Chapter 137: Settling In, Journey to Kanto!

The criteria for establishing a [Base] are sufficient safety and a certain level of construction. If the [Base] was created by someone else, Su Yi can set one up there as long as the owner grants permission.

Thinking about it, by these standards, Mustard’s Isle of Armor could easily serve as a [Base]. Su Yi simply hadn't realized that one could set up a [Base] within the Pokémon world.

"I suppose it was just my own habitual thinking," Su Yi muttered to himself.

After a period of recruitment, Mustard's dojo had attracted a fair number of students. While the turnout wasn't massive due to limited promotional efforts, it had certainly added a lively atmosphere to the place. The open space around the dojo had been reclaimed into several small fields, where apprentices in yellow training garb were busy watering and fertilizing the crops. The scene felt remarkably like training in a classical dojo or temple.

As Su Yi reached the entrance, he saw Mustard guiding several students in clearing the surrounding wasteland.

"Su Yi-zai, you’re too kind. You always bring so much stuff whenever you come back," Mustard said with a helpless, warm smile as he watched Su Yi and Navirou arrive, laden with bags.

Su Yi set the items down and laughed. "You can't get these in Galar, you know."

These diverse and unique ingredients were items he had traded with the head chef in exchange for Galar specialties he’d purchased at the mall. It seemed the head chef was quite interested in these new ingredients, and Su Yi was well on his way to becoming the second-largest food supplier for Astera.

Entering the dojo, a few apprentices greeted them. In truth, if Mustard had used his fame as Leon’s mentor to advertise, he would have been swamped by people seeking his guidance. But Mustard had no desire to let those with ulterior motives into his dojo; he only wanted to teach those who purely sought to grow stronger. Besides, he had no need for such fame or wealth.

"That little Klara you introduced is a very talented child," Mustard said with a smile. "Though she had some rough edges, she’s been much more diligent ever since she saw your performance in the exhibition match on TV."

Just then, Klara spotted Su Yi in the lobby and immediately called out, "Senior Brother Su Yi!"

Su Yi chuckled. "How come you’re so quick to call me 'Senior Brother' this time?" He didn't pay it much mind, though; he was only a nominal student and had no intention of using those ties for gain.

"Hehehe," Klara laughed on the surface, while her heart sank. *Who knew you were this strong?!* she thought. *I wanted to train here for a few months and then surpass you, but how was I to know you’d be trading blows with the Champion?!*

That red-furred beast that took down two of the Champion’s main Pokémon—even through a screen, she could feel its ferocity and rage. When she had first used the Scolipede that Su Yi had passed on to her to spar with other apprentices, she realized its strength was extraordinary—nearly on par with a Gym Leader’s power. She had been treating that Scolipede with the utmost care and respect ever since. Back then, she had naively thought Su Yi had misjudged its potential, but after seeing his other partners in the exhibition match, she realized his companions were even stronger!

Although it wasn't a full-team battle, and anyone with a sharp eye could see the young Champion hadn't reached her peak yet, the display was still astonishing. After arriving on the Isle of Armor and asking around, Klara learned that Su Yi had only become a registered trainer a little over a month ago. The rate of his growth was simply unfathomable.

At this rate, catching up to him seemed like a distant, impossible dream. Now, Klara was curious: Where did he catch such powerful Pokémon? How did he train them to be so strong in such a short time?

What was her purpose in coming to the Isle of Armor? Wasn't it to become a Gym Leader, gain a stage to showcase her skills, and become popular and well-loved? Now, training under Mustard meant she would have a prestigious credential once she graduated. If she could learn how to grow strong quickly from Su Yi, wouldn't her dreams be realized in no time? Her scheming little mind was racing.

Su Yi was unaware of Klara’s inner thoughts. He walked into the lobby, where Leon and Sonia were chatting, and Bea was busy on her phone.

"Oh, you're here," Leon greeted him.

Su Yi scratched his head apologetically. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I had some things to take care of."

"You know, it's often impossible to get a hold of you, Su Yi," Leon remarked, noting that his calls often went to a service area that didn't exist.

"He went on an adventure, meow!" Navirou piped up.

Thinking of her own frequent training trips to remote and dangerous Wild Areas, Bea chimed in, "Be sure to stay safe."

...

Su Yi had prepared countless meals by now. Handling ingredients and cooking had become second nature to him, and with Navirou’s help, they moved with a practiced, rhythmic efficiency. The man and his Felyne worked swiftly, churning out dish after dish.

"Senior Brother can cook, too?" Klara asked, surprised as she looked at the spread of delicious-smelling food.

"And it’s super delicious, too," Leon said with anticipation.

"Please, enjoy," Su Yi said, removing his apron.

...

After the meal, everyone was thoroughly satisfied. Su Yi sat down to share some of the unique spirits from Astera with Leon.

"Su Yi, you’re heading off to travel to other regions soon, aren't you?" Leon asked.

"That's right. In some corner of this world, there might be things I've never seen before. I don't need to go searching for anything specific; I just need to keep walking and keep witnessing the world." As he spoke, flashes of scenes he had once only imagined crossed his mind. Now that he had the dream-like opportunity to see them, he couldn't wait to set off.

"Traveling! Adventures, meow!" Navirou cheered, raising his glass.

Su Yi smiled helplessly. "Navirou, take it easy on the drink." Considering a Felyne's age, was Navirou even of legal age?

"Then I wish you a smooth journey," Leon said, clinking his glass against Su Yi's.

After dinner, Su Yi headed to the Forest of Focus.

"Pika~"

Before he even reached the berry grove, a little friend spotted him. A Pikachu poked its head out, and upon recognizing Su Yi, it called out to its companions. In an instant, many Pokémon emerged from the corners of the grove, happily surrounding him. Nearby, the Corviknight watched these friendly Pokémon and the lush, food-rich grove, nodding with satisfaction.

"Come on out, everyone!" Su Yi tossed his Poké Balls, and a large flock of Rookidee and Corvisquire filled the grove with life.

"Chirp~"

The Rookidee fluttered curiously through the dense forest, savoring the air and scenery, so different from the steel jungle they were used to.

"Are you satisfied, everyone?" Su Yi asked with a smile. The Rookidee chirped happily around him, expressing their gratitude.

"Maga..." The Corviknight watched its kin flying freely among the trees, and a heavy burden was finally lifted from its heart.

Su Yi continued to pull seeds and fertilizer from his bag, handing them to the Pokémon and teaching them how to plant and use them. He was certain that before long, this would become a lush, thriving berry forest. The Pokémon didn't understand much, but they knew Su Yi was helping them secure a bountiful food source, and they crowded around him, interacting and showing their affection.

"Chirp." "Gaa..."

While Su Yi played with the Pokémon, a few Rookidee and Corvisquire approached the Corviknight, whispering something to it.

"Maga?" The Corviknight looked surprised, then explained something gravely, to which the others nodded earnestly. After a moment of contemplation, the Corviknight walked over to Su Yi and gestured toward Navirou.

"What's wrong, Corviknight? Do you need something else?" Su Yi asked, puzzled.

"Meow? Some of your kin want to go to the New World, meow?!" Navirou exclaimed in surprise.

Su Yi paused, his expression turning serious. "Corviknight, did you clearly explain the dangers over there to them?"

"Maga!" The Corviknight nodded firmly, and the others did the same. Among Pokémon, some preferred a quiet, peaceful life, while others longed for adventure. They were just like humans, with their own diverse desires. Ever since the Corviknight had fought alongside Su Yi, the others had decided they wanted to follow their leader’s example—to fight and to adventure.

"Corviknight, I am responsible for your flock," Su Yi said after a moment of thought. "How about this: I'll discuss it with the people at Astera, and we can let your flock visit for a trial run before they make any final decisions. How does that sound?"

The Corviknight nodded. The sincerity and consideration Su Yi had shown in settling its kin made it deeply trust his judgment.

Back at the dojo, Su Yi told Mustard about the Rookidee and the others, asking him and Klara to look after them.

"Don't you worry, Su Yi-zai," Mustard said, stroking his beard. "Oh, and keep these two scrolls safe."

Mustard handed him two scrolls. Su Yi recognized them immediately and said in surprise, "These are..."

"These are the secret scrolls that allow Kubfu to evolve into one of the two styles of Urshifu. Once you've gained enough experience out there, let it choose the path it prefers to evolve," Mustard explained.

"But aren't these supposed to be kept in the Towers of Two Fists?" Su Yi hesitated. These were precious items that usually required one to conquer either the Tower of Waters or the Tower of Darkness to view.

Mustard smiled. "An old man like me naturally keeps backups, hahahaha."

"That's true," Su Yi laughed, tucking the scrolls away.

"It's a pity, meow, that I won't be able to eat Su Yi-zai’s cooking as often," Mustard lamented with a smile.

"It's not that serious; transportation is quite advanced these days," Su Yi said with a laugh. In truth, with the [Base], returning was just a matter of teleportation.

"I’m off then." Su Yi mounted his Corviknight and headed toward the Galar airport.

"Safe travels!" Leon waved.

"Traveling... to see the world?" Bea watched Su Yi's retreating figure, a new thought stirring in her heart.