March 26th, Friday.

Lake Valor, one of Sinnoh's three great lakes, was said to be the habitat of the "Willpower Deity" Uxie.

Shaded by greenery and rippling with clear waves, the lakeside scenery resembled a painting.

This was also why the prestigious 'Mikuri Cup' was being held here.

As a competition hosted by the current Hoenn Champion and Contest Master Wallace,

The winner of this tournament could participate in any region's 'Grand Festival' using the 'Water Drop Medal'.

This was precisely the status symbol of the 'Mikuri Cup' in the world of Pokémon Contests.

At this moment, on the high slope overlooking Lake Valor,

A remarkably handsome trainer stood on the grassy turf, gazing at the bustling venue in the distance.

An elegant white Sylveon had its ribbons wrapped around his arm, its expression haughty and disdainful.

"Quite a crowd here," Lu Ye remarked, withdrawing his gaze to check the official website on his phone.

"The opening ceremony is this afternoon. During the official competition period, there will be a series of activities around Lake Valor..."

"Seems being a judge won't be too boring after all."

For Teacher Lu, Pokémon Contests themselves weren't particularly appealing.

But since he'd promised Ruby, as a Contest Master himself, he could still offer contestants some constructive advice.

What intrigued Teacher Lu more were the fishing tournament and water racing competition organized by the 'Marsh Conservation Association',

Aimed at promoting wetland protection awareness through the charm of Water-type Pokémon.

"Quite meaningful indeed..." Lu Ye stroked his chin and nodded.

"Prize money aside, I mainly want to test my fishing skills!"

I refuse to believe it.

Even in the Sinnoh region, I'd still only catch Magikarp!

...

Near the Contest Hall, the atmosphere was lively and bustling.

Coordinators dressed in glamorous outfits walked together in groups, chatting excitedly:

"I heard Miss Melisa will be one of the judges this time?"

"Ah, that dancer! I love her fashion style too!"

"She's the actual Gym Leader of Kizuna City! No, when it comes to Contest Battles, she's absolutely a top master!"

Just as trainers idolize Champions like Red and Leon,

In the eyes of coordinators, figures like Wallace, Valerie, and Melisa represent the pinnacle of Pokémon Contests.

Being able to participate in the 'Mikuri Cup' and gain recognition from these masters is undoubtedly an honor!

"I heard Teacher Lu will be a judge this year too?"

"Really? I think he's about as handsome as Mr. Wallace..."

"Oh, I still prefer Mr. Steven~!"

Listening to the contestants' chatter, a youthful and beautiful red-haired girl wearing sunglasses slowly lowered her newspaper.

"The Mikuri Cup, huh?" Blue smirked, "What a great opportunity for business!"

Beside her, a blonde ponytailed girl fidgeted nervously:

"Blue, shouldn't we find Teacher Lu first? S-selling counterfeit goods is..."

"No problem!" Blue waved her hand cheerfully, "Last time I sold limited edition Red hats, it was pretty much the same~!"

Back then, Blue's strategy was that customers who made purchases and sent letters to a specific address would have a chance to win limited edition Champion hats.

She remembered one boy who sent 100 letters in a row, so she mailed him a hat.

Of course, those were unauthorized knockoffs, but they still made Blue a hefty profit as a shrewd merchant.

Now, she could already envision the scene of her 'Wallace-style White Hats' being snapped up by eager fans!

"But... but that's still illegal~QAQ"

"Relax, we'll just get Teacher Lu to add Wallace to our group chat later!"

Blue grinned, twirling her hair around her finger as she prepared to order materials.

Suddenly, a group of coordinators wearing 'Wallace-style White Hats' walked by, chatting happily:

"That shop's quality is really good~"

"That Meowth can talk! It's so adorable!"

Blue froze for a long moment until Celadon Anemone tugged her sleeve gently:

"Blue? Are you okay?"

Blue shook her head, tears welling in her eyes as she clenched her fists:

"Those must be fakes! I'm reporting them to the organizers!"

...

Not far away, in the vendor area.

A stall with a giant golden coin logo was packed with Wallace and Melisa merchandise, completely swarmed by customers.

"They even have Teacher Lu merch? I'll take one!"

"Yay! I got a Teacher Lu character card!"

"Not sure if that's lucky or unlucky..."

Business was booming, with the gacha machines and hats selling out quickly as the crowd gradually dispersed.

"Thank you~ Come again soon nya!" Meowth rubbed its paws together, grinning from ear to ear.

James counted money while laughing, "Didn't expect Jessie's idea to work so well!"

"Of course!" Jessie lifted her chin proudly, "After all, I'm also a contestant in this year's Mikuri Cup!"

"Huh?!"

"What 'huh'? I'm the renowned Contest Master, Jessie·Sweetlina!"

Jessie struck an exaggerated pose.

James and Meowth's faces fell.

"Hey! What's with those looks?"

"Alright, alright," James mediated, "I heard the Boss is also a judge for this Mikuri Cup."

"If we earn enough funds this time, we're sure to get the Boss's recognition!"

Instantly, the trio looked up at the sky with silly grins.

"What a wonderful feeling~!"

...

According to the location sharing in the group chat,

The first to meet up with Teacher Lu was the habitually blushing Ami.

Ami, with her twin braids and white dress, said softly:

"T-Teacher Lu, long time no see."

"Long time no see," Lu Ye greeted, "Did you sign up for the Mikuri Cup?"

Ami blushed and shook her head: "N-no chance to register..."

Truth was, she hadn't mustered the courage to participate in Contests yet.

"That's a shame," Lu Ye sighed, "I could've arranged a bye for you to advance."

"Huh??"

"Learned it from Lance..." Lu Ye coughed, "Anyway, your Steelix could easily win the Master Rank Toughness Ribbon."

Ami's face turned slightly redder, a glimmer in her eyes: "R-really?"

Lu Ye nodded.

If a ten-meter-long Steelix didn't qualify as 'tough', the entire Contest Hall might as well be demolished.

Ami took a deep breath, placed her hands on her knees, and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Teacher Lu!"

She was an ordinary girl who took everything seriously and treated others kindly.

Aside from having a big appetite, she meant no harm...

"Let's head to the venue, the opening ceremony is starting soon."

Lu Ye smiled, looking around.

"Are you looking for someone?"

"Well... Aaron should be here too."

Lu Ye scanned the distance, then his eyes lit up.

A refined man in burgundy suit holding a hardcover book, with light purple hair, approached slowly.

In his other hand was a containment device.

Inside the transparent case was a grayish-green Pokémon egg.

"Teacher Lu, my apologies."

Aaron looked somewhat weary as he adjusted his glasses with a faint smile:

"I overslept this morning..."

...

Teacher Lu could understand the overworked Elite Four member Aaron.

He patted Aaron's shoulder sympathetically, words unnecessary.

"What Pokémon is this?" Ami asked softly.

Aaron handed over the incubation device, pushing up his glasses:

"Appears to be Ground-type, but unconfirmed. For expertise, I'd recommend consulting Professor Elm of Johto, who specializes in egg research."

Professor Elm was the researcher who had entrusted Lu Ye with the Togepi egg before.

The 'Egg Group' theory—that different Pokémon species within the same Egg Group could breed—was first proposed by Professor Elm.

But right now, he was surely busy preparing for the research summit.

Lu Ye examined the transparent case, his expression turning slightly odd.

Ground-type?

That would mean either Larvitar or Gible.

Interestingly, Larvitar's final evolution, Tyranitar, is Dark/Rock-type without Ground typing,

While its pre-evolution has Rock/Ground typing—a detail often confused.

But... if you're not even sure of the species, how can you be certain it's a pseudo-legendary?

Lu Ye voiced his doubts to Aaron.

Aaron coughed awkwardly: "Actually, our breeders analyzed it and believe there's a high probability it's a powerful Pokémon."

"So no actual confirmation?"

Aaron nodded sheepishly.

Though an Elite Four member, breeding wasn't his specialty.

Ami, who had worked at a Pokémon Day Care, smiled and said:

"No matter what Pokémon egg it is, as long as the trainer pours their heart into it, it will surely hatch into a precious life."

"Gengarrr?" Haunter suddenly popped out from Lu Ye's shadow, scratching its head.

Lu Ye immediately pushed Haunter back down, stating mercilessly: "Not letting you babysit this time—Ducklett's turn!"

"Gengarrr~~ﾍ(;
´Д｀ﾍ)" Haunter wailed dramatically like an actor before being shoved back into the shadow.

Aaron recalled Teacher Lu battling Regigigas and smiled wryly.

Ami said softly with a smile: "Teacher Lu, I really admire your bond with your Pokémon."

Lu Ye laughed heartily.

Admirable? It cost me several houses!

However, when Lu Ye used his 'Aura' to probe the gray egg, he actually received a response—

A lazy, sluggish aura that reminded him of Ducklett.

This was the perfect candidate for slacking off!

A perfect match for Ducklett and Teacher Lu!

Lu Ye's grin widened uncontrollably.

Pseudo-legendary? No way. What kind of pseudo-legendary would be this lazy?

I bet it's a Ground-type Trapinch.

And Trapinch's final evolution, Flygon, is grayish-green too!

In that instant, Teacher Lu had his answer. He placed the incubation device containing the Trapinch egg into his shadow.

A short arm reached out from the shadow to take the container, pulling it into the darkness.

"But you said... Haunter wouldn't be handling it..." Ami asked quietly.

"Just storing it there temporarily," Lu Ye said for convenience, "We'll have someone reliable take over back at the hotel."

"Quack!! (´థ౪థ)σ"

Immediately, the commemorative ball at his waist shook violently.

Never did Ducklett imagine it would one day be called 'reliable'!

This egg—I'll give it 100% effort to hatch!!

"The Mikuri Cup opening ceremony should be starting soon."

Aaron glanced toward the lively Contest Hall.

"Let's go, Blue and the others are here too."

Lu Ye checked the group chat before heading toward the bustling venue, a thought crossing his mind.

A few comments as a judge, and I get paid for it!

Total profit!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read