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

Chapter 83: Max Soup

Alice and I returned to the Master Dojo with heavy bags.

The eighteen Max Mushrooms were wrapped in separate cloths, each tag marked with the type energy we had found around it. Normal, Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel, and Fairy. Mustard had asked for mushrooms, but he had really sent us to read the whole island.

Inside the dojo, the mood was quieter than usual.

Students sat with muddy uniforms, leaves in their hair, and shoulders slumped like the forest had personally defeated them. Nobody looked badly hurt, but almost everyone looked drained.

Mustard spotted us first. "Hey there, Ash, Alice! Welcome back! Looks like you nailed the trial."

"We found more than three," I said, lifting the bag carefully. "All eighteen from your chart."

Honey nearly dropped her spoon. "All eighteen?"

Alice nodded. "One for each type. It felt like the second trial had another trial hiding inside it."

Mustard chuckled, though the pride in his eyes was clear. "Good, good. Trial number two was no problem for you, then."

Before he could continue, the dojo door burst open.

Klara and Avery stumbled in, both panting so hard that even the tired students turned to stare. Klara clutched a small bundle of Max Mushrooms against her chest. Avery held his own bundle with both hands, trying to look noble despite the dirt on his sleeves.

"Ms. Honey!" Klara gasped. "Please wait!"

"Indeed," Avery wheezed. "I beg you to delay the culinary proceedings for one dignified moment."

Honey blinked. "Why, Klara and Avery! What in the world happened to you two?"

Klara held up her mushrooms with trembling pride. "I got some too."

Avery lifted his bundle. "And I also obtained Max Mushrooms."

Mustard clapped once. "Oho! Nice work, you two. That makes you the third and fourth people to pass the second trial."

Klara's eyes shone. "I did it. I actually did it."

Avery sniffed and pushed his glasses up. "Yes. I searched rather hard."

I watched them and felt my earlier frustration soften. They had challenged us badly, complained often, and still kept going after losing. That kind of stubbornness could become something better if they learned where to point it.

"They really are determined," I murmured.

Alice's expression warmed. "Yes. That matters."

Klara glanced toward Honey's pot, then swallowed. "Master, Ms. Honey, can we ask for something?"

Avery bowed stiffly. "Would you use our Max Mushrooms in the soup today? Everyone should enjoy the taste of our efforts."

Mustard laughed softly. "If that is what you want, I am happy to oblige."

Honey gave Alice and me a gentle look. "I hope you do not feel your thunder is being stolen, dears."

"We do not," Alice said.

I shook my head. "We have ours. Let theirs be for everyone."

Honey smiled. "Then you two hold on to those eighteen. I am sure you will find the right use for them."

Mustard winked. "And do not worry. You still passed with flying colors."

The kitchen filled with warmth as Honey stirred the pot.