There's Something Off About My Pokémon [102] [40 PS]

Bonus Chapter!

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"You're choosing this Pokémon?" Xiang Dong, clad in her red uniform, looked at Wang Yingjie in surprise.

"Zorua is indeed rare, but this one..."

Wang Yingjie looked down at the gray-black fox glaring up at him with bared teeth. Its fur was matted and filthy, even the red crest on its forehead had lost its usual shine. More troubling, a prominent scar marred its ear, nearly damaging the entire cartilage.

"This Zorua has significant hearing issues, which means it may not respond well to commands." Xiang Dong sighed. "On top of that, after numerous experiments by those lunatics, its transformation genes have become unstable."

She continued, looking serious, "It's unlikely to fully utilize its Illusion ability. I advise you to pick another Pokémon."

Looking at the wary, dirty creature, a steely look crossed Wang Yingjie's eyes. He replied in a low voice, "No need… I'll take this one."

Xiang Dong was surprised, watching as Wang Yingjie extended his bandaged hand toward Zorua. The Zorua hesitated before lunging forward, biting down hard. Its sharp fangs punctured the bandage, and blood started trickling from the wound, but Wang Yingjie didn't flinch. Instead, he gripped Zorua by the neck and thrust it into the dark Poké Ball prepared by Xiang Dong. The red light blinked three times before it finally settled.

Xiang Dong frowned, unsure of what to say. Her intuition told her that this fisherman's son might indeed reach great heights one day, and his resolve could be his strongest defense.

A faint smile crept onto her bright red lips. "Congratulations."

Wang Yingjie nodded in silence, staring at his bleeding hand as memories of the West Lake incident surfaced. His gaze hardened slightly.

At that moment, Ren Li entered, wearing his trademark beret and his ever-present grin, though his eyes were fixed sharply on Wang Yingjie.

"Good morning, Officer Xiang," he greeted Xiang Dong.

"What do you want?" Xiang Dong's expression soured; she was never particularly fond of Ren Li, viewing their relationship as strictly professional at best.

"We need more personnel for an operation in Magic City." Ren Li's gaze settled on Wang Yingjie. "I came to borrow someone."

"I refuse," Xiang Dong replied bluntly. "Each officer is allowed four elite members, as per our leader's directive. If you're short-handed, that's your problem."

Ren Li chuckled, as if anticipating her response. "Ever since Miao Bai was captured, the smuggling operation has been left to me. Four members aren't enough; even eight wouldn't cut it!" He folded his arms, flashing his trump card. "Besides, this mission in Magic City has the boss's personal approval." He shrugged, adding, "He's already granted me clearance to reassign personnel from other branches."

Xiang Dong frowned. She knew Ren Li's antagonism toward Wang Yingjie was no secret. As Wang Yingjie was now under her command, she felt a responsibility to protect him. However, with their boss's direct approval, even she found it difficult to argue.

She fell silent, searching for a reason to refuse when Wang Yingjie spoke up. "I'll go."

Both Xiang Dong and Ren Li looked at him in surprise. Ren Li's grin turned into a malicious smirk as he crossed his arms. Smart kid, he thought. Might as well let him know what's waiting for him on the ship.

Wang Yingjie knew that staying under Xiang Dong's protection wouldn't last forever, and after what he had witnessed at the West Lake clubhouse, he knew Ren Li would eventually come for him. This so-called mission was, in fact, his opportunity to end things once and for all. Out on the open sea, far from Ren Li's home turf, he felt sure of his own advantage as a fisherman's son who was no stranger to water.

"Very well," Xiang Dong said with a sigh. "But let me make this clear: if anything happens to my team member, you'll bear full responsibility."

Ren Li laughed, waving dismissively. "Why would anything happen? He and I go way back!"

He slung an arm around Wang Yingjie's shoulders, laughing boisterously. "Isn't that right, Wang Yingjie?"

Feeling Ren Li's arm tightening around his neck, Wang Yingjie lowered his head in silence, a glint of cold determination flickering in his eyes.

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"You'll board from Gate A. Xie Yuan and I will go in from two separate entrances." Liu Shengnan reminded him, "Remember, report everything over the radio!"

Lu Cheng nodded. Liu Shengnan then shouted at the drowsy Xie Yuan, "Wake up! No more napping!"

"We're here on duty, not on vacation!"

Xie Yuan yawned, lazily waving his hand. "Yeah, yeah, got it!"

"I'm heading up first!" Liu Shengnan gave Lu Cheng a parting wave as she walked off. At that moment, the system notification chimed in.

Ding—New Task Unlocked: 'Pearl of the Orient'

Objective: Assist Armed Forces members in capturing Galactic Team criminals onboard the Pearl of the Orient. Rewards: +2 Defense, +5 Potential Points, 50,000 Cash, Title Reward: 'Rising Star of the Armed Forces.'

This was the first time the system had issued a mission with a title reward. After unlocking the title system, Lu Cheng's "Achievements" panel had shown his first title from the U20 Championship.

U20 Champion (Green) Level: Regional Competition

Description: Winner of Zhejiang's Under-20 Youth Trainer Championship

Effect: Pokémon growth rate +5%

Titles were color-coded—white, green, blue, purple, and orange. Although the championship reward was only green, titles could stack, which made even minor boosts valuable in the long run.

"I'll probably only find out what this new title does once I finish the mission," Lu Cheng muttered to himself. "Better get onboard first."

As he walked down the VIP lane to the twilight-lit dock, he caught sight of the snow-white luxury cruise ship, bathed in the sunset glow. The windows glimmered golden in the waning light.

The Pearl of the Orient had three main levels, and the top deck was already bustling with people. Lu Cheng handed his dark-gold ticket to a friendly young woman in uniform with a warm smile.

She waved over a crew member wearing a crisp white hat. "He'll take you to your room," she said with a smile.

Lu Cheng couldn't hide his disappointment.

"Let me take your luggage," the crew member offered, noting his expression. "Are you traveling to Magic City alone?"

Lu Cheng nodded.

"With that look, you must be here for tonight's gathering too?" The crew member chuckled at Lu Cheng's surprise. "There's a trainer gathering onboard tonight, and quite a few trainers have shown up for it."

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