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

In the early morning, the thin mist in the forest had not completely dissipated, and only a few scattered red lights remained on the embers of the campfire.

The two woke up almost at the same time, and after a quick wash and breakfast, it was time to part ways.

"Well then, let's say goodbye here."

Dakdo packed his things, nodded to Zhang Jianying, and said, "I wish you a safe trip to Jiayuan City."

"I also wish you success in finding Shedran's trail soon," Zhang Jianying replied. "Don't forget our agreement at the Alliance Conference."

"I won't forget."

Darkrai's lips twitched slightly upwards before he turned and disappeared into the misty forest. The gloomy aura belonging to Darkrai in the shadows vanished as if it had never existed.

After bidding farewell to this unexpected travel companion, Zhang Jianying called on his friends to pack up the campsite and continue their journey towards Jiayuan City.

The broad shell of the earth-platform tortoise became the most stable mount, and Zhang Jianying sat on it, swaying slightly with the tortoise's steady steps.

On his journey, he suddenly thought of the three new little ones who had joined his family. He was a little worried about them, wondering how they were adapting and if they had caused any trouble.

He took out the portable device that was linked to his home communication system and pressed the button to contact his home.

Meanwhile, in the scenic area, at home.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window into the living room, illuminating the few fluffy seeds and a few suspicious feathers that had not yet fully settled in the air.

A chaotic morning chase has just ended.

Xinye Miao sat smugly on the low cabinet in the center of the living room, its tail tip swaying happily, a sparkling glass marble pressed under its paw.

Below, a pair of mice were panting and supporting each other, staring longingly at the "trophies" on the cabinet, their little eyes filled with resentment.

Meow~

New Leaf Cat elegantly licked its paws, just as it was about to deliver a victory speech, when a crisp and continuous "beep beep" sound suddenly came from the fireplace.

The three children simultaneously sprang to attention, their eyes fixed on the device flashing red light.

"Meow?!"

Xinye Miao's face froze, and the marble under her paws almost rolled away.

It quickly scanned the living room: torn sofa cushions, deep scratches on the carpet, broken vases and ornamental plants, and a few muddy footprints stuck to the hem of the curtains...

The pair of mice panicked, squeaking frantically at each other, their tiny paws pointing frantically at the battlefield traces that hadn't yet been "cleaned up."

The communicator kept ringing, as if urging them on.

Xinye Miao and the pair of mice exchanged a tense glance, each seeing in the other's eyes the strong message: "Go get it! But don't expose yourself!"

They glanced at each other, neither willing to move first, fearing that if they left their "posts," the other would take the opportunity to complain to the landlord, or the camera would pan to places it shouldn't.

Finally, under the "fierce" glare of the New Leaf Cat and the threat of the marbles under its paws, one of the mice, with a mournful face, slowly moved toward the fireplace, while the other began to quickly clean up the battle damage in the house.

Xin Ye Miao took a deep breath, tried to adjust her expression, struck the most obedient and cute pose, and lightly leaped to the communicator, extending her paw to pat the answer button.

On the turtle's back on the earthen platform.

Zhang Jianying waited for a while, feeling somewhat puzzled.

"Did the little ones run off to play?"

The communication was finally established.

As soon as the projected image stabilized, what came into his view was not the panoramic view of the living room he had expected, but a large, furry green cat face that almost filled the entire screen!

"Meow~!"

Xin Ye Miao used all her strength to force out what she thought was the sweetest, most innocent, and most obedient smile, blinking her big eyes and even trying to rub her head against the camera, completely blocking the view behind her.

Zhang Jianying: ...

The blatant attempt to cover up the truth is palpable, even through the screen.

"New Leaf Meow, are you settling in alright at home?"

Zhang Jianying suppressed a laugh and asked casually.

"Meow! Meow~"

Xin Ye Miao nodded quickly, making a series of meows, while her little paws twitched nervously off-camera, signaling the pair of mice behind her to speed up the "cleaning" process.

Gardevoir, standing to the side, roughly translated Newleaf's meaning through telepathy.

"It says everything is fine, it likes it here, gets along well with the walking grass and shuttlecock, and is trying its best to learn how to help."

Sounds good?

Zhang Jianying felt slightly relieved, but still felt that Xin Yemiao's reaction was a bit too enthusiastic.

"Where are the two mice? What are they doing?"

"Meow?!"

Xin Ye Miao's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, her eyes darted around for a moment, and then she tilted her head and tried even harder to get closer to the camera.

A soft, snoring sound came from the screen, trying to get away with being cute.

"Meow~ Meow~~"

Behind the camera, there could be a faint rustling sound and a slight collision.

Zhang Jianying narrowed his eyes. "Little thing, something's wrong with you."

"New Leaf Cat, move aside a bit, let me see the living room."

"Meow!!"

Xin Ye Miao panicked, spinning around in a frantic rush, waving her paws wildly, trying to find a new excuse, but her mind went completely blank.

Two bright white lights suddenly flashed in the area behind the camera where a pair of mice were located.

A peculiar fluctuation of normal-type energy emanated from it.

Immediately afterwards, the two mice moved with lightning speed, coordinating perfectly!

Wherever they go, claws fly and tails fan out!

The marks on the carpet were quickly combed away, and the fallen leaves were precisely picked up and thrown into the trash can; the mud stains on the curtains were quickly wiped away by a small damp cloth that appeared out of nowhere; even the dust floating in the air settled rapidly under that peculiar energy field.

The whole process was efficient and fast.

In just over ten seconds, the living room area that the camera panned across became even cleaner and tidier than when they left!

"Squeak!"

Having accomplished all this, the two mice instinctively stood side by side, paws on their hips, chests puffed out, looking as if they couldn't find a worthy opponent.

Zhang Jianying blinked. Was this a "spring cleaning"?

Also known as the "Dance of the Rat"!

It can boost both attack and speed! It can also clear spikes, remove sticky webs and substitutes.

What, you said "Doragon died"?

Dragon Pokémon's signature power-up? Sorry, it's nothing compared to my hamster's "Moss Smash"!

Not to mention that Garchomp that can't even learn Dragon Dance, right?

As Zhang Jianying thought this, he suddenly felt a chill.

He looked around nervously until he was sure there was no one else around except his companions and the empty mountains and fields. Only then did he breathe a long sigh of relief and wipe away non-existent cold sweat.

Zhang Jianying was still shaken. He knew he had to watch his mouth from now on, or he might get killed by the big boss if he accidentally let something slip.

However, when he snapped out of his reverie and turned his attention back to the communication screen, Xin Ye Miao was already dumbfounded by the mice's wonderful performance and forgot to continue blocking the camera.

Thus, Zhang Jianying clearly saw another chaotic crime scene.

Although most of the area had been quickly tidied up by a pair of mice, some corners and details still revealed the truth.

Zhang Jianying covered his chest.

It hurts, it hurts too much!

He could almost see his wallet sprouting little wings and flying away from him!

"New, Leaf, Meow!"

Zhang Jianying's voice was squeezed out through clenched teeth, "And you two too!" He glared fiercely at the pair of mice who were still posing.

The three little creatures on the screen jolted at the same time. Xin Ye Miao's ears drooped like airplane ears, and the pair of mice instantly put their hands down on their hips and stood up properly.

"I've only been gone a few days?! With this level of destruction, are you planning to tear the house down and rebuild it?!"

Zhang Jianying was heartbroken. "We'll have to spend money on renovations again! From now on, your wages will be negative! Do you understand?! Starting today, all your snacks, toys, and all non-essential expenses are frozen! Until you earn enough money to renovate!"

"Meow..." (Dejected)

"Squeak..." (They huddled together, trembling)

Seeing their pitiful state, Zhang Jianying could only sigh helplessly and rub his temples.

"I'll let it go this time... but don't let it happen again! Playing around is fine, but know your limits! Understand?"

"Meow!" Xin Ye Miao nodded vigorously, wagging her tail ingratiatingly.

"Squeak!" A pair of mice raised their paws in agreement.

Zhang Jianying shook his head and hung up the call.

Sigh, what else can I do? I "kidnapped" this little guy myself, so I have to raise him even if it's with tears in my eyes.

Seaside House.

After the call ended, the living room fell silent.

Xin Ye Miao and the pair of mice looked at each other, both seeing the lingering fear and relief in each other's eyes.

Suddenly, Xin Ye Miao's cat eyes darted around, and it jumped in front of a pair of mice, gesturing with its paws and pointing to the mouse hole where they hid their treasure.

"Meow, you two, didn't you recently find a lot of big gold beads and other shiny things? Give them out! That should be enough to pay for the renovations, right? We can't really work to pay off our debts, can we? How long would that take!"

Upon hearing this, the two mice were immediately heartbroken, hugging each other tightly, their little faces filled with pain and reluctance.

Those golden beads! And those few large, perfectly round pearls! They were the most precious treasures in their lives!

But under the "fierce" gaze of the new leaf cat, and recalling the trainer's declaration of docking wages, the two mice finally looked at each other with grief and indignation, and nodded with tears in their eyes.

Waaah... the mouse's treasure... is gone...

……

Homeland City, Pokémon Center.

After two days of trekking, Zhang Jianying and his group finally arrived at this city known for its emotions and bonds.

The city's buildings are softly colored, the streets are clean, and the air seems to be filled with soothing music and a warm atmosphere.

They first went to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy gave their friends a full check-up and rehabilitation.

Just as the Pokémon were being taken to the rear for inspection, Zhang Jianying's Pokédex received a communication request. The caller ID showed Cynthia.

Zhang Jianying walked to a relatively quiet corner of the rest area and made a call.

Cynthia's figure appeared on the screen, the background seemingly her office. She was wearing her champion's uniform, her long golden hair tied up, looking less sharp and more intellectual.

She saw Zhang Jianying, her pale golden eyes filled with a smile.

"Have we arrived in Jiayuan City?" Cynthia's voice was gentle.

"Just arrived, currently resting at the Pokémon Center," Zhang Jianying replied.

"Yes. Interpol has obtained the results of their initial interrogation of that officer."

Cynthia got to the point, her tone becoming more serious, "We've uncovered a lot of useful information, including several of their secret hideouts in Sinnoh and the surrounding area, as well as a partial list of their personnel."

"King Wusong has personally led a team, in conjunction with Interpol, to launch a raid. The feedback so far indicates that the operation has been very successful, with at least two important strongholds destroyed."

She looked at Zhang Jianying, her eyes filled with admiration: "You've done a great job this time. It's all thanks to you for capturing this key figure."

Zhang Jianying breathed a sigh of relief; he was glad he could be of help. "That's good. It wasn't a waste of time to beat him up, cough, or rather, to catch him."

Hearing this, Cynthia gave him a half-smile and drawled, "Yeah, it wasn't a waste of time. Officer Jenny's report and the medical records were quite 'detailed'."

She looked at Zhang Jianying meaningfully until the other looked away uncomfortably, then chuckled softly, her tone turning gentle with reproach, "Next time, remember to prioritize your own safety, okay? And be a little more careful, I'm very worried."

That soft "Do you know?" warmed Zhang Jianying's heart.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely contact you first next time, and I'll try to be more civilized," he assured, rubbing his nose.

Cynthia nodded slightly in satisfaction.

"Alright, let's get down to business. Regarding the loot. The keystones, as one of the rewards for your contribution, have been approved and you are free to use them as you see fit."

She paused for a moment, then said, "As for that Tyranitar's Mega Stone, I think you need this more."

She gestured and took out a small, exquisite sealed box.

Cynthia opened the box, which was lined with black velvet. Inside, a strange gem, seemingly containing a deep purple vortex and with a faint glow flowing within, lay quietly.

Gengar's Mega Stone!

"I think your Gengar needs it more right now than the Tyranitar Stone."

Cynthia smiled and said, "So I applied to the League for the exchange for you."

Zhang Jianying was taken aback, and then a wave of emotion washed over her.

Oh my god, this is so thoughtful! They've completely considered his actual needs and even taken care of everything for him in advance.

"Sister Zhulan, thank you so much!" Zhang Jianying said sincerely.

"You're welcome. You deserve it."

Cynthia closed the box. "I will send the Key Stone and Gengar's Mega Stone via Dragonite Express. Please check your mail."

"clear!"

After exchanging a few more brief updates on their recent situations, Cynthia ended the call.

Not long after, a spirited Dragonite landed at the entrance of the Pokémon Center and handed a small dark leather case to Zhang Jianying.

Upon opening the package after signing for it, I found a men's bracelet with a low-key yet elegant design.

The bracelet is woven from a matte dark gray metal and supple black leather, offering a wonderful tactile experience and a calm, understated style.

At the center of the bracelet, a multicolored keystone is perfectly set in an exquisite base, shimmering with a restrained light.

The inside of the bracelet also has several small, ingeniously designed slots, clearly intended for other items that may be acquired in the future.

"This…"

Zhang Jianying picked up the bracelet and realized that it was specially selected or even custom-made for him by Cynthia, which touched him even more.

He had just put the bracelet on his wrist and adjusted the tightness when he heard an excited scream coming from behind him.

The fat Gengar, who had just finished making a Greatsword at the Pokémon Center, seemed to sense some extremely attractive energy. Its eyes lit up, and it darted in front of Zhang Jianying in a flash.

The big-headed creature curiously approached the Gengar Mega Stone in the box, which exuded an alluring "ghostly" aura, and excitedly rubbed its short claws together.

"Genga?!"

Seeing Gengar's drooling expression, as if it wanted to swallow the Mega Stone whole, Zhang Jianying was both amused and exasperated.

He picked up the deep purple Mega Stone: "Guigui, this is your Mega Stone. When combined with the Key Stone on this bracelet, it will allow you to temporarily evolve into a more powerful form during battle."

"Genga?!"

Gengar's crimson eyes instantly lit up like two tiny light bulbs, and it bared its teeth. It nodded hastily, its little paws reaching eagerly for the Mega Stone.

Zhang Jianying smiled and placed the stone in its palm.

Gengar, overjoyed, held the stone carefully, examining it from all angles. With a wicked grin, its massive body melted into the shadow beneath its feet, taking the Mega Stone with it.

A moment later, it emerged from the shadows again, patted its belly triumphantly, indicating that its treasure was well hidden and no one could steal it!

Zhang Jianying chuckled and shook his head.

The group gradually recovered their energy from Miss Joey's help and were in a completely refreshed state.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Zhang Jianying rented a small private battleground outside, ready to try out the power of Mega Evolution as soon as possible.

In the enclosed battle arena, only he and his Pokémon remained. The Key Stone bracelet on his wrist provided a warm, smooth touch.

"Shall we start with Gardevoir?"

Zhang Jianying looked at Gardevoir, whose eyes also shone with anticipation and determination.

Zhang Jianying raised his right hand, which was wearing the bracelet, and began to infuse the waveguide, connecting the keystone to the Mega Stone on the Gardevoir hairpin.

"Gardedor - Mega Evolution!"

"Whoosh—!"

A dazzling light of evolution instantly enveloped Gardevoir.

Within the light, its form began to change drastically!

Zhang Jianying could clearly feel his waveguide power surging out like a flood, while his physical strength was being rapidly drained at the same time! The consumption was much greater than he had expected.

The light fades, revealing a brand new look—

Mega Gardevoir!

The original white long dress was transformed into an elegant and noble black evening gown, with a fluffy skirt spreading out and adorned with starlight-like shimmer.

The red decoration on her chest became more eye-catching, and as it was slightly opened, her sky-blue hair fell down.

Mega Gardevoir's eyes were even deeper and more serene, and the spiritual energy emanating from its body was as vast as the sea, like a queen who controls the mind, descending from the darkness.

"Sana..."

Mega Gardevoir's voice was ethereal and resonant. It felt the surging power within it and nodded slightly to Zhang Jianying.

Although Zhang Jianying was slightly out of breath from exhaustion, her eyes almost turned into stars.

It was a success! My queen in the black dress looks amazing!

"Next up, Gengar!"

He took a deep breath and looked at Gengar, who was already eagerly peeking out of the shadows.

"Genga!!"

Gengar shouted excitedly, floated to the center of the field, and then "pulled" out the Gengar Mega Stone from its Shadow Dimension, waving it triumphantly.

Zhang Jianying raised his right hand again, his mind and aura connecting to Gengar and the Mega Stone in its hand.

"Gengar - Mega Evolution!"

The light of evolution erupted! This time, the consumption seemed even more intense than with Gardevoir! Zhang Jianying felt his body sink noticeably, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

In the light, Gengar's round, plump body was stretched and reshaped! When the light faded, what appeared in its place was a bizarre and terrifying creature—

Super Gengar!

Its original body transformed into a mix of deep purple and dark red, its lower half seemingly connected to another dimension, sinking into the ground. The spikes on its back grew even larger.

Just standing there, it exudes a chilling aura, like a demon materialized from the deepest recesses of a nightmare.

"Giggle giggle..."

Mega Gengar let out a low, twisted laugh as it curiously contorted its bizarre body, adapting to the new, powerful sensation.

Zhang Jianying was panting heavily and almost couldn't stand up. Mega Gardevoir instantly moved to his side and gently supported him.

"My goodness!"

Looking at the two partners in front of him, whose appearances and temperaments were so different, Zhang Jianying was filled with excitement.

"This energy drain is terrifying! No wonder I've almost never seen anyone Mega Evolve two Pokémon in a row during battles. With this rate of stamina loss, I'm lucky I'm not collapsing right now."

He suddenly remembered a certain super newbie who could use several different systems simultaneously without changing his expression, but that obviously couldn't be used as a regular reference.

It seems that Mega Evolution, as a trump card, not only requires extremely high bond levels but also places a huge burden on the trainer.

My dream of "everyone undergoing super evolution before a field battle and then going on a rampage" has been completely shattered.

This tactic must be used at the most crucial moment on the most critical Pokémon.

After resting for a while, Zhang Jianying finally recovered.

He made Gardevoir and Gengar revert to their Mega Evolution forms.

Although the two Pokémon that had returned to their original state had lost some of their power, they both had a clearer understanding in their eyes and seemed to have gained a better grasp of their own power.

Gengar happily hid its Mega Stone back in Shadow Dimension, patted its belly, and indicated that it was safe.

"Excellent, this will further strengthen our capabilities."

Zhang Jianying wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes burning as he looked at the keystone bracelet on his wrist and his companions beside him.

As I left the private training ground, the last rays of the setting sun were casting their soft glow on the buildings of Ka Yuen City.

Zhang Jianying led the team, which had undergone another important transformation, to the room arranged for them at the Pokémon Center.