"Dora…"
Boss Lairon growled in frustration. His food had been stolen! Without hesitation, he opened his mouth, golden energy gathering—Hyper Beam.
However, Garchomp, still chewing, reacted instantly. With a powerful flap of its fins, it ascended into the air, effortlessly dodging the incoming blast. It didn't want a fight—it knew it was in the wrong. After all, stealing someone else's food wasn't exactly honorable. But it couldn't help itself—Boss Lairon's Pokéblocks were just too delicious.
"Boss Lairon, forget it. I'll make you a new batch."
Aoki placed a hand on Boss Lairon's sturdy armor, signaling him to stand down. It wasn't that he feared confrontation—far from it—but the opponent was a Champion-level Garchomp. Even with Boss Lairon's sheer durability, this was a battle he couldn't win.
Although dissatisfied, Boss Lairon was obedient. He huffed, but he respected Aoki's judgment and backed down.
Just then, a calm yet authoritative voice echoed through the forest.
"Garchomp, come down."
A tall figure emerged from the dense foliage. Her long blonde hair swayed with each step, her piercing gray eyes locked onto the battlefield. Clad in her signature black coat, Sinnoh's Champion, Cynthia, strode forward.
Aoki instantly understood why there was a Champion-level Garchomp roaming this area. It belonged to her.
A woman revered by Pokémon trainers across regions, admired by both men and women alike. Among travelers, she was often hailed as the epitome of strength and beauty.
Even Aoki had once entertained the fantasy of a legendary romance with a Champion.
Cynthia approached, her gaze filled with apology. "I'm really sorry. I didn't expect Garchomp to steal food from your Pokémon."
"Dora…"
Boss Lairon growled again, clearly displeased. His food had been stolen, and now the thief's trainer was just apologizing?
Aoki let out a sigh, hearing Boss Lairon's grumbles. Cynthia, however, took the complaint in stride, listening attentively—a true sign of a great trainer.
"No problem, Champion Cynthia. It wasn't intentional."
With that, Boss Lairon gave one last snort before sitting down, awaiting his meal.
Cynthia wasn't surprised that Aoki recognized her. As the Sinnoh Champion, she was one of the most famous figures in the world.
Aoki saw an opportunity. "Since we've met, would you like to join us for lunch?"
As a traverser, he couldn't miss this chance. Interacting with a Champion? This was something out of a dream!
Cynthia hesitated at first but then glanced at Aoki's freshly prepared Pokéblocks and fragrant cooking. Her stomach betrayed her with a quiet grumble.
"…Then I'll accept your offer. Thank you."
Aoki quickly set about finishing lunch preparations. As he worked, Cynthia observed him with intrigue.
"Is this… Pokémon food?" She examined the high-quality Pokéblocks. Even as a Champion, she had never seen such precisely made food before.
Aoki smiled. "Yes. I prepare them myself."
No wonder her Garchomp had been so eager to steal some.
"Garchomp, here."
Aoki casually handed over another piece. He noticed Garchomp's eyes locked onto him, filled with anticipation. It was rare for such a powerful Pokémon to show such eagerness for food.
Better to make an investment now—especially since he planned to challenge Cynthia later.
As Garchomp happily devoured the Pokéblock, several Poké Balls on Cynthia's waist suddenly released their occupants.
One after another, her Pokémon appeared, their eyes fixated on the food.
They wanted some, too.
"Alright, you all can have some as well."
Aoki distributed the Pokéblocks evenly. As he did, his system scanned Cynthia's Pokémon:
• Togekiss (Champion Level)
• Milotic (Elite Level)
• Lucario (Champion Level)
• Spiritomb (Elite Level)
As expected of a League Champion—three Champion-level Pokémon and two high-tier Elites.
Aoki mentally compared their strength. His strongest Pokémon, Greninja and Bagon, were both nearing the Champion level. But compared to Cynthia's team, he still had a long way to go.
"This is delicious. Thank you."
Cynthia genuinely appreciated the food.
"No problem. Anyway, lunch is ready. Let's eat."
As Aoki set the food on the table, Cynthia sat across from him.
For a moment, he reminisced about a time when he had opened a Bronze Treasure Chest and received the cooking skills of Dragon Chef.
If this were the world of Shokugeki no Soma or Cooking Master Boy, his skills would definitely be legendary.
But in this world? His talent was limited to making great meals for himself and his Pokémon.
That said, Cynthia was thoroughly enjoying her food—so much so that she completely ignored Aoki as she ate.
Aoki didn't mind. As he ate, he checked his system's map.
A Diamond Chest had appeared.
The requirement to unlock it? Defeat Cynthia.
Aoki's heart pounded. A Diamond Chest meant rewards at the Elite or Champion level.
But defeating Garchomp wasn't necessary.
He only needed to defeat one of Cynthia's Pokémon—Spiritomb or Milotic would be his best bet.
His mind raced through strategies. Boss Lairon, despite only recently stepping into Elite level, had immense potential.
He also had Steelium Z.
With his Z-Move, he might just have a chance.
After finishing their meals, Cynthia leaned back in her chair, completely satisfied.
Her Garchomp and other Pokémon looked equally blissful—it was the best Pokémon food they had ever tasted.
A few of them exchanged knowing glances.
If Aoki became their trainer's boyfriend, they would get to eat this all the time.
And so, without Aoki realizing it, Cynthia's Pokémon had made a decision.
They would assist in making this happen.
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