Pokémon: The Reemployment of the Retired Champion of Paldea Chapter 169 168: Perseverance and Effort

Seeing Arven's sowhat confused look, Lucas patted his shoulder and further explained how to link a Pokémon's enthusiasm to positive feedback, as well as so secret techniques for making training a part of daily life.

This thod might seem basic, but it works perfectly for Pokémon like Skwovet who love to eat. There's even a case where a Snorlax lost weight thanks to this kind of training.

Lucas thought this could help Skwovet gradually develop an interest in training, or at least not resist it as much.

Arven was left to ponder with a notebook full of notes, while Lucas walked over to the tidy countertop, recalling the competition rules Katy had ntioned.

First, the competition would be judged by score, only one round, with rankings based on total points.

Second, contestants must bring their own ingredients—choosing the right ones is a must-have skill for a pastry chef.

Third, all desserts must be made on site at a temporary venue by Patisserie Soapberry. Pre-made desserts are not allowed.

Lucas thought the rule about bringing his own ingredients worked greatly in his favor.

But... he glanced at Teddiursa, who was sitting like a boss. No matter how good his ingredients were, he'd still need to make a poffin that could satisfy Teddiursa.

While Milcery's evolution item, the Sweet, could be obtained from places like Battle Cafés, Lucas thought earning it together with Milcery would be far more aningful.

Besides, he had a backup plan anyway. For him, this contest was more about learning how to make poffin.

Lucas rolled up his sleeves, and with Milcery cheering him on, began baking!

The learning process was tedious and repetitive—problems with heat, proportions, or baking ti would make Teddiursa reject the finished poffin completely.

Lucas's first batch turned out nothing like Katy's special maple poffin. His ingredients cooked much faster, and he ssed up the heat control. The result was a few charred lumps.

Teddiursa only sniffed it before turning away in disgust, as if Lucas was trying to poison it.

Lucas, undeterred, calmly ate one himself under Teddiursa's horrified gaze. He'd eaten worse while struggling to survive right after arriving in this world.

That's cooking: you move forward through endless trials and errors. Lucas kept tweaking the recipe and technique, hoping to make the poffin he envisioned.

To win, he'd need to make sothing truly unique.

The day passed quickly. That night, Lucas rode Dragonite out of Cortondo Town and asked Arven, "Aren't you going back to the lighthouse lab?"

Arven shook his head. "I'm staying at the Pokémon Center for now—it's spring break."

That was fine by Lucas. He rode Dragonite back to his farm.

…

The next morning, Lucas returned to the kitchen in Cortondo Town, key in hand, to continue his training.

Teddiursa and Arven both looked sleepy. By the ti Arven woke up from his nap against the wall, it was already ti for Katy to check in on them.

As soon as she entered, she slled a fresh fragrance—unlike her own maple poffin, but even more refreshing.

Katy's eyes lit up at the scent.

She saw Teddiursa, who, despite looking grumpy, eagerly accepted poffin from Lucas. Katy was a little surprised—Teddiursa had a picky, sweet tooth, and for it to accept a mildly sweet dessert ant Lucas could already make a passable poffin.

And it had only been a day and a half.

Yawning, Arven said, "Brother Lucas hasn't left the kitchen this whole ti, just kept making and tweaking poffin."

"Even today, he dragged out of bed at the Pokémon Center at the crack of dawn."

Katy was silent for a long mont.

Maybe now she understood how Lucas had beco Paldea's pride—a Champion-level trainer—in just a year.

Perseverance and effort are always the keys to getting stronger.

Not to ntion, Lucas's natural talent as a trainer had already amazed her.

She still rembered that Luxio that took down her three Bug Pokémon in a row.

Noticing Katy's arrival, Lucas handed her a green poffin and smiled, "Miss Katy, try the mint poffin."

"Mint poffin?" Katy tried it, then hesitated.

Seeing her reaction, Lucas gestured, "If you have any suggestions, please let know."

After thinking, Katy asked, "Are you trying to make your poffin stand out by offering unique flavors?"

Lucas nodded. "That's part of my plan. If I can't finish developing a new recipe, I'll go with this. After eating a lot of sweet things, the judges might need sothing fresh—mint is a great palate cleanser."

Katy shook her head. "Other contestants will have the sa idea. These judges are true connoisseurs. If you want to stand out, I suggest you focus on your own unique style."

"My own style..."

Lucas fell silent. Both Kofu and owstic had told him that while he had solid technique, he lacked a sense of inspiration in his cooking.

So, what was his style?

He thought of everyone at the farm. Maybe...

Seeing Lucas deep in thought, Katy knew she couldn't help here, so she focused on helping him with flavor and process.

…

Ti flew by.

After three days of training, the dessert competition jointly hosted by the Paldea and Sinnoh Dessert Associations finally began.

The venue was under the sugar maple trees outside Patisserie Soapberry, with temporary kitchens already set up and utilities connected.

Lucas, with Milcery on his head and his ingredients ready, headed for the contest site.