Chapter 522: Spinel

"I'm exhausted! Huo La, you haven't been cooped up in the Pokemon Center all afternoon without going out, have you?"

Bilan flopped onto Huo La's bed, looking lazy and slouchy, with a face that said she was tired from shopping.

Huo La gave a gentle nod.

At that moment, Paipa carried a plate of freshly made sandwiches over, set it steadily on the table, and said with a smile, "Come try! I added Galar's special spices and crafted a new flavor just for you."

Huo La casually grabbed one and took a big bite.

In an instant, the spicy sensation mixed with a unique sweet burst in his mouth, the flavor shot straight up to the heavens, especially invigorating.

He exhaled lightly, chewed slowly, and the rich meaty aroma intertwined with the sweet‑spicy taste, spreading layer by layer between his lips and teeth, the flavor remarkably stunning.

After swallowing the food, Huo La sincerely praised, "Once everything is fully resolved, I'll definitely partner with you to open a sandwich shop!"

Hearing that, Paipa immediately broke into a sincere smile.

To him, Huo La's acknowledgment was the highest validation of his cooking skills.

Huo La set the sandwich down, composed his relaxed expression, and asked, "By the way, besides shopping this afternoon, did you hear any strange news?"

Paipa and Bilan exchanged a glance and both shook their heads.

Huo La took a deep breath and said slowly, "I ran into someone this afternoon, Dande's childhood friend, Suonia."

"Dan Di Alliance Leader's childhood friend?!"

"It's actually Suonia!"

The two instantly became interested, but their points of focus were completely different.

Huo La nodded and continued, "She's Doctor Mu Lan's assistant, currently helping the Doctor investigate Galar's legends, searching for the legendary Divine Beasts Sword and Shield."

"Divine Beast?!"

Hearing those words, Bilan and Paipa instantly spoke in unison, their eyes lighting up.

"Every region has its own Guardian Deity, and Galar is no exception," Huo La explained patiently, "But there's a strange point: even a top scholar of Doctor Mu Lan's caliber only knows the ancient legends of Sword and Shield, and can't be sure they are actually two Pokemon Divine Beasts."

"Then how do you know Sword and Shield are Divine Beasts?" Bilan asked curiously.

"Ahem… I learned it from records in ancient texts a thousand years old," Huo La muttered offhand.

Paipa finished the last bite of his sandwich, wiped his mouth, and suddenly remembered the main matter: "By the way, Huo La, you haven't told us why we specifically came to Galar this time?"

Huo La thought briefly and said plainly, "My real goal in coming to Galar this time is Luozi's portable Dynamax technology."

"Dynamax technology?!"

Hearing that, Bilan and Paipa both widened their eyes, faces full of astonishment.

Paipa scratched his head and, somewhat surprised, said, "I thought you came specifically to catch Aimeijiao and the others."

As soon as the words finished, a clear knock sounded from outside the door.

Huo La frowned and warned, "Who's there?"

A cool, familiar female voice came from outside, "It's me, Spinel."

Huo La, hearing that, helplessly glanced at Paipa beside him.

That mouth really does say exactly who's coming.

Huo La opened the door.

Spinel, dressed in a sleek black outfit, scanned the room with a cold gaze, and without waiting for greetings, strode straight in.

Paipa, being considerate, quickly stepped aside to make room.

Spinel glanced at the sandwiches on the table, took one without hesitation, bit into it, tasted it carefully, and gave a slight nod.

"Paipa, your cooking is still beyond reproach," she said, then set the sandwich down and turned to Huo La.

"You came to Galar without even giving a heads‑up."

Huo La looked at her and, helplessly, asked back, "It was a last‑minute decision this time. But you, why are you here?"

"Since you're here, I'm naturally present as well." Spinel's tone was calm as she explained slowly, "The Explorer Team has always had people stationed in Galar, specifically watching Aimeijiao and Luozi's movements."

Back then, Jibeiweng died at Luozi's hands, and Aimeijiao was involved throughout, essentially an accomplice.

That incident was a blatant provocation to the entire Explorer Team, and Spinel has kept that grudge in her heart, determined to avenge it.

However, with the current chaotic situation among all parties, launching an outright war against Galar now would only give others an opening, so they have remained patient and inactive.

"So you think I'm planning to take action against Galar?" Huo La was half amused, half exasperated.

Spinel shook her head lightly, "I don't think so."

She said bluntly, "My people have already reported your afternoon conversation with Suonia to me."

Huo La felt a slight alarm in his heart and instantly caught on.

Seeing his surprise, Spinel explained, "No need to be surprised; my people are just permanently stationed in Galar to monitor the situation, not specifically watching you. If I truly wanted to surveil you, I would have appeared back during the Galaxy Team era."

Huo La composed himself and got straight to the point, "So what's your purpose in coming to see me this time?"

Spinel's gaze was resolute as she said calmly, "I promised before that I'd do everything to help you. Your purpose this trip is Luozi's unique portable Dynamax technology."

"With the contacts and influence the Explorer Team has established in Galar, I can get you smoothly into the heavily fortified Macrocom Group."

Huo La stared at her quietly for a few seconds, then gave a gentle shake of his head.

"No need for that hassle. With my name, I can go straight to the Macrocom Group and request a visit; Luozi will most likely meet me."

Spinel stared at him steadily, and after a moment gave a faint smile, her eyes showing a hint of understanding: "It seems you truly never considered seizing Galar outright."

Huo La replied calmly, "If Galar were now in chaos, its people suffering and in dire straits, I might intervene in the name of the League. But now it is stable and peaceful, commerce is thriving, the situation is improving, and forcibly disrupting the order here would mean nothing to the League or anyone."

He then shifted his tone, eyes firm: "Moreover, I want to try to untie Luozi's emotional knot, address his concerns, and get him to willingly cooperate with us."

"You're unusually confident," Spinel remarked lightly, then added, "Since you already have a plan, I won't interfere. If you ever need help later, just ask; I'll stay here until you leave Galar."

"Actually, I do have a place where I need your help," Huo La replied immediately.

Spinel raised a slight eyebrow, a hint of curiosity on her face.

Huo La's gaze grew solemn as he slowly laid out the arrangement, "I need you to go with me to Wei Ji Forest…"