Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 304 "Handsome Researcher: This is really a headache~"

The shadowy figure is clearly visible in the image.

That was a Derubi with its sharp teeth bared!

It bit down on the chrysanthemum leaf, and using the impact to fall, it pressed it firmly to the ground!

"Chrysanthemum leaves!"

Qishu felt a sudden tightness in his heart as he looked at the struggling Chrysanthemum Leaf.

"Masked Man: Any small oversight or misjudgment can be fatal when exploring the unknown—especially when your own abilities are insufficient."

The masked man's voice rang out calmly, coming through the mask.

You can't hear any emotion in his voice, but the condescending sarcasm is palpable.

"Masked Man: You can't even protect your own Pokémon, so what makes you think you can pursue things you can't understand?"

Qi Shu bit his lip, his face a mixture of shame and self-reproach.

She couldn't refute it.

Because what the other party said is true.

Chikorita jumped out to protect her, but was easily caught by Deruby, who was lying in ambush.

As a rookie trainer with only one starter Pokémon, she has now lost all means of retaliation.

This almost means that she has already lost.

Deep regret overwhelmed her.

She regretted her recklessness, regretted taking Chicorypton into an area of ​​unknown danger when she was not strong enough.

Despite Chikorita's deep trust and protection, she was unable to offer any effective help when it was in danger.

Although it's "just" a game, and reloading the save file can solve the problem, the emotional frustration and guilt towards Chicory are real.

In her eyes, chrysanthemum leaves are no longer just a string of cold data, but a companion that has accompanied her all the way, interacted with her, and shared common memories.

The masked man's words, "You can't even protect your own Pokémon," were like a needle piercing her heart.

Qi Shu felt a lump in her throat, her eyes welled up with tears, and she almost shed those unruly little pearls.

"Masked Man: Now—take me to find it. This is the only thing you can do for your partner."

The masked man's robe sleeves seemed to move slightly even without wind.

A Gastly with a sinister smile quietly emerged from the shadows of his robe.

A thick fog began to emanate from Gastly, slowly spreading towards the immobilized Little Tree, carrying a malice of hypnosis and manipulation.

Qishu tried to control Xiaoqishu to move or make any movements, but the character seemed to be nailed to the spot by an invisible force, unable to move at all.

Even the live stream chat was filled with helplessness and words of comfort.

"Don't cry, Tree Baby, stand up and reload your save!"

"Sigh... There's nothing I can do. Level 23, the difference in strength is too big. If I can't beat them, I just can't beat them."

"The Masked Man is too intimidating. With his Zephyr and Gastly, plus that weird mist ability—he's simply not someone a rookie can handle."

"Don't be sad, Kisaki-chan, it's just a game. Let's reload and start over, and be better prepared next time!"

"Hidden storylines are indeed not so easy to trigger; consider this a lesson learned—prepare to wake up at the Pokémon Center."

"Teacher Salty Fish's difficulty settings are inhuman! Putting a boss like this in the beginner's village?"

"Ugh—that damn salted fish sauce! This plot-driven death is too much! It leaves no chance for anyone to survive!"

Qi Shu muttered with a bitter face, half complaining and half resigned.

She had almost resigned herself to the "fate" of the screen turning black the next second and her appearing at the Pokémon Center.

However, just as the purple mist was about to touch the little strange tree, the strange tree had already closed its eyes, preparing to accept the "Game".

The moment of "Over".

A familiar male voice, tinged with a mix of helplessness and amusement, rang out from behind Xiao Qishu, like sunlight piercing through the fog.

This voice, like a ray of light in the darkness, a glimmer of hope in a desperate situation, pierced the hearts of Qi Shu and all the viewers in the live broadcast room!

A game dialog box then popped up.

Handsome Researcher: Oops!

"Handsome Researcher: I was wondering why I hadn't seen you in Jihua City after waiting for so long."

"Handsome Researcher: This is really a headache~"

In the game screen.

The mist behind the little tree was inexplicably brushed away by an invisible force.

A tall, slender figure, dressed in a crisp white lab coat, calmly emerged from the depths of the grove.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on him, and his face wore his usual calm and gentle smile.

The chat in the live stream froze for a moment, then erupted in a frenzy!

"Holy crap! It's him! It's him, it's definitely him! Our hero, little—oops! I mean, the handsome researcher!!!"

"Oh no, it's that feeling of falling in love!"

"Even in HeartGold/SoulSilver! That handsome researcher still can't let us go?! He actually saves the day in this desperate situation! He really—I'm crying my eyes out!"

"The handsome researcher has arrived! The sky is clear now! The handsome researcher has arrived! Peace will reign in the Johto region!!!"

"Everyone stand up! Welcome back the god in the white coat!!!"

"My family and I are moved to tears! Who can understand the feeling of redemption that came from hearing that voice!"

"A handsome, cool researcher?!"

Qi Shu's little mouth opened into an adorable circle, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared intently at the figure walking out of the light in the picture.

As a player who personally controls the game and is immersed in it, her sense of impact from this "hero saves the damsel in distress" scene is far more direct and profound than that of the audience!

It was like grabbing the strongest piece of driftwood while drowning, or seeing a guiding lighthouse in the darkness.

An indescribable sense of security surged through me instantly, releasing all the frustration, resentment, and unwillingness I had accumulated from the failure and Chicory's capture!

At this moment, an outlet has finally been found!

She seemed to come back to life; her back straightened, and her eyes regained their sparkle.

I'm back in the comments!

But following the sense of security came an overwhelming feeling of grievance.

Qi Shu is about to complain!

She immediately manipulated the little strange tree and scurried away to hide behind the handsome researcher.

Then, he peeked half his head out from behind the researcher and pointed a finger at the masked man opposite him.

They started to embellish their accusations.

"It's him! He bullied me! Not only did he block my way, but he also bullied my Chikorita! Look, even Chikorita is hurt by his Ruby's bite!"

"That's outrageous! That's outrageous!"

These words carried a distinct air of arrogance and "borrowing power from others," making it seem as if they were in the right.

Logically speaking, Qishu is currently playing the role of Qinyin in the game.

According to the normal plot development of HeartGold/SoulSilver, this should be her first formal meeting with the handsome researcher.

The relationship between them should be limited to "strangers who have some impression of each other" or "friendly researchers passing by".

No matter how good the relationship is, it's definitely not good enough for someone to act like a spoiled child and complain like this.

But what's outrageous is...

Not only did Qishu himself not realize how inappropriate his behavior was, but none of the tens of thousands of viewers in the live stream thought anything was wrong!

It's like—

The "handsome researcher" should be the "player's" most solid and reliable support; you can whine and complain to him...

Seeking asylum is a natural and reasonable thing to do.

This shows just how successful and memorable the "handsome researcher" NPC is in FireRed/LeafGreen!

His image and his "bond" with players even transcended the works themselves, profoundly influencing Kiju's gameplay experience and emotional projection in HeartGold/SoulSilver!

"Sue him! Qi Shu! Let the handsome researcher teach this cowardly fellow a lesson!"

"That's right! How dare they bully our Strange Tree and Chrysanthemum Leaf! We can't stand it!"

"Handsome researcher Sama! Quickly use your unparalleled Pokémon knowledge to think of a solution!"

In the scene, the handsome researcher turned his head with amusement and glanced at the little strange tree hiding behind him.

Then, he turned his gaze back to the masked man who had been silent since the beginning, and humbly spoke.

"Handsome Researcher: Bullying a newcomer like yourself—senior, you can't be that petty, can you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the masked man's wide sleeves trembled almost imperceptibly.

Although the mask concealed his expression, a slight fluctuation was clearly visible in his otherwise cold and composed aura.

"Masked Man: You—you seem to recognize me? That's impossible—"

For the first time, his voice carried a hint of hesitation, a question that sounded like he was talking to himself, tinged with self-doubt.

His gloved hand, hidden beneath his robe, finally emerged, and his fingers gently pressed against a Poké Ball at his waist.

The Derubi that was suppressing Chikorita turned into a red light and was taken back.

Restraints released!

Seeing that Chrysanthemum Leaf was out of danger, Qishu finally relaxed completely.

Quickly maneuver the little tree forward and tenderly pick up the still somewhat shaken Chrysanthemum Leaf.

"I'm sorry, Chicory! I was too reckless!"

Her voice was filled with guilt.

"I promise! I'll become more reliable from now on and won't put you in danger so easily again!"

But the chrysanthemum leaf in her arms shook its head, raised its little head, and looked firmly at the little strange tree with its big, wet eyes.

Chikorita has made up her mind to protect her trainer!

"Because of her strong will, the rank of Chicory Leaf has changed!"

"Chrysanthemum Leaf level upgraded to level 9!"

Chikorita has learned a new move: Poison Powder!

As the notifications kept popping up on the screen, Qi Shu felt his heart melting from this pure trust and determination.

"Waaaah~ Why is my chrysanthemum leaf so well-behaved and sensible~"

She really wished she could take the chicory leaf out of the screen and cherish it properly in real life.

"It's clearly my fault as a trainer—yet you still want to protect me—I'm about to cry~"

The live chat was instantly flooded with jealousy and envy.

"I'm so jealous! I'm so jealous! Why can't my chicory leaves be so understanding! They only use Razor Leaf Blades on me!"

"Is this the power of bonds?! I love it!"

"About the story of my Pokémon leveling up on the spot because it felt sorry for me."

"What incredible luck Qishu has! Not only did the handsome researcher save the day, but his partner is also so kind-hearted!"

Chicory Leaf: This family will fall apart without me!

After confirming that Chikorita was safe and sound, Miracle, controlling Little Miracle, like a Pokémon seeking refuge, confidently hid behind the handsome researcher.

Then, together with all the viewers in the live stream, they held their breath and waited for these two NPCs with completely different auras.

Between then and in the subsequent developments.

The masked man did not stop Xiaoqishu's actions; his gaze, almost tangible, remained fixed on the handsome researcher.

It seemed as if it was scrutinizing or investigating something.

As time passed, the surrounding environment became increasingly quiet, even eerily quiet.

The wind in the woods seemed to have stopped, and a thin layer of frost was condensing on the leaves on the branches at a speed visible to the naked eye!

Even through the screen, viewers can clearly feel the sudden drop in ambient temperature through changes in the color tone of the picture and the background sound effects!

Qi Shu didn't dare to breathe loudly, nervously watching the two people silently confronting each other in the center of the screen, his palms sweating.

Just as the atmosphere reached its peak of oppression, and even the grass at their feet began to sprout fine ice crystals.

"Handsome Researcher: I wouldn't mind standing here with you a little longer, enjoying the scenery in the woods." ———

The handsome researcher finally broke the silence, his tone revealing no emotion, simply stating an objective fact.

"Handsome Researcher: But for you—if it had been any later, perhaps it would have truly left this area completely and moved on to the next point in time."

The words fell.

The masked man paused slightly.

The next second, he didn't say another word. He simply leaped lightly and landed silently on the branch of a large tree next to him.

He stood on high ground, took one last deep look at the handsome researcher, and then disappeared into the depths of the dense forest in a few flashes.

The chilling aura that enveloped the surroundings quickly dissipated as he left, and the temperature returned to normal.

Only after he had completely disappeared from sight did a faint, indifferent voice echo in the woods.

"Masked Man: We will meet again."

It's unclear whether he was referring to Xiao Qishu or the composed researcher in front of her.

Only after the masked man left did Qi Shu finally breathe a sigh of relief, patting his slightly heaving chest with lingering fear.

"That scared me to death! — The atmosphere just now, I thought a real fight was about to break out!"

She muttered softly, her voice still carrying a hint of lingering fear.

The viewers in the live chat, eager for a good show, started making jokes and analyzing the situation.

""pattern""

"Masked Man: Who is this guy? He seems even more mysterious and awesome than me?"

"Handsome researcher Sama shut him up with just one sentence! As expected, you're still the boss! You can even scare off a boss like him!"

"Is this a sign that I've made a prediction? I feel like I'll run into this creepy guy again someday."

Is "I'm the only one curious about it"? It seems the masked man and the handsome researcher both know?

"Heading to the next point in time" — This green Pokémon is related to time!?