845 Beginning

Malva quickly administered a bottle of stamina recovery potion to the exhausted Houndoom and then recalled the now-restored Houndoom into a Poké Ball.

"How was it? The power of Mega Evolution is impressive, isn't it?"

"Indeed! Very powerful!" Yuga nodded, pretending to be impressed as he replied to Malva.

"Has Gym Leader Shimizu decided whether he wants to join us? I believe our research will change the world," Lysandre also approached Yuga and inquired.

It's about destroying the world, right...

"Alright, I agree to join. I will assist Mr. Lysandre in his research and help collect Mega Evolution energy," Yuga said cautiously.

He understood the importance of not overplaying his hand. Being too eager could backfire.

Satisfied with Yuga's response, Lysandre smiled, "Then this Key Stone and Charizard Mega Evolution Stone belong to you, Gym Leader Shimizu."

"Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Lysandre."

At this moment, Yuga felt fortunate that he hadn't prematurely revealed that he possessed a Mega Evolution Stone. Otherwise, he wouldn't know how to cover up the lie now.

"Happy cooperation!"

Lysandre extended his right hand.

Yuga and Lysandre shook hands lightly, marking their official collaboration.

"Happy cooperation!"

After reaching an agreement, Lysandre had someone escort Yuga back.

Before parting ways, he also provided Yuga with a secret means of contact for easy communication between them.

From then until the Pokémon Exchange Conference began, Yuga enjoyed a relatively relaxed period.

Every day, Yuga's routine includes working with the breeders at the Aroma Day Care to help prepare his soon-to-be-exhibited Pokémon, Trapinch and Hoppip, adjust their conditions.

In the mornings, he will accompany Clemont's Flaaffy to train it moves with Dragonite. Occasionally, he visits Mr. Tsuruta's Flower House to collect scale powder from Vivillon...

Finally, the highly anticipated Pokémon Exchange Conference begins.

Early on that day, Yuga, along with Shin and Kazuma, as well as the majority of the Aroma Day Care's team, heads to the Forest Park to set up their respective areas.

Upon arriving at the Ecopark in the Forest Park, Yuga notices that many other Day Cares had arrived even earlier. The entire Ecopark is bustling with activity.

As Yuga walks through one of the Day Care's exhibition areas, he receives a fierce glare from someone inside.

Glancing at the signboard of this Day Care's booth, it reads "Midnight Day Care."

Yuga has a distinct memory of this Day Care. During a previous Day Care Exchange Conference, their signature Pokémon, Houndour, left a lasting impression on him.

Midnight Day Care, headquartered in Johto, specializes in breeding Dark-type Pokémon. In addition to Houndour, their signature Pokémon includes Murkrow.

If Aroma Day Care is considered a leader among the Day Cares in the Hoenn region, then Midnight Day Care holds the title for the largest Day Care in the Johto region.

Similar to Aroma Day Care, Midnight Day Care is one of the five major Day Cares under the Day Care Union Council.

The Day Care Union Council is the official organization for private Day Cares. Its founding members were the five largest Day Cares, who still hold significant influence in the Day Care world.

Whenever private Day Cares organize major events, you can expect the presence of the Day Care Union Council. The Pokémon Exchange Conference is no exception.

However, the Day Care Union Council is ultimately a voluntary organization of private Day Cares, still under the jurisdiction of the League Breeder, Association.

Seeing their own Sneasel's impolite behavior, the staff from the Midnight Day Care, who were setting up their area, offered a friendly but apologetic smile to Yuga.

Yuga responded with a smile and a shake of his head, indicating that he wasn't bothered by it.

Inside the glass enclosure, Sneasel, having failed to intimidate Yuga, left the edge of the glass enclosure in a bored manner. Before leaving, it waved its claw at Yuga.

There was a cold glint on its claw, which made one's eyelids twitch.

Watching Sneasel's behavior, Yuga suddenly remembered that Pokémon bred by Midnight Day Care seemed to have somewhat fierce personalities.

However, Sneasel's species naturally had a cunning and fierce disposition, so it might not necessarily be due to Midnight Day Care's breeding methods.

Compared to the YoYo Day Care's exhibition area, Midnight Day Care's area was noticeably larger and designed to simulate a unique environment—icy and snowy, giving it a sophisticated feel.

Among the Day Cares located at the foothills of this Ecopark was the host of the event, the Aurora Day Care.

As Yuga and his group passed by the Aurora Day Care's exhibition area, their owner, Nick, warmly greeted Yuga.

"Oh, isn't this Gym Leader Shimizu? How's everything on your end? Need any help?"

Seeing Nick's overly friendly smile, Momiji questioned, "What did you give him to make him to be so enthusiastic about you?"

What else could it be? He probably learned something from Lysandre, treating Yuga as one of their own.

"I don't know; maybe he's just a naturally enthusiastic person," Yuga replied casually.

Momiji gave Yuga an expression that clearly said, "I don't believe you," and then left with her group.

"No need to trouble you, Mr. Nick. My Day Care is quite small, and there's nothing much to do," Yuga said with a smile.

"Anything you need help with, just let me know. Don't be shy. By the way, Gym Leader Shimizu, would you like to take a look at my Pokémon? If you see any you like, feel free to say so."

Yuga's eyes brightened at the offer. Was there such a good opportunity? Did Lysandre start sending benefits his way?

Behind the scenes of the Aurora Day Care stood the true owner, Lysandre. While they were not one of the five major players in the Day Care Union Council, in terms of financial strength, they were not afraid of any other Day Care.

With this in mind, Yuga leaned forward to take a look at the exhibit behind Nick.

The first thing he saw was a group of flying Spiritzee everywhere. A swarm of pink Spiritzee gathered together, giving off a heartwarming aura.

Spiritzee wasn't considered particularly rare in the Kalos region, but it also wasn't a common Pokémon. It was quite popular among trainers.

As a pure Fairy-type Pokémon, Spiritzee had few weaknesses, and its evolved form, Aromatisse, was proficient in various Fairy and Psychic-type moves. Moreover, due to the Anistar Gym's influence, Aromatisse was highly sought after among trainers in Kalos.

Seeing Yuga's interest in the Pokémon behind him, Nick stepped back a bit to give Yuga a clearer view.

Noticing that Yuga had noticed his actions, Nick chuckled a bit.

Apart from Spiritzee, the second Pokémon Yuga noticed was the pre-evolution of Pyroar, Litleo.

Pyroar had gender differences; males had a mane that encircled their entire face, while females only had a mane on the top of their heads, but it was much longer than the males'.

However, their pre-evolution, Litleo, did not exhibit gender differences.

Some Litleo were playfully fighting with each other, while others were sitting head to head, purring contentedly. They all appeared to be in excellent health.

"I think I'll come back to take a closer look after the Exchange Conference starts. I have something to attend to right now, so I won't disturb you, Mr. Nick," Yuga said, waving to Nick, preparing to leave.

"That's fine. You're welcome anytime!" Nick waved back as he bid farewell to Yuga.