Chapter 72

The Coordination Bureau was quickly established after a brief discussion between Ningguang and Takumi to handle Pokémon-related incidents.

For the time being, Keqing serves as the director, with Hongyi as the deputy director.

In essence, this was the prototype of the Liyue Pokémon Alliance Police Station.

Elite personnel transferred from the Qianyan Army were prioritized to receive an initial Pokémon from the Pokémon House, chosen for low investment and short growth cycles.

Each one only costs a million Mora!

A group purchase price!

If a police officer doesn't have the savings, they can apply for a loan from the police station, adopt the Pokémon first, and repay the fee in interest-free installments.

This comes with additional benefits for police officers, such as regular free energy cubes and complimentary medical services at the Pokémon Center.

After subduing a second or third Pokémon, officers can form elite teams within the police station.

They can rely on teamwork to explore the ecological zone and ensure that each member can capture a suitable Pokémon of their choice.

This morning, Director Keqing organized the first team of officers to explore the ecological zone.

"Beep!"

An operator's voice came through the Pokédex from the police station:

"Deputy Director Hongyi, a Geodude escaped in the Chihu Rock neighborhood, causing chaos. Please proceed to handle it immediately!"

"Understood," Hongyi replied calmly, ending the call as he led the team away.

Medical Clinics and Herbal Halls in Liyue.

Bubu Pharmacy.

Baizhu looked around at the room full of injured people lying on the floor.

One of them, despite having fewer visible injuries, seemed to be the most fortunate among the crowd.

"Waaah!" The usually composed man broke down, wailing.

"I only entered a cave! Who would have guessed it was filled with Gastly… A whole swarm of ghosts!"

"Mr. Baizhu, please help me!"

Hearing this, Baizhu exchanged a glance with the white snake, Changsheng, coiled on his shoulder.

Why go seeking danger? he thought. Yesterday, I received several Vision-wielding warriors. Those of you without Visions should exercise even more caution!

"Sorry, I can't treat this kind of injury, nor can I prescribe any medication."

Pokémon House Customer Group Chat.

Xiangling: "I nearly had a heart attack! I went to the Pokémon Center to register my Larvesta, and the line was so long!"

Hu Tao: "So how long did you wait? Xiangling, you're so silly. Pokémon initially purchased from Club Manager Takumi are automatically registered and backed up online in the Pokédex. Only those caught in the wild need to be registered!"

Ningguang: "What are your Mondstadt police stations planning? Our Qianyan Army has plenty of personnel and elites, yet we're almost overwhelmed!"

Jean: "Yura has taken on the role of director, while Diluc entrusted me with the responsibilities of inspector general for the Environmental Protection Ministry."

Klee: "...What about Klee?"

Jean: "Just take care of your Deino for me." (Kind Smile)

Childe: "Sigh, just these past two days, Liyue has changed drastically. I encounter trainers and Pokémon roaming the streets now!"

Andre: "But many Bug-type Pokémon, like Caterpie, are often in ruins or hidden."

Kaeya: "Albedo, have you finished the commissioned artwork? Don't you want to bring your Aron to explore the eco-region rocks?"

Albedo: "I just submitted all the artwork to Club Manager Takumi. I plan to team up with Klee, Sucrose, and Timaeus for this exploration. It'll be safer together!"

Barbara: "Lisa, Kaeya, Noelle?"

Childe: "Andre, anyone else want to join my team? I'm providing resources like potions, antidotes, and Poké Balls for free!"

The chat was bustling with activity, as veteran members interacted with newcomers who seemed shy and were still familiarizing themself with the Pokémon world and their starter Pokémon.

Hu Tao: "No more chatting for me. I'm heading to the store to buy supplies. This time, I'm staying in the ecological zone for a full week!"

Xiangling: "I'm going for my second Pokémon. This time I want one with a shorter growth cycle since my Larvesta won't evolve into Volcarona until much later. I need something for immediate combat!"

Pokémon House Store.

Outside the store, Xiangling and Hu Tao arrived almost simultaneously.

Business at the store was still not extremely busy, with plenty of onlookers but few willing to spend millions of Mora on a starter Pokémon.

As soon as Xiangling and Hu Tao entered, it was quickly their turn.

"Hello~" Xiangling greeted Meloetta with a wave. "I'm here for my second Pokémon!"

"Then give me twenty boxes of high-grade energy cubes, fifty standard Poké Balls, and ten Ultra Balls!"

Hu Tao watched with amusement as Xiangling used her five weekly draws for a new Pokémon.

On her fourth draw, Xiangling finally obtained the quick-growing, combat-ready Pokémon she wanted: a Scyther!

An impressive choice, with 500 base stat points upon evolution!

"Bug-type again, huh…" Hu Tao teased, watching Xiangling's delighted expression. "Seems like you really are the Queen of Bugs!"

Xiangling hummed happily, clearly satisfied with her new Scyther.

"Your turn, Hu Tao!" Xiangling said cheerfully. "You always say you want to be the Dragon Queen; let's see if you draw another dragon after Gible!"

Hu Tao chuckled.

"Even though I usually deal with ghosts, my luck's always been good!"

"Let's do this!"

She eagerly watched as the screen on the Pokédex flickered.

"Stop!"

It wasn't a dragon… it was another Bug-type.

Hu Tao tried again, examining the second draw, but still wasn't satisfied.

"Third time!"

The screen revealed a Wurmple.

Frustrated, Hu Tao let out a cry as her friend laughed beside her, teasing.

"One last try," Hu Tao declared, taking a deep breath. "The past Hall Masters will surely bless me!"

The screen paused.

Venonat!

With eyes that function as radar and a body that secretes poison, it was another Bug-type.

Xiangling's eyes sparkled with amusement. "A Bug-type with the ability to spread paralyzing powder—so useful!"

Incensed, Hu Tao grabbed Xiangling's cheeks, giving her a playful shake.

"This is all your fault, Bug Queen! You're cursing my luck!"

Xiangling laughed as she retreated to the doorway.

"Ha! Is this far enough?" she teased.

Hu Tao merely grumbled, checking the screen for her fifth and final draw. Seeing the result, she quickly closed the Pokédex, blocking Xiangling from peeking.

Feigning nonchalance, Hu Tao waved dismissively.

"Oh, well."

"Guess I'll just keep training my Gible… until next week!"

They stocked up on supplies, ready for their extended stay and training in the ecological zone.

Just as they were about to leave together, Takumi walked out of the store's back room.

"Oh, it's you two," he said with a smile.

"Store Manager!" The two turned in surprise.

Just then, a cheerful voice chimed in.

"Who would've thought I'd run into the legendary Club Manager Takumi today!"

Captain Beidou entered the store, followed by Kazuha and Yoimiya.