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

Morning light filtered through the intertwined branches, casting dappled golden rays across the forest clearing. The embers of the campfire still carried a hint of warmth as Zhang Jianying slowly awoke from a deep sleep.

He stretched and was pleasantly surprised to find that the wound, which had been slightly aching after the medicine he had used the night before, had basically healed, leaving only a faint pink scar. His strength and energy had returned to full capacity.

"This recovery speed..."

Zhang Jianying subconsciously touched his scabbed wound, recalling the jokes about "super rookies" he had seen online in his previous life. In this Pokémon world, it seemed that human physiques truly couldn't be judged by ordinary standards.

He couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head. "Could it be that one day I'll be able to fight Pokémon with my bare hands?"

Putting this absurd idea aside, he turned his head and gently looked at Kirlia, who was not far away.

After evolving, it stands a little over one meter tall, slightly taller than the standard size recorded in the encyclopedia. Its posture is more upright and elegant, and its sky-blue hair falls to its shoulders like a silk cloak.

The amber-colored horns that were originally positioned one in front of the other are now symmetrically distributed on both sides of the head, shimmering with a warm luster in the morning light. Combined with its posture of standing in meditation, it resembles an elegant dancer immersed in the artistic conception of dance.

At this moment, it was quietly floating in the air, about a foot off the ground, with its eyes gently closed. A very thin but unusually stable blue halo surrounded its body, resonating harmoniously with the natural energy of the forest.

It was clearly still immersed in deep meditation, consolidating the power leap brought about by evolution.

The Four Heavenly Kings, Wusong, sat on a smooth blue stone not far away, the morning light gilding him with a faint golden edge.

He held a slightly worn hardcover book in his hands, its cover adorned with intricate and mysterious symbols. His Alakazam and Bronze Bell stood on either side of him like two silent guardian statues, their presence restrained yet still exuding an unfathomable and powerful aura.

Noticing Zhang Jianying's movement, Wu Song gracefully closed his book, a silver bookmark automatically slipping between his fingers into the page he had just been reading. He adjusted his glasses and looked over with a gentle gaze.

"You're awake? You look well; you've recovered quite well."

"Yes, Mr. Wusong, I feel much better. I am truly grateful for your help yesterday." Zhang Jianying stood up, stretched his limbs, and said sincerely.

The terrifying scene from yesterday flashed through his mind—if this superhuman hadn't appeared in time, his and Kirlia's fate would have been unimaginable.

"It was nothing. I was drawn here by strong emotional turmoil. The one who can truly save you is yourselves."

Wusong stood up and walked to the long-extinguished campfire. A few unburnt tree fruit kernels remained in the ashes. "While your Kirlia is still stabilizing its state, we can talk. How much do you know about that organization from last night?"

Zhang Jianying's smile faded. He sat down opposite him, shook his head, and said gravely, "I know very little. All I know is that they are conducting inhumane live experiments on Pokémon, and some of the targets seem to be related to Kirlia's mother and the evolution stone she fought so hard to protect. They call Kirlia's mother... 'recycling material'."

As he spoke the last three words, his voice couldn't help but carry a hint of cold anger.

Wusong nodded, his eyes sharpening slightly: "This organization calls itself 'Dark Star.' Like mold, they thrive in the shadows beneath the glamorous facade of Sinnoh and other regions. Their activities are wide-ranging, from illegal Pokémon black market transactions and forbidden live animal modification experiments to conspiracies to search for and control legendary Pokémon—their tentacles are everywhere."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of the confidence and composure befitting a king, "In terms of direct combat strength, for the Alliance, for us kings, they are not insurmountable behemoths. The real problem lies in their extremely cunning stealth and their infiltration and rebuilding capabilities, like a centipede that never dies but never falls. You may painstakingly destroy one of their strongholds, but it won't be long before they can resurrect themselves in another dark corner."

He looked directly at Zhang Jianying, his gaze carrying a warning: "You and your Kirlia have come into their sights because of that Gardevoir evolution stone and the rare talent it has displayed. You must remain vigilant throughout your journey, for it is easier to dodge a spear in the open than to guard against an arrow in the dark."

Zhang Jianying met his gaze, her eyes clear and firm: "I understand. We will become stronger, strong enough that any shadow that covets us will have to retreat."

He took a deep breath and laid out his plan, which he had been pondering all night: "We plan to travel along the Sinnoh region's network, challenge the various gyms, accumulate badges, and aim to participate in the Sinnoh League—the Lily of the Valley Conference—two years from now. Ultimately, we hope to have enough strength, and then..."

He clenched his fist. "Let's wipe this 'Dark Star' organization, along with all their sins, from the light of day. Let's seek justice for Kirlia's mother and for all the lives they have harmed!"

A hint of undisguised admiration flashed in Wu Song's eyes: "A very ambitious goal, but not unattainable. The League Tournament is the best crucible for honing willpower and testing strength. I look forward to seeing you on the stage of the future King of Kings Challenge."

He abruptly changed the subject, taking out a finely crafted small cloth bag and a metallic-looking Alliance savings card from the inside pocket of his suit jacket, and handed them over. "This is the Alliance bounty money for that prisoner and his large wolfhound from last night, after Officer Jenny processed the paperwork. Official members of 'Dark Star' have quite high bounties on the Alliance's wanted list. This money should be enough for you to purchase some decent travel gear, skill learning devices, or prepare for welcoming new companions."

He added an important piece of information: "Furthermore, through last night's interrogation, we confirmed one thing—the avalanche you encountered in the snowfield was not purely a natural disaster. Rather, it was artificially created by 'Dark Star' to force Kirlia, who was then Ralts, to use her psychic powers to teleport with an evolution stone in a critical moment, thereby triggering an energy resonance to facilitate their instruments' location."

Zhang Jianying suddenly understood, taking the bag and debit card; they felt heavy in his hands. He recalled the perilous situation during the avalanche and felt a wave of fear, but also relief at Ralts's sudden burst of potential. "I see... Thank you for letting me know, and please thank Officer Jenny for me."

Just then, the blue aura surrounding Kirlia slowly receded back into its body like a tide, its long eyelashes trembled a few times, and it slowly opened its eyes.

Those crimson eyes were clearer and deeper than ever before, as if they contained the stars and the sea. It landed gently, its movements fluid and natural, clearly demonstrating that its control over its own power had reached a new level.

It floated to Zhang Jianying's side, naturally took his hand, and turned to Wusong, bowing slightly, expressing its deep gratitude in an elegant, curtain-like gesture.

"It seems its harvest this time far exceeded its original expectations." Wusong's face showed a relieved smile. "Alright, I should continue my patrol journey now. I wish you all the best on your journey. Remember, on this road to Lucky City, in addition to being wary of potential dangers, don't miss the scenery and opportunities along the way. The vastness and wonder of the Pokémon world far exceed your current imagination."

After saying goodbye to Wusong and watching him, Alakazam, and Bronze Bell disappear into the depths of the forest, Zhang Jianying and Kirlia exchanged a smile, packed their bags, and once again embarked on the road to Zhuqing City.

Unlike before, their bags now contained a sum of money that would give them peace of mind, and their hearts were filled with a clear goal and a bright expectation for the future. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the path ahead and the unwavering light in their eyes.