"Teacher… what exactly is stored in Vault No. 1 and Vault No. 2?"
In the end, Chen Shi still couldn't resist asking.
Professor Oak opened his mouth to explain—
Then suddenly remembered how this brat had threatened him with Agatha earlier.
Instant mood change.
He leaned back, spread his hands with a teasing grin.
"How would I know? You're the one choosing from them.
You'll find out when you go in."
Chen Shi stared at him, speechless.
He understood clearly:
This was revenge.
Childish, petty, professor-level revenge.
But honestly?
It didn't matter.
Even Oak's little punishment was meaningless—because he was right.
Chen Shi would be choosing eventually.
So why rush?
"Fine, fine," Chen Shi shrugged. "But at least tell me when I'm supposed to choose."
Oak thought for a moment.
"After the World Championship. I'll go with you. Otherwise someone might try to give you trouble."
Chen Shi nodded. He wouldn't refuse that kindness.
Then Oak's eyes lit up, suddenly excited.
"Oh! And your guess was right. When I Mega Evolved my Kangaskhan, something fascinating happened."
"The child actually came out of the pouch and fought together with the mother."
"But Mega Evolution time was short, so I couldn't study it fully yet."
Chen Shi blinked—then stared at his teacher.
"Teacher… you really used Mega Evolution?"
"What do you mean REALLY?"
Oak puffed up instantly.
"Of course I can perform Mega Evolution!"
Chen Shi smiled faintly and chose not to comment.
After all—
Super Rookie Physique
—wasn't something to underestimate.
The meal ended soon after.
Professor Oak left with Ash and Gary in tow.
On the way back, Cynthia suddenly stopped.
"I have something to take care of today," she said calmly. "You all go back first. I probably won't return tonight."
Her tone was soft, face unreadable.
Chen Shi frowned slightly.
"Nothing happened, right?"
Cynthia shook her head and gave a small smile.
"No. Just personal matters. Don't worry."
Chen Shi hesitated, then said softly:
"If anything happens, tell me. I'll always be here."
Cynthia nodded, waved goodbye, and left.
No explanation.
No details.
Just like that.
Phoebe immediately scooted up next to him.
"Don't worry, Chen Shi-ge. Cynthia-sis probably just has private business. She'll be fine."
Chen Shi didn't reply—he simply walked with them.
They were together now, yes.
But that didn't mean he had any right to invade her privacy.
He respected her too much for that.
Still…
He couldn't shake the worry.
But with tomorrow's semifinals looming, he comforted himself with logic:
She wouldn't risk doing anything truly dangerous.
Probably.
Back home, Steven practically dragged him to the table.
Then he dumped a large pouch onto it.
"Old Chen! Help me identify these. Which Mega Stone belongs to which Pokémon?"
These stones were part of Steven's earliest haul—he had split the collection, so 16 stones remained here.
Chen Shi glanced over them, marking each one.
But two stones made him pause:
Charizardite Y
Tyranitarite
Steven noticed immediately.
"What's wrong with those two?"
Chen Shi picked up Charizardite Y without hesitation.
"I'm taking this one."
"As for the Tyranitarite—keep it safe. Mega Stones for pseudo-legendaries are worth far more."
Steven nodded without complaint.
Between them, a single Mega Stone wasn't worth fussing over.
Later, in his room, Chen Shi released all his partners.
He passed out food, watching them eat with warm amusement.
He stroked Charizard's head.
"So? Had fun today?"
"Roooar!"
Charizard perked up immediately, eyes sparkling with pride.
Then he lowered his head and nuzzled Chen Shi affectionately.
Today was the happiest day of Charizard's entire life.
He had stood on a stage he once couldn't even dream of.
Defeated opponents he once feared to look at.
Gained strength he never imagined.
Found companions who trusted him.
And a trainer who changed everything.
No fear of cold.
No empty hunger.
No being abandoned or sold.
No uncertainty.
Only warmth.
Only trust.
Only a future worth flying toward.
All because of the boy standing before him.
Chen Shi smiled, patting his head.
"Don't get arrogant. Stronger opponents are waiting for us."
"We'll beat them all. Together."
"Rooaar!"
Charizard nodded fiercely.
From beside them—
"Metaaaa!"
Metagross floated over, eyes filled with anticipation.
Chen Shi tapped its steel body with a knuckle.
"You'll go up tomorrow. Don't worry."
"Metaaaa!"
Metagross trembled with excitement, almost buzzing.
It couldn't wait to show its strength.
Then Togekiss fluttered forward.
"Togekii~?"
Chen Shi smiled.
"You too. You'll fight tomorrow."
"Togekiiiii!"
Unlike her little sister Leafeon, Togekiss actually loved battle.
She looked as though she could start fighting right now.
But Chen Shi wasn't as enthusiastic.
Because tomorrow's semifinal lineup was terrifying:
Cynthia
Steven
Lance
And himself.
No matter what—
Two sets of friends would be forced to battle.
There was no escaping it.
And Chen Shi had one desperate wish in his heart:
Please… please…
ANYONE but Cynthia.
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