Chapter 330: Chapter 330
In Orudoran Castle, built from stone bricks, the entire city was brightly decorated and buzzing with a festive atmosphere.
Inside the Pokémon Center.
Lu Ye handed a perfectly healthy Squirtle—who still insisted on getting a spa—to Nurse Joy and asked:
"Is there some kind of special occasion today?"
Joy smiled softly as she accepted the Dive Ball and explained:
“Every year on New Year’s Day, we celebrate the legendary Hero of Aura, Aaron, who once saved Orudoran Castle.”
“There’s always a grand battle festival, and the castle hosts a ball and banquet to honor the winners.”
“Oh… So I take it there’ll be a lot of strong Trainers competing?” Lu Ye asked.
“Exactly.” Joy sighed in admiration. “Not just League champions—there’ll be Masters from all over the regions…”
“Gengarrr?” Gengar glanced at Lu Ye’s puzzled expression.
“It’s nothing,” Lu Ye rubbed his chin. “I was just thinking—someone like Ash… it shouldn’t be easy for him to win, right…”
But in Lu Ye’s hazy memory…
According to the original plot, Ash won the festival championship with ease and was bestowed the title “Hero of Aura.”
The only explanation was that he was blessed with protagonist’s luck and somehow beat all the elites.
Otherwise, just one random Master from any region could probably wipe the floor with him…
Joy handed the Dive Ball back to Lu Ye, sneaking a glance at him, her smile full of satisfaction.
“Aren’t you going to join the battle festival?”
“Huh? You can still register now?”
Joy looked over at the clock on the wall and tilted her head. “If you haven’t signed up already… it might be too late. The matches are about to begin.”
“Hm.” Lu Ye didn’t seem too disappointed.
After all, this arc was practically custom-made for Ash—a key turning point in his journey.
And with how the worldline self-corrects, the moment Lu Ye stepped into the ring, he'd probably start missing all his moves…
Or worse, some random Legendary Pokémon Trainer might show up, end in a double knockout with him, and hand the crown to Ash.
The safest move… was to sit back and watch—
“The match is starting!”
Right then, the guests in the Pokémon Center suddenly burst into cheers.
Lu Ye looked up, and saw the battle festival broadcast playing on the overhead TV screen.
And stepping into the arena… was none other than Ash, dressed in full medieval-style attire!
Wasn’t he just heading to see the Professor?
In Lu Ye’s mind, he imagined Ash’s eyes lighting up the moment he heard there was a tournament, immediately dashing off to register.
Lu Ye let out a dry cough. “Well… it’s Ash. Of course he would.”
Joy laughed and added, “Everyone participating in the festival wears that kind of retro costume… even the Pokémon get special outfits!”
Lu Ye stroked his chin.
He imagined Sirfetch’d in a full paladin’s armor… not a bad look at all.
The Pokémon Center buzzed with excitement.
“That Pikachu just got its third win in a row!”
“He doesn’t even look like a seasoned Trainer! How’s he wrecking that Master from Kalos?!”
Lu Ye looked up blankly.
That fast? He already has a three-win streak!?
On screen, Ash fought like a god of war—total domination.
Pikachu kept landing critical hits, and Ash’s “Quick, dodge it!” calls were spot on every time.
That poor Master from Kalos thought it’d be an easy stomp… and ended up getting absolutely rolled by Ash.
Lu Ye’s face twisted with mixed feelings.
Is this the power of your bond with Lucario?
“Well, yeah… it’s the movie-version Ash. The TV Ash doesn’t even come close…”
If one had to explain it…
Maybe Orudoran Castle itself amplified Ash’s Aura, supercharging both him and his Pokémon.
After all, someone like Yellow once used the “Power of Viridian” to shoot her Pokémon from Level 30 to 80 in one go…
Lu Ye rubbed his chin and nodded to himself.
“Makes perfect sense!”
He found a seat, settled in, and continued watching Pikachu’s Iron Tail massacre.
Suddenly, his phone rang. He picked up the call, a bit surprised:
“Mr. Steven… you’re nearby too?”
Dressed in a velvet-lined suit and a waistcoat underneath, the man with pale blue hair smiled warmly.
“Mr. Lu, it’s been a while.”
Heads turned all around them, the other guests whispering in surprise.
Miss Joy glanced back and forth, eyes lighting up.
What do I do… they’re both so handsome!
No! Joy shook her head, clenching her little fists.
Stay true to yourself—Mr. Lu is still more handsome!
Lu Ye stood to greet him, amazed. “Daigo-san, I thought you were still near Kalos?”
Steven gave a small nod and smiled gently.
“I found the item I was looking for… and heard you were in Orudoran Castle, so I figured I’d stop by.”
Digging up treasure wherever he goes—classic Daigo Miscalculation. Lu Ye gave a dry cough.
“Just a little trinket. Nothing important.”
Steven’s pale blue eyes, reflecting a mineral-like glint, lit up with joy as he thought of his newly acquired Mega Stones.
Lu Ye didn’t press further. Instead, he asked curiously:
“By the way, Mr. Steven, have you heard of the legend about Aaron?”
Steven, a history buff himself, thought for a moment, then said:
“Supposedly, a thousand years ago, to end the war between Kalos and Galar… Aaron sacrificed his life to awaken the World Tree.”
“The revived World Tree emitted a gentle Aura that soothed the hostilities between humans and Pokémon alike.”
“And that’s why Aaron is remembered as the ‘Hero of Aura.’”
Steven smiled. “Most libraries should have a picture book version of the tale.”
Lu Ye nodded slightly. That did match his memory fairly well.
During the century-long war between Galar and Kalos, legends like King AZ and Hero Aaron emerged.
The end of the conflict mirrored AZ’s own story—he abandoned the Ultimate Weapon and wandered in search of the Eternal Flower…
Lu Ye gave a small cough and asked, “Mr. Steven, when are you heading back?”
“We’ll see.” Steven looked up and smiled. “Isn’t your friend about to win the whole thing?”
Lu Ye paused, then looked at the screen.
Pikachu leapt high into the air and unleashed a devastating Thunderbolt—the spectators gasped in awe!
“As expected…” Lu Ye held his forehead and sighed. “Even Pikachu’s not bothering to hold back anymore, huh…”
Ash, now the victor, was granted an audience with Queen Eileen and officially awarded the title “Hero of Aura.”
Hearing that there would be a banquet and ball tonight, Ash hurriedly asked, “Can I bring my friends too?”
Queen Eileen, graceful and elegant—almost identical to the queen from a thousand years ago—nodded with a smile.
Back at the Pokémon Center.
Meeting up with Lu Ye, Ash scratched his head apologetically.
“Sorry, Mr. Lu. I got caught up in something…”
Ash braced for a scolding, but suddenly paused.
Lu Ye just sighed and gave his shoulder a light pat.
Lu Ye let out a long breath.
What’s meant to happen… will happen.
Looking on the bright side…
Maybe the buffet at the banquet will be top-tier?
“What about Mr. Steven?” Lu Ye asked.
“I’m planning to stay the night,” Steven replied, deep in thought.
The nearby World Tree… seemed to hold traces of fossil remains.
Spending the night in Orudoran Castle—he’d begin his excavation tomorrow!