Three days seemed to fly by, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to schedule the challenge against the Mossdeep Gym.
The morning sunlight had just streamed into the room through the French windows when Lionel, still half-asleep, was awakened by a clattering sound of something being rummaged through.
He groggily reached for his phone on the table to check the time, but found nothing.
At the same time, notifications from the system panel in his mind kept ringing; the number of viewers and the popularity score in the live stream were skyrocketing at a visible rate.
"What's going on..."
Lionel rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking in the direction of the sound. He saw Larvesta in front of the full-length mirror, its claws rummaging through a jewelry box, its small bells and sequined bracelets scattered all over the floor.
His phone was hanging nearby by Larvesta's silken thread, showing Metagross the comments, while the live-streaming equipment was also filming Larvesta.
Ever since Lionel had Larvesta film the Metagross teaser video a few days ago, the guy had become completely obsessed with "managing the account."
The Metagross teaser video was surprisingly well-received, and the comment section exploded:
[Is that Metagross from behind? Why does it look bigger? Did it secretly learn Dragon Dance?]
[Can Metagross learn Dragon Dance?]
"It probably doesn't know this move. I haven't missed any of Steven's matches, and I've never seen Metagross use moves like Dragon Dance or Bulk Up."
"It must be a new combination move! The streamer is brewing up another big move, looking forward to the gym battle!"
The fans' praise made Larvesta incredibly arrogant, constantly using the phrase "genius director," and even "snatching" the account management rights from Lionel.
It couldn't understand the fans' comments, so it pestered Metagross to translate them every day.
Metagross was unlucky; in trying to help Larvesta understand fan feedback, it revealed its ability to understand human text, and now, besides training, it also has to work as a "translator."
Luckily, it has four brains and can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, otherwise it would have been so annoyed by this big, fat bug.
Right now, Larvesta is squeaking at the camera, picking up a small top hat and putting it on, clearly doing another "live makeup session."
It's even pulling its Vulpix, Ice Vulpix, and Deino in front of the camera, directing them to interact with the fans, acting like a professional streamer.
The fans in the live stream are having a field day:
[Hahaha, is Larvesta cosplaying as a Beastmaster? So funny!]
[Seriously, with that little hat on, it really does look like one!]
[Deino's reluctant look is hilarious! Seeing a proud dragon-type Pokémon perform is totally worth it!]
Lionel, watching this lively scene, shook his head helplessly. Shaking his head, he decided not to bother Larvesta.
Stretching, he planned to wash up first, then take everyone out for a good meal before heading to the Mossdeep Gym.
Just as he reached the bathroom door, a dark shadow darted over and clung tightly to his leg.
Looking down, Lionel saw it was Deino.
It turned out it was time for its "dressing up," and Larvesta was forcing it and two Vulpix to stand against the wall for a "makeup" session. A small flower wreath was now forcibly pinned to its head.
Deino couldn't take it anymore and immediately ran to Lionel for help, letting out a low, aggrieved growl. It didn't want to be tormented by Larvesta any longer.
"A Dragon-type Pokémon dressed up like this is really...unacceptable," Lionel said with a smile, removing the flower wreath from its head.
"Alright, ignore Larvesta. Come on, let's go wash up together."
Deino immediately wagged its tail happily and followed Lionel into the bathroom.
Leaving the Fire Vulpix and ice-type Vulpix looking at each other, ultimately, they couldn't resist the "authority" of their father, Larvesta, and obediently returned to their places, letting it dress them up.
When Lionel finished washing up and came out, Larvesta's makeup was finished.
The Vulpix, of course, were already used to it, but the most pitiful one was Metagross, who, besides helping Larvesta turn over...
In addition to the translation, it was also forced to wear the disguise of a Deino. Several pink butterfly stickers were pasted on its face, and Metagross's eyes revealed a look of utter despair.
[Help! What kind of hellish aesthetics is this Metagross dressed up like this, hahaha!]
[Larvesta understands internet traffic, this scene is too addictive!]
[Metagross's eyes are so helpless, I feel sorry for it for three seconds!]
"Alright, alright, stop fooling around."
Lionel stepped forward, removed all the stickers from Metagross's face, and slapped them all on Larvesta:
"Let's go have breakfast, and after that we'll go to the gym for a challenge."
Larvesta finally stopped torturing Metagross, and followed Lionel with the Vulpix.
The hotel breakfast was a buffet, with a dazzling array of choices.
Lionel specially got a lot of Mossdeep City specialties for the Pokémon, watching them eat with relish, and got himself a sandwich and milk, finding a seat by the window.
As Lionel ate, he recalled the information about Liza and Tate:
Their father was the director of the Space Research Center, and the siblings possessed superhuman mental strength from birth.
While not as terrifying as Sabrina, the Gym Leader of Saffron City in Kanto, they could still communicate telepathically with Pokémon without words. Commanding a Pokémon allows it to unleash its battle moves.
Furthermore, being twins, they possess an innate connection, cooperating seamlessly and becoming virtually invincible in double battles.
Moreover, the siblings are still in their rebellious teenage years, leading to some unconventional approaches to managing their gym.
While not as radical as Flannery, they have established a rule: only trainers they deem worthy can take the gym badge from them.
Since taking over the Mossdeep Gym, it has become one of the most difficult gyms to conquer in the Hoenn region, with countless trainers falling victim to its attacks.
Although Liza and Tate's father specializes in research rather than battling and is not particularly skilled, he cannot effectively guide them...
However, it would be a grave mistake to underestimate their abilities by providing too much guidance.
Their father, a core researcher at Devon Corporation, has provided the siblings with top-tier nurturing conditions and training support since birth, thanks to the company's resources.
Excellent nurturing programs, high-grade energy cubes, and even tailor-made training plans—all these factors have enabled them to become Gym Leaders at a young age, just like Flannery.
For today's Gym challenge, Lionel had already decided that Metagross must unleash its full power without reservation.
Although both are members of Devon Corporation, Lionel's time with the company is relatively short, and there are always those vague rumors:
They said he owed his success to Steven's favoritism; otherwise, he would never have achieved what he has today.
This time, Lionel will make sure everyone at Devon Corporation understands that he is the undisputed strongest rookie trainer in the company.
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