"Captured a lot of people?"
Chen Shi's expression darkened.
Even if those people had nothing to do with him, many of them would become the backbone of the League in the future.
If something happened to them, it would be a huge loss.
More importantly—
they were innocent.
If he didn't know, that was one thing.
But now that he did—and with Cynthia back—
he decided that after a night's rest, he would go check things out.
As for Steven Stone…
If that guy didn't show up by tomorrow, Chen Shi wouldn't wait any longer.
He's lucky… he should be fine… right?
…Yeah. He'll be fine.
With that thought, Chen Shi immediately asked:
"When you saw Team Magma earlier, did they only capture them without harming them?"
Cynthia nodded slightly.
"That's right. They only captured them."
Hearing this, Chen Shi thought for a moment before speaking:
"Then we don't need to worry for now."
"If they went through the trouble of capturing them, they probably won't harm them immediately."
"Let's rest for the night. Tomorrow, we'll go take a look."
Cynthia originally wanted to object.
After all, the Team Magma members she encountered were quite strong. Charging in recklessly would be dangerous.
But then she remembered—
Chen Shi had brought Jirachi with him.
So she didn't oppose and simply nodded.
"Alright."
"Then that's settled. I'm exhausted—I'm going to sleep."
Chen Shi stretched lazily and was about to head into his tent—
when Cynthia suddenly thought of something.
Her face flushed slightly as she grabbed his sleeve, looking conflicted.
"What is it?" Chen Shi asked.
Cynthia took a deep breath and said as calmly as possible:
"My tent got blown away by the sandstorm."
The desert storm had indeed been intense.
Her tent had been swept away the previous day.
So she truly meant nothing else—
she just didn't have a place to sleep.
Chen Shi froze.
His expression shifted—
first strange, then delighted—
until a radiant smile spread across his face.
He was just about to say something—
when Phoebe suddenly interrupted.
"That's easy! Cynthia jie can just sleep in my tent!"
Phoebe's innocent voice echoed between them.
Chen Shi and Cynthia both fell silent.
Seeing them not respond, Phoebe scratched her head.
"What's wrong?"
"Didn't you say her tent is gone?"
"She can just sleep with me—why aren't you saying anything?"
Chen Shi: "...…."
Cynthia: "...…."
Inside a nearby tent, Lance covered his face.
What a teammate…
Unable to hold back, he unzipped his tent and shouted:
"Miss Phoebe, it's late! I think you should go to sleep now—they probably still have something to discuss!"
Phoebe turned around, only to see Lance quickly retreat back inside.
She muttered softly,
"But didn't they already finish talking…"
Chen Shi suppressed the urge to strangle her and forced a gentle tone.
"Phoebe, I think Lance is right. You should go to sleep now. Cynthia and I still have something to discuss."
"Oh~ alright!"
Phoebe didn't quite understand, but since Chen Shi said so, she agreed.
Just as she was about to return to her tent—
and just as Chen Shi and Cynthia thought it was finally over—
Phoebe suddenly turned back.
"Cynthia jie, are you sure you don't want to share my tent?"
Before Cynthia could reply—
Chen Shi spoke coldly, expressionless:
"If you don't go to sleep right now, I won't give you any food tomorrow."
Phoebe froze.
No food?!
That was unacceptable!
She wanted to argue—
but one glare from Chen Shi shut her up instantly.
With an awkward laugh, she retreated into her tent.
Finally—
peace.
Chen Shi let out a breath of relief.
When he turned around—
he met Cynthia's amused gaze.
He clicked his tongue and muttered,
"What's that look for?"
"She invited you earlier—I didn't see you agreeing."
"Hmph. You've slept in my tent so many times before. What's wrong with me sleeping in yours once?" Cynthia's cheeks flushed slightly, but her tone remained firm.
…
The next day—
everyone woke up refreshed.
After packing up, Steven Stone asked:
"So, Chen Shi, where are we heading now?"
Yes—
Steven had arrived late the previous night, along with Diantha.
After a brief conversation with Chen Shi, they learned about the situation and decided to set up tents nearby—
choosing to follow him.
Chen Shi replied directly:
"Today, we're heading straight for Team Magma."
"They captured a lot of people yesterday. We'll see if we can rescue them."
Diantha was startled.
"With just us… do we really have the strength to rescue them from Team Magma?"
Steven shrugged, looking relaxed.
"If we don't go, those people will be in real danger."
"Besides, didn't we run into Drake on the way here? He's already gone to the sea to track Team Aqua."
"He probably won't have time to deal with this side."
"You ran into Drake?" Chen Shi asked, surprised.
"Yeah. He seemed in a hurry—just greeted us briefly and left," Steven replied.
Lance jumped onto Dragonite and called out:
"Alright, enough chatting! Let's move—we've already wasted too much time!"
"We need to rescue them as soon as possible!"
Leon, who also had a strong sense of justice, nodded.
"That's right. Every moment we delay increases their danger."
"Then let's go."
Chen Shi released Dragapult and Charizard.
Why two?
Because Phoebe didn't have a suitable flying Pokémon.
So Chen Shi had to lend her Charizard.
Steven released Skarmory.
As for why not Metagross—
while it looked cool, its flight speed couldn't match Skarmory over long distances.
For long journeys, Steven preferred Skarmory.
Seeing this, Diantha had no choice but to release Hawlucha and follow.
Cynthia seemed to notice her concern and reassured her:
"Don't worry. We're not going to throw our lives away."
"Did you forget what Pokémon Chen Shi is holding?"
Diantha paused—
then looked at the Jirachi in Chen Shi's arms.
Realization dawned.
…
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