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Lucas took two cups and placed them in front of himself and Komala, then filled each to the brim with wine.
"Diancie, would you like a drink?" Lucas turned to her and asked.
Diancie shook her head. "I don't like it."
She had been exposed to alcohol many times during her life at the palace, and she simply couldn't develop a taste for it.
"Munch~ Munchlax~" Master, I want some too! Let me try!
Munchlax tapped its bowl eagerly with chopsticks, trying to get Lucas's attention.
However, Lucas firmly declined. "You're still far too young for alcohol. We can discuss it when you're older."
"Munch~ Munchlax~" That's not fair...
Munchlax looked crestfallen, but quickly converted its disappointment into appetite, attacking the large bowl of rice before it. The bowl it used was the largest in the household—more like a basin—emphasizing its hearty appetite.
"Come, Komala, let's toast." Lucas raised his glass toward Komala.
Komala slowly lifted its glass and clinked it against Lucas's.
Lucas was surprised again; he hadn't expected Komala to actually participate in the toast.
Sip~
Lucas and Komala each took a small sip, and the rich aroma of the wine bloomed across their palates.
"Excellent wine!"
The system store truly delivers quality!
Lucas exclaimed appreciatively. Those 1,000 Happiness Points had certainly been well spent! Although he wasn't particularly knowledgeable about alcohol, nor did he have a refined palate for it, he could still recognize this wine's exceptional character.
Lucas's alcohol tolerance was rather poor, so he stopped after just two small sips.
Komala was different—its tolerance was remarkably impressive. One cup in the left paw, one in the right, it consumed the wine as casually as if it were water.
Just when Lucas thought Komala might finish the entire bottle, it stopped with approximately half remaining.
Lucas offered to put the wine away, but Komala declined, preferring to keep it for itself.
Fair enough—Lucas had purchased it specifically for Komala anyway. If it wanted to keep the bottle, that was perfectly reasonable. Komala also had access to a system backpack, having obtained the subsystem shared by Lucas, so storing a bottle of wine posed no challenge at all.
When Lucas and the others were halfway through their meal, the sound of approaching footsteps suddenly came from outside.
"Who could that be?" Diancie, who was facing the entrance, leaned to get a better view of the door.
Lucas, whose back was to the door, quickly turned around to see three Pokémon slowly entering the house, curiously examining their surroundings.
The three Pokémon stood side by side. The one in the middle was fiery red, resembling a witch in a robe, holding a wooden staff in her hand.
The one on the left stood tall and straight, with what appeared to be a pink scarf around its neck—though closer inspection revealed it was actually a long tongue. Its silhouette resembled a ninja moving through darkness.
The one on the right wore heavy armor, walking with substantial weight, its gaze sharp and discerning, like a battle-hardened general.
Lucas instinctively activated his Eye of Observation, and data for all three Pokémon immediately appeared before him:
Delphox
Attribute: Fire, Psychic
Ability: Blaze
Gender: Female
Level: 53
Moves: Mystical Fire, Trick, Howl, Role Play, Shadow Ball, Scratch, Ember, Tail Whip, Charge, Psycho Cut, Fire Spin, Light Screen, Psychic, Flamethrower, Will-O-Wisp, Solar Beam, Agility, Hypnosis.
Individual Values:
HP: 15
Attack: 3
Defense: 18
Sp. Atk: 29
Sp. Def: 25
Speed: 18
Greninja
Attribute: Water, Dark
Ability: Torrent
Gender: Male
Level: 50
Moves: Water Shuriken, Night Slash, Role Play, Haze, Pound, Water Gun, Growl, Quick Attack, Lick, Water Pulse, Smokescreen, Shadow Sneak, Spikes, Aerial Ace, Extrasensory, Round, Waterfall, Toxic Spikes.
Individual Values:
HP: 11
Attack: 24
Defense: 12
Sp. Atk: 28
Sp. Def: 9
Speed: 30
Chesnaught
Attribute: Grass, Fighting
Ability: Overgrow
Gender: Male
Level: 51
Moves: Spiky Shield, Feint, Hammer Arm, Growl, Rollout, Tackle, Vine Whip, Bite, Leech Seed, Pin Missile, Take Down, Seed Bomb, Mud Shot, Bulk Up, Scary Face, Synthesis, Helping Hand, Drain Punch, Belly Drum.
Individual Values:
HP: 20
Attack: 18
Defense: 21
Sp. Atk: 14
Sp. Def: 28
Speed: 14
This was the first time Lucas had encountered Pokémon on Nebel Plateau with levels so close to Diancie's—and three at once, no less. He was genuinely surprised.
During Lucas's time living with Diancie on Nebel Plateau, her level had increased slightly, now matching Delphox's. Otherwise, Lucas wouldn't have been able to view these Pokémon's data.
Lucas stood up and asked, "How may I help you?"
The three Pokémon examined Lucas carefully. This was their first encounter with the human who had generated so many rumors across Nebel Plateau.
Although many Pokémon on the plateau had come to accept Lucas, with countless visitors arriving each morning for breakfast, a considerable number still preferred to avoid contact with him, deliberately keeping their distance.
Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught were among this latter group.
Delphox took a step forward.
Diancie, immediately wary of these unexpected visitors, moved protectively in front of Lucas, Munchlax, and Komala the instant Delphox advanced.
"What do you want?" Diancie asked firmly.
"Delphox~ Delphox~" We come with peaceful intentions. We simply need to ask that human gentleman for assistance.
Delphox explained.
Diancie was surprised by this response. She glanced at Lucas, then translated Delphox's words for him.
"Assistance?" Lucas inquired.
"Delphox~ Delphox~" Yes, human gentleman.
Delphox nodded.
Lucas responded without hesitation: "If it's within my ability to help, I'd be happy to do so."
Delphox visibly brightened at his response.
"Delphox~ Delphox~ Delphox~" Thank you, human gentleman. We are most grateful.
Delphox waved her wooden staff, and a Gardevoir with an expression of profound pain floated into the house. Most notably, her abdomen was prominently distended.
Accompanying Gardevoir was a Kirlia with an anxious demeanor.
"What's happening here?" Lucas quickly approached Gardevoir.
"Kirli~ Kirlia~" She's in labor, but something's wrong. Despite her efforts, she can't deliver the baby, and she's suffering terribly.
Chesnaught stepped forward to explain the situation.
"Munch~ Munchlax~"
Munchlax also gathered around Gardevoir. Observing her covered in cold sweat, it instinctively clutched the edge of Lucas's clothing, its eyes filled with concern.
Seeing this, Lucas gently patted its hand, silently reassuring it not to worry.
"Gren~ Ninja~"
Greninja then came forward and succinctly explained what had happened.
When Volcanion, the guardian deity of Nebel Plateau, was absent, Delphox, Chesnaught, and Greninja assumed responsibility for protecting the entire region.
Consequently, when Gardevoir encountered difficulties during labor, Kirlia immediately sought their assistance.
But they were equally powerless to address this medical emergency.
As time passed, Gardevoir's pain intensified, yet the baby remained unborn. Both Kirlia and Delphox grew increasingly frantic.
If the situation continued unresolved, the consequences could be dire—potentially resulting in the loss of both lives.
At this critical juncture, another Pokémon suggested approaching Lucas for help. Humans possessed medical knowledge that Pokémon lacked; surely he might have a solution to save Gardevoir.
Only then did Delphox remember the human resident of Nebel Plateau.
With Gardevoir's life and her unborn child's hanging in the balance, Delphox had no time for hesitation. They had come directly to Lucas's house in the night.
From Greninja's explanation, Lucas gained deeper insight into Nebel Plateau.
The guardian deity turned out to be Volcanion, one of the Mythical Pokémon.
Volcanion spent nearly half the year in hibernation unless specifically awakened by another Pokémon, which explained why Lucas hadn't encountered it yet.
As a Fire/Water dual-type Pokémon, Volcanion's presence influenced the plateau's climate, keeping it cool during summer and relatively warm in winter.
Regarding Gardevoir's precarious condition and her unborn child's safety, Lucas wasted no time. "Let's go. I'll take Gardevoir to the Pokémon Center in Azoth Town immediately."
As he spoke, he carefully supported Gardevoir by the waist.
"I'll find Altaria to transport you," Diancie offered quickly.
"Delphox! Delphox!" We've already made arrangements. Follow me.
Delphox interjected. Given Gardevoir's critical condition, they had naturally prepared transportation before arriving.
Lucas carefully cradled Gardevoir and moved toward the door, only to discover a formidable Honchkrow waiting outside his house.
"Honch! Honchkrow!"
Seeing Lucas and the others emerge, Honchkrow urgently motioned for Lucas to place Gardevoir on its back without delay.
Lucas didn't hesitate. He nimbly mounted Honchkrow's back, then addressed Diancie: "Take care of everything here. I'll return as soon as Gardevoir receives proper treatment."
Diancie stepped forward, holding Komala, and handed it to Lucas. "Take Komala with you." She wouldn't feel comfortable letting Lucas venture out at night alone.
"Of course." Lucas felt a warmth spread through his heart as he accepted Komala and tucked it securely against him.
Since Honchkrow's back couldn't accommodate Delphox and the others, Lucas took only Kirlia, Gardevoir's family member, with him.
Watching Lucas vanish into the night sky, Diancie and Munchlax maintained their worried gaze for a long while before finally turning away.
"Let's go inside," Diancie suggested, extending her hand to Munchlax.
"Munch~ Munchlax~"
Munchlax nodded and took Diancie's hand with a slight uneasiness.
"Would you care to come in and wait?" Diancie invited Delphox and her companions.
Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught exchanged glances, their expressions revealing uncertainty.
Diancie smiled warmly. "It will likely be some time before Lucas and Gardevoir return. You're concerned about her safety, so it seems impractical to leave now. Why not join us inside?"
Eventually, the three Pokémon yielded to Diancie's persuasion and entered the house with her and Munchlax.
Observing the half-eaten meal on the table, Diancie sighed deeply. "I wonder if Lucas will be hungry."
The moment Munchlax heard this, it too became visibly worried.
Delphox caught Diancie's comment and immediately appeared remorseful. "Delphox! Delphox!" We apologize for the disruption we've caused.
"Oh, please don't misunderstand," Diancie quickly waved her hands. "We're genuinely happy to help. Gardevoir and her baby's safety are paramount. I'm simply concerned about Lucas's welfare." I hope you won't continue to treat Lucas as an outsider after this.
"By the way, are you hungry? Please, join us—there's plenty of food remaining," Diancie offered to Delphox and the others.
Delphox and her companions felt too awkward to accept Lucas's food and politely declined, but Diancie was insistent.
"Come, everyone, please sit," she urged, guiding the three Pokémon to take seats without accepting their refusal. She didn't forget to instruct Munchlax: "Munchlax, please serve rice for our guests."
"Munch! Munchlax!"
Munchlax understood immediately and enthusiastically placed rice before the three Pokémon, completely disregarding their protests.
Eventually, the three Pokémon reluctantly began eating, taking small, hesitant bites.
Observing this scene, Diancie's face revealed a subtle, satisfied smile.
Once you've shared someone's food, you'll find it harder to remain distant. Let's see if you can continue ignoring Lucas in the future!
Meanwhile, as Lucas sat on Honchkrow's back, rushing anxiously toward Azoth Town, he suddenly received system notifications:
[Happiness Points: +100 +100 +100]
Guessing that Diancie was entertaining Delphox and the others, Lucas smiled and closed the system interface.
Azoth Town was a bustling city, brilliantly illuminated even at night. Following the lights, Honchkrow could easily maintain its direction.
Of course, as a nocturnal Dark-type Pokémon, Honchkrow possessed excellent night vision and wouldn't easily lose its way in darkness.
Soon, Lucas arrived at Azoth Town.
Having never visited the Pokémon Center there before, Lucas couldn't immediately direct Honchkrow to land precisely at its entrance.
However, the Pokémon Center's distinctive logo was highly visible. As Honchkrow circled above Azoth Town, Lucas quickly identified their destination.
"Honchkrow, there!"
Lucas called out, pointing toward a building with the unmistakable Poké Ball emblem on its roof.
"Honch!"
At this point, Gardevoir's moans had grown increasingly faint. Honchkrow, understanding the urgency, dove sharply toward the location Lucas indicated.
Despite the late hour, several Trainers still gathered at the Pokémon Center's entrance. Honchkrow's sudden descent startled many of them.
Lucas, cradling Gardevoir carefully, leaped nimbly from Honchkrow's back and apologized to the bystanders. "I'm very sorry for the disturbance! It's an emergency—please forgive the intrusion!"
Some had initially intended to reprimand him, but upon seeing Gardevoir's condition in Lucas's arms, they understood his urgency and silently withheld their complaints.
"Nurse Joy! Please help!"
Lucas rushed into the Pokémon Center, calling desperately for Nurse Joy's assistance.