Blackthorn City, Dragon's Den.
Before handing Li Wei the Dragon-type move training manual, the Dragon Elder asked him a few questions.
"What are Pokémon to you?"
Li Wei's gaze slowly swept over Lucario, Diancie, Shaymin, and the other Pokémon.
"Family. My family."
"Quack!" Sirfetch'd puffed out his chest.
The Dragon Elder nodded. He could sense the affection and bonds between Li Wei and his Pokémon, especially Dragapult.
As someone who also possessed dragon power, the Dragon Elder could sense Dragapult's trust in Li Wei.
The Dragon Elder asked again, "You're a Pokémon Breeder, aren't you? What do you think matters most in raising Pokémon?"
When the conversation turned to his specialty, raising Pokémon, Li Wei sat up straight.
"A solid foundation of knowledge, and an emotional connection with the Pokémon."
A heartfelt smile appeared on the Dragon Elder's kindly face.
"I like that answer very much."
"One final question. Do you think a Pokémon's strength matters?"
"It does, and it doesn't."
The Dragon Elder looked a little puzzled. "Explain."
"When it comes to battling, a Pokémon's strength matters."
"When it comes to family, it doesn't. Being together is what matters."
The Dragon Elder nodded. "I've never heard that perspective before, but it's a valid one."
The Dragon Elder asked these questions from time to time. Anyone could say something pleasing, but he could sense whether they were sincere.
"This dragon training manual is yours. In your daily work, you may also teach its contents to your Pokémon Day Care customers' Pokémon."
The Dragon Elder's words nearly made Li Wei wonder whether he had misheard.
Wait, why?!
Why would he give me the Dragon-type move training manual passed down through generations in the Dragon's Den?
Li Wei truly couldn't understand it.
Giant Dragonite alone couldn't explain this.
Although Giant Dragonite was