"Furong, don't panic. Dusknoir isn't hurt badly."
"Just some spray medicine and he'll be fine."
Chen Shi walked to the flustered girl, leaned down, and carefully sprayed the prepared potion on Dusknoir's wounds.
Only then did Furong's cheeks flush as she whispered, "T-thank you, Chen Shi-ge."
The little girl was clearly embarrassed. Losing a battle wasn't easy on her pride.
"Put Dusknoir back in his Poké Ball first."
"Okay. Little Ling, take a rest."
After recalling her partner, Chen Shi said goodbye to Dragapult Jr., then led Furong down the mountain path.
Along the way, he spoke gently but seriously.
"You lack battle experience. The moment something unexpected happens, you panic."
"You need to fight more opponents—that's the only way to improve."
Furong pouted.
"I… but Grandpa and Grandma battled me with fast Ghost-types before. Once Little Ling used Gravity, I could beat them…"
She trailed off, unable to understand why her usual trick failed today.
She didn't realize—
the elders always held back for her sake.
Gravity was good, yes.
But not invincible.
If the opponent was prepared, it could be countered easily.
Even Groudon's Precipice Blades could be dodged under Gravity.
Why would Dragapult Jr. be any different?
Furong tugged at Chen Shi's sleeve.
"Then… what should I do?"
Chen Shi thought for a moment.
"You should go out and see the world."
"Battle others. Get real experience."
Furong's eyes lit up instantly.
"So—I can finally go outside!?"
She had long dreamed of the outside world, but no one ever mentioned letting her travel, so she never dared ask.
Chen Shi looked ahead thoughtfully.
It was time to let the girl leave the nest.
Some lessons couldn't be taught—
they had to be lived.
He nodded.
"I'll discuss it with Grandpa and Grandma."
"Start preparing. You can travel for a while."
"But listen—you must call home every time you reach a new place."
"Yay!!!"
Furong nearly jumped two meters high.
As for the "call every time" part…
she had already chosen to forget it completely.
"Let's hurry back!"
Before Chen Shi could resist, she grabbed his arm and tried dragging him downhill.
"Slow down! Why are you running!?"
Back at the Chen Household
"…So that's what happened."
"I want Furong to travel for a while. What do you think?"
In the living room, the two elders fell silent.
They were worried—
Furong was too innocent, too pure.
If anything happened to her outside…
How would they ever face their old friends, the ones who entrusted them with their only granddaughter?
But they also understood—
if Furong never left the farm,
how would she grow?
What difference would there be from keeping her locked away at Mt. Pyre?
Chen Shi caught the look in their eyes and gave them a reassuring smile.
The elders exchanged glances.
Their grandson always had ideas, and children eventually had to leave home—
just like Chen Shi did a year ago.
Though worried, they nodded in support.
"Yes!!!"
Furong jumped with joy.
"Grandpa Chen! Grandma Chen! You're the best! I'll call every time, I promise!"
Chen Shi waved her upstairs.
"Go pack. Tent, sleeping gear, all of it."
"Okay!!"
She bounded upstairs like an excited Glameow.
Chen Shi turned to the elders.
"Let Gengar protect her from the shadows. You won't rest easy otherwise."
"Gengar?"
The purple ghost rose out of Grandma's shadow, horrified.
When did eating melon end up with him being assigned a job!?
He was supposed to lounge at home!
Not babysit a kid!
Grandma snapped her fingers.
"Gengar, we'll have to trouble you for a while."
"…Gengar…"
Forced to agree, Gengar gave Chen Shi the nastiest glare imaginable.
Their human–ghost friendship ship had officially capsized.
Chen Shi pretended not to see it.
For Furong's safety, it had to be this way.
Grandpa folded his arms.
"Help her prepare some gear. It's her first time going out—she won't pack right."
"Got it."
Chen Shi headed upstairs as well.
At the Farm Entrance
Furong stood with a space backpack nearly larger than her body, waving goodbye.
"Bye, Chen Shi-ge! Grandpa Chen! Grandma Chen! Don't worry about me!"
"Hold on."
Chen Shi stepped forward, handing her a bank card with one million Poké Dollars.
"If you see a Scyther or Sneasel on your journey, catch one for me."
"I want one at Advanced level."
"This is your payment in advance."
Furong grinned.
"Okay! If I catch one, I'll send it through the Pokémon Center!"
She waved her arms wildly as she ran off the farm road, disappearing into the horizon.
Grandpa turned to Chen Shi.
"Why do you want Scyther and Sneasel?"
Chen Shi scratched his cheek.
"I discovered their evolution methods."
Grandpa's eyebrow twitched.
"Did you 'accidentally research' this too?"
Chen Shi nodded seriously.
"Mm. I researched it casually."
Grandpa felt a vein pop.
This grandson…
This was no "casual research."
This was a walking disaster of genius.
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