Liyue Port, General Affairs Department.
Yelan, who had temporarily returned after investigating the mysterious activities in the Chasm (Layer Rock Abyss), frowned as she walked through the quiet corridors.
"Is there no one in the Jade Chamber today?"
Munin, a commissioner of the General Affairs Department, hummed in response. "Lady Yelan, during your absence, Liyue Port has undergone drastic changes. Lord Ningguang and her three secretaries have all gone to the Pokémon Home store to watch a competition. Even the Millelith are distracted."
Yelan's eyes drifted to Munin's feet. A small Pokémon, seemingly intimidated by her sharp aura, timidly grabbed Munin's trousers and hid behind him. It looked like a fox with grey and black fur, possessing a mischievous yet cautious gaze.
"Is this your Pokémon?" Yelan asked with interest.
"Yes," Munin replied proudly. "I chose him a week ago. His name is Zorua. He has the ability to transform into humans or other Pokémon."
Transformation... This ability immediately caught Yelan's attention. For someone in charge of intelligence and investigation, such a creature was a godsend for espionage.
"And Yujing Terrace? Is Ganyu there?"
"Secretary Ganyu seems to have... 'temporarily left' as well."
Yelan's curiosity piqued. What kind of battle could pull every high-ranking official in Liyue away from their posts? "Take me there!"
A Gathering of Legends
The competitive arena, which had been quiet for two weeks, was now buzzing. Two waves of people—from Mondstadt and Liyue—poured in through separate spatial portals.
Jean led the Knights of Favonius. Ningguang, Keqing, and even Ganyu (who had finally succumbed to the "peer pressure" of the Pokémon Era) were present. The Beidou team, Kazuha, Yoimiya, Xingqiu, and Chongyun occupied the front rows.
A bard walked through the Liyue passage with a cheeky grin. "Hey! Is everyone here?"
"It's you! Green guy! Baba—" Paimon spun around to see Mondstadt's Barbatos (Venti).
"Hello! I see you've arrived in Liyue as well," Venti waved.
Just then, the lights in the corridor flashed, and Zhongli stepped out. "Is there a space capable of bringing guests from all over the world together? Fascinating."
Zhongli glanced around and spotted a few "old friends." Xiao was there with his Blissey. Madame Ping and Yanfei were discussing the mechanics of the room.
"It is infinitely more magical than the Serenitea Pot," Madame Ping murmured. "It allows guests to ignore geographical distance and spatial isolation."
On the other side, the chat was heating up. Everyone was looking at Hu Tao, who stood with her legs crossed and her chest puffed out arrogantly. Beside her sat her newest draw: Exeggcute.
"Are you telling me this is a Dragon type?" someone whispered. "It's a bunch of eggs!"
"Dragon type refers to the attribute, not the look!" someone else argued. "Look at the Garchomp line; they're land sharks! And what about Kingdra? That's a seahorse!"
Suddenly, the entrance flared again. Tartaglia (Childe) arrived, bringing Signora and Andrei.
"A grand event, a grand event!" Childe clapped enthusiastically.
"You're in the way," a cool voice said as a slender white arm pushed Childe aside. Yelan and Munin had arrived.
"Yelan!!" Childe's expression shifted instantly. He cast a warning look at Signora, signaling that this woman was dangerous.
"I smell the scent of fools and mice," Yelan said, stretching casually.
The 2vs2 Showdown: Fire vs. Dragon
Hiroshi stepped onto the referee's stand and cleared his throat.
"Invite players Hu Tao and Xiangling! Since both sides have two Pokémon each, the rule is 2vs2. When both Pokémon on one side are unable to fight, the match is over!"
Hu Tao and Xiangling stepped onto the central podium, the air between them crackling with competitive fire.
"Hu Tao, if you want to be the King of this group, you have to step over my body!" Xiangling threw her Poké Ball. "Come out, Larvesta!"
"Hmph! This rule actually makes me suffer a loss since I just adopted my second baby," Hu Tao pouted. "But it doesn't matter! My Gabite is enough to push your whole team! Even if you had four Pokémon, they'd all be crushed!"
Whoosh! Hu Tao didn't even need to throw a ball. Her Gabite leaped into the arena on its own, its skin oily and shiny.
Match Statistics:
Hu Tao's Gabite: Level 25
Xiangling's Larvesta: Level 24
Hiroshi snapped his fingers. Instantly, holographic projection crowds descended upon the stands. The roar of thousands of simulated fans echoed in the arena.
"Gabite, use Take Down!"
The preemptive strike was brutal. The burst of speed was comparable to a car stepping on the accelerator. Yelan's eyes widened; she hadn't expected such raw power from these "pets."
"Struggle Bug!" Xiangling countered.
Boom! The Gabite crashed into the Larvesta. The fire moth squealed as it was knocked back several meters, leaving a deep ravine in the dirt. However, Larvesta was resilient. It flicked its tail, ejecting embers that singed the Gabite's hide.
"Tap hard! Use Stomp!" Hu Tao commanded.
The strong Gabite trampled the ground heavily. Boom! Boom! Boom! The shockwaves radiated outward, catching the Larvesta in the blast zone. Xiangling bit her lip, feeling the pressure.
"Larvesta, don't let up! Use Struggle Bug again!"
"Too slow!" Hu Tao shouted disdainfully. "It's time to decide the winner! Use Dual Chop!"
The Gabite's fins began to glow with a sharp, blue energy as it lunged forward for the finishing blow!