Lucas nodded slightly and said, "Whether it's the vegetable aspic with its rich texture and flavor or the fragrant kelp sea bass soup, there's no need to decide which is better between these two delicacies. Their flavors are surprisingly well-matched."
"The taste of the vegetable aspic can deliver an even richer and more complex feast for the palate after the ultimate umami of the kelp sea bass soup."
"Similarly, after the feast of flavors from the vegetable aspic, the kelp sea bass soup can better mellow out the impact left by the aspic."
"So, I don't think there's any need to determine a winner. Both dishes embody your hard work and dedication. Rather than forcing a competition, it's better to have them both on the same menu."
After sharing his conclusion, Lucas looked toward the slightly dazed Kofu and Siebold, awaiting their response.
"You're right," Siebold was the first to speak as if recalling something. His gaze grew distant.
Siebold believed that whether it's cooking or Pokémon battles, both are fleeting moments of beauty.
But before investing in that moment, the time spent is far more than just a blink of an eye.
Endless pondering, research, learning, and practice—only through these down-to-earth efforts can one achieve that brilliant moment.
To take the culmination of a certain stage of your life and insist on a win or lose outcome feels a bit misguided.
Siebold had always had only one goal: to bring smiles to diners and audiences through food and battles.
Kofu crossed his arms and pondered. Lucas's words had unexpectedly struck a chord with him. There was no need to compare different types of food; instead, combining them to form the best set menu was the better choice.
The two chefs exchanged glances, and relieved smiles crept onto their faces.
"Well, even though it ended a bit abruptly, the food was truly eaten and enjoyed," Katy patted her belly in satisfaction, feeling newly inspired for desserts. "Master, Lucas, Mr. Siebold, I'll take my leave now~"
"Safe travels."
Kofu watched his proud disciple leave, then turned to Siebold and asked, "By the way, what ingredients did you use in that sauce? I can't recall any similar flavor."
Siebold smiled mysteriously, "That's something I discovered during my travels. I caught an Octillery, and once found that its ink had potential as a seasoning."
Kofu's eyes widened, "You don't say...!"
Lucas, holding a Poliwag and a small wooden box, froze in place. Octillery's ink can be used in food!?
Kofu muttered, "Seems like traveling broadens your horizons... Maybe I should ask Chairwoman Geeta for some leave and go on a journey myself?"
Lucas heard this clearly, and recalling the ruthless, workaholic Chairwoman Geeta from the game, he could already imagine her reaction.
That kind of leave... probably not easy to get.
Checking his phone, Lucas saw it was already 2 PM. He planned to head back early to prepare for his first class at Naranja Academy the next day, and said, "It's getting late, so I'll just—"
"Please wait."
Siebold suddenly interrupted, locking eyes with him and speaking seriously: "Even during my culinary travels, I have never forgotten my duty as a Kalos Elite Four member—to be stronger than anyone."
"Originally, I planned to have a spar with Chef Kofu, another Water-type specialist, but after meeting you, I changed my mind."
Lucas: "????"
"Lucas, you possess the same aura as our Kalos League Champion Diantha—the aura of a true powerhouse. I'd like to formally challenge you to a battle here."
As soon as he finished, Siebold gave a slight bow to express his apology as Kofu chuckled.
"Hahaha, I don't mind at all." A look of anticipation appeared on Kofu's face as he told Siebold, "You saw right away that Lucas is the strongest person by my side."
"As a newly crowned Champion-level trainer, he's not yet well-known to the public. You have quite a keen eye."
"You flatter me." Siebold smiled, then looked back at Lucas. "So, what do you say?"
[Battle! Please!]
Remembering his promise to the system, Lucas sighed. High-intensity battles with equally strong trainers were the best way to keep his Pokémon in top shape.
A promise is a promise.
"As trainers, if our eyes meet, we should accept the other's Pokémon battle challenge." Lucas set down Poliwag and handed it the small box to hold, then said solemnly, "I accept your challenge."
Since this wasn't an ordinary battle, Kofu selected a private battlefield.
Siebold stood on the left, adjusting his sleeves. A few breaths later, he took out a Poké Ball and said, "Since I issued the challenge, allow me to reveal my hand first."
"Taste this not-so-sweet battle—Blastoise!"
With a flourish, Siebold tossed the Poké Ball. After spinning rapidly, it opened, and a massive turtle Pokémon with a thick shell landed heavily, kicking up dust.
The original Water-type starter—Blastoise!
Aside from the eye-catching cannons on its shell, what drew even more attention was the mysterious orb fixed atop its head, like a glass bead!
"As expected…"
Lucas's eyes fell. He knew exactly what that item on Blastoise's head was.
One of the four legendary power systems first introduced in the Pokémon world, alongside Terastallization—Mega Stones, essential for Mega Evolution!
Judging from Kofu's confused gaze as he acted as referee and spectator, he had no idea about Mega Evolution in the Kalos region.
After all, even Terastallization is rare in Paldea.
In Kalos, it's probably still a well-kept secret.
Thinking of this, Lucas pondered whom he should send out.
He had only brought Dragonite and Ceruledge, his two main battlers. Type-wise, Dragonite had an advantage, but if Siebold used Mega Evolution, it might be a good chance to try Terastallization on his side.
So, he decided to give Ceruledge a shot—it hadn't had an intense battle in a while.
"I'll leave it to you, Ceruledge!"
He threw the Poké Ball; the cold, shadowy swordsman appeared on the field. Blastoise stared it down, and Ceruledge glared back without fear.
Siebold looked slightly surprised at Ceruledge's appearance. Just from the name, he could guess it was a Fire/Ghost type. He asked, puzzled, "Forgive me for asking, but why would you choose a Fire-type Pokémon when I've already sent out my Blastoise?"
Lucas's lips curled up, "Type disadvantages aren't always insurmountable."
"I see…" Siebold couldn't tell if Lucas was bluffing or truly confident, but he knew one thing for sure.
"In that case, let me taste your flavor!"