Chapter 456:

It couldn’t shrink any further. Shrinking more would cause the energy within its body to fall into chaos.

This was Lugia’s intuitive understanding of its own state.

However, looking at its current body, it was quite satisfied.

Not all Legendary Pokémon preferred enormous size, especially ones like it that didn’t have a specific domain to govern.

It could roam freely anywhere in the vast ocean, but once on land, it faced various restrictions—all because its size was too large. Being smaller now would allow it to explore more easily.

Kaede seemed to read its thoughts, but found it somewhat odd. He couldn’t help asking, "Does the Sea Guardian plan to stay shrunk?"

[Yes.]

Lugia nodded.

"..."

Kaede fell silent, while Mew nodded approvingly, landing on Lugia’s head. "Mew~" (This looks much better now.)

Then it spoke boldly, "Mew~" (This size is just right. Want to hang out with us? Be my enforcer!)

"Lugia?" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

A question mark appeared above Lugia’s head.

Kaede was also startled, staring dumbfounded at Mew.

Where did it learn those words?

*Hang out? Enforcer?!*

Mew spoke with a worldly air. "Mew~" (It’s not like you’d lose out. I’m telling you, Kaede makes really delicious stuff. Hang with us, and we can take you to different places around the world every day. And whenever the food runs out, we can just go ask him for more, then head out again...)

As it spoke, it even produced a storage capsule Kaede had given it, taking out a jug of Grepa Berry wine. "Mew~" (Look, this is wine from the human world. It’s really tasty, but my favorite is actually this...)

It pulled the cork from the jug, used Psychic to float it near Lugia, then took out a bottle of Catnip Powder. Just looking at the bottle made a blissful expression appear on its face.

The now-smaller Lugia beside it looked on, stunned.

Looking at Mew’s expression, then at the strangely fragrant wine jug before it...

As for Kaede at this moment, he absolutely dared not speak—or rather, absolutely did not want to speak.

Mew was doing a great job here! Though he didn’t know where it learned those terms, right now, it had placed the Grepa Berry wine before Lugia.

That was the most important part!

[What effect does this have?]

Lugia finally turned its curious gaze to Kaede.

"It can boost the Psychic power of Psychic-type Pokémon, though the effect on you probably isn’t huge. But it tastes great," Kaede quickly replied, omitting one of its effects.

Then, watching Lugia drink the Grepa Berry wine, he felt a secret thrill.

But the pleasant surprise was yet to come.

[Congratulations, Host. Lugia’s Happiness has increased from 0 to 25. Reward: 5 bags of Super Fertilizer, 1 Master Rare Candy, 1 Silver Wing (a feather from a specific part of Lugia’s body, containing abundant Psychic and Flying-type energy.)]

Jackpot!

Seeing the genuinely surprised look on Lugia’s face after drinking the wine, the smile on Kaede’s face grew wider.

"Mew~" (See? Tastes good, right? I rarely share my treats!)

Seeing Lugia’s expression, Mew grew even more pleased with itself.

Lugia, however, turned its gaze to the other bottle beside Mew.

The Catnip bottle. If the Grepa Berry wine was already this delicious, how must the one Mew liked even more taste?

Mew was startled at first, but then its eyes darted cleverly. "Mew~" (This is my favorite. Can’t share it with you. Unless you stick with me for a while, then I might let you try a little!)

Kaede found this somewhat amusing now.

What was in that bottle? Lugia might not know, but he did.

It was Catnip.

Its power over cat-like Pokémon was immense, but for other types, the effect wasn’t as great.

After Kaede had dried and processed it, its only culinary effect was:

[Cat Teaser: Attractiveness to cat-type Pokémon increased by 100%. Greatly reduces shedding issues in feline Pokémon.]

This had nothing to do with Lugia.

[Very well.]

But the next moment...

What left Kaede wide-eyed and utterly stunned was that Lugia actually nodded in agreement!

"???"

Wait, you’re the Sea Guardian Lugia! How could you get tricked by Mew just like that?

He looked at Mew, then at Lugia, his shock impossible to hide.

"Mew~"

Mew nodded vigorously, looking very pleased with this new recruit.

It flew back to Kaede’s side. "Mew~"

It brought up what Gardevoir had told it before they left—about going to the Tree of Beginning.

"Mhm, mhm," Kaede nodded.

"Mew~" (Then let’s go! I’ll take you~ I have a lot there, come see!)

"Ah? Is that possible now?" Kaede glanced at Lugia.

"Mew?" (Of course it is! Just let it come along too, okay?)

Mew said as if it were the most natural thing.

"Well... alright then..."

After discussing this, Kaede turned his gaze to Victini, who had been waiting quietly on the sidelines, unable to get a word in.

"Victini, long time no see."

( •̀ ω •́ )y: "Victini~" (Long time no see...)

Finally getting mentioned, Victini perked up happily.

But this happiness didn’t last long before Mew pulled it along to set off.

"Mew~" (Let’s go!)

.....

The Tree of Beginning.

Cameran Castle.

Interestingly, by the time Kaede arrived, it happened to be the start of the new Aura Guardian competition.

So he couldn’t resist taking a look.

He had Mew and Victini, transformed into two ordinary Eevee, by his side. As for Lugia, while its size had changed, it was still somewhat large. It was now floating among the clouds, quietly following behind Mew.

Looking at the bustling entrance to the city and the majestic castle walls, Kaede couldn’t help but marvel.

It seemed Ash hadn’t traveled here yet. That meant around this time next year might be when Ash would arrive on his journey.

By then, the ones traveling with Ash would be Brock and May.

"Eevee..." (This is an event they hold every year, to commemorate Sir Aaron...)

Mew explained from within Kaede’s arms.

"Mhm, I know." Kaede nodded, lost in thought at the city gates.

He didn’t think that just because he possessed Aura, he was the Aura Guardian.

After all, everyone’s Aura was different.

But he was genuinely quite curious about that Lucario still sealed within the staff.