Lysandre's almost pleading invitation to Lucas shocked the guests.
Even Diantha was surprised: "They don't seem to have any grudge. Why is Lysandre so intent on battling him?"
"And he's offering a priceless Mega Stone, win or lose."
Siebold quietly replied: "He probably wants to recruit him. Paldea's champion-level trainers don't have official positions or authority—at least Lucas doesn't."
"So Lucas is a free agent. No wonder Lysandre's so eager."
Diantha realized it made sense. She'd heard that Lysandre wanted to recruit outstanding trainers for his lab.
If young trainers were unpolished gems, then Lucas was a rare jewel already shining at full brilliance.
Lysandre's hungry gaze was obvious, even Diantha and Siebold could sense it.
Though they found this side of Lysandre unfamiliar, his philanthropic reputation made them rationalize it as just his desire for talent.
They were right—now that Lysandre knew about Lucas's achievements and independent status, he was determined to recruit him.
Just like when he recruited Malva—use battle and gifts to establish a bond, then invite him to join his organization.
With Lucas's power, Lysandre's plans could progress much faster. Many things he couldn't do as himself, Lucas could handle.
No doubt, Lysandre was desperate for someone like Lucas.
Feeling Lysandre's hungry gaze, Lucas admitted he felt a bit nervous—it was just so intense and invasive.
Fortunately, Lysandre quickly composed himself, still smiling and holding up the Mega Stone, waiting for Lucas's answer.
Lucas wanted the Mega Stone, but whether or not Lysandre had hidden tricks, he didn't really want to get such an important item from a villain.
"I'll accept the battle challenge, but please keep the Mega Stone, Mr. Lysandre. It's just a friendly Pokémon battle, not worth such a huge price."
His clear voice carried through the hall, and after a brief pause, applause broke out.
Both for the exciting match to come, and for Lucas's nonchalant attitude toward the rare Mega Stone.
Lysandre was silent for a moment, then lowered his hand. No one knew what he was thinking.
The battle would take place in the outdoor arena behind the restaurant.
Guests moved outside. Waiters moved through the crowd, glasses were picked up and set down.
While final preparations were underway, guests chatted:
"Is Lysandre really going to battle that trainer? He's a researcher, right?"
"I heard Lysandre's Pyroar is quite strong, or he wouldn't have made so many trainer friends."
"Did you see that champion-level trainer? He looks so young!"
"Look, they're coming!"
Spotlights illuminated both sides as Lysandre, now wearing a more mobile vest, and Lucas took their places.
Diantha, Siebold, Blaziken Mask, and other notable trainers stood nearby to watch.
Siebold, acting as referee, confirmed they were ready and announced: "Please release your Pokémon!"
"Your turn, Dragonite."
Lucas tossed his Pokéball, and with a burst of light, Dragonite hovered in the air, its powerful aura making clear it was no ordinary Pokémon.
Lysandre had already decided—his Gyarados would stay hidden for now. Pyroar, his signature Pokémon, was the best choice.
Blazing flames illuminated the night as Pyroar landed with a kingly presence.
"Roar!!"
Pyroar stared confidently at Dragonite above, answering its dominance with a proud roar.
Diantha smiled: "Ability—Moxie. It can be surprisingly effective in this setting."
Siebold nodded: "Their fighting spirit is like a work of art. Even I'm getting fired up."
Diantha released her Gardevoir, who quickly set up a barrier to shield the crowd from the aftershocks.
"Flame Fang!"
"Dragon Claw!"
Pyroar's flames became gigantic fangs, clashing with Dragonite's emerald claws.
Boom!
A violent explosion rocked the area, smoke rising in the light. Both Pokémon retreated a few steps.
In this initial clash, Lucas narrowed his eyes. Pyroar's strength was easily on par with an Elite Four main team member.
And that hidden Gyarados—possibly even stronger with Mega Evolution.
Lysandre really was a deep and ambitious man.
Then Lysandre calmly ordered: "Flamethrower!"
Pyroar unleashed a sea of fire, the air shimmering from the heat, flames surging at Dragonite.
"Fight fire with fire—Flamethrower!"
Dragonite, skilled in many moves, summoned an even larger firestorm, which devoured Pyroar's flames and rushed toward Pyroar.
Pyroar leapt over the fire, charging straight at Dragonite, its body wreathed in flames—using Flare Blitz.
Dragonite didn't retreat. Dragon energy blazed, forming a giant blue dragon that smashed into Pyroar.
BOOM!
Under the eyes of the crowd, Dragonite and Pyroar collided, the shockwave spreading out, flames and dragonfire lighting the night. The noise made people step back.
Debris rained down, striking Gardevoir's barrier.
Gardevoir's calm eyes wavered—both Pokémon's power surpassed her expectations.
"Look, Pyroar's flames are weakening!"
Someone shouted, and all eyes focused on the center.
After a few clashes, the tide changed.
Pyroar's expression was off. Its limbs were deep in the ground, as if bearing a massive weight.
Its flames shrank, while Dragonite's aura stayed strong—if anything, growing stronger.
The difference in strength was clear.
Your full strength is just my normal.
Siebold marveled: "As expected, his Dragonite is as strong as his Ceruledge."
Lysandre's Pyroar was strong, but still outclassed by Lucas's Dragonite.
Diantha sipped her wine, "This raw Dragon power reminds me of Kanto's Dragon Master."
"If Lysandre's Pyroar falls behind, it'll be hard to recover."
As expected, seeing Pyroar falter, Lucas signaled Dragonite to raise its power. The dragon energy swallowed up the flames, blasting Pyroar away.
Pyroar, battered, looked in awe at Dragonite, who easily dispersed smoke with a flap of its wings.
In truth, Dragonite had just been toying with Pyroar, matching its moves but never going all out.
This realization left Pyroar, always so proud, feeling defeated.
Siebold stepped up: "That's enough!"
As an exhibition, the battle ended there.
But everyone knew—it was a crushing victory for Lucas and Dragonite. He deserved the title of champion-level trainer.
It wasn't surprising—Lucas was a professional battler, while Lysandre was a researcher.
Workers quickly repaired the field. The dinner's battle segment resumed, with trainers fighting, learning, and sharing experience—the real reason Siebold held the event.
The Gym Leader battles, the Elite Four matches, and the main Siebold vs. Diantha exhibition all thrilled the crowd.
Every battle was rich and entertaining, especially Blaziken Mask's Mega Blaziken beating a Gym Leader—earning applause.
Turns out, the weirdo in costume was actually strong!
But the battle that left the deepest impression was still Lucas vs. Lysandre—a raw, powerful clash.
Unlike the performative, flashy battles, this direct fight stirred everyone.
During the voting, most people quietly cast their ballot for those two.
Inside the hall—
After battling Lysandre, Lucas had Arcanine fight a few strangers, gaining experience. Losing interest, he went to the hall to feast with Dragonite and Arcanine, watching other battles as he ate.
He especially enjoyed Diantha and Siebold's exhibition—they didn't use their aces. Diantha sent out her Gourgeist (who once soloed Lance's Gyarados at the Masters Eight), while Siebold used an unimpressive Octillery.
That Octillery was fascinating—it could use ink to track Gourgeist even while it used Phantom Force. Siebold's training clearly paid off.
Just as Lucas was enjoying his food, he heard footsteps. Looking up, he saw Lysandre, now in a waistcoat.
After the battle, Lysandre had exchanged pleasantries and disappeared. Lucas thought he'd given up, but now Lysandre approached for a private talk.
"Can I have a word?" Lysandre got straight to the point.
Lucas swallowed his cake, wiped his mouth, and nodded: "Sure."
Lysandre smiled, pulled out a chair, and sat beside Lucas. From his vest pocket, he took out a smooth, multi-colored Mega Stone and handed it to Lucas.
Lucas frowned, "I already declined…"
Lysandre shook his head: "This isn't the Mega Stone I was offering. It's the mysterious prize from Siebold's dinner, and by unanimous decision, it's ours."
"As you see, I already have a Mega Stone—so this one is yours."
Lysandre pulled out his own Mega Stone. Under the lights, both stones glowed with mysterious allure.
"Then I'll accept, thank you."
Lucas thought for a moment and took the prize Mega Stone. The system in his mind confirmed it was safe.
Feeling the cool, smooth stone, Lucas hadn't expected to complete the requirements for Mega Evolution so easily. Swampert's power would get a big boost.
But Lysandre clearly hadn't come just to deliver a stone. After a moment, he said, "To be honest, I want you."
Lucas: "…Huh?"