1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 58

Alice and I are back at the Master Dojo. As we push open the door, we're met with a somber sight—many of our fellow trainers look defeated, their spirits crushed by their failed tests. Mustard spots us and breaks into a warm smile.

"Hey there, Ash, Alice. Welcome back! Looks like you nailed the trial! Congrats on finding the Max Mushrooms! Trial number two was no problem for you!"

"Yeah," I reply, "we managed to find a cave full of Max Mushrooms. I even gathered some extras for ourselves."

Mustard's expression turns more solemn. "All my other students ended up getting lost in the forest... Turns out finding Max Mushrooms was the least of their problems! It's a shame, but I guess everyone other than Ash and Alice will fail the trial." The sadness of the other trainers is palpable, but Alice and I haven't spotted Avery and Klara among them, which means they're not giving up just yet.

"Well, first things first—a proper meal! Let's have the Max Mushrooms made into a delicious Max Soup, shall we?" Mustard leads us to the kitchen, where Honey is busy cooking, a pot filled with boiling vegetables and hot water on the stove. "Mmm, mmm, mmm! I've really outdone myself this time! Now all that's left to add are those lovely Max Mushrooms you've brought us!"

Before Alice and I can add the Max Mushrooms to the pot, a loud yell echoes through the kitchen. "Gasp... Pant... Ms. Honey! Please wait..." I turn towards the sound to see Klara and Avery rushing in, desperation in their voices.

"Yeah! Ms. Honey, I beg you! Wait just one moment..." Alice and I exchange surprised glances as Klara and Avery make their plea.

Honey looks puzzled. "Why, Klara and Avery! What in the world has gotten into you two? I've never seen you two in such a flutter..."

"Pant... Pant..." Klara manages to catch her breath and stammers, "I...I've got some Max Mushrooms, too!"

Avery follows suit, stuttering, "Me too, I-I've also obtained some Max Mushrooms!" They both present their Max Mushrooms to the group.

Mustard grins, clearly impressed. "Oho! Nice work, Klara and Avery! You two must have searched hard for these. That makes you two the third and the fourth person to pass the second trial!"

Tears well up in Klara and Avery's eyes as they share their achievement. "Sniff... I did it... Y-yes, I did search rather hard..." Avery's voice quivers, and Klara can't hold back her emotions either. "Waaaaaah! I did it! I did it! Sob Sniff..."

I watch them with a sense of admiration. "Those two sure are this determined... Maybe they could be Gym Leaders in the future."

Alice nods in agreement. "I know."

Mustard, always the encourager, steps forward with a cheerful tone. "Aww, chin up, darling Klara and Avery! You did it! This is a cause for celebration!"

"Master, Ms. Honey...please, can we ask for something, just this once?" Klara's request takes Mustard and Honey by surprise.

Avery chimes in, "Would you be so kind as to use our Max Mushrooms in the Max Soup? I feel that everyone here should enjoy the taste of our efforts..."

Mustard chuckles, shaking his head. "Oh, Klara and Avery... Well! If that's all you're after...then I'm perfectly happy to oblige! Though this is hardly the first time you've asked for something, and I rather doubt it'll be the last."

"Ms. Honey..." The two of them say in unison. I can't help but admire their selflessness.

I speak up, "So what about our Mushrooms?"

"I hope you two don't feel that your thunder's being stolen, Ash, Alice..." Honey says with a warm smile. "But we are a family here, and families share! So...we'll go ahead and use both Klara and Avery's mushrooms today. It's just so rare for them to try hard at something. I really want to reward that."