Pallet Town.
What happened at the Moonlight Square Arena the previous night exploded across the internet once again.
This time, Gu Qiu had revealed yet another powerful Pokémon.
Kirlia.
That near-invincible fist at the same level — combined with Instant Transmission — was simply outrageous.
And this was Kirlia.
Do people understand what that means?
Once she evolves into Gardevoir… she becomes the dream of almost every man.
Serena stared at the trending news on her phone while gently touching the necklace at her collarbone.
It was the necklace Gu Qiu had sent over yesterday.
A small heart-shaped pendant.
Gu Xin had brought it to her that morning, saying it was from Gu Qiu and that she must wear it at all times.
Gu Qiu had also sent a message:
This necklace represents luck.
I've been drawing a lot of attention lately. Just in case someone tries something, keep it on.
Serena lowered her gaze slightly.
"Gu Qiu… you're shining brighter and brighter. I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with you."
She turned toward her Pokémon.
"Braixen, Eevee… we need to work harder too."
"Eevee!"
"Braixen!"
Braixen had been with Serena since childhood.
Eevee was her recently chosen starter Pokémon — and her luck had been excellent as well.
This Eevee was High-Grade quality.
Out of the entire school, there had only been three High-Grade starters.
She and Gu Qiu alone occupied two of them.
Route 4 — Toward Cerulean City
The road from Mt. Moon to Cerulean City was known as Route 4.
A downhill stretch running west to east.
Because of the slope, travel was fast.
Gu Qiu didn't intend to linger along the way.
He had heard that today was Cerulean City's Water Festival.
The festival officially began at 9 AM.
After boarding a bus, he arrived quickly.
Cerulean City was a coastal metropolis. To the north lay the mouth of a river flowing into the sea.
The city truly lived up to its name — mysterious, deep blue waters everywhere.
The moment he stepped in, he saw a slogan displayed prominently:
"Cerulean — The City of Azure Waters."
"So this is Cerulean City…"
Waterways wove through the streets like veins.
"Friend! Here for the Water Festival?"
A merchant-looking uncle approached him eagerly.
Gu Qiu nodded.
"If you're here for the Water Festival, you absolutely must take a look at this Magikarp!"
The uncle proudly held up a Magikarp.
"Don't let its appearance fool you. This is the king among Magikarp!"
"…It looks pretty ordinary to me."
Gu Qiu's expression turned slightly strange.
This scene felt oddly familiar.
"Haha, don't worry about that. Let me tell you a secret."
The merchant leaned in conspiratorially, glancing around before whispering:
"This Magikarp lays golden eggs."
"Golden… eggs?"
Gu Qiu's expression grew even more peculiar.
"Yes! One Magikarp can lay one thousand eggs at a time!"
"Now imagine — one thousand Magikarp laying one thousand eggs each. That's a million!"
"And if a million lay eggs again? That's astronomical!"
"Right now, you can take this Magikarp home for only 10,000 Poké Dollars. Just let it lay eggs three times and you'll—"
He grew more animated by the second, gesturing wildly.
Gu Qiu cut him off flatly.
"Uncle… do I look like an idiot?"
"Should I call city enforcement for you?"
The merchant's face instantly stiffened.
"Haha! I was joking, young man. You're just too handsome — couldn't resist."
Gu Qiu didn't bother responding.
He turned and walked away.
He wasn't James.
He wasn't that gullible.
Just a minor episode.
Cerulean Gym — Second Floor
Misty stood excitedly in front of a woman.
"Elite Four Lorelei! You're here!"
Lorelei sighed helplessly.
"How many times have I told you? Just call me sister. Calling me 'Elite Four' makes it sound distant."
Misty had always idolized Lorelei.
She had taken over Cerulean Gym from her three older sisters precisely because she had grown up chasing Lorelei's footsteps.
"Hehe. So, Sister Lorelei… what brings you here? I doubt you came just to see me."
She stepped forward, linking arms affectionately.
Lorelei's expression grew serious.
"No. I'm here because of Cerulean Cave."
Misty's smile faded.
"Cerulean Cave? Don't tell me… there's unrest again?"
Cerulean Cave lay northwest of the city.
It housed many high-level Pokémon.
And deep within… it was said that something terrifying resided.
Very few people knew of it.
The League stationed personnel there permanently.
They feared anyone disturbing that existence might trigger catastrophic consequences.
Lorelei nodded.
"Some people secretly went too deep into the cave and angered that… being. The entire cave is unstable right now. No one dares approach."
"I just finished dealing with matters in Viridian Forest and rushed here immediately."
She looked at Misty.
"Want to come take a look?"
Misty didn't hesitate.
"My sisters can manage the Gym. Let's go."
The two left at once.
Back in Cerulean City
"I'm sorry. If you're here to challenge Leader Misty, she just left."
Gu Qiu had wandered through the festival. Aside from decorations and booths, nothing particularly extraordinary caught his attention.
There would be a fishing competition at 3 PM, and it was rumored Misty herself would participate.
Winners could freely choose one of the Pokémon they caught.
But Gu Qiu didn't have much interest in Water-types.
He already had Frogadier.
"When will she be back?" Gu Qiu frowned slightly.
"She didn't specify. However, you may challenge the Cerulean Sisters. If they acknowledge your strength, you can still receive the Cascade Badge."
Gu Qiu nodded.
A little unfortunate he couldn't face Misty directly.
But there would be chances in the future.
Just then—
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Mission Triggered — Conquer Cerulean Gym
Overwhelm the trainers of Cerulean Gym with absolute strength.
The higher the Conquest Rating,
the greater the reward.
Gu Qiu's lips curved faintly.
So be it.
If the Gym Leader wasn't here…
Then he would conquer the Gym anyway.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed.
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