Chapter 62

"Absol?"

As the result appeared on the Pokédex, Takumi's expression grew even more bemused as he fixed his gaze on Bennett.

"Classic Bennett," he thought.

Seeing Takumi's expression, Bennett, guessing that the result might be less than ideal, forced a smile and asked cautiously:

"Club Manager Takumi, I think I like Absol… His fur is so pure white, he looks dignified and noble. Is there something wrong with him?"

Takumi replied slowly, "In the Pokémon world, Absol is also known as the 'disaster beast.'"

"Disaster beast?"

Bennett's face fell, and he looked as though he might cry.

"Haha… I knew it!" he said, half laughing, half groaning.

Beside him, Fischl and the other association members exchanged glances, remembering Bennett's infamous streak of bad luck.

As onlookers, they quickly backed away, worried that some of Bennett's misfortune might rub off on them. After all, if they were next in line for the draw, the result might be disastrous!

"You can see here in the Pokédex," Takumi continued. "Absol is classified as a Disaster Pokémon and has Dark-type attributes."

Listening to Takumi's explanation, Bennett grew more anxious.

As if he didn't have enough problems, with crises cropping up every time he went adventuring. And now he was partnered with a "disaster beast?" The situation seemed bleak…

Skipping Absol and going for another draw? Bennett was sure his next try would only yield worse results.

"Oh, what am I going to do?" he muttered, feeling a bit helpless.

Seeing Bennett's dismay, Takumi decided he had teased him enough and cleared his throat.

"Actually," he said, "Absol is highly sensitive to environmental changes and can easily detect even the smallest shifts."

Takumi pointed to the scythe-like horn on Absol's head in the Pokédex display. "You see this? It allows Absol to sense atmospheric and earthly disturbances, warning of approaching calamities. So, whenever Absol appears before a disaster, people misunderstand it as a bad omen, blaming Absol for the disaster."

Hearing this, a soft, sympathetic nerve seemed to resonate in Bennett's heart.

"Absol…" he murmured, his expression slowly becoming more resolute.

Bennett, who had always suffered bad luck despite his kindhearted nature, saw a lot of himself in Absol.

"Absol doesn't bring disaster. It only wants to warn people," Takumi continued. "Absol's character is actually gentle and caring."

How similar they were!

Those watching from a distance were equally moved. This adventurer from Mondstadt, cursed with ill fortune yet filled with goodness, had chosen a Pokémon that shared his stigma—misunderstood for simply being present in times of disaster.

"Club Manager Takumi," Bennett declared, his fists clenched in determination, "I choose Absol!"

Takumi smiled as he took Bennett's Mora deposit slip, headed to the breeding room, and brought out Bennett's new partner.

As Absol came out, Fischl observed the gentle interaction between the Pokémon and its new trainer.

Young Absol looked a bit like a mystical cat, with its pure white fur and bright red eyes radiating kindness.

Bennett buried his face in Absol's fur, inhaling deeply and grinning wildly.

"Hey, hey, hey~~" he chuckled. "Thanks for sticking with me!"

Meanwhile, Fischl looked over curiously at her companion Oz, perched on a shelf in the store.

Her "Night Raven" Oz watched the scene, seeming just slightly amused.

"Why can't I get a cute companion?" she murmured in a huff.

She turned to Oz. "Oz, are you an pokemon too?"

From the shelf, the night crow ruffled its feathers and replied, "My Lady, Oz is your loyal servant, not a Pokémon."

Fischl's eyes widened. "Then why did you appear with my Vision on my fourteenth birthday?"

Then, as if a light had switched on, her expression turned conspiratorial.

"Could it be…" she mused, "that Club Manager Takumi noticed my brilliance and secretly sent you as my first companion?"

Oz could only sigh, taking a deep breath.

If only I could explain myself, he thought. I am a noble raven, not a Pokémon!

Takumi stifled his laughter and clarified, "Sorry, little Amy, but Oz isn't listed among the 905 known Pokémon in the Pokédex."

"Fine, fine…" Fischl muttered, though she didn't seem entirely convinced, glancing up and down at Takumi.

Her cheeks flushed a little at the memory of him calling her "little Amy," her real name, so naturally.

"Servants are servants, and Pokémon are Pokémon," Takumi went on. "Besides, a trainer can capture and care for many Pokémon throughout their lifetime."

"Some of the best trainers gather new Pokémon wherever they go, adapting to each region with local species."

Takumi was curious about Oz's origin himself, but that didn't stop him from teasing the bird a bit.

"And, little Amy," he added, "if you take a Pokémon back home, you could make Oz the 'caretaker'—he can read the breeder's manual and learn all about looking after Pokémon!"

Oz's eyes widened in alarm.

This is bad, he thought. Oz is in danger!

But Fischl's eyes sparkled with excitement at Takumi's suggestion.

He was right! If Oz took on a caregiver role, her Pokémon team could grow faster than anyone else's in Mondstadt!

"Humph. Let's see who dares to challenge this princess's legendary rise!" she declared as she eagerly initiated her own draw.

"Who am I?"