"Altaria gains the Fairy type after Mega Evolution…?"
Everyone's expressions turned strange.
No one had expected Chen Shi to give such an unexpected answer.
After all—
Altaria was quite well-known among Dragon-type Pokémon.
Even if it wasn't as "pure-blooded" as Garchomp or Dragonite, it was still a famous Dragon-type.
Yet now—
After Mega Evolution, it would gain a type that counters itself?
Could it be…
Altaria was a traitor to its own kind?
Winona quickly snapped out of it and asked:
"Mr. Chen Shi, could you be mistaken? Altaria is a Dragon-type Pokémon."
Chen Shi shook his head calmly, though his expression was slightly odd.
"Altaria being Dragon-type doesn't mean it can't also have a type that counters itself."
"In fact, there are quite a few examples like this."
"…For example, Gliscor. Or Lanturn. Or Gallade."
To convince her, he even listed a few cases.
That left Winona speechless.
Because she knew those Pokémon.
And Chen Shi wasn't wrong.
Take Lanturn, for instance—
It was quite common in Hoenn waters.
A Water/Electric-type Pokémon.
Which technically…
Also "countered itself."
Originally, Chen Shi had even considered mentioning Volcanion—
But worried they might not recognize it.
After all—
Volcanion was both Water and Fire-type.
Two elements that were supposed to be incompatible—
Yet somehow, it made them work perfectly.
Even wielding high-temperature steam as an attack.
Absolutely insane.
Winona sighed softly.
"…Alright. But what does that have to do with my failure to Mega Evolve?"
Chen Shi chuckled.
"No need to worry so much. Dragon/Fairy is actually a pretty good typing."
He paused, then continued:
"Diantha had a similar issue before."
"I suspect it's because Gardevoir's Fairy typing hadn't fully awakened, which caused the Mega Evolution to fail."
"So for your Altaria—"
"You can try feeding it Fairy-type energy cubes."
"That might help."
Diantha nodded in agreement.
"That's right. I had the same problem."
"But after letting Gardevoir consume Fairy-type energy cubes for a while, I feel like I'm very close to succeeding now."
Hearing this, Winona's expression finally eased.
Beside her, Wallace gently held her hand, offering comfort.
Winona looked at him—
Her eyes softening with gratitude… and a hint of guilt.
Back then, because of her own struggles—
She had even brought up breaking up with him.
Yet Wallace hadn't blamed her at all.
Instead, he had spent a great price to obtain Altaria's Mega Stone as a gift for her.
But because she couldn't complete Mega Evolution—
She had felt increasingly unworthy of his effort.
Now, finally realizing it wasn't her fault—
She felt relieved.
And let go.
She gave Wallace a reassuring look.
Then stood up and bowed slightly to Chen Shi.
"Thank you. Your answer really means a lot to me."
Chen Shi quickly waved his hands.
"Why do all of you like doing this? I already said there's no need to be so formal—we're all friends."
"Next time I'm late and have to drink three penalty cups, just help me out, alright?"
Everyone froze for a second—
Then burst into laughter.
"Right, we're all friends. No need to be so polite."
…
The next morning—
Everyone woke up early and gathered outside the hotel.
Chen Shi still had the same "setup"—
Jirachi in his arms.
An Eevee on one shoulder.
And Victini hidden invisibly.
Many people greeted him politely as they saw him, and he responded to each of them.
Steven walked over with a grin.
"Chen, your setup is really something. You attract more attention than me walking down the street."
Chen Shi looked at him like he was an idiot—
And didn't bother replying.
At that moment, several staff members approached.
"Good morning, everyone. Buses will arrive shortly. Please board in an orderly manner—they will take you to Sootopolis Harbor, where you'll board ships to depart."
Everyone listened quietly.
No one was surprised.
Clearly—
They already knew the plan.
But Wallace showed no interest.
He waved his hand—
And a long luxury car pulled up.
"Everyone, why not take my car instead? It's not far anyway."
This was obviously directed at Steven, Chen Shi, and Cynthia.
And none of them objected.
After all—
Why take a crowded bus when a luxury car was available?
They weren't fools.
The staff didn't interfere.
Those people were among the League's top talents—
No point causing trouble over something so minor.
As long as they reached the destination, it didn't matter.
In fact—
Many participants hadn't even stayed at the hotel.
…
At Sootopolis Harbor—
A large crowd had already gathered.
Staff members.
Trainers preparing to enter the secret realm.
Among them—
Chen Shi spotted Leon, Lance, and Lorelei.
A massive luxury cruise ship was docked at the port.
Beside it—
A smaller ship.
Chen Shi recognized it immediately.
That was Drake's ship.
He had seen it once from afar at Mt. Pyre.
Meanwhile, Lance and Leon had been chatting—
But stopped when Chen Shi and the others approached.
Chen Shi grinned.
"Yo, Dodo Bird. Long time no see."
Lance: "…"
The moment he heard that nickname—
His smile froze.
Then his face darkened.
Everyone present had attended the World Championships ceremony.
They all knew exactly what "Dodo Bird" meant.
Seeing Lance's expression—
Many of them nearly burst out laughing.
"My name is Lance. Lance! Not Dodo Bird!"
He practically forced the words through clenched teeth.
Chen Shi casually walked up and patted his shoulder.
"Ah, don't sweat the small details."
Even he didn't know why—
But every time he saw Lance, he had the urge to tease him.
Maybe…
It was just pre-secret-realm nerves.
Definitely not because he enjoyed messing with him.
Yep.
Definitely not.
…
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