"Ice Vulpix, come on stage!"
"People from all walks of life are welcome to challenge!"
Everyone in the group knew that Young Master Tartaglia was a dedicated person, and they also knew that he was keen on studying elemental matching, elemental resonance, and elemental reaction between Pokémon and their trainers. The Pokédex revealed that his Ice Vulpix was actually level 25, the same as Hu Tao's Gabite.
They were not surprised at all.
As a master of daily cute pet videos, Tartaglia posted the training routine of Ice Vulpix to the group chat almost every day. The group members knew very well that this pure white fox-like Pokémon was both beautiful and graceful. Ice Vulpix was actually very hard-working.
This level... discouraged many people who were eager to try, such as Beidou, Yoimiya, Eula, etc. They were interested in battling but didn't want to be overwhelmed by the level difference, except for those who were thrill-seekers.
Seeing that no one answered the challenge for a long time, Takumi thought it was time to throw out an "introduction." He looked around at the people in the venue and smiled slightly:
"Actually, Pokémon competition has two sets of rules."
"One set is just like what Hu Tao and Xiangling demonstrated just now. In the command area, trainers each use six Pokémon to compete for victory."
"The other set is the original rules of the Pokémon world, which are wild and primitive, also called unrestricted combat."
"Trainers can enter the battle themselves, and even allow Pokémon attacks to knock down opposing trainers!"
Barbaric!
Unrestricted fighting!
There was no need for Takumi to explain further. The smell of blood naturally filled the air.
Zhongli nodded, "The first set of arena rules only applies within cities and safe zones."
Venti added, "Hey, actually, I prefer the second set of rules. After all, the people of Mondstadt have freedom in their blood; they are free and uninhibited."
Zhongli replied, "Based on universal rationality, this might be the reason why Mondstadt's population has always been small."
The corners of Yelan's mouth curled up. She was a dangerous woman.
"That's right," she said, "in the wild, might makes right, and there's not much reason to it!"
Tartaglia, who was already on stage, was stunned for a moment before saying excitedly:
"Good! I am willing to be the pioneer of the second set of rules. Ice Vulpix and I will advance and retreat together. Who will fight?!"
Actually, Tartaglia couldn't hold back his excitement for long.
Now, when he heard that trainers could also join in and influence the battle with their own bravery, Tartaglia grinned and was thrilled.
This was simply a dream come true for battle enthusiasts!
But after shouting for a while, no one responded.
No one was foolish enough to face Tartaglia, who had both the Hydro Vision and Ice Vulpix. Freeze the opponent directly, and the battle would be over in no time!
One person with one Pokémon could almost create a "Permafreeze Team." Who would want to risk that?
"This is so interesting..."
Off the field, Yelan became completely intrigued by Pokémon.
She overheard famous individuals discussing around her—cultivating a Pokémon, if its attributes matched, could resonate and react with the elemental power of one's Vision.
That was astonishing!
The combination wasn't just 1+1. It was a synergy between humans and Pokémon, enhancing each other's abilities.
"Tsk, no wonder no one wants to fight Tartaglia."
"Ice and Water—create a frozen field, hold it up, and keep it moist. Isn't that the basic condition for a Permafreeze Team?"
Yelan's heart pounded, and she found herself wanting an Ice-type Pokémon to raise.
Takumi looked at the combination of Gengar + Granny Ping, Xiao + Chansey.
Uh.
Special Pokémon + human—that combat power was purely overpowered.
Obviously, Master Sanyan Wuxian came just to watch the fun. When she noticed Takumi's gaze, Granny Ping smiled and shook her head without a word.
After waiting for a long time, Tartaglia revealed a regretful expression and stepped down from the stage:
"Vulpix, it seems we can only go to the ecological zone."
Tartaglia pleaded to Takumi:
"Please, Club Manager Takumi, grant me permission to use my own combat power, along with Ice Vulpix, to challenge the Champion Pokémon in the ecological zone."
Takumi tilted his head, unsurprised by Tartaglia's request.
"As long as there's no malicious harm or poaching, you can move freely without asking me."
"By the way, bring some healing items and energy cubes for the Champion Pokémon. Don't just ask them for sparring without giving them any benefits."
He stopped Tartaglia, who wanted to leave immediately for the ecological zone.
"Also."
"Since everyone is here, I will announce a piece of news—in two weeks, the first Trainer Sword Trial Conference will be held in Liyue Port."
"There will be a competitive stage with two sets of rules, but you can only choose one set to register. The top ten rewards will be announced later!"
Takumi thought carefully about adding the second set of rules. Before promoting and popularizing Pokémon, one undeniable fact was that Teyvat already possessed extraordinary powers.
For those with Visions, Pokémon were simply an added advantage.
Therefore, how to combine the power of the Vision with the combat abilities of Pokémon was the challenge that promoter Takumi faced.
But Tartaglia had already provided him with an answer.
The elemental bond between humans and Pokémon!
"With these two sets of rules, this will be a torrent of the times—from bottom to top, top to bottom, and bottom to top!"
Ordinary people could change their fate through the professions of Pokémon and trainers.
Those favored by Visions could also integrate Pokémon and demonstrate a bright future with the second set of rules.
The group members left with their own thoughts.
Currently, Hu Tao, the fastest progressing trainer among them, had only adopted two Pokémon.
If it were the "second set of rules," then the team composition had to be carefully planned!
Yelan stayed behind.
So did Signora, standing silently.
Takumi looked at the two of them—they were both beautiful in their own way. He felt a thrill of anticipation.
"You both want to draw a Pokémon, right? Please follow me."
…
After leaving the store, Tartaglia didn't think much and headed straight for the ecological zone.
Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu inevitably had a serious discussion on their way back to Yujingtai.
Ningguang said, "Liyue is going to build a landmark Pokémon Arena within two weeks, which can accommodate tens of thousands of people. Keqing, I leave this matter to you!"
"Money transfer is not a problem!"
Keqing rubbed her eyebrows and said, "Ha... it's a difficult task. Fortunately, we still have some time."
Then, Ningguang looked at Ganyu:
"Regarding the first Trainer Sword Trial Conference, it is related to Liyue becoming the origin of the era! Ganyu, you need to draft the detailed rules for the operation of the conference and create a process script."
The small tuft of hair on Ganyu's head moved, and she said softly, "Yes! I will work overtime today to prepare it and submit it to Qunyu Pavilion."
The group returned to Yujing Terrace.
The big screen in the square was already playing highlights from the battle between Xiangling and Hu Tao. The dignitaries and officials surrounding Yujing Terrace were enjoying watching it.
In the distance, Ningguang and her party heard the noisy discussions.
As expected.
At the end of the latest promotion video, Takumi announced the upcoming first Trainer Sword Trial Conference.
Boom—the Yujing Terrace erupted with excitement.
At the same time, all across Liyue Harbor, wherever there were large square screens, similar excitement could be heard.
"Conference! Conference!"
"Champion! Champion!"