"Hello, we're here to see Master Tekken," Kalia spoke firmly and sincerely as she noticed the security guard approaching.
The guard was accompanied by a Houndoom, which glared menacingly at Kalia. Clearly, the security around Master Tekken's villa was robust, given the high demand for his Pokémon armor technology.
"Master Tekken is unavailable today. Please leave," the guard replied coldly after briefly examining Kalia and Julian.
Considering Master Tekken's status, it was sheer wishful thinking for these two youngsters to request a meeting with him directly. Even influential figures from the Sebas region would bring gifts and formally seek an audience with Master Tekken.
Strictly speaking, Kalia and Julian were still children, far from adulthood, and thus lacked understanding of the adult world's complexities.
Kalia felt somewhat displeased upon hearing this, sensing the guard's dismissive attitude. It wasn't that Master Tekken was genuinely unavailable; rather, the guard simply didn't want them to enter. Meeting with Master Tekken was not something easily accessible to just anyone.
She couldn't blame the guard entirely, knowing that Master Tekken had a notoriously bad temper, likely influencing those working under him. However, she remained determined to meet with him on this visit.
"I suggest you let us through," Kalia said and then produced a metal fragment, which was indeed the token she mentioned earlier. She firmly believed that once Master Tekken saw this token, it would resolve any issue.
"No way! Leave immediately; this is a private area. If you don't depart soon, I'll have to take action," the guard sternly warned. If these youngsters didn't leave promptly, he was prepared to unleash his Houndoom on them.
"We must see Master Tekken today. Here's his personal token; please inform him, and he will undoubtedly meet with me," Kalia had no choice but to reveal the crucial token, holding up the fragment towards the guard.
"Your words echo those of eight out of ten people before you, all proven to be lies. I won't believe you. Now, quickly depart, or I really will set the dog loose."
However, the security guard remained unconvinced. "Personal tokens? I've seen countless individuals trying to meet Master Tekken, using various tricks to deceive me into opening the door. Most ended up being expelled by Master Tekken himself, often followed by a scolding for me as well."
Ever since that incident, the guard stopped opening the door casually, refusing entry regardless of who arrived unless they offered some benefit. Clearly, Kalia hadn't brought a gift for Master Tekken, nor did she intend to offer anything to the guard.
"You." Kalia was furious; why wouldn't this security guard let her inside? All she wanted was to meet Master Tekken and present him with the token.
However, the guard remained adamant, preventing her from seeing Master Tekken. Without presenting the token, she couldn't convince him to custom-make Pokémon Armor for her.
Forcing entry wasn't an option, as it could anger Master Tekken, leading him to refuse crafting the armor altogether - a risk too great to take.
Feeling helpless, Kalia faced a stubborn guard barring her way. What could she do now?
"Perhaps you could give this fragment to Master Tekken. I'm confident that once he sees it, he'll agree to meet me. Would that be acceptable?" Kalia suggested, knowing it was risky but having no other choice.
If Master Tekken received the fragment yet denied its significance, there would be no need for Kalia to request custom Pokémon Armor from him.
The security guard took the fragment from Kalia's hand, observing her closely and sensing no deceit in her eyes. Handing over just the fragment to find Master Tekken seemed harmless enough; all he had to ensure was not letting her enter. Master Tekken likely wouldn't scold him for this minor action.
"All right, wait here. But if you're lying to me, you'll be in deep trouble." The guard nodded, accepted the fragment, and entered the villa.
"Kalia, that's quite a risk," Julian expressed his concern after seeing the fragment taken away. After all, it represented Master Tekken's personal favor, and what if the guard had malicious intentions?
"It's fine." Kalia shook her head, undeterred. If the worst-case scenario occurred as Julian feared, there would be nothing she could do but regret trusting the guard.
Time passed swiftly.
The security guard hurried back, his previous cold demeanor replaced by a smile.
Seeing the guard's expression, Kalia knew that Master Tekken must have recognized the fragment token and agreed to meet them.
"You may enter now. Master Tekken invites you inside," the guard announced. After showing the fragment to Master Tekken, he was promptly instructed to escort the duo into the villa, so he rushed back without delay.
"Thank you," Kalia replied with a slight smile.
As the guard opened the gate, Kalia and Julian stepped onto the grounds of Master Tekken's luxurious villa, following the guard towards its interior.
"Wow, such opulence! The luxury of the wealthy is truly impressive," Julian marveled as he glanced around their surroundings with envy. As someone from humble origins, he typically resided at Pokémon Centers and had to work part-time jobs just to cover his living expenses.
"Yes, indeed," Kalia nodded in agreement. Although she was already a mid-level Trainer capable of earning substantial Alliance Coins, purchasing a lavish villa like this remained beyond her reach.
This wasn't something achievable with merely hundreds of thousands of Alliance Coins. Even for Kalia, who aimed to open her own small flower shop, she wasn't certain if she'd have enough funds, let alone afford a grand villa.
Shortly, they were led into the villa's interior living room, where the security guard promptly departed to resume guarding the premises. An auntly figure then arrived to welcome them.
Seated quietly in the living room, they awaited Master Tekken. It didn't take long before he appeared.
Initially, Kalia envisioned Master Tekken as a rugged middle-aged man, considering the physical nature of crafting Pokémon Armor involves forging metallic materials—a demanding task requiring strength.
Working consistently in high-temperature environments often results in a dark complexion and robust appearance, typical characteristics of those engaged in such professions.
However, contrary to expectations, Master Tekken appeared quite young for his middle age. Dressed impeccably in formal attire, he greeted them with a warm smile.
Kalia couldn't help but feel skeptical; she had heard about Master Tekken's reputedly fiery temper, yet the man before her seemed genuinely amiable and respectable.
"Hello, I am Tekken," Master Tekken said with a gentle smile. Without wasting any time, he promptly produced Kalia's token: a simple piece of metal fragment.
"Is this your fragment?" Master Tekken looked at Kalia, as per the security guard's account, it was she who presented the fragment.
"Yes, it is. I assisted someone, and this was the payment he gave me. His name is Samson." Kalia replied.
"Hmm, you're not lying." Master Tekken nodded affirmatively. This fragment indeed matched the one he had given to Jean. Considering their mutual understanding, since Samson handed it over, it signified that Kalia must have significantly helped him.
"What request do you have? Are you seeking a custom-made set of Pokémon Armor?" Tekken asked.
"That's correct," Kalia affirmed, her goal being to create specialized armor for her Charizard.