chapter 73

Beidou, Kazuha, and Yoimiya!

Three more well-known figures.

Takumi, just coming out of the world of coding, saw the three guests for the first time and his smile brightened.

"Sister Beidou, you're as heroic as ever," he thought.

"Brother Kazuha..."

Takumi remembered the famous scene where Kazuha blocked the Raiden Shogun's sword for his friend.

And Naganohara Yoimiya, a talented fireworks artisan, the queen of the summer festival, also known as the "True Queen of Homing Fireworks."

Blonde hair, golden eyes, a Kansai accent, tattoos, and a high ponytail—a true stunner.

Yet beneath her appearance, she was kind-hearted.

Creativity and passion were what Yoimiya valued most. Although fireworks are fleeting, their vibrant light and shadow leave a lasting impression in people's hearts.

Her philosophy differs from the Shogun's view of eternal constancy.

Yoimiya's version of "eternity" is closer to the essence of lightning: both a moment and forever.

This is the real meaning of fireworks' bloom.

It's the support of everyone that keeps the beauty of fireworks alive.

"Creativity,"

"Beautiful people and kind hearts,"

"Is this the queen of the Hanamizaka Summer Festival?"

Takumi's gaze and his words made Yoimiya blush slightly, but her straightforward personality quickly reemerged.

After greeting Takumi warmly, she shared how she'd encountered a Kabuto bug on her windowsill earlier that day. Then, she explored Liyue Harbor with Beidou and Kazuha, noticing various Pokémon appearing on the streets.

"Also," she added, "I'll be visiting the General Affairs Department to settle payment for the fireworks."

"Manager Takumi, don't worry—I can pay!"

Yoimiya's words exuded a confidence that hinted, "I have enough Mora."

Beidou and Kazuha exchanged glances, chuckling.

"The money might not stretch that far," Kazuha whispered softly.

"The most expensive Pokémon recorded so far is Ningguang's rare shiny pseudo-legendary."

"It sold for… a billion Mora!"

Yoimiya's eyes widened in shock, and her voice nearly caught in her throat.

"One billion Mora?!"

Takumi just smiled.

"Actually, that record was broken yesterday by Mr. Morax's Kubfu, a martial arts Pokémon with the potential to reach Tier Two Legendary."

"The old man exchanged a plot of land in the ecological zone for it. Quite impressive…"

Beidou patted Yoimiya on the shoulder, laughing.

"No worries," she teased.

"If you draw a Pokémon worth a billion Mora, you can go into debt and work at the nightclub to pay it off!"

Before Takumi could respond, Hu Tao, who hadn't had much luck with her own draws, chimed in sharply:

"One billion Mora? Please."

"The average guest here only spends two to three million Mora on their initial Pokémon."

Xiangling tugged on Hu Tao's sleeve.

"Hold it!"

"Hold it!"

Although Hu Tao, as the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, was known for her eccentricity, she was usually polite. But today, her frustration seemed to have reached its peak.

Yoimiya, being an easygoing person, just laughed.

"Haha, I think I've always had good luck…"

Hu Tao rolled her eyes. "Great," she thought, remembering her earlier confidence.

Then she got cursed by the "Bug Queen" and kept drawing Bug-types! I hope you're all bug-free today!

Takumi handed a Pokédex to Yoimiya. After she registered and authenticated it, she tapped the start button on the screen.

"Who am I?"

Yoimiya's golden eyes sparkled with excitement, as if watching a dazzling display of fireworks.

Takumi glanced at the white bandage on her chest, her delicate face, and thought, "What a cool young lady."

The Pokédex screen finally settled.

Seeing the colorful Pokémon on the screen, Takumi was stunned.

"Eh? Is that… a horse?"

"So cute!"

"It looks surrounded by bright, colorful clouds!"

Hu Tao and Xiangling leaned in for a closer look, their eyes immediately sparkling.

"This horse… it's gorgeous!"

Hu Tao, already feeling a bit down from her own draws, became even more envious.

If a Pokémon isn't strong, it should at least look good. What's the use otherwise?

Yoimiya fell in love with the little horse Pokémon at first sight.

"Why is it called Ponyta?" she asked Takumi, confused. "It doesn't have any flames on it!"

Takumi sighed. "Another variant, just like Childe's Alolan Vulpix."

"Yes, it's called Ponyta," he explained.

"Ordinary Ponyta are surrounded by flames, but the one you drew has lived in the forests of the Galar region for generations, where it absorbed unique life energy, making it exclusive to Galar."

A Galar-exclusive variant!

Hu Tao and Xiangling understood immediately.

Takumi continued, "It can absorb life energy from the air and store it in its mane. The more energy it absorbs, the more colorful and vibrant its mane becomes."

"Its horn contains healing powers; a small injury can be healed with a touch of its horn."

"It can read the emotions of others through its gaze. If it senses malice, it'll vanish in an instant…"

If Hu Tao and Xiangling had heard of unicorns, they would've immediately likened Ponyta to one. Takumi's description only increased their fascination.

Even Beidou and Kazuha, who had drawn their initial Pokémon the day before, were in awe of this unique Galarian Ponyta.

"It can heal?"

"And read minds?"

Yoimiya's eyes sparkled.

"Yes, and whether it's the normal Fire-type or this Psychic-type Galarian Ponyta, it's definitely worth nurturing."

Huh?

This "unicorn" is a Psychic-type!

Hu Tao bit her lip, feeling frustrated.

She had just done five draws, and if she'd drawn a Psychic-type, she might have abandoned her ambition of being a "Dragon Queen" without hesitation.

Psychic-types are undeniably mysterious and powerful, with abilities like telepathy, mind-reading, and teleportation that are both impressive and hard to defend against.

When Takumi brought out the beautiful Galarian Ponyta, Hu Tao and Xiangling pulled out their Pokédex to scan it:

"Beep!"

Ponyta (Galar Region)

Type: Psychic

Ability: Pastel Veil

Hidden Ability: Anticipation

Growth Potential: Champion

Stage: Cub (Lv.1)

Moves: Tackle, Hypnosis

Takumi checked the Pokédex entry and couldn't help admiring the Pastel Veil ability, which makes Ponyta and its team immune to poison…

The best part? This Galarian Ponyta evolves into the Psychic/Fairy-type Rapidash, giving it two strong attributes!

Yoimiya hugged her little Ponyta tightly.

"Pony!"

The little Ponyta raised its hooves, its colorful, dreamlike mane flowing as it nuzzled into Yoimiya's embrace, eyes full of warmth and affection.

"No wonder it's bathed in the overflowing life energy of the forest…"

Yoimiya looked delighted.

"Holding this little one makes me feel warm and light!"

Takumi brought over a bowl of fresh Moomoo Milk. Ponyta sniffed it, then nudged Yoimiya gently, acting playfully.

"Alright, alright! Here's some milk," Yoimiya cooed, her eyes crinkling into happy crescents as she watched her Pokémon.

Beside her, Hu Tao and Xiangling looked on, the envy in their eyes palpable.

So jealous.

This Ponyta was undoubtedly beautiful by anyone's standards.

"Club Manager, how much does it cost? I also need to buy the essential resources for raising it, as I might not find them back in Inazuma."

"Eight million Mora," Takumi replied.

As he guided Yoimiya to select resources, Beidou and Kazuha explored the store.

Xiangling couldn't resist taking a photo of this "unicorn-like" Pokémon and uploading it to the group chat.

Xiangling: (Picture/Pokédex) "I hereby declare that the most beautiful, ethereal Pokémon in this group has arrived!"

Klee: "...Is that a horse?"

Lisa: "It's truly beautiful and enchanting! Even I'm captivated."

Childe: "A Ponyta? A Galar-region variant, just like my Alolan Vulpix... It's stunning! Today's daily picture of an adorable Pokémon. What do you think?"

Ningguang: "I have to admit, this little Ponyta is ethereal… And yes, Alolan Vulpix is equally gorgeous!"

Keqing: "Another Psychic-type Pokémon?"

Meanwhile, Childe, who had just led Andre to a spot near the ecological zone, glanced away from the Pokédex and down at his Ice Vulpix beside him.

He knelt down, petting its soft fur, his gaze tinged with envy but full of pride.

"Humph!"

"A Psychic-type Pokémon, huh?"

"Don't worry, my dear. You're both beautiful and strong!"

Over time, Childe's feelings for his Ice Vulpix had evolved from initial reluctance to pride and devotion.

He had made up his mind: he would not draw a second Pokémon.

"I'm loyal to my Ice Vulpix."

"I want to form an eternal bond with you!"

The Ice Vulpix, who had been training hard every day, looked up at Childe with admiration.

"Vul!"

"Let's conquer the world together, master!"