"Chen Shi… this sounds really dangerous. You have to protect me when the time comes…"
Phoebe leaned closer and whispered.
Chen Shi's mouth twitched.
He shot her an annoyed look.
You're going to be a future Hoenn Ghost-type Elite Four…
And you're already scared like this?
Cynthia spoke calmly from the side:
"Didn't you hear what Sidney said?"
"The entrance may involve random teleportation."
"That means we could all be separated."
"At that point, we'll have to rely on ourselves."
"Ah?!" Phoebe panicked and grabbed Chen Shi's sleeve.
"Then you have to come find me quickly!"
Ever since coming down from Mt. Pyre—
She hadn't really faced danger.
Aside from that short journey, she had basically followed Chen Shi and Steven around.
Even during that trip—
She spent most of her time eating and relaxing.
Even when Chen Shi had someone scam her out of money—
They never actually harmed her.
Now, suddenly hearing about life-threatening danger—
And possibly being separated—
She couldn't help but feel afraid.
Chen Shi flicked her forehead without hesitation.
"Shut up."
Honestly—
This might be a good thing.
It was about time she experienced some real hardship.
…
Sidney continued loudly:
"One last thing!"
"You are allowed to compete against each other inside."
"But killing is strictly forbidden!"
"If I find anyone murdering others—"
"The consequences will be severe!"
"Understood?!"
His sharp gaze swept across the crowd.
Naturally—
No one dared to object.
Everyone nodded.
Chen Shi, however, curled his lips slightly and muttered:
"He said no killing people…"
"Didn't say anything about Pokémon."
Steven, Cynthia, and Phoebe all glanced at him—
Then casually looked away.
But there was a new hint of thoughtfulness in their eyes.
This world—
Wasn't as peaceful as it seemed.
In the wild, anything could happen.
Even with Sidney's warning—
If the利益 were big enough, plenty of people would take the risk.
And in a secret realm—
Losing your Pokémon could mean everything.
At best—
You lose your chance to train.
At worst—
You lose your life.
Chen Shi's words weren't random—
They were a reminder.
…
"Any more questions?" Sidney asked.
Everyone shook their heads.
Satisfied, Sidney nodded.
Then—
He took out a small stone from nowhere—
And casually tossed it toward the ocean enclosed by the ships.
The stone didn't create any ripples.
Instead—
It passed through like entering a hidden passage.
And vanished without a sound.
Everyone was stunned for a moment—
Then quickly understood.
So the ocean surface itself—
Was the entrance.
It looked completely normal.
"Here is the entrance."
"Jump in."
"One last reminder—random teleportation may occur."
"Don't panic. Just focus on your own training."
"Go!"
…
Steven and Cynthia immediately stepped forward.
Chen Shi grabbed them both, his tone serious.
"Remember what I said."
"If you encounter suspicious people or dangerous situations—run immediately."
The two were briefly stunned—
Then nodded solemnly.
Without hesitation—
They followed the crowd and jumped.
…
Chen Shi didn't move right away.
He turned to Mew—currently disguised as Eevee on his shoulder—and whispered:
"Will the teleportation separate us too?"
"Do you have any solution?"
Mew didn't speak.
But its voice echoed directly in his mind.
[This secret realm is unusual. I don't have a perfect solution right now. But Jirachi and I can leave a mark on you. Once inside, I'll be able to find you quickly. As for Victini—put it inside a Poké Ball for now.]
Chen Shi nodded.
He looked at Jirachi and gave a few instructions.
Jirachi nodded thoughtfully.
Leaving a mark?
Easy.
As a Psychic-type Pokémon, that was trivial.
Then—
He recalled Victini into its Poké Ball.
With no more concerns—
He jumped.
…
Passing through the entrance—
Felt similar to when Mew used long-distance teleportation.
But Chen Shi was already somewhat used to it.
After a brief moment of discomfort—
He opened his eyes.
And found himself in a dense forest.
Towering trees surrounded him.
Here and there—
He could spot a few Oran Berry trees.
Without hesitation—
He released Victini, Dragapult, and Togekiss.
"Vee~"
Victini immediately flew onto his shoulder.
Dragapult and Togekiss both turned to him at once.
"I've already told you about this place."
"It's dangerous—but full of opportunities."
"Dragapult, stay hidden in my shadow."
"Togekiss, stay by my side."
"Baru~"
Dragapult's narrow eyes grew serious as it slipped straight into Chen Shi's shadow.
It had traveled with Chen Shi before—
And knew how dangerous the wild could be.
Especially in a place like this—
Where even Elite Four-level Pokémon existed.
It wouldn't dare be careless.
As for Togekiss?
It didn't care at all.
After Dragapult disappeared—
It happily flew around in circles.
Its face full of delight.
The energy here was rich.
Even the air felt fresher than outside.
Chen Shi's mouth twitched.
He ignored it.
He never really relied on Togekiss anyway.
…
Just as he was about to move—
An Eevee suddenly appeared on his shoulder.
Clearly—
Mew had returned.
Before he could speak—
Jirachi appeared in front of him—
And threw itself straight into his arms.
"Chen Shi, I'm back~~"
"Nice job, Jirachi. You found me so quickly."
Chen Shi smiled and rubbed its head.
"Of course! Jirachi is amazing~~"
Its eyes curved into happy crescents.
"Alright, time to explore."
"Yay~!"
…
But just as they were about to leave—
The ground suddenly began to tremble.
Pebbles on the ground started shaking.
Before Chen Shi could react—
A large group of Breloom suddenly emerged from all directions—
Surrounding them completely.
At the front—
Stood a towering Breloom, nearly 2.5 meters tall—
Staring at him intensely.
Chen Shi instinctively activated his system scan.
Pokémon: Breloom
Level: 79 (Elite Four Peak)
Potential: Pseudo-Champion
Ability: Poison Heal
Gender: Female
Moves: …
Chen Shi: "…"
What is this?
"Starting the game by getting surrounded by an Elite Four-level Breloom?!"
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