Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

With a slight smile, Cai Dou waved her hand and turned to walk into the inner room. "Wait a moment, I'll change my clothes."

A moment later, she reappeared, having shed her training attire and changed into a loose-fitting knit sweater and dark trousers. She looked much softer, but her upright posture still exuded a capable aura.

"Let's go," the girl said softly.

The three walked out of the dojo side by side and strolled along the stone path toward the town center. Cai Dou's steps were steady and light, and her narration of the tour was detailed and thoughtful, calm yet revealing a deep love for her hometown.

“This stone sculpture was left by a fighter decades ago,” she pointed to the statue in the center of the square. “It is said that he meditated under the waterfall for a hundred days and finally grasped the true meaning of ‘the balance of strength and gentleness’.”

Korne leaned closer to examine it, clicking her tongue in amazement: "No wonder Galilean's fighting style is so powerful, even their training is so ritualistic!"

Nan Yin noticed a line of small characters engraved on the base of the statue: "A calm mind, a powerful fist..."

This description subconsciously reminded her of the legendary Pokémon of the Isle of Armor, a different evolutionary path from Urshifu. Perhaps the fighter from decades ago was none other than the now-reclusive Mr. Mastedt.

Perhaps because her gaze lingered for a while and she spoke, Cai Dou asked, "Does Nan Yin also have some knowledge of martial arts?"

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle. As a trainer, you should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of each area."

Upon hearing Nan Yin's words, the girl nodded thoughtfully and then stepped forward.

After navigating several winding alleys, they arrived at a spacious platform. The view was superb, overlooking the entire town of Su Chuan and the distant Training Waterfall. The roar of the water and the rising mist refracted a dazzling rainbow of light in the setting sun.

"So beautiful..." Korni couldn't help but exclaim, taking out her phone and pulling her friend to snap several photos. "I want to preserve the scenery and people here!"

Cai Dou stood by the railing, letting the mountain breeze brush against her hair: "When I was little, I often came here and would quietly stare at the waterfall in a daze."

"Are you contemplating the profound principles of combat?" the blonde girl asked with a bright smile.

The former shook his head, a rare hint of shyness in his expression: "No, I was just thinking... does the spray from the waterfall look like whipped cream?"

Korni was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh: "Little Rainbow Bean, you're so cute!"

"In that case, why don't we make a dessert ourselves?"

After hearing everything she had seen and heard, Nan Yin offered her advice at just the right moment.

With her eyes wide open, the gray-haired girl nodded solemnly and bowed, saying, "Please guide me!"

-

Then, back at the dojo, she was surprised to find that the kitchen was quite well-equipped. Leaning back, Ayame took out a set of baking tools from the cupboard, her movements as careful as if she were handling some precious treasure.

These are...

"I bought it last year when I went to Gongmen City for a competition," she explained in a low voice. "I haven't had a chance to use it yet."

“So now’s the perfect time!” Korne excitedly tied on her apron. “I’ll be your assistant! Lucario will handle the carrying!”

Fluttering wings curiously floated above the mixing bowl, but were gently pulled back by Eevee with a ribbon.

"First, the almond powder needs to be sifted three times." Having promised, she wouldn't go back on her word, so Nan Yin demonstrated the steps, "This way, the finished product will be smooth."

Cai Dou carefully observed her technique, then took the sieve. Her taut shoulder line made the whole movement seem too forceful, and the powder falling down had a sharpness like a fighting move.

"Relax your wrist." Nan Yin supported her elbow and slowly tightened her grip. "Like this, use the momentum."

The gray-haired girl's ear tips were slightly red.

When the meringue was whipped to a glossy and smooth consistency, Korni suddenly leaned closer, intending to scoop some out, but her friend gently tapped her forehead with a wooden spoon: "Don't you dare steal a bite."

"Nan Yin, you're too strict." The blonde girl exaggeratedly covered her forehead, but her eyes crinkled with laughter.

Actually, she did it on purpose.

Time flew by, the preheated oven light reflecting off the macarons. By the time the three-layered macarons were finally finished, dusk had already seeped through the windowpanes. Bea cut the finished product into delicate little pieces, offering them first to the Pokémon. Machamp carefully held the pastries in all four hands, his trembling as if afraid of crushing them amused everyone.

"It's a success." She looked at her macarons, which were perfectly positioned at the hem of her skirt, and should have been delighted, but she sighed softly.

In the midst of repetitive training day and night, the arrival of friends was a rare respite and an unexpected surprise, but the girl knew very well that they would not stay long.

"You're continuing your journey tomorrow, right?"

It was a question tinged with a hint of reluctance.

"Hmm, Little Cai Dou, are you reluctant to part with me? Hmph, Nan Yin and I will come to see you again later. We can meet again at the Champion Invitational Tournament."

It's a subtle display of arrogance belonging to a blonde girl.

"The preciousness of this reunion is all the more evident because of the time that has passed."

The slender fingers fell, gently stroking the little devil's tired face and brushing against the increasingly hardened armor of the armored dragon, as the lamplight gradually dimmed.

These two sentences, one after the other, clearly came from whose mouths.

"Yes, have a safe journey."

The momentary loneliness dissipated like mist, and was comforted by others.

Thus, the knot in my heart was untied, my mind was at peace and I was able to sleep soundly through the night, bidding farewell without a word.

Chapter 246 Fire-Breathing Dragon-Level Curry Rice

The lush green pastures faded away with the calls of the barnacles, and the crisscrossing red bricks and white tiles and the elevator bridges and staircases disappeared from sight. Ancient and magnificent, bustling and modern, the monuments of heroes and the ruins of the Isle of Armor tell the stories of past battles, and the flashing neon lights and skyscrapers show the grandeur of the city. All the wonders of the Galar region were witnessed by their own eyes.

The idyllic town of Mugan, the city of Quanguan built of giant stones, the tranquil town of Shuizhou, and the bustling city of Jiqing—these are not places that can be overlooked in a single sentence. Fortunately, Nanyin and Ke'erni have plenty of time to slowly see and quietly enjoy them.

Holding the sleeping Kabuto in her arms, with its playful wing-like mane on its head, and the Eevee gently tugging at her trouser leg at her side, while Eevee leads the way with an unfriendly expression in front of her, to be honest, being loved and cared for is indeed a difficult yet happy feeling.

If she hadn't already been able to use her mental powers to lighten her burden, carrying a group of children on a long journey would have been no easy feat.

"Korne, let's set up camp here."

Looking around, the lush green of the wilderness and the clear waters of the lake came into view one after another. As it was getting late, Nanyin decided to spend the night at Nilin Lake, which had a beautiful landscape and a wide view.

Upon reaching the shore, she saw mostly Slowpoke, Swamplord, and Wobbuffet, all relatively gentle Pokémon.

Upon seeing the two girls, they would even stop drinking and actively avoid them.

Without disturbing her further, Nan Yin gazed at the clear lake surface, as if recalling some childhood memory. So, she selected a suitable-shaped pebble on the shore, applied a little force, and threw it towards the center of the lake.

Instead of sinking immediately, the pebbles repeatedly broke through the water, creating ripples on the lake's surface.

Even though you've said goodbye to your childhood innocence, the past regret of skipping stones can still bring you a little sense of accomplishment.

"Bonnie!"

With wide, starry eyes, E Guipeng stared at the stone that sank only in the middle of the lake, a look of disbelief on his face.

"You can try it too, Ouipo."

The girl chuckled softly, stroking the little devil's soft forehead with a hint of pride.

Nodding in agreement, it curiously picked up a pebble and, mimicking the former's action, threw it forcefully.

Undoubtedly, with just a few splashes, the stone slowly sank. However, the naturally competitive little devil quickly took out the well mask and used his own strength to push the stone, leaping over the distance Nan Yin had just covered.

"Bonnie~"

With a soft call, the little guy straightened his thin body, pulled the girl along, and chattered on and on about where the pebble landed, as if showing off and also craving praise.

"That's impressive, Evil Spirit."

"Pfft."

It was truly hard not to chuckle; watching the interaction between the two, even the radiant Korni couldn't suppress the upward curve of her lips.

A gentle breeze blows, and her cascading golden hair dances like willow catkins.

Because of the hot weather, the girl did not wear the sportswear, but instead chose a pure white short-sleeved shirt.

The style is simple, yet it perfectly captures that purity.

The slender shoulder straps connect to the subtly visible vest, revealing the graceful curves of the neck and collarbone.

The narrow neckline could barely conceal her delicate skin, and beads of sweat trickled down her slightly undulating breasts with each breath.

In fact, setting aside her overly lively and prominent nature, my friend is also a beauty in the making.

At least, Nan Yin had long since gotten used to it and felt comfortable with each other's company.

"Hmm, Nan Yin, what are you looking at?"

"I'm watching you."

Without any attempt to conceal it, the distance between them has grown ever closer since that day's confession.

Upon hearing this, a faint blush crept up the girl's fair neck.

Even though I was the one who mustered up the courage to speak my mind, why is it that once I give her some pointers, my friend seems to have figured it out and always manages to take the initiative in this relationship?

......

The fire in the stove was blazing, and the aroma was irresistible.

"Scorpion King, there are oranges on that tree over there, pick some for me."

"Bang!"

The blue scorpion flapped its wing membranes, flew to the middle of the tree trunk, and gently struck it. A pink butterfly pupa fell to the ground amidst the rustling sound of falling fruit.

"Meow~"

The pink butterfly pupa squinted in fear, but the Scorpion King simply patted his forehead and gently carried it back to the treetop.

Even though their appearance has changed, the child's past experiences of being bullied still contain a sincere and kind heart, which remains unchanged.

They built a makeshift stove with stones and then lit the piled-up firewood.

Set up the iron pot, straighten the grill, and put in the scallions and garlic.

It was at this moment that the blonde girl also moved closer to the firelight.

"Welcome, miss." Raising an eyebrow, she feigned a teasing tone and asked, "What would you like to order today?"

Korni, her face still flushed, crossed her arms and raised her finger to touch her chin:

"Hmm... let me think about it."

She furrowed her beautiful eyebrows, her expression serious, as she pondered the scene from before.

With a knowing smile and no words, Nan Yin crossed her arms, raised the spatula high, and whispered:

"It's okay, we have plenty of time, you can think about it for as long as you want."

Hearing her friend's voice, Korni subconsciously uttered, "Hmm..."

The breeze and birdsong played together, yet remained silent beneath these words.

All was quiet, except for Diancie and Magiana, who were whispering to each other on one side.

For some reason, both mythical beasts covered their mouths and chuckled softly.

Sprinkle with emulsifiable oil, pour in water, and then turn the pot over to ensure even heating.

"Let's make curry rice today."

Stirring the fragrant, rising steam of the base ingredients, the girl murmured to herself seemingly unintentionally.

What flavor is it?

Belatedly realizing it, even though her blush hadn't faded, Korni still forced herself to ask the question as if nothing was wrong.

"A typical combination of seasonings, and as for side dishes, they usually include sausage, eggs, radishes, herbs, and so on."

I grabbed a knife, took out a carrot from my bag, and quickly sliced ​​it onto the cutting board. I then added the carrot slices to the boiling soup pot to cook.

Bright red radish slices sink and float to the surface in the thick broth, steam rises, and semi-circular transparent bubbles burst one after another in a continuous stream.

The soft popping of water bubbles continued, as did the chopping sounds on the cutting board. Potatoes and tomatoes, haphazardly chopped and boiled, were transformed into a fragrant broth in the pot.

This is the base that needs time to simmer and reduce to its essence.

Smelling the fragrance and watching the busy figures moving back and forth, for some reason, Korni's thoughts drifted away.

She recalled the past, when she was a young girl and she used to work in the kitchen with her grandfather.

Although his skills were limited and he would occasionally mess things up, the old man never scolded him.

Those were common, heartwarming moments. She would sit at the counter with her head down, while her grandfather leaned against the side, chopping fruits and vegetables, just like she was now, occasionally turning his head to look at the person beside him with concern.

"Korne, help me carry the bowl."

I heard my friend's greeting from beside me.

"understood."