Chapter 87

Mondstadt

At Windrise Square, a massive display screen had been installed, facing the Knights of Favonius headquarters. A large crowd gathered near the statue of Barbatos, citizens of Mondstadt, filled with the spirit of freedom and adventure. Unlike the people of Liyue, who tend toward careful planning, the Mondstadters were immediately captivated by the promotional video, stirred by its themes of exploration and the unknown.

"Hisui Region?"

"I used to dream of becoming a great adventurer, like Stanley or Roald," one person murmured, "but I don't have a Vision…"

"Getting the favor of the gods is tough! But with these creatures, anyone can become strong enough to seek adventure as long as they put in the effort."

"For the first time, even ordinary people can become legends!"

"Thank the creatures, thank this new era, and thank Takumi, the manager of Pokémon House!"

"Let's go to Liyue and see if we can get our first partner Pokémon! The journey to becoming a trainer starts now!"

Inside the Knights of Favonius Headquarters

In a dimly lit room, Rosaria drew back the curtains, glancing at the lively crowd outside. In the past, such fervor would have caught her attention. As part of the "Anbu," she would've tracked down anyone attempting to disrupt Mondstadt's order. However, this time, Rosaria remained calm. She lowered her gaze and tapped her screen to start another round of Pokémon Auto Chess.

In the game's chat box, familiar names filled the screen:

Lisa: "Oops, I accidentally won again."

Kaeya: "Ugh, closed beta luck!"

Eula: "Who was the one who got kicked out last game?"

Diluc: "I'm busy. Let Klee take over for me."

Lisa's reaction to the mention of Klee was instant.

Lisa: "Ahem. If Klee's coming, I suddenly have something else to do!"

Smiling at the antics within the Knights, Rosaria joined the chat:

Rosaria: "Lisa, keep it together! My win count is two, and you're already bragging?"

Meanwhile, at her office desk, Jean chuckled as she overheard Lisa's frustrated muttering from the library. She put down her quill with amusement.

"Did Klee challenge you again?" Jean asked.

"No, it's not her this time," Lisa replied with a determined look. "But it's time to settle who's the true Auto Chess Champion in the Knights. Loser covers a month's tab at Angel's Share!"

Jean shook her head and, setting aside her work, opened the chat interface with Takumi.

Jean: "Manager Takumi, how's my Eevee doing?"

Takumi replied with a video clip.

Jean clicked it and saw her Eevee training one-on-one with the champion Orchid Mantis, giving her a mischievous smile.

Jean: "Hiring a champion trainer for 30 million Mora a month... quite the business, isn't it?"

Takumi: (smiling) "Consider it a courtesy. I wouldn't want your Pokémon falling behind the others. This lady here"—he attached an image—"is my third client."

In the attached photo, a familiar figure with blue hair and purple eyes appeared: Ganyu, Ningguang's secretary and a vital member of the Liyue Qixing.

Jean tilted her head thoughtfully.

Jean: "Ganyu! I've heard she's been working overtime for a decade. Impressive."

Liyue - Wangshu Inn

At the bustling Wangshu Inn, situated in the wetlands of Dihua Marsh, travelers crowded to catch a glimpse of a new promotional screen installed by Keqing and her team. Merchants and adventurers passing through were immediately drawn to the captivating footage of Pokémon from the Hisui Region.

In a room on the inn's upper floor, Lumine and Paimon were anxiously watching an egg incubator on the bed.

"Oh no, why isn't the little guy coming out yet?" Paimon fretted, hovering above the egg.

"Come on, you can do it!" she encouraged, waving her arms dramatically. "From now on, I, Paimon, will make sure you're well-fed and happy!"

The creature inside seemed motivated as the egg began to shake more vigorously.

After about an hour, there was a crack! as a fissure appeared on the eggshell. The pattern spread until the entire shell broke open, and a small, yellow creature burst out, leaping straight toward Paimon.

"Pika Pika!" it squeaked, nuzzling Paimon with its soft cheeks.

Lumine stared in surprise. "Is that… Pikachu?"

To her astonishment, the baby Pikachu wore a tiny hat on its head.

"Wait, what?" Lumine quickly opened her Pokédex to scan the newly hatched Pokémon.

Pokédex: "Hat Pikachu – A special form of Pikachu. Unlike regular Pikachu, this form doesn't evolve or Gigantamax. It's equipped with a unique Z-Crystal and can perform the exclusive move, Ten Million Volt Thunderbolt."

Lumine checked the data again, feeling even more puzzled.

"Born with a hat? How's that even possible?" She snapped a few pictures and sent them to the group chat.

Lumine: "Manager Takumi, I'm panicking… what is this?"