto Lopunny. Red energy surged around it as it shot forward, intimidating its target.
After rigorous training, Gabite had become significantly stronger at controlling its battle instincts. Even when not going all out, its presence was far more overwhelming than before.
For Lopunny, the moment it felt Gabite's gaze pierce through it, a chill ran down its spine.
It was as if it had been thrown into an ice-cold abyss.
Fear paralyzed it.
"Buzzz…"
Electabuzz wasted no time either. Lightning erupted from its body, following behind Gabite as it unleashed a devastating Thunder attack.
As the bolt of lightning struck forward, Electabuzz vanished in a flash, moving unseen.
"Mii!?"
Lopunny's legs trembled, frozen in place.
"Luxray, block the attack! Use Ice Fang!"
Roman reacted instantly.
"Roar!"
With remarkable agility, Luxray sidestepped in front of Lopunny, shielding it from Gabite's murderous aura. Without hesitation, it lunged forward with frost-coated fangs, attempting to bite down on its opponent.
"Gaaa!"
But Gabite refused to back down. It clashed head-on with Luxray.
At that moment, Electabuzz's Thunder struck the battlefield. The electric surge enveloped both Luxray and Gabite.
Though Luxray, being an Electric-type resisted the attack, Gabite's Ground typing granted it complete immunity to electricity.
Even so, the lingering energy still weakened Luxray, making it struggle against Gabite's charge.
"Lopunny, snap out of it! Use Ice Beam on Gabite!"
Kylie gave a desperate command.
Lopunny, shaking off its fear, gathered freezing energy in its hands and aimed directly at Gabite.
If the super-effective Ice Beam landed, Gabite would suffer heavy damage, turning the battle around.
But did Paul ever allow things to go so smoothly?
"Electabuzz, use Brick Break!"
Appearing above Lopunny's head, Electabuzz swung its arm down like a blade, striking Lopunny just before it could unleash its Ice Beam.
"Super effective!"
"Mii…"
Lopunny stood frozen for a moment. Then, as Electabuzz retracted its arm, it collapsed onto the ground, legs twitching.
Eyes shut, motionless.
It had been KO'd in one strike.
"Garrr!"
With no support from Lopunny, the battlefield tilted overwhelmingly in Paul's favor.
Gabite's Dragon Rush sent Luxray reeling. Before it could recover, Gabite followed up with Dragon Claw, slashing down directly onto its head.
The outcome was sealed.
"We lost… just like that?!"
"How is this possible…?"
Their strongest Pokémon had been completely overwhelmed. Roman and Kylie could hardly believe it. With reluctance, they withdrew their Pokémon and stepped aside, allowing Paul access to the restaurant.
Paul had won his first double battle with ease.
Yet he felt nothing. Not even the slightest satisfaction.
He briefly considered making a snide remark, but then he remembered—he was about to eat at their restaurant. Mocking them as weaklings right now might not be the smartest idea.
It wasn't like he was afraid they'd mess with his food or anything.
"...Let's go."
With a casual wave to his Pokémon, Paul entered the Seven Stars Restaurant.
Inside, the atmosphere was elegant and refined.
Most diners were in pairs—some male-female couples, others same-gender pairs, and a few dining alone.
The guests were from diverse backgrounds: wealthy heirs, aristocrats, refined gentlemen and ladies, artists, and vibrant young trainers.
Paul, walking in with two Pokémon by his side, inevitably drew a few curious gazes.
But he had seen far grander scenes before. He paid them no mind.
"Come out, but behave yourselves."
Finding a quiet corner, he released his other two Pokémon.
"Ursaa!"
"Grrr!"
Ursaring and Grotle looked around at their surroundings, surprised by the sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23