I never imagined it would actually be inside this very farm!
Wallace recalled a frame from a video he had previously watched, showing Regice.
He tried to take deep breaths to calm his pounding heart and slightly elevated body temperature. Luckily, being in an ice cellar now, the physical chill worked wonders.
To this day, the Hoenn region still faces a looming disaster that could strike at any moment.
Once the creators of the sea and land awaken, their battle will unleash natural disasters across all of Hoenn.
Wallace and his friend Steven have long been making contingency plans, devising various solutions.
One such plan is to use the power of the legendary three giants to suppress the might of the two ancient Pokémon.
They are still investigating the current whereabouts of the three giants of legend, but now, right before him, stands Regice itself!
Exhaling a puff of white mist, Wallace cautiously asked, "This Regice is—?"
"It's one I caught in Galar. Now, it's the farm's security guard—very reliable," Lucas replied.
He walked over and patted the big guy with a smile.
The round dots on Regice's face flickered as if it was holding something back.
It wasn't that Regice disliked Lucas's touch; it was simply doing its best to control its cold aura, so as not to affect the outside world.
Calyrex had told it that once it started moving, its cold would unconsciously spread, freezing the surrounding area and creating the environment it craved.
If that happened, all the lively crops and beautiful flowers would be frozen solid. Regice didn't want that, so it rarely came up to the surface, instead staying quietly in the ice cellar.
When Calyrex arrived, Regice didn't hesitate much and followed it to learn how to carefully restrain its power, so as not to trouble those around it.
Now, Lucas's hand, which was merely slightly red and not frozen, was evidence of Regice's successful training.
"A guard, huh? How extravagant," Wallace laughed. "But it certainly fits their status."
After his initial surprise, Wallace was able to objectively assess Regice's power.
While its aura was restrained, there was still some immaturity. If he fought it, he might be able to defeat and capture it—if only he had the luck and opportunity.
After meeting Regice, Lucas led Wallace to the part of the ice cellar where the Rayquaza ice sculpture was kept.
Nearby, in a small grove, Ninetales was meditating, and you could see the sleeping forms of an Abomasnow couple and a Snover.
Not wanting to disturb them, Lucas led Wallace directly to the ice sculpture.
"This is what you wanted to see, right?" Lucas smiled.
"Yes," Wallace nodded, transfixed by the sculpture before him.
Compared to photos or videos, standing before the actual sculpture, he could feel its grandeur and magnificence.
It was as if a perfect one-to-one replica of some reference object.
Though there was no sunlight, under the lamp, every dragon scale on the majestic body was clearly visible, crystal-clear, almost letting light pass through.
What was even more rare was the integrity and artistry of the sculpture.
It made Wallace wonder if Lucas had actually seen Rayquaza in person—otherwise, how could he have captured every detail so perfectly?
Although Wallace himself had only seen some rough statues and wasn't sure if Rayquaza truly looked like this, his sense for beauty told him that every curve and groove of the sculpture blended with the whole, possessing a harmonious beauty.
If the Meteor People saw this, they'd probably go absolutely crazy.
Sighing inwardly, Wallace focused all his attention on admiring the awe-inspiring sculpture.
Afterward, Lucas introduced Wallace to Ninetales and Milotic. At Wallace's insistence, they demonstrated a few moves for him.
Even knowing the odds were slim, Wallace couldn't help but say, "Their talents are outstanding—natural stars for the Pokémon Super Contest. Given time, they'll be every bit as dazzling as my own partners."
"Are you sure you don't want to double as a Contest star? You've surely felt the thrill of coordinating a Pokémon's beauty, moves, posture, and performance, and basking in the cheers of the crowd."
But Lucas shook his head. "As an occasional pastime, sure, but I have no intention of specializing in it. That's not just my decision—Ninetales and Milotic feel the same."
He and his Pokémon preferred the farm's tranquil life to the endless competitions of the Contest circuit.
Just as he said, Contests were at most a spice to make life more interesting.
Knowing this, and already mentally prepared, Wallace didn't press further, only showing some regret before saying:
"The recent school Contest was well received. On behalf of the Contest Association, I've reached a cooperation agreement with the Paldea League. We're preparing to take the Pokémon Super Contest to Paldea."
"Once I wrap things up here, I'll return to Hoenn."
"If you ever travel to Hoenn, please visit Sootopolis City. After all, sometimes I serve as the Gym Leader there."
Wallace winked, and after exchanging contact info, finally took his leave.
Watching Wallace's departing figure, even Lucas couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
He really is a free spirit.
…
October 15, Naranja Academy, Infirmary.
"The shockwave from Brick Break spread through the whole body—not just the head. Every part, even the tree that represents Torterra's vitality, needs a thorough check."
Under Miriam's disgruntled gaze, Lucas carefully examined Torterra and explained the process to Paul.
Paul sat upright, very serious—if he'd brought paper and pen, he'd be taking meticulous notes.
Once Lucas finished treating Torterra and ensured every hot spot was properly handled, he stood up.
"I'm supposed to be the infirmary teacher here, Head Instructor! You're stealing my thunder!" Miriam pouted.
Lucas's skills made her feel she could be replaced at any time. No way! I want to stay and teach here for real!
Lucas glanced at her. "Don't worry, I'm not stealing your job."
They'd simply come to the closest infirmary with their Torterra, who was still in pain from a Politoed's Brick Break.
After all, Comfey wasn't here today, and Shizuka had taken leave to visit home and catch her third Pokémon.
Miriam, feeling a bit slighted, squatted down to help Lucas tidy up the medicine bottles, sneaking glances at him.
Naughty thoughts bubbled up in her mind—If I had my Munna hypnotize Lucas, couldn't I get him to do anything I wanted? Even make him secure my position!
But thinking of Lucas's status, her courage fizzled, and she forced her heated brain to calm down.
Maybe I was getting ahead of myself...
After thanking her, Lucas left with Paul toward the Battle Hall.
They chatted idly—mostly Paul asking about recent problems, and Lucas providing solutions.
For example: How to toughen up Crocalor's defense, how to teach Torterra Frenzy Plant, how to stop Ursaring from sneaking out at night to raid the neighbor's Combee hives...
Before they knew it, they'd reached the Battle Hall.
There they met Shizuka, still in her Nurse Joy uniform, not yet changed into her Naranja Academy clothes.
Paul, always observant, stared at her for a while before blurting, "So you really are a Nurse Joy?"
He'd thought she'd just dyed her hair and was cosplaying.
This instantly ruined Shizuka's good mood—she glared at Paul. We've known each other so long, and he still says things that are so unintentionally hurtful!
What about me doesn't look like a Joy?
But she was in a good mood today—she'd let it slide.
"Teacher, look what I've got!" Shizuka beamed, holding up a Poké Ball.
"Tada! My aunt from Kanto brought this new partner for me!"
"She said it was received from the famous Pokémon Professor Oak himself!"
That piqued Lucas's interest.
From Professor Oak?
Was it one of the Kanto starters—Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur—or maybe a Pikachu, as common as strays?
Paul, now silent, stared intently at the Poké Ball—he clearly knew of Professor Oak and was interested in what Pokémon was inside.
Shizuka didn't keep them in suspense. She pressed the button, and with a flash of red light, the Pokémon materialized: a toad-like creature walking on four legs, carrying a giant seed on its back.
It was Bulbasaur, one of Kanto's starters!
"Grass and Poison type—a perfect addition to your team. Otherwise, people might think you're only into Normal types," Paul observed.
Bulbasaur, like Torterra, had much in common, and he could share experiences with Shizuka in the future.
But just then, Lucas realized something.
Wait! Something's not right—something's very off!
He stared at Bulbasaur's round spots and curious red eyes and inhaled sharply.
He swore he hadn't influenced Shizuka's selection, so was this fate, or something else…?
Chansey, Porygon, and now Bulbasaur—this team composition was all wrong!
Shizuka, oblivious to Lucas's odd expression, picked up Bulbasaur and smiled. "This little one's vines are super dexterous—if I were still working at the Pokémon Center, it'd be the best assistant!"
"But now…" she paused, rubbing cheeks with Bulbasaur in a cute display, yet what she said next was chilling.
"Chansey says it's nearly taught Bulbasaur Toxic~"
Lucas: "…"
Paul: "…"
…
Afternoon.
After class, Lucas attended his usual two-hour medical lesson with Nurse Joy Rin at the Los Platos Town Pokémon Center, and was praised: "You've improved a lot!"
This boosted his confidence in his medical skills.
Back home, he ran into Oranguru and Tandemaus cleaning. Oranguru greeted him, took his coat, and hung it up.
Lucas eyed the little Tandemaus duo with their feather dusters, for some reason picturing mice flying planes and tanks. Curious, he asked Oranguru, "How are they? Easy to manage?"
Oranguru nodded, then, picking up on the Tandemaus' alert ears, replied via psychic link: "They cooperate seamlessly, like you said—the perfect innate housekeepers."
"Great," Lucas nodded, then changed into work clothes, called Luxray from its nap, grabbed some desserts made by Alcremie, and headed out to check on the team.
By now, Calyrex should be with Mudsdale and the three Diglett, working on reclaiming land by the stream.
Before leaving, Lucas grabbed his Z-Ring and Groundium Z.
In the games, Z-Rototiller only boosted Attack by one stage, but here, the Z-Crystal's power dramatically improved the efficiency and effect of plowing.
Lucas even suspected that Tapu Bulu's legendary tilling skills were due to Z-Power—or perhaps Necrozma's light.
After all, in the anime, Ultra Necrozma's restored light revived barren lands in an instant.
…