Chapter 81

In the evening, as the sun set behind Qingyun Peak , a warm glow spread over the ecological zone and the research institute. The main building of the institute was surrounded by various geographic features carefully arranged for research purposes, creating an ideal environment for observation.

On a green field covered by the sunset, the recently recovered Lurantis was tirelessly practicing with its scythe-like forelimbs.

At the same time, Takumi was walking up the stone steps leading to the research institute with Hu Tao and Xiangling, who had returned from their adventures.

"Oh, look! It's the Lurantis!" Xiangling said, her face lighting up as she spotted the elegant figure training alone in the distance.

Lurantis paused briefly, casting an indifferent glance at the unfamiliar girl before resuming its solitary practice.

"Wow!" Xiangling was captivated, snapping picture after picture with her Pokédex, gushing to herself. "It looks like it's wearing a long-sleeved gown with those colors! So beautiful and graceful—definitely the most gorgeous Pokémon in our group!"

Lurantis's light red eyes flickered, a mix of pride and mild irritation. Hearing these words from the eager young girl, it swung its blade-like forelimbs, focusing energy into a move.

With a flash, Lurantis unleashed its Solar Blade, slicing through the air and leveling a small patch of forest in front of it.

Both Hu Tao and Xiangling froze, speechless, as they watched the powerful move. "Whoa…" Hu Tao muttered, swallowing in awe.

"Finally, some peace," thought Lurantis, satisfied that the move had effectively silenced the chatter.

After this impressive display, Xiangling and Hu Tao hesitated to approach Lurantis, nervously trailing behind Takumi. Xiangling wiped a tear, saying, "Store Manager, Lurantis works so hard… it's so touching!"

Takumi chuckled inwardly. "Wild Pokémon like Lurantis know they must constantly train and refine their skills to survive," he explained. "Any weakness out here means they could lose everything."

Hu Tao, meanwhile, looked back at her Gible, who was curled up and snoozing contentedly. Frowning, she scolded, "Get up! Look at Lurantis—it's already a Champion Pokémon, and it's still working hard. You haven't even reached your first evolution yet, and you're already taking it easy!"

The startled Gible, woken by the scolding, blinked sleepily and let out a soft, confused growl.

Watching this, Xiangling had an idea. She released her Larvesta and Scyther and gestured toward Lurantis. "Why don't you go learn from the big sister over there?"

Larvesta gave a small chirp, obediently approaching Lurantis, while Scyther looked up with bright, curious eyes and took to the air, gracefully flying over to Lurantis.

"Scy! Scy!" (I'm a mantis, too! I have a scythe blade, like you! Could I… maybe learn from you?) Scyther chirped enthusiastically.

For a moment, Lurantis paused, looking down at the young Scyther. After a moment's thought, it nodded, signaling its acceptance.

Scyther excitedly began mimicking Lurantis's movements, each swing of its blades a step closer to mastering the techniques it was being shown.

"Oh my goodness!" Xiangling exclaimed, capturing the scene with her Pokédex and sending it to the group chat.

Xiangling: With tears in my eyes, here's the moment: a master and an apprentice training under the sunset! (Video attached)

Hu Tao: I am SHOOK. Can you believe this? Lurantis just accepted Scyther as its student!

Zhongli: In terms of similarities, Lurantis and Scyther share similar bladed limbs and attack styles. Their skills would indeed be aligned.

Wendy: Sure, tell us more, haha!

Lisa: Look at them! One's like a flower, the other a green mantis—what an unlikely pair.

Takumi: Actually, teaching moves is possible among Pokémon of similar types. Skills can be passed down if the Pokémon are compatible.

In real-time, as Takumi observed with a small smile, Scyther executed its first successful Slash, making Xiangling cheer.

Suddenly, another guest arrived at the institute.

"Sorry for being late," Ningguang said as she approached. "With the ecological zones emerging, things have been busy in Jade Chamber."

She released her Shiny Beldum, which had grown noticeably since its adoption. Its level was now 10—a respectable level for its kind, though the fast pace of training within the ecological zone had seen some Pokémon level up even faster.

"I'll have to leave Beldum in your care for a while," Ningguang said with a sigh. "Please make sure it's well looked after."

Takumi took Beldum with a smile, saying, "Of course. The daily fee is one million Mora, paid monthly. So, that will be 30 million for a month."

Ningguang, resigned to the cost, handed over the deposit receipt. After bidding her goodbye, Takumi decided to introduce Beldum to Lurantis, who had just finished training Scyther.

"You'll have to take care of Beldum as well, big sister," he told Lurantis.

Lurantis looked at Beldum, studying it with a calm assurance, and nodded.

In the quiet night that followed, Takumi observed Beldum happily exploring the institute. The open spaces were a refreshing change from the confined Jade Chamber.

Takumi smiled to himself, glancing down at the hefty deposit receipt in his hand. "It seems I don't even need to advertise the institute. Those who can afford it will come to us on their own."

As he looked back at the institute, dimly illuminated in the evening light, Takumi began to plan the next steps. He would start recruiting soon, training his first staff in various Pokémon roles: breeders, coordinators, and researchers. This was only the beginning of his vision for the institute.