Chapter 55: Chairman Zhi Mi's Battle Invitation

Luo Mu nodded slightly and said, "Whether it's the vegetable aspic rich in texture and flavor, or the wakame sea bass soup with its overwhelming umami, there is no need to rank these two delicacies against each other... or rather, their flavors complement each other in a surprisingly perfect way."

"The taste of the vegetable aspic can deliver an even richer and more complex feast for the palate after the ultimate umami of the wakame sea bass soup."

"Similarly, after the taste feast of the vegetable aspic, the wakame sea bass soup can better dilute the sensory impact left by the aspic."

"Therefore, I personally believe there is no need to determine which is superior; both dishes are crafted from your heartfelt efforts, and rather than forcing a winner and loser, they are better suited to appear on the same menu."

After stating his conclusion, Luo Mu looked at Master Master Haidai and Chairman Zhi Mi, who were somewhat stunned, waiting for their reactions.

"You... are right," Chairman Zhi Mi spoke first; as if recalling something, his gaze became somewhat distant.

Chairman Zhi Mi believed that whether it was cooking or Pokémon battles, both were beauties captured in an instant.

But before investing in that single instant, the time spent was far more than just the blink of an eye.

Only through constant troubleshooting, research, absorbing knowledge, and practice—through these down-to-earth efforts—could that moment of brilliance be achieved.

Taking the culmination of a certain stage of one's life and insisting on comparing it with others to determine a winner or loser was indeed not very good.

His, Chairman Zhi Mi's, goal had always been only one: to bring smiles to diners and audiences through gourmet food and battles.

Master Master Haidai crossed his arms in deep thought; young brother Luo Mu had unexpectedly hit the nail on the head, as there was no need to rank different types of gourmet food against each other, and instead, coordinating them to form the best set of dishes was a better choice.

The two chefs exchanged a glance, and relieved smiles climbed onto their faces.

"Oh my, although it ended somewhat anticlimactically, we truly did eat the delicious food into our stomachs," Ah Feng said contentedly, rubbing his abdomen, feeling that his mind was once again filled with many inspirations for desserts; "Master, young brother Luo Mu, and Mr. Zhi Mi, I shall take my leave now~"

"Travel safely."

Master Master Haidai stood with his hands behind his back, watching the figure of his proud disciple depart into the distance, then turned sideways to look at Chairman Zhi Mi and asked, "Speaking of which, what raw ingredients exactly were used in that sauce? I have no memory of any similar flavor."

Chairman Zhi Mi smiled mysteriously and said, "This too is knowledge gained during my travels; I caught an Octillery, and on one occasion discovered that its ink had the potential to become a seasoning."

Master Master Haidai widened his eyes: "Could it be...!"

Luo Mu, holding Wenxiang Wenxiang Kedou and a small wooden box, froze in expression; could Octillery ink actually be eaten!?

Master Master Haidai murmured thoughtfully, "It seems traveling really can greatly expand one's horizons... perhaps I should also try asking Chairperson Geeta for leave to go out and train for a while?"

Hearing every word clearly, Luo Mu imagined the reaction that Geeta, the heartless chairperson who was Paldea's number one exploiter in the game, would make, and the face of that corporate slave floated up in his memory.

That leave... would probably be difficult to obtain.

Opening his phone to check the time, Luo Mu discovered it was already two o'clock in the afternoon; planning to return early to make some preparations for the first class tomorrow at Grandma Ju Zi Academy, he opened his mouth to say, "It is getting late, so I will first..."

"Please wait a moment."

Chairman Zhi Mi suddenly spoke, interrupting Luo Mu's words; looking straight at him, he said seriously, "During my journey of culinary cultivation, I have also never forgotten my duty as a member of the Kalos Elite Four—to be stronger than anyone else."

"Originally, I planned to spar with Gym Leader Master Haidai, who is also a Water-type specialist trainer, but after meeting you, I changed my mind."

Luo Mu: "????"

Wait, big brother, don't speak so mysteriously, you're scaring me.

"Luo Mu, you possess the same aura as Young Lady Diantha, the Champion of our Kalos League—that is, the aura of a strong person; I wish to formally request a battle with you here."

As soon as he finished speaking, under Master Master Haidai's cheerful smile, Chairman Zhi Mi bowed slightly, as if expressing an apology.

"Hahaha, I don't mind at all," a trace of anticipation appeared on Master Master Haidai's face as he said to Chairman Zhi Mi, "As expected of an Elite Four member, you saw at a glance that young brother Luo Mu is the strongest person around me."

"As a newly appointed Champion-level trainer, he is not yet widely known to the public; your insight is truly sharp."

"You flatter me," Chairman Zhi Mi smiled, then shifted his gaze back to Luo Mu and asked, "What is your decision?"

【Fight! I beg you!】

Recalling the promise he made to the System, Luo Mu sighed slightly; engaging in high-intensity battles with peers of the same level was better for maintaining a Pokémon's condition.

What was promised must be fulfilled.

"As a trainer, once eyes meet, one should accept the other's Pokémon battle invitation," Luo Mu said in a deep voice as he put down Wenxiang Wenxiang Kedou and handed the small wooden box to it for safekeeping; "I accept your proposal."

Considering this was not an ordinary battle, Master Master Haidai chose a private battlefield for the arena.

Standing on the left side adjusting his sleeves, Chairman Zhi Mi took out a Poké Ball after a few breaths and said, "Since I am the one who issued the battle invitation, allow me to reveal my hand first."

"Savor this battle that is anything but sweet... Blastoise!"

As he spoke, Chairman Zhi Mi elegantly threw the Poké Ball; the rapidly spinning sphere opened, and a huge turtle-like Pokémon with a heavy shell on its back landed heavily, kicking up a cloud of dust.

A first-generation starter, Blastoise!

Besides the two cannon barrels on its shell that caught the eye, what was even more striking was the mysterious round stone, resembling a glass bead, fixed atop its head like a piece of equipment!

"As expected..."

Luo Mu lowered his eyelids; he knew very well what that item on Blastoise's head was.

It was the special "system" that first appeared in the Pokémon world view, one of the four major "systems" on par with Terastallization—the Mega Stone required for Mega Evolution!

Looking at Master Master Haidai, who was serving as referee and spectator, and seeing his bewildered gaze, one could tell he had no idea that Mega Evolution existed in the Kalos region.

After all, even Terastallization in the Paldea region was possessed by only a few people.

It was probably in a state of secrecy in the Kalos region as well.

Thinking of this, Luo Mu began to consider who to send out to fight.

He had only brought Dragonite and Cangyan Cangyan Rengui as combat forces; in terms of type advantage, Dragonite held an absolute edge, but... if Chairman Zhi Mi used Mega Evolution, then his side could try using Terastallization.

In that case, he could let Cangyan Cangyan Rengui give it a try; it had been a long time since it had enjoyed a hearty and satisfying battle.

"I leave this to you, Cangyan Cangyan Rengui!"

The Poké Ball was thrown out, and the cold shadow swordsman appeared on the field; Blastoise cast its gaze over, and Cangyan Cangyan Rengui stared back without any fear.

Seeing Cangyan Cangyan Rengui appear, Chairman Zhi Mi's expression showed a slight surprise; judging by the name alone, one could tell this Pokémon likely possessed Fire and Ghost attributes, so he asked puzzledly, "Forgive my rudeness, but why did you choose a Fire-type Pokémon when I had already sent out Blastoise?"

The corner of Luo Mu's mouth curved upward slightly as he said, "Type disadvantages are not impossible to break through."

"Is that so..." Chairman Zhi Mi did not know whether Luo Mu was bluffing or fully confident, but the only thing he knew for certain was true.

"In that case, let me savor your flavor!"