In the kitchen.
Wayne had been full of confidence before attempting to make Crab Roe Lion's Head meatballs.
However, he consecutively produced three C-grade Crab Roe Lion's Head dishes in a row—all failures by his standards.
Crab Roe Lion's Head looked deceptively simple on the surface. The process seemed straightforward: mince the meat into pomegranate-seed-sized pieces, then form them into balls.
It appeared simple, but in reality, the dish was full of hidden pitfalls and extremely particular about precise heat control.
The system notification appeared: A Plain Crab Roe Lion's Head Without Special Effects
This was the information his appraisal ability provided to Wayne.
He could only say that he wanted to speak, but tears came first instead.
Wayne had cooked the Crab Roe Lion's Head meatballs in a small bowl. Alan picked one up and tasted it carefully.
"It's not bad at all. Why do you have that disappointed expression?" Alan asked.
Alan sampled the fully formed Crab Roe Lion's Head. It was a bit hot, and the texture was somewhat soft, though it was still slightly greasy on the palate.
Alan had long served as the designated taste-tester for all of Wayne's experimental new dishes. Even if his face turned green from the taste, he could still force himself to eat it with stubborn perseverance.
"Compared to the dishes I usually make for you?" Wayne asked, seeking honest feedback.
"Those dishes are absolutely delicious, but if I had to choose, the Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice is still better to drink overall," Alan answered honestly.
Alan had been completely amazed by Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice ever since his first taste.
It seemed Wayne still needed more practice time if he wanted to make a truly authentic, high-quality Crab Roe Lion's Head.
Wayne temporarily decided to give up on using Crab Roe Lion's Head for his upcoming tutorial video.
Crispy Apple (A-grade) was even more out of the question for a tutorial. If he was going to teach that recipe, he'd have to demonstrate the proper thousand-layer pastry version!
As for whether his audience could actually learn and replicate it successfully, that wasn't something Wayne needed to worry about.
However, Wayne had already promised to update his next video episode after seven days of intensive study with Blue. He couldn't break his word to his viewers.
He quickly finalized the content plan for his fifth video episode.
"It's time to show off the results of these seven days of training. Alan, want to join me?" Wayne offered.
Alan took another sip of soup. "Doing what exactly?"
"Giving Pokémon essential oil treatments and spa care," Wayne explained.
Alan nodded in agreement. "Incineroar trained extra hard last night, so it should definitely be tired and sore."
After losing the battle to Metagross the previous night, Incineroar—who had been receiving treatment at the Pokémon Center—had run out in the middle of the night for additional solo training.
Alan had felt obligated to accompany his partner for the late-night training session, then escort it back to the Pokémon Center afterward.
Thankfully, the Pokémon Center was conveniently located right next to the Breeding Center.
Wayne and Alan walked together to the adjacent Pokémon Center.
"Nurse Joy, Chansey," Wayne greeted them politely.
Nurse Joy smiled warmly. "Good morning! Metagross and Incineroar's treatments are both completely finished."
"Thank you so much for your trouble," Wayne said gratefully.
Nurse Joy shook her head. "Not at all! This is what we're here to do. Besides, we often trouble you too, so we're even."
Nurse Joy and Chansey would regularly come next door—which was Wayne's family home—for lunch and dinner meals.
"Chansey~" Chansey held a tray out in front of them, presenting their Pokémon's Poké Balls.
"Thank you, Chansey," both Trainers said.
"Chansey~" Chansey responded cheerfully.
"Then we'll be going now," Wayne said.
"Okay, take care!" Nurse Joy called after them.
Wayne also called Claire on his phone, ostensibly to show off the successful results of his training during Blue's teaching period.
Claire mercilessly exposed his real motivation. "You clearly just want me to help take care of Lucario during the treatment."
Wayne had planned to give Lucario, Arcanine, and Metagross full spa treatments.
But doing all of that work alone would be far too exhausting...
Just as Wayne was still trying to think of how to fabricate a convincing reason, Claire spoke again with a sigh.
"Never mind. Who told me I benefited from you and learned so much from Mr. Blue during his stay? I owe you one."
Alan suddenly interjected, "You just spoil him too much."
"..." Claire was too annoyed to bother arguing with this troublemaker.
Arriving at the specialized treatment room, all three of them put on protective masks.
Seeing Alan wearing his mask, Wayne could barely hold back his reaction. "Has anyone ever told you that you look like a bandit when you wear a mask?"
"I just think this mask is way too small for my face," Alan protested.
The mask did look like a miniature version on Alan's large face.
"Pfft!" Claire couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Is it really that funny?" Alan asked defensively.
That is, until Alan looked at himself in the mirror and saw the ridiculous sight.
Wayne pressed the record button on his camera. "Recording started."
After putting on their treatment gloves, Claire spoke softly and professionally. "Lucario, shall we begin the treatment?"
"Luca." (Please feel free to proceed.)
Wayne took responsibility for treating Arcanine and half of Metagross's body, with Claire helping with the other half of Metagross.
Metagross's battle injuries were fully healed, but it was still somewhat tired and sore from last night's intense battle.
Arcanine and Lucario also had some minor hidden issues accumulated from their regular intensive training sessions.
Wayne also had to act as narrator and commentator during the treatment for the video.
"Everyone watching must pay close attention to the Pokémon's physical condition. Please look at Incineroar as an example."
"Its usual extensive training regimen has made its muscles become somewhat fatigued and tense, so this is the perfect time to help it relax properly."
Essential oil body care combined with pressure point massage techniques!
Wayne revealed his legendary massage style, a technique passed down through generations.
"Owooo!!!" Incineroar, who had been lying motionless and relaxed on the treatment bed, suddenly opened its eyes wide in surprise.
(It says it feels incredibly comfortable and wants more!) Alan translated for the viewers.
For the entire morning, Wayne, Claire, and Alan worked diligently, giving Lucario and the other Pokémon thorough spa treatments.
However, the filming wasn't quite over yet. They still needed to go outside into the sunlight to properly showcase the impressive results of the treatments.
It was now noon—the time of day when the sun shone strongest and brightest.
Arcanine and Incineroar basked in the brilliant sunlight. Every single tip of their fur shimmered and gleamed magnificently.
Especially when Arcanine shook its head majestically, its luxurious mane swayed gracefully in the wind with the fluid movement.
At this particular moment, Arcanine truly embodied some of the legendary demeanor of the mythical Eastern Pokémon from ancient tales.
┗|`O′|┛ "Owooo~~" Arcanine howled proudly.
Incineroar cooperatively struck various impressive bodybuilding poses for the camera. Its entire muscular body appeared relaxed rather than tense, radiating pure energy and vitality.
Metagross's metallic body gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight. The alloy cross on its face in particular looked as if it had been cast from pure gold, almost blinding Wayne with its shine.
Lucario stood perfectly straight with its arms crossed over its chest, exuding an imposing and dignified aura like a disciplined soldier standing at attention.
Wayne walked in a complete circle around Lucario, carefully showcasing the results of their meticulous grooming care from every angle.
"Alright, that should be perfect," Wayne announced, satisfied.
This video comprehensively covered the short-haired Incineroar, the long-haired Arcanine, and the completely hairless Metagross. It was definitely going to be an extremely valuable tutorial video for Breeders.
Although Wayne would still need to spend time editing the footage tonight, he had absolutely no free time this afternoon.
This afternoon was entirely dedicated to providing the five free Pokémon grooming treatments he had publicly promised.
This day was certainly going to be quite packed with activities.
No choice about it—Wayne had planned to make a final sprint toward completing his "Advancing Breeding House" quest.
Fortunately, he could now brew Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice whenever needed. One cup of that was better than drinking six glasses of regular Berry Juice!
If he felt lazy, drinking Moomoo Milk or standard Berry Juice also had some restorative effect on stamina, though the effect was far inferior to Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice's power.
Wayne glanced briefly at his scan radar map. The two green light points representing the Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon weren't moving, which meant they had settled in that mountain location. This made Wayne even less anxious about capturing them.
Leon appeared before Wayne with an expression clearly asking for praise. "Son, I've already picked out the five winners for you through a random drawing."
"Thanks, Dad. You're the best," Wayne said appreciatively.
That afternoon, the five lucky winners all arrived at the Breeding Center with their Pokémon partners.
The reputation of Jubilife Breeding Center was growing substantially day by day, and many Trainers wanted to try their services.
However, Wayne's family Breeding Center was not without its significant drawbacks—it was quite expensive compared to competitors.
This high pricing deterred many potential customers from booking appointments.
Nevertheless, all five of the Pokémon and their Trainers who received treatments were extremely satisfied with the results.
A system notification chimed in Wayne's mind:
"Ding! Main Quest—Advancing Breeding House, Stage One objective completed..."