Chapter 85

A Research Institute at the Edge of the Ecological Zone

"Come out, everyone!"

Takumi threw Poké Balls, releasing a group of Growlithe from the Hisui Region, including both males and females, with some cubs among them.

The champion Orchid Mantis, along with Cresselia, stood guard like watchful shepherds. The Hisui-region Growlithe, wild and difficult to tame, remained alert and far fiercer than regular Growlithe, showing little natural affection for humans.

"Ru!!"

Orchid Mantis swiftly blocked one Growlithe attempting to run. The fierce Growlithe then boldly attempted to bite her. Annoyed but serious, Orchid Mantis flared her butterfly-like wings, sending a whirlwind of colorful petals toward the group of Growlithe.

The attacking Growlithe was swept away, landing with a whimper. As it rose, fear appeared in its eyes as it looked at Orchid Mantis.

"Woof~!"

Seeing the group calm down, Orchid Mantis looked at Takumi with her light red eyes, her expression seemingly saying, Job well done! Takumi and Cresselia exchanged glances, smiling at each other, enjoying a brief moment of leisure.

Takumi then released more rare ancient Pokémon: Braviary, Zoroark, Electrode, Wyrdeer, Basculegion, and Kleavor. Among them was an ancient Goodra from the Hisui Region, a powerful level 75 dragon-type known as a Heavenly King. As Goodra emerged, she immediately approached Takumi, happily embracing him with her slimy body, dripping with sticky mucus.

Takumi sighed and wiped the layer of slime off his face. Luckily, it was odorless, non-corrosive, and non-toxic, though undeniably sticky.

Goodra, being friendly by nature, loved hugging her favorite trainer and disliked solitude; if left alone, she would turn into a "crybaby." Persuading this champion-level Goodra to join him had been no easy feat—he had to use wave guidance and energy cubes to win her trust.

"Orchid Mantis, meet your new sister and give her a warm welcome!" Takumi said with a smile.

Despite her high rank, Goodra was gentle, greeting Orchid Mantis with a soft song while her antennae twitched with joy. Orchid Mantis, always a bit prideful, looked Goodra over with her light red eyes, and after a brief hesitation, let out a soft chirp in reluctant acknowledgment.

"Excellent!" Takumi said contentedly. "One champion and one Heavenly King—these two are more than enough to form a guard force to protect the institute."

With Cresselia temporarily assisting as a researcher, Takumi assigned each Pokémon to areas in the Hisui Region suited to their specific needs. His mental scan showed the institute gradually filling with life, and he nodded in satisfaction.

"This is starting to feel like Professor Oak's lab!"

"From now on, the institute will only accept rare forms, high-potential Pokémon, or those with significant research value."

Takumi recalled his recent trip to the Hisui Region, regretting that he hadn't encountered the famed Moon Bear, a rare evolution of Ursaring, worshiped in Hisui for its blessings from Arceus.

Takumi mused, "I wonder if the Moon Bear could rival the martial arts bear in strength—a second-level deity..."

"Maybe I'll have better luck next time," he decided.

A Well-Deserved Break

After the busy day, Takumi arranged for Klee to rest in a nearby room. Hearing the news, Venti and Zhongli came to stay at the institute, eagerly joining Takumi in watching the expanding Pokémon population.

On a nearby lawn, the two gods watched Takumi training a shining Beldum. Takumi checked its stats and frowned slightly.

"Only level 15?" he muttered. "Not bad progress, but still the lowest level among the champion trainees."

Sensing his disappointment, Orchid Mantis, who had been caring for Beldum, looked slightly hurt. Through wave guidance, Takumi understood her words:

"I can guide grass- and insect-types well, but steel- and psychic-types are challenging," she conveyed.

"Beldum is steel and psychic…," Takumi pondered, glancing at Goodra's stats. "The ancient Goodra from Hisui also has steel-type traits."

Reviewing Goodra's skill set, Takumi found several steel-type moves. He was delighted to have found a suitable trainer for Beldum.

"This level of coaching usually costs 30 million Mora a month," he mused with a grin, "so it feels like quite a steal!"

Expanding Horizons

A few days earlier, Jean had sent her Eevee to the institute. Takumi scanned his surroundings and found the little Eevee napping in a grassy corner.

"Eevee has so many evolutionary paths," Takumi said. "For now, I'll simply level it up and leave the choice of evolution to Jean."

After arranging more personalized training for Beldum with Orchid Mantis, Takumi joined Venti and Zhongli on the lawn, where they had been waiting.

"How's your stay at my institute?" he asked.

Venti laughed. "My Lapras loves it! The pond here is perfect for her."

Zhongli added, "My martial artist bear can train anywhere."

Then both gods looked at Takumi, expressions both hopeful and intense.

"We want to know…," they began, "where is the gateway to the Hisui Region? And what's required to enter it?"

Takumi was momentarily stunned, but as he sensed the time-space portal's location in the institute's underground space, he realized that while Venti and Zhongli's powers should allow them to sense it, something unique was keeping it hidden.

"Ah… so the power of time and space itself is blocking all detection, except for mine."