The Breeding House renovations were almost complete, and Wayne's Breeder assessment was scheduled to take place in Jubilife City.
Wayne's month-long study period was coming to an end, and the old man had given him a day off.
The day before leaving Celestic Town, Wayne had planned to visit the Celestic Town Historical Research Institute. He wanted to consult with Cynthia's grandmother about the Legendary Pokémon of Time and Space—Dialga and Palkia—as well as the Lake Guardians: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf.
"She's gone to Eterna City and may not be back for a while," the security guard explained to Wayne.
Having grown up in Celestic Town and knowing Cynthia personally, Wayne had some connections at the institute.
"Alright, thank you," Wayne replied.
Due to the ongoing scientific expedition in Eterna City, Wayne was temporarily unable to meet her.
Wayne turned to say goodbye to Eden. Her Teddiursa and Farfetch'd stood beside her like loyal bodyguards on either side.
Because they had eaten plenty of Pokémon food made by Wayne during his stay, both Teddiursa and Farfetch'd had grown quite fond of him. Teddiursa even jumped down from its chair, tugging at Wayne's pants and begging for food.
"Teddiursa, you can't do that!" Sister Eden scolded gently.
"It's okay, here you go," Wayne said with a smile. He was prepared for this, pulling out a handful of Energy Cubes and gently stroking Teddiursa's head. "Farfetch'd gets some too."
Ding, gained 31 points of Energy Cube proficiency.
What Wayne feared most was them refusing to eat. The more they ate, the more proficiency he gained, so he welcomed their appetite.
"Sister Eden, contact me by phone if anything comes up. If you have time, come visit Jubilife City. I'll send you the address."
Sister Eden smiled, showing him her chat history with Wayne's mother. "No need—Fumie already sent it to me. I'll visit if I get the chance."
"Okay, goodbye."
Sister Eden raised her fist in encouragement. "Good luck with the Breeder assessment! I'm rooting for you!"
"Don't worry," Wayne replied confidently.
Wayne had signed up for the Intermediate Breeder assessment, and he felt completely prepared.
After bidding farewell to his grandfather, Wayne and his parents boarded the train bound for Jubilife City. The old man had no plans to go with them—he preferred staying in Celestic Town.
Before they parted, his grandfather gave him a stern reminder: "You cannot neglect your breeding studies. I've found you a teacher who will give you proper lessons. Don't embarrass me."
Wayne was stunned. "A teacher? Who is it?"
When it came to famous Breeders, Wayne's first thought was Blue, who was known as both a skilled Trainer and Breeder, as well as Professor Oak and Brock.
Wayne had heard of Blue and the others long ago. Blue had already become the Gym Leader of Viridian City Gym.
Times had changed. This was the information age now.
Blue's legendary five-minute Champion title run and Red's reputation as the reclusive battle legend of Mt. Silver were stories that Trainers never tired of discussing.
What Wayne wasn't sure about was whether Pallet Town had that ten-year-old kid named Ash, who seemed to have twenty-five years' worth of debut experience despite his age. He thought there should be, considering Sinnoh already had chain stores of "Jessie and James Ramen."
But weren't Blue and Professor Oak too high-profile for this? Would they really agree to teach him?
Impossible. Absolutely impossible!
Wayne immediately ruled them out.
His grandfather gave a knowing smile, like someone who had achieved great things but remained humble. "You'll know when you meet him. He'll only come after you pass the assessment."
Wayne nodded helplessly. "Alright."
"Gengar~"
Gengar, holding a handkerchief in its mouth, waved goodbye.
"Ga ga!" Farfetch'd called out.
(Work hard!)
The old man, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, watched them drive away before returning to his small courtyard.
Wayne, sitting in the back seat, watched this scene unfold.
"Dad, if there's a chance, let's bring Grandpa to Jubilife City."
"Your uncle and I have tried, but your grandpa doesn't want to go. He just likes living in Celestic Town."
"If the conditions aren't right, then we'll create them!" Wayne declared.
When Wayne said this, his back seemed to glow with determination!
Wayne seemed full of confidence, but in reality, he had no concrete ideas at all.
"Son, I'm rooting for you!" his dad said enthusiastically.
His dad was a master of motivational talk, providing plenty of emotional support. But that was all it was—you might as well give me some food delivery coupons instead!
Fumie knew what the father and son were worried about. "Don't worry too much. Your grandpa is still strong and healthy."
Wayne agreed with this assessment.
The old man could still chase him ten blocks with a stick if he wanted to.
Jubilife City was quite far from Celestic Town. Even taking the fastest maglev train would take eight hours.
Leaning back in his soft berth, Wayne looked at his personal status panel.
[Physique]: Heavenly Aura Physique (abbreviated)
[Specialty Dish Catalog]:
Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice (C-rank): Rapidly restores stamina after consumption. (Click to view detailed production process.)
[Skills]:
Breeding (Intermediate): Abbreviated (5,350 / 10,000)
Cooking (Intermediate): Your knife skills are excellent. You can control basic heat, and your seasoning is well-balanced. (1,217 / 10,000)
Energy Cube (Intermediate): Abbreviated (7,733 / 10,000)
Poffin (Intermediate): You can make Poffins that Pokémon enjoy according to their tastes. (109 / 10,000)
Backpack: Diancite, Tamato berry × 2
More than a month of study had been monotonous but incredibly rewarding.
He was no longer producing "Schrödinger's Poffins"—Poffins that might or might not be edible.
Wayne felt incredibly capable now.
The rapid increase in breeding experience was due to his grandfather's unreserved teaching over the past month. The old man had discovered Wayne's exceptional learning speed, which made him determined to find Wayne a proper teacher.
His grandfather's philosophy was to teach his grandson as much as possible while he was still enthusiastic about learning, just in case he lost interest someday.
The significant increase in Energy Cube proficiency was mainly thanks to Grandpa's Gengar. Gengar's seemingly bottomless appetite was like a four-dimensional stomach.
Although the Energy Cubes Wayne made were far inferior to his grandfather's, the old man simply didn't make any anymore! Gengar had no choice but to reluctantly eat Wayne's instead.
With multiple Pokémon providing feedback and Wayne carrying Poffins for on-the-spot distribution, his Cooking and Poffin skills had somehow reached Intermediate level.
The improvement in his breeding ability, combined with a steady supply of Energy Cubes, allowed Lucario to learn Extreme Speed.
His remarkably heavy Arcanine learned Body Slam, and its strength entered the Gym-level (Beginner) tier.
His Shiny Metang, a rare Pokémon with a promising future, reached the Senior-level (Beginner) tier. It successfully mastered Ice Punch, Protect, and Psychic.
Wayne expected Metang to evolve in just one or two months. Using Metal Coats and Steel Gems in conjunction with training could speed up the process even further.
While Wayne was practicing, his grandfather would occasionally provide special training for Lucario and the others.
Both main and side quests were progressing smoothly. Wayne glanced at them briefly before looking away.
He opened his phone and noticed a long string of messages from a friend.
[Ethan: Get online and play, hey!]
[Ethan: Waiting online, urgent!]
[Ethan: Boss, save me!]
[Wayne: ...]
[Ethan: Finally replying! I thought you were gone! No wait, those ellipses remind me of Champion Red!]