Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Just as Zhang Jianying was sinking into despair of social death, Shirona chuckled softly. The laughter, like the first melting of snow, instantly broke the frozen atmosphere.

She observed the scene with great interest; the way the young trainer frantically tried to control the situation reminded her of her own awkwardness when she first started out.

"It seems your team is full of energy." She gracefully stepped aside to make way, her long golden hair flowing with a soft sheen in the sunlight. "Please come in, Dr. Yamanashi is waiting for you in his lab."

Zhang Jianying felt like he'd been granted a pardon and quickly put the two lively creatures back into their Poké Balls, leaving only a helpless Kirlia floating beside him. He gave an awkward laugh: "I'm very sorry, Miss Champion, they've been a bit... a little too energetic lately."

"Just call me Cynthia." She turned and led the way, the hem of her black trench coat drawing a clean arc, but her gaze thoughtfully swept over the two Poké Balls that were still swaying slightly.

She saw through the two little ones' actions at a glance—it wasn't malicious, just an excess of energy with nowhere to go. This simple vitality, ironically, made her nostalgic.

She suddenly stopped, examining the still-shaking Poké Ball with interest. "Using hypnosis as a greeting gift... a very creative idea." Her voice was clear and pleasant, yet carried a distinct hint of amusement. "It seems you've taught them... quite uniquely."

Thinking of the Grass Turtwig's prepared movements, her interest deepened: "And, there's a chain tactic? Grass Turtwig's move just now was tying a grass knot, right..." She looked at Zhang Jianying teasingly, her gray eyes gleaming with all-knowing wisdom, "Tell me, what are you trying to achieve by teaching like this?"

Cynthia knew perfectly well that the two boys' behavior was not at the trainer's behest, but seeing the boy's embarrassed and helpless appearance, she couldn't help but want to tease him. This long-lost sense of relaxation allowed her to temporarily set aside her champion's aura.

Before Zhang Jianying could answer, she looked towards the Poké Ball again: "Turtle reacted well on the spot. Although its initial intention is debatable, its courage to stand up for its companions is commendable."

Finally, she looked at Zhang Jianying, who had a stifled expression but didn't know how to interject, and a knowing and mischievous glint flashed in her eyes: "Don't be nervous. A vibrant Pokémon often means a trainer with great potential. I look forward to their future growth."

Zhang Jianying completely gave up, feeling helpless. He thought to himself, "You're the one who keeps asking me questions, and you're the one answering them yourself. You won't let me speak. What can I do?"

As she spoke, Cynthia suddenly stopped, squatted down, and looked at Kirlia gently: "This child is the special Kirlia that Wusong mentioned, right? I heard your experience in Snowflake Town was quite exciting."

Slender fingers gently brushed through Kirlia's hair, the movement tender, as if handling a precious work of art. This subtle gesture made Kirlia unconsciously relax, her sky-blue hair shimmering softly in the sunlight.

Zhang Jianying was taken aback: "Did Wusong Tianwang tell you everything?"

"certainly."

Cynthia stood up, her eyes filled with admiration. "Wusong also specifically mentioned you. After all, in this era of blindly pursuing power, there aren't many trainers who are willing to fight and die alongside their Pokémon."

The research institute was filled with sophisticated instruments and ancient books. Dr. Yamanashi stood in front of an experimental table, on which lay several broken detectors. Seeing Cynthia bring Zhang Jianying in, he adjusted his glasses: "Has the data on Piao Tai arrived?"

"Yes, Doctor." Zhang Jianying quickly handed over the file folder, but his gaze was drawn to the somewhat familiar detector. "This is..."

"We seized it from members of the 'Dark Star' organization in Black Gold City," Cynthia interjected, her tone sharp. "We're currently studying how they operate. Speaking of which, we should thank you for the information you provided back then."

The moment the documents were handed over, a previously silent detector on Dr. Yamanashi's lab bench suddenly emitted a rapid beeping sound, and the pointer on the screen began to swing wildly.

At the same time, a soft crimson light emanated from the pocket on Zhang Jianying's chest, creating a peculiar resonance with the buzzing sound of the detector.

Cynthia's eyes narrowed, and she instantly understood: "This is... resonating with energy?"

Zhang Jianying then remembered the crystal that Amrid had given him. With a complicated expression, he took out the "culprit" that had made the turtle and the ghost abstract: "Amrid gave this to me when we were at Heart Lake."

"A gift from Amrita, the god of emotions?!"

Cynthia's voice carried the eagerness of a scholar discovering a crucial clue: "Professor, our previous hypothesis might be correct! The 'Dark Star' detectors might be searching for this energy related to legendary Pokémon!"

Dr. Yamanashi maintained a serious expression, but his eyes behind his glasses sharpened. He took the crystal and carefully placed it on the analyzer's base: "Initiate a full-range energy scan, frequency calibration to the band resonating with the detector."

The moment the instrument was activated, the crystal seemed to come alive, levitating into the air on its own, and gentle emotional ripples spread throughout the room like water.

Dr. Yamanashi focused intently on recording the data, his usually calm eyes now showing a hint of excitement: "Incredible... the emotional energy contained within this crystal is so pure."

Cynthia watched this scene unfold and slowly approached Zhang Jianying, saying gently, "Could you tell us the details of your encounter with Empyrean?"

Her gaze fell on the boy's slightly reserved face, and a graceful smile curved her lips as she subtly added, "No need to rush, take your time. We are very interested in this."

As Zhang Jianying was speaking, Kirlia gently approached the crystal. Professor Yamanashi did not stop her, but instead looked at it gently.

Kirlia stretched out its little hand, and the two orange horns on its head glowed slightly. Suddenly, a holographic image appeared in the air: Gastly and Turtwig were fiercely battling on the shore of Lake Hearts under the moonlight, and the whole process of capturing Gastly.

After watching the projection intently, Professor Yamanashi said earnestly to Zhang Jianying, "I've seen countless scenes of Pokémon being captured, most of which stem from a desire for conquest. But your method... is very special. To be able to invite a lonely soul into your family. This respect is extremely precious."

He pointed to the scene of Gastly launching the Shadow Ball into the sky: "Especially here... it's not an outburst, but a farewell, a farewell to the past in a ritualistic way. And you can understand and respect that sentiment, which is rare for a young person. Young man, you're very good!"

Dr. Yamanashi's serious expression gradually softened, as if he were looking at a junior he had placed high hopes on.

The projection continued, showing the scene of Memrid appearing and giving away the crystal. However, the picture suddenly seemed to freeze, inexplicably showing Gastly looking disappointed because Misdreavus rejected it.

Cynthia gently covered her mouth, a kind smile in her eyes: "It seems this little guy has been through a lot." Her voice was very soft, as if afraid of disturbing the memories projected on the screen.

Gastly and Turtwig's Poké Balls opened automatically, and the two little guys jumped out. Gastly stared in disbelief at the image reappearing in the air.

"Heh!" (No, boss, please have mercy! This is too embarrassing!)

"Woo~" (What did the trainer say again? A licking dog, a licking dog, will end up with nothing.) Turtwig let out a merciless laugh at Gastly.

Gastly's spherical purple body suddenly turned red. Even the mist expanded, and it let out a mournful howl as it charged towards Torterra.

The two little ones immediately started competing, beginning a new round of "friendly exchange" under the recreated scene in the air.

At this moment, Professor Yamanashi glanced at the time, a kind smile spreading across his usually serious face. "It seems today's research is coming to an end. If you don't mind, shall we have lunch together? Cynthia's Pokémon should relax a bit."

Upon hearing this, Cynthia gracefully took out a Poké Ball, and with a flash of red light, Garchomp, Togekiss, and Rockruff appeared in the research lab.

Garchomp stood steadily beside her, Togekiss landed lightly on her shoulder, and Rockruff hovered quietly behind her. Even just standing there silently, they naturally exuded an awe-inspiring presence.

Faced with three powerful Pokémon, the three little ones showed different reactions.

Gastly and Torterra exchanged a glance, unusually ceasing their bickering, their eyes gleaming with eager anticipation. Then, in perfect unison, they turned to their trainer, their meaning clear: "Come on, boss, this is a rare opportunity, give it a try!"

Zhang Jianying looked at the two audacious brothers with a complicated expression. Are all the Pokémon this year so brave?

Two living dads, look at those three big shots across from you, all looking on with great interest. I feel like I might be scared into the ICU by you two before you even move into the Pokémon Center.

Before he could figure out how to dissuade these two arrogant little brats, he saw…

As the two lively characters were eager to try, they unconsciously took a step closer to him.

And in their eyes as they looked back at him, besides the burning fighting spirit, there was also complete trust—they believed that no matter who the opponent was, the trainer could lead them to meet the challenge together.

Kirlia, who had been standing quietly to the side, gently took Zhang Jianying's hand, her superpowers radiating intense energy, her eyes filled with longing and fervor.

"Kirlia, even you..." He clicked his tongue in pain, but seeing Kirlia's serious expression, he chose to remain silent.

"Ah Jian, I want to... test my abilities."

Kirlian's fervent fighting spirit gradually faded, replaced by an unwavering conviction.

"No matter the outcome, believe me, Jian, I will always, always win for you!"

"Oh."

He exhaled, and the arrogance and flamboyance that had long been buried deep in his soul reappeared on his face. He was not a gentle and modest gentleman at heart, but a warrior who had come from the bloody battles of anti-poaching operations.

"When did I start to forget these things? Was it the companionship of the little ones? Was it the emotions this near-utopian world evoked in me?"

He raised his head.

"No, I'm just afraid they'll get hurt, and I want to protect them. But we're never afraid of getting hurt, even if the outcome is destined to be failure!"

"Come and fight, champion!"

He took out the Poké Ball, held it to his chest, and straightened his back. He extended a sincere challenge to Cynthia.

Cynthia's eyes widened slightly, then a knowing smile appeared on her face. She gently patted Garchomp's dorsal fin, her voice soft yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Brave Trainer, I accept your challenge!"

She took a step forward, her champion's aura radiating naturally, her grey eyes gleaming with seriousness: "However, since we're going to fight, let's go all out. That's the greatest respect we can show each other."

Togekiss took flight from her shoulder, tracing a graceful arc through the air; Garchomp swung its scythe and roared deeply, brimming with fighting spirit; even the previously silent Rockruff opened its eyes, radiating a chilling aura.

Cynthia's gaze swept over Zhang Jianying and his three Pokémon, finally settling on his confident and arrogant face: "Let me see what kind of brilliance the bond between you two can unleash!"