The final Mega Stone of the evening sparked the fiercest battle yet. Suzuki Yu seemed determined to secure it at all costs, and the price quickly surged to three billion Poké Dollars.
Unfortunately for him, Wallace was even more relentless. His bids came without hesitation, pressing down on Suzuki Yu at every turn.
In the end, the Altarianite was claimed by Wallace for 3.5 billion—an even higher price than the earlier Charizardite.
Chen Shi couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Wallace truly cared for Winona.
He only hoped she would understand his sincerity and stop overthinking things.
But that had nothing to do with him.
After the auction concluded, Chen Shi and the other three, having enjoyed quite the spectacle, exited through the rear of the venue.
"What are your plans next?" Diantha asked as they prepared to part ways.
Leon answered frankly, "Professor Magnolia told me that a newly discovered grandsecret realm has appeared in Hoenn. Talents from various regions have been invited to train there, so I plan to stay in Hoenn and wait for it to open."
"And practice Mega Evolution in the meantime."
"We're thinking the same," Chen Shi, Steven, and Cynthia replied almost in unison.
Diantha smiled. "Then I suppose we'll meet again inside thesecret realm."
"See you there."
Soon, Diantha and Leon departed. Chen Shi waved goodbye to Steven and Cynthia as well.
With nowhere specific to go, Chen Shi and Cynthia checked into a hotel.
"Damn it, why can't I ever run into one of those understanding front desk clerks?"
Once inside the room, Chen Shi clutched his chest dramatically, devastated.
Wasn't there supposed to be only one room left?
Such a golden opportunity—finally traveling alone with Cynthia—and it was ruined because the receptionist was too competent!
Television dramas really were lies.
At this rate, when was he ever going to reach third base?
Bang!
A Poké Ball at his waist popped open on its own, and Togekiss appeared in front of him, eyes filled with undisguised amusement.
"Ge-kiss~"
Even if you had the chance, you wouldn't make it count.
Chen Shi shot it an annoyed glare. "What are you laughing at? What does a single bird like you know? Keep laughing and I'll leave you in your Poké Ball forever!"
"Ge-kiss~"
Togekiss looked completely unconcerned.
Single bird? So what? I'm proud.
And as if you'd really have the heart to keep someone as adorable as me locked away.
It wasn't worried in the slightest.
"Ge-kiss~"
(I'm hungry.)
"All you ever think about is food."
Chen Shi grumbled, but he still removed his backpack, took out the energy cubes, and released Dragapult and the others.
"Hungry, right? Go ahead."
He portioned out each Pokémon's energy cubes properly. Mew didn't get left out either.
As he watched them eat happily, his thoughts drifted.
The auction was over. Next, it was time to make a trip to Meteor Falls.
Whether the Draconid people could truly contact Rayquaza or not, it was still a lead worth pursuing.
"Hopefully there'll be some good news," Chen Shi murmured.
His gaze shifted to Dragapult. With the help of thesecret realm core, Dragapult had made significant progress. Since the World Championships ended, it had gained another level and now stood at Level 65.
If they could successfully achieve Bond Phenomenon again, Dragapult might even break into Champion-level territory.
They had tried several times recently, but for some reason, they couldn't recreate that feeling from the battle against Lance.
Still, Chen Shi wasn't discouraged.
Dragapult had already developed the potential for Bond Phenomenon. With continued practice, they would surely master it—just like Ash's Greninja in the anime.
As for the others, there hadn't been much progress. Charizard and Metagross were both still at the peak of Gym Leader level.
They had advanced too quickly before. Now they needed time to stabilize and refine their strength.
Chen Shi then took Victini's egg out of his backpack and examined it.
There was still no sign of hatching.
It was lacking Victory Energy.
From now on, he would keep the little one with him. If Victini could hatch soon, it would significantly increase their confidence heading into the secret realm.
Even if a newly hatched Victini wouldn't have strong combat ability, its uniqueness was undeniable. With its boundless energy, it could replenish Dragapult and the others continuously.
As long as their energy supply was endless, overwhelming firepower would solve everything.
That was why Trainers who possessed Victini were said to win every battle.
Unlimited ultimate moves—how could you lose?
...
When the sun rose, Chen Shi was awakened by Togekiss licking his face.
Rubbing his eyes, he changed clothes, prepared food for Dragapult and the others, then went to wash up.
The moment he stepped into the bathroom, there was a knock at the door.
Togekiss immediately waddled over to open it.
"Ge-kiss~"
Seeing Cynthia, Togekiss' eyes brightened.
"Oh, it's Togekiss. Where's Chen Shi?" Cynthia asked with a gentle smile, patting its head.
Togekiss extended a wing toward the bathroom.
"Ge-kiss~"
"I see. Thank you, Togekiss."
She took out a piece of candy and handed it over.
Though she couldn't understand Togekiss' words, the gesture was clear enough.
Togekiss was delighted. No ice cream, but candy was good too.
It quickly accepted the treat, glanced back to see Mew still focused on its energy cubes, then swiftly hid the candy.
That little schemer mustn't find out.
Otherwise, candy would become a shared resource too.
Dragapult and the others lifted their heads to greet Cynthia. She responded warmly to each of them.
Soon, Chen Shi came out, towel draped around his neck, and saw Cynthia waiting.
"You're here early. I was planning to come find you."
"I woke up earlier than usual, so I came over."
She paused, then asked softly, "Are we heading home today?"
"No. I need to make a trip to Meteor Falls."
Cynthia nodded thoughtfully and said simply, "Take me with you."
"Alright. Let's go together."
Chen Shi didn't mind. He could treat it as a small outing for her.
...
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