As Qingyu entered his and his companions' information into the system, the finals of the Psychic Power Masters Tournament drew to a close.
Amid enthusiastic cheers from the audience, Lance, representing the hosts, temporarily took on the role of presenter and held an award ceremony for the winner.
"Congratulations, Teacher Yu. I look forward to seeing even greater performances from you on the world stage."
Lance applauded with a smile and presented a rather miniature trophy, small enough to hold in one hand. Then, with a mysterious air, he pulled a small bottle from an inside pocket of his trench coat.
"This is the prize the Johto Region prepared for the champion as the host."
Qingyu nodded and accepted both prizes with both hands, then raised the distinctly unusual little glass bottle to eye level.
Inside was a strange powder that glowed gold, glittering even away from the light.
"This is..."
Qingyu's pupils contracted slightly as a bold idea sprang into his mind.
"Sacred Ash?"
"...You actually know about it, Teacher Yu?"
Lance blinked in surprise, but after a moment's thought, he nodded in understanding.
"That makes sense. You apparently have a side career as a mythologist, after all, with the goal of showing all humanity the appeal of Legendary Pokémon. It's no surprise that you know a little about Ho-Oh."
"Oh, and if you ever need help when you get to the Kanto and Johto series, feel free to contact me."
"...Of course, of course."
Lance's words suddenly left Qingyu breaking out in a cold sweat.
The meaning behind Doduo's words was already obvious:
Update faster! I can't sleep at night!
Why did people push me for updates everywhere I went? Coming after me in person like this wasn't okay!
His chat with Lance soon came to a