An abstract trainer who taught Charmander the Incinerate move

Chapter 185 Epilogue: A Love for Life (The End of the Li Yong Chapter)
And so, at the edge of the abyss, the boy rose once more, gripping his gun tightly...

Looking at the words on the screen in front of him, Wanlong was already in tears and let out a heartfelt cry.

"Quack!!! This is simply a masterpiece of art history! Master Mo Zhen, you are a god! We love and respect you!"

Wanlong is reading "Water Gun Boy and Water Otter" (also known as "Two Water Gunners" or "Turtle Clan"), another masterpiece by the legendary artist [Mo Zhenzhenzhenzhen] after "Battle Through the Spirits".

Upon its release, this work immediately caused a sensation in the literary world, triggering a phenomenal literary wave.

The dramatic and tumultuous story of young Ah Bin in the book has sparked heated discussions across the internet.

[Wanwan's Dragon: Oh my god! Master Mo Zhenzhen is simply an artistic miracle! This work is so touching! Water Gun Boy, we love you!]

[I am not a dodo bird: As a proud Interpol officer, I must express my sincerest respect to the boy with the water gun! If such a great and indomitable warrior truly existed in reality, then our Interpol organization would definitely want to devour him!]

[What Liuli ate today: The water gun boy is so cute! I wish I could have one! The scenes of him fighting with a gun really got my heart racing; I've never been so excited by a novel before! So, Director Mo... when are you going to film the music video for the single you promised me?! I can fight you with my armored clamshell!]

[Little Chrysanthemum: Oh—I…I simply can’t express how I feel right now. Having endured countless hardships, I still hold onto a strong heart to face tomorrow…this…this is just like me! Mr. Mo Zhen, please be my sun, and shine brightly upon me!]

[Turkey Observer: Do you know why the protagonist is always so unlucky? It's all because he didn't use our product. If he had used our [Nine Dragons Needle Technique], he would have grown bigger and stronger and swept everything away. There wouldn't have been so much trouble later on...]

[Single-Headed Dragon Girl: Oh my god! This story is so touching! Even my cat cried! Water Gun Boy is the best, Water Gun Boy is the best!]

[Mythology Novice: Hehe, seeing so many people like this work makes me truly gratified. After all, in a sense, I also participated in the creation of this book. Thinking about this makes me a little excited. I wonder if everyone has noticed the profound mythological connotations behind this work. First of all, the protagonist, the Water Gun Boy, has repeatedly withstood fatal attacks from enemy Pokémon, yet he has always managed to remain alive, like a candle flickering in the wind. This setting, which is completely beyond the realm of common sense, is illogical. However, as a serious and meticulous well-known writer, Mr. Mo Zhenzhenzhenzhen would not make such a basic mistake. The only possibility is that he, like me, has been enlightened by mythology and has seen through the truth of this world. This is part of the hidden setting of this book. The author attempts to use this subtle way to convey the truth he knows to the readers through his work. Various details in the book have already hinted that the protagonist's identity is not simple. He can understand the voices of Pokémon and can even communicate with another version of himself. All these phenomena indicate his bizarre and complicated background. Therefore, there is only one truth: the protagonist is actually (character limit reached)]

[N: Forgive my bluntness, but all I see is a scumbag who ruined his own pipes and has a criminal record of abusing his own Pokémon. I really don't want to see this kind of nonsensical work anymore. If I have the chance, I must visit this author in person and ask him where his creative inspiration comes from.]

Almost all readers were moved by the story of the water gun boy.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this work will soon be adapted into a film or television series, becoming another masterpiece by Mo Zhenzhen, a leading figure of the eighth generation of directors, following "Battle Through the Spirits," and will soon be on the big screen to meet countless book fans.

At this very moment, our water gun boy has just woken up from his hospital bed.

Looking at the handsome police officer beside him with a solemn expression, Gongping touched his somewhat aching head, and his consciousness gradually recalled everything that had happened in the past.

He suddenly remembered something, struggled to sit up, his voice filled with urgency and a hint of fear.

"Handsome detective, what happened next... what happened next? Mo Zhen... uh... Mo Zhen..."

The words swirled on his tongue, and for a moment, Gongping didn't know whether to address the other person as "sir" or "madam"...

The handsome detective's deep gaze fell on Gong Ping's pale face, keenly capturing the complexity within.

He sighed softly, his voice low and steady.

“Child, he’s gone. Before he left, he said: It’s too dangerous for you to stay with him now.”

Gongping unconsciously clenched the white sheets, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Danger? Is this to protect me? Does that mean I'm still the same rat in the gutter who will drag him down...?

At this moment, Gongping looked dejected and felt lost.

Of course, Gongping could never have imagined that the source of this danger was not the menacing Mewtwo, nor the treacherous Black Dragon, but his most respected Mr. Mozhen...

Even though some things didn't happen, just imagining them is already a grave sin of blasphemy.

If Mo Zhen continues to see this kid looking at him like that, he might just kill him...

The handsome man spoke solemnly and earnestly.

"In order for you to grow into a truly useful people's trainer, he solemnly entrusted you to me."

He paused, looking directly into Gongping's eyes, as if trying to imprint this responsibility into the other's heart.

"From now on, you will be my assistant. Interpol will be your new starting point and training ground. Gongping, you must perform well and not let this handsome officer down!"

In an instant, the confusion and loss in Gongping's eyes vanished like a thin mist blown away by a strong wind.

The feeling of loss did not completely disappear, but it was quickly replaced by something more intense and resilient—a profound sense of recognition and mission.

"it is good!"

He answered decisively, his voice not loud, but filled with a rock-solid resolve, resounding with conviction.

"I will definitely not let the handsome police officer down! I will definitely not let his hard work go to waste!"

Seeing the increasingly dazzling light in Gong Ping's eyes after countless hardships, the handsome man's tense lips finally relaxed, revealing a smile that was almost one of relief.

Great... I finally have a horse or ox to use!

Damn, after all these years of hard work, you've finally made it big. Kid... get ready for the storms to come!
He reached out and patted Gongping on the shoulder heavily, like a senior expressing his expectations for a warrior who had just embarked on his journey.

"Very good, that's the spirit! Once you've fully recovered, we should leave the United States."

The handsome man gazed out the window at the vast, boundless sky, where the winds of change were gathering.

"The next mission will take place in the Carlos region. A brand new challenge, a brand new battlefield... Kid, good luck! I believe in you!"

Carlos...

A distant and unfamiliar name, yet like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirred powerful ripples in Gongping's heart.

It's not retreating, but rather displaying high morale and fighting spirit.

Gong Ping did not hesitate.

He braced his still somewhat weak body and firmly planted his feet on the cold floor.

A new life force flows from the lumbar spine to every part of the body—that is the miracle of life brought about by the [Spiritual Sphere Revolving], and even more so, the rebirth of the spirit after its nirvana.

The struggles in the lower city, the disillusionment of dreams, physical paralysis, the trampling of dignity, the torture in the laboratory, the tearing of the spirit, the battle between life and death...

These numerous hardships, instead of breaking the boy who crawled out of the gutter, were like a furnace forging scrap iron into indomitable steel!

Suffering made him see the truth of life more clearly—cruel, cold, full of betrayal and despair.

But after recognizing the truth of life, the boy did not back down. He still chose to take up arms and fight bravely for the light in his heart!
At this moment, he was no longer that lowly mouse huddled in the wall-mounted room fantasizing about shimmering spots, nor was he the submissive "Little Rada 114514" in the laboratory.

He is Gong Ping!

Gong Ping, the People's Trainer of Interpol!

Outside the window, the sky above Carlos beckons, and unknown challenges surge like clouds rolling across the horizon.

Faced with future challenges, the boy stood up like a hero and gripped... the gun in his hand!
……

Liyong City Cemetery.

Homiga stood before a newly erected tombstone. There were no flowers in front of the tombstone, only a faded old captain's hat lying quietly.

She slowly squatted down and put down the remains of the broken wooden guitar.

"dad……"

Rainwater slid down her cheeks, indistinguishable from tears.

“A lot happened… a lot… things you can’t even imagine. I messed everything up, my rock and roll… my dreams… and almost even myself…”

Her voice choked, but the next second, deep within her amber pupils, like sparks rekindled from ashes, struggled to ignite.

"But... I've realized... I still want to continue pursuing my rock and roll dream! But this time... I will stick to my path! I will use real strength to achieve my dream!"

Her gaze fell on the pile of guitar wreckage at her feet, then slowly rose to look at the weathered captain's hat on the tombstone.

The integrity her father instilled in her was once the most painful shackle when her faith collapsed, but now it has become the cornerstone for her to stand firm in reality and start anew.

That rock and roll spirit, which was deceived, exploited, crushed, and then picked up again by its own hands, became heavier and clearer than ever before when nourished by the blood of truth.

She no longer needs illusory magic, no longer needs false worship.

Her rock music is only for those souls who can truly understand this "poisonous sound"!
"Well then... goodbye, Dad."

She took one last, deep look at the silent captain's hat, as if to remind him of the profound love and unrepentant guilt in his eyes as he pushed her away, forever etched into her soul.

Then, she turned around abruptly and never looked back.

Behind her, three silent and loyal figures followed without a sound.

Gas Bomb, Dust Mountain, and Centipede King, three loyal listeners, embark on a brand new journey with Homiga.

On Homiga's back, a brand-new electric guitar replaced the pile of broken wreckage.

It no longer carries illusory dreams, but bears the weight of reality.

Outside the cemetery's rusty iron gate, Mo Zhen leaned against it, hands in his pockets, a slightly amused smile on his lips, watching Homiga and her loyal audience emerge from the depths of the cemetery.

Thomson seemed a little uneasy, standing a little behind Mo Zhen, with the speaker cricket lying quietly beside him.

Mo Zhen tilted her head slightly, her gaze sweeping over the three silent but fierce-looking Poison-type Pokémon behind her before finally settling on her face. "Have you thought about what you plan to do in the future?"

Homiga gazed at the blurry outline of the city against the leaden sky in the distance, his tone carrying a calm that came after weathering many storms.

"I plan to travel the world in the future and bring music to more people who can truly appreciate it."

Mo Zhen nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the answer.

He gestured with his chin toward Thomson, who looked slightly nervous, indicating that it was his turn to go on stage.

Thomson, like a soldier receiving orders, straightened his back abruptly and cleared his throat.

"Yo, yo! Check it out!"

He made classic rap gestures and spoke at lightning speed.

"Hey, Homiga! The Quick Guns mess is completely over! I've decided to turn over a new leaf and start anew... no, I mean, to make music again! To pursue my musical dreams!"

He pointed to himself, then to the speaker on the ground, and looked at Homiga with eager eyes.

"Look, your rock is so powerful, so explosive! My rap is so energetic, so strong! Do you think... there's potential in combining rock and rap?!"

"Huh? Rock and rap combined?"

Homiga paused slightly, then subconsciously repeated.

The earth-shattering sonic boom in the warehouse, the brief yet dazzling Speaker-like form that resembled a god descending, and the final look in Thomson's eyes—a look of dejection yet repentance—as he held his partner who had returned to his original form...

These images flooded her mind instantly. Although they were stylistically different, she felt that crazy core of burning everything for music.

She nodded, her voice soft but unusually firm.

"Although I'm not quite sure what it will look like... you and your elf seem quite interesting, so... how about we give it a try?"

“Yes!!!”

Thomson instantly seemed to be injected with adrenaline, jumping up and waving his fists exaggeratedly, his gold chain rattling loudly.

"I knew it! You have a good eye, boss! Let's join forces, your toxic rock and my hardcore rap, plus the top-notch sound waves from the Speaker Hero! We'll absolutely wipe out the entire music scene... no, the whole world's music industry!"

He danced with excitement, as if he could already see himself spraying champagne wildly on the Grammy stage.

Seeing this brand-new combination formed, Mo Zhen's playful smile deepened.

"So, have you decided where you're going? I think... Galar is a good option."

"Galar?"

Homika's eyes lit up instantly. She had heard of the musical style from that distant region that blended industrial power with wild vitality.

"The music style there... I've heard it's very hardcore and powerful! Soul rock singer Nie Zi is from there! I'd really like to ask him for some advice on authentic Galar rock!"

A yearning for new lands, new music, and new challenges ignited in her heart, dispelling the last trace of gloom that the cemetery had bestowed upon her.

She nodded vigorously, her white braids swinging.

"Great! That's the first stop!"

Mo Zhen nodded in satisfaction, clapped his hands together, making a crisp sound, as if unveiling a new project.

"But since you're going to debut, you should have a new group name. I think you could call your group... [Phoenix King Legend]!"

A female lead singer paired with a male rapper's instrumental track that has an unclear meaning, plus a rural death metal rock vibe—yes, that's the flavor!

"The Legend of Ho-Oh?!"

Thomson and Homiga exclaimed almost simultaneously, exchanging bewildered glances with wide-eyed questions and a sense of awe.

Seeing the two people's confused expressions, Mo Zhen smiled mysteriously.

"The Phoenix King is a legendary spirit with rainbow-colored wings. It is the embodiment of life and hope, symbolizing rebirth."

"Rebirth from the ashes..."

Homiga murmured the word repeatedly.

The mockery from the entire internet, the humiliating barking of the dog on stage, the bloody hole that exploded in her father's chest, the image of the poison-type elf bathing her in blood in the warehouse, and the thunderous whispers of Zekrom deep in her soul—all flashed before her eyes like a revolving lantern.

Pain, humiliation, despair, betrayal... all ultimately transformed into the weight of the new guitar in his hands, and into the silent protection of his companions behind him.

She took a deep, deep breath.

The crisp, cool air after the rain, carrying the scents of earth and distant places, filled my lungs, washing away the dust of the past.

The girl who was lost in her fantasies yesterday is dead.

Today, Homiga stands here, bearing the scars of life and a heart tempered by reality.

The truth of reality did not destroy her; instead, it was like the fire that forged steel, making her even stronger.

She raised her head, her amber pupils no longer confused, but shining with a determined light, looking beyond Mo Zhen, beyond Thomson, towards the distant horizon, towards that direction shrouded in gray clouds, yet faintly revealing the light from across the ocean.

A brand new life is about to unfold before your eyes!

……

After seeing Homiga off, Mo Zhen and his group, consisting of one person, one dog, one dragon, and one pig, walked through the bustling streets.

The bustling city remained unchanged, just as it always had, without any alteration from yesterday's events.

On a giant LCD screen, U.S. rapper Tintin Jinda is promoting the latest product with his new song "Mood".

[Dream Cigarette, every time you're without a cigarette, I'll lose control. The smart me keeps two on hand to smoke in rotation; as long as your smoke drifts by, I have no worries~]

(If you don't understand, search for "zood" on Bilibili to listen to the full version.)

Looking at the dark-skinned, bright-smiling Native American rapper on the screen, Xiaomengzi felt a sense of despair.

According to the decree issued by the President of the United Federation, Mr. Beyond Dream, [Dream Cigarette] has been approved by the Federation and has become a legal entertainment product in the United Federation region, and has begun to be promoted throughout the United Federation.

In an instant, Xiaomengzi felt as if she had lost her parents and fell into utter despair.

[Damn! So that's why I was suddenly having my dream energy sucked back by the timeline! Damn, the Alliance's promoting this stuff, Meng Ziyan's really going to be a dynasty now!]

Faced with this dark reality, Xiaomengzi immediately lowered her head, like a dead pig being slaughtered, letting out a mournful howl.

It's over, it's all over! I've been completely defeated by the dark future, turned into a useless pig! All our previous efforts were in vain, this world is utterly hopeless... Oh my god!

Mo Zhen raised his hand and punched Xiao Mengzi, a confident smile on his face, seemingly unconcerned.

"What a waste! He's already crying 'hopeless' just because he's seen a little bit of the truth about the world? This is nothing! Hurry up, the enemy has already made their move, we should act too!"

Encouraged by Mo Zhen's spirit-infused fist, Xiao Mengzi felt a powerful force flowing into her body, and she perked up again.

【Oh my god! Lord Mo Zhen, you're absolutely right! We can't give up like this; we must fight for the future!】

Mo Zhen is such a magical person. With him by your side, even in the most desperate situations, you can see a glimmer of hope.

"Hmph, that's right! Let me think where Meng Ziyan's factory is... I think it's Sanyao City? Very good, Sanyao City as our destination, let's go!"

……

Sometimes, life is just such an inexplicable thing.

You thought you had seen its bottom line, understood its absurdity and cruelty, and thought the world was terrible and you had fallen into an abyss.

However, the world always manages to shock you with even more absurd and dark realities, drastically lowering the bar for your understanding.

But so what?

In Unova, in Carlos, in Galar, in every corner of the world, every moment, countless "Kongping," "Homiga," and even "Little Dream" are experiencing hardships unimaginable to outsiders.

Some succumb to despair, but there are always those who struggle through the mud, straighten their backs, grope for a glimmer of light in the darkness, and try to rebuild hope on the ruins.

Yes.

There is only one true heroism in the world: to love life even after recognizing its true nature.

(Cut! The first volume of "Dream, Hero, and Cinema," the Li Yong chapter, has come to an end!)

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

It's not finished yet; only one chapter of the first volume has ended. Updates will continue as usual tomorrow, and an even more exciting new chapter is about to begin.

(End of this chapter)