Chapter 86

Exploring New Horizons

Forget about Venti's carefree behavior; after all, it's well-known that Barbatos, the God of Wind, isn't one for strict morals. But even Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon, showed excitement at the idea of exploring the Hisui Region. Normally calm and composed, Zhongli's face now held an eagerness that was hard to miss.

Takumi realized he had underestimated the gods' interest in exploring new continents. If Venti wanted to retire, he had already given up his Gnosis willingly, and Zhongli had gone as far as faking his death to relinquish his duties. These two gods, retired or soon to be, seemed like elders planning a world tour in their golden years.

"What about ancient powers like Phanes or Istaroth?" Takumi thought, reflecting on the mysteries of Teyvat. "Or places like the Sea of Ash and Silence or the Sea of Darkness?"

"For me, these places remain mysteries since the latest versions haven't been released yet. But for ancient beings like Zhongli and Venti, they know these lands deeply, although bound by certain contracts and rules to speak in riddles only."

Takumi smirked, relishing the thought that the gateway to the Hisui Region was completely under his control. He alone could decide who crossed it.

At the Research Institute

Meanwhile, Venti and Zhongli watched Takumi, who had been lost in thought for some time.

Impatient, Venti urged, "Hurry up and tell us! What do we need to do to cross that gate and reach the ancient Hisui Region?"

Takumi's lips curled into a mischievous smile as he spread his hands toward them.

"It's simple. I create films—well, videos—to promote and popularize Pokémon."

"Remember the Sword Trainer Trial Conference I mentioned? Anyone in the top ten of that event will earn the right to travel to the Hisui Region for a month… I've said it!"

"This is just the base reward. If you want to go, give it your all at the upcoming conference!"

Stunned, Venti and Zhongli stood frozen for a moment, processing this revelation.

Meanwhile, as Takumi walked away, an Eevee, who was being trained one-on-one by Orchid Mantis, was sent flying by a Vine Whip, landing right in front of Venti.

"Ahhh!" Venti yelped. "Where did Takumi go? If it's like this, I'll have to step up Lapras' training!"

Zhongli's eyes glinted with rare enthusiasm.

"Based on universal reason," he mused, "allowing the top ten competitors access to the Time-Space Secret Realm is a fair and well-structured reward."

Tasks and Preparations

After a few days in Hisui filming, Takumi returned to a mountain of tasks.

The team of scholars from Mondstadt, arranged by Jean, was already en route, eager to meet Takumi, the creator of Pokémon in Teyvat. Meanwhile, Ningguang's twenty-person team from Liyue awaited Takumi's review and interviews.

Yet, at the top of Takumi's agenda was a document from the Adventurers' Guild, which read:

Decision to Open Adventure House Stores in Mondstadt and Liyue for Pokémon Merchandise

The Adventurers' Guild warehouse now had 100,000 Pokémon mobile devices in stock, yet Takumi still felt it wasn't enough. He regretted that, unlike in modern Sinnoh, the ancient Hisui Region was more primitive, lacking the large tech companies like Devon Corporation that could mass-produce millions of devices overnight.

Additionally, as Pokémon Auto Chess had yet to launch officially, he pondered the game's potential popularity, uncertain how many players would be required to meet the mission's objectives.

Takumi settled on his plan: let the Adventurers' Guild handle production, distribution, and sales of the devices, while he focused on gathering an entertainment team for updating and promoting Pokémon Auto Chess.

He copied the Adventurers' Guild decision file and messaged Jean and Ningguang:

In coordination with the Pokémon mobile launch, I've devised a promotional strategy...

Opening his inventory, Takumi reviewed the many items he had received from Professor Laventon in Hisui. Despite Hisui's low population, Professor Laventon hailed from a more advanced area, and his knowledge included various technologies like Poké Balls, cameras, signal transmitters, and large screens—albeit less advanced than those from Devon Corporation.

Setting Up Liyue Port

Shortly after, Hongyi received orders from Ningguang to transport several enormous screens to the outskirts of Liyue. When the Qianyan Army brought the massive advertising screens into Liyue Harbor, excitement filled the air.

One of these screens was installed near Chihu Rock, a bustling area with Liyue's famed shipyard, where locals were astonished at the new technology.

"Xiangling! Xiangling!" Hu Tao, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor director, called out to her friend. "Let's head to the research institute! I want to see if the champion Pokémon there can help toughen up my Gible."

Recently, Hu Tao's Gible, now at level 24, had yet to evolve, despite her eager anticipation.

As Xiangling emerged from Wanmin Restaurant with her Larvesta and Scyther, Guoba waddled behind her, excited for the adventure. Together, they made their way through the crowd toward the installation site.

The Crowd's Reaction

As the Qianyan Army maintained order, Keqing took charge, guiding the screen's setup in Chihu Rock's plaza, with solar panels and signal receivers quickly installed.

Suddenly, the giant screen lit up, startling the bystanders with its clarity, even under the midday sun. Takumi's video began to play, capturing the crowd's attention.

The title read:

Pokémon Generation: Understanding the Pokémon World

Takumi appeared on screen, introducing himself.

"Some of you may know me, some may not. I am Takumi, the manager of Pokémon House."

In the video, he held up a familiar red-and-white Poké Ball, explaining the basics of Pokémon, as well as evolution and regional variations.

Hu Tao and Xiangling watched in awe, the sheer scale and novelty of the broadcast making it feel almost divine. The people around them—dockworkers, sailors, and merchants—were mesmerized.

Aspirations and Dreams

As Takumi showcased Pokémon evolutions, like Basculin into Basculegion, a lively debate broke out among the onlookers.

"If I could ride a Basculegion, who needs a boat to go fishing?" exclaimed a sailor.

Another scoffed, "You'd rather ride it into pirate territory and collect a bounty!"

Hu Tao grinned, muttering, "Forget Basculin, I want my Gible to evolve into a Garchomp!"

Xiangling smiled, "I'm more interested in evolving my Scyther into Scizor."

Keqing, who had overseen the screen setup, approached them, explaining that similar screens were being installed throughout Liyue, from the Jade Chamber to Qingce Village.

Across Teyvat

Excitement spread beyond Liyue. In Mondstadt, Jean noticed an unusual excitement in the air as residents anticipated the new technologies and creatures from Hisui. Meanwhile, Ningguang monitored the lively discussions among Liyue's citizens, pleased with the attention the project was garnering.

Ningguang: Liyue Port has never been this lively! (Sigh)

Jean: Even Mondstadt's winds feel more thrilling today! (smile)

Takumi's initiative was already leaving a lasting impression across Teyvat, as each region embraced the wonders of the Pokémon world.