Elf: I have a secret realm of emerald green.

[While Ember and I have the ability to forcibly destroy it, it could also cause irreversible consequences. So, it's up to you whether you go find the "key" or we force our way in.]

Xia Shen naturally chose to find the key herself.

Whether or not it evolves isn't a big problem, but Xia Shen doesn't want Tibrim to bear the unknown consequences.

Xia Shen could guess who was behind the so-called "gene lock" even with a fool's eye. Who else could it be but that mysterious organization researching Mewtwo?

But with the enemy in the shadows and us in the open, and the super-powered girl not showing up as promised, Xia Shen had no way to cause them trouble for the time being.

Moreover... they probably don't have the ability to cause them trouble for the time being.

Xia Shen felt that if that organization was looking for people with superpowers, they must have noticed him.

But perhaps because the forces involved are too numerous and the impact too great, they dare not take action.

Now both sides are aware of each other's existence and want to cause trouble for each other, but for various reasons, they cannot or dare not take action and can only maintain this delicate balance.

Xia Shen was feeling rather troubled, so she decided to stop thinking about it.

Thinking about it is useless. In any case, improving our strength is the most important thing at this stage.

Speaking of strength... Xia Shen took out the three gems he brought out from Xi Cui this time.

He took out his Arceus phone and examined each item one by one.

…………

[Diamond Orb: A radiant orb that, when held by Dialga, enhances the power of Dragon and Steel-type moves. Under certain circumstances, it also seems to summon Dialga's own space.]

So, that Pokémon really was Dialga...

However, why did it seek me out, and why did it give me the Vajra Orb that could summon it?

This is completely unpredictable.

Dialga is, after all, a Pokémon that can travel through time and space. Perhaps it saw something in the future that led it to make this decision?

Xia Shen snapped out of her thoughts and began to examine the next gemstone.

[The Origin Crystal of Kexi: A crystal formed from the primordial power of Kexi, containing energy accumulated by Kexi over an unknown period of time, as well as some mysterious power of rules.]

The third gem is much the same, except that Yuxie's name has been changed to Emredo.

According to Yukshi, all they need to do is wear the two gems on their bodies.

It will be useful in both daily meditation training and the release of moves in battle.

So he gave Emrith's share to Tibrim, and kept Yuxi's for himself.

Therefore, for a long time to come, Tibrim and himself will have resources comparable to Dragon Jade Crystals.

After summarizing the rich gains from this secret realm trip, Xia Shen stretched and prepared to head out to the main campus.

Although the two elective courses haven't started yet, Xia Shen has things to do there.

Helping the Warhammer Dragon and Craniosaurus "settle down," their daily training, and ranking matches within the school...

The fulfilling yet tiring trip to the secret realm has come to an end, and it's time to start another day of real life.

These days are truly exhausting...

…………

Because Garchomp is not yet registered as a Flying Pokémon, riding it now would be considered "illegal driving," so Xia Shen rode Togekiss to school this morning.

But there's not much difference. No matter how fast Garchomp flies, it can't exceed the speed limit. Togekiss is pretty good too... it's just that the seat is a bit small.

Having arrived safely at the main campus, Xia Shen went straight to the principal's office.

Mu Yaci was surprised by Xia Shen's visit, but she welcomed it warmly.

If you come here, it means you have something to do. If you have something to do, you need the school's help. Once the school helps, won't the bond between you become even stronger?

She took a glass of chilled mango juice from the office refrigerator for Xia Shen and asked with a smile, "How are you doing, Xiao Shen? Are you getting used to life and studying here?"

Xia Shen accepted the gift without ceremony and replied, "It's fine, thank you for your concern. The main reason I came is to ask you about something. I'd like to raise... a small group of elves in the Seven Luminaries Mountain. What procedures are involved?"

Mu Yaci smiled and said, "Oh, it's alright. Just tell me the types and numbers of the Pokémon, and I'll take care of the rest."

"These elves are a little special...you should be prepared." Xia Shen gave them a heads-up.

Mu Yaci looked at Xia Shen with surprise. She knew that Xia Shen would not speak without reason, so she became even more serious.

Xia Shen continued, "There are about... twenty or so Warhammer Dragons and thirty or so Craniosaurus."

…………

Mu Yaci's expression froze for a moment. Although she had prepared herself mentally, she was still startled when she heard that the group of elves were Warhammer Dragons.

Cranidos and its evolved form, Warhammer Dragon... those are unique fossil Pokémon from the East Sea Secret Realm.

Regardless of their strength, fossil spirits are unparalleled in their rarity.

It's no exaggeration to say that they are even rarer than pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

After all, it can only be resurrected from fossils, although it can reproduce after being resurrected.

However, given the sheer number of fossils and the fact that fossil resurrection technology has only been around for about twenty years, the number of fossil sprites is extremely small.

Currently, only the East Sea Secret Realm Research Institute is breeding a large group of Warhammer Dragons.

Where did Xia Shen get so many Warhammer Dragons?

After Mu Yaci's initial shock subsided, her first concern was, "Uh... you're an elf, right?"

Xia Shen was taken aback. A warhammer dragon that can perform dragon dance and dragon claw... is that legal?

No, she wasn't asking about whether it was legal or not; she was asking about the origin of the elves.

Xia Shen replied with a smile, "Don't worry about that. These Warhammer Dragons have nothing to do with the East Sea Secret Realm. I brought them to this world one by one by myself."

A thoughtful look flashed in Mu Yaci's eyes. After pondering for a moment, she said, "In that case, there's no problem. I'll take care of this for you this afternoon. You can go back and raise them at Qiyao Mountain."

Xia Shen said gratefully, "Thank you, Aunt Mu. Oh, by the way, I have another question. You saw the new and old team match the other day, about the school team..."

Mu Yaci said seriously, "Don't worry about that. The school has now integrated the selection system into the school's ranking. As long as you score 2000, you can qualify for the selection competition."

Xia Shen understood. After resolving the two matters and exchanging a few more pleasantries, he took his leave.

…………

Instead of rushing to training or ranked matches, Xia Shen went back to his dormitory at Qiyao Mountain first.

We haven't dealt with all those Pokémon we caught during the spacetime distortion; we can't just leave them in the Poké Ball and ignore them.

Back at the Seven Luminaries Mountain No. 1 Courtyard, Xia Shen released all the Pokémon he had caught.

In an instant, the huge training ground was packed to the brim, mainly thanks to the Warhammer Dragon family.

They didn't say much; they were extremely loyal to Garchomp and followed the leader's lead. Even if they were released, they probably wouldn't want to run away.

Turning his gaze, Xia Shen scanned Jolteon, Sylveon, Gliscor, and Magmortar one by one.

The Pokémon cautiously looked around, a mixture of curiosity about their new surroundings and fear of the Ursaring and Garchomp that had previously given them a good beating.

Wait... does it seem like someone was forgotten?

Xia Shen continued scanning downwards, and sure enough, the emerald green Woody Owl was lying on the ground, fast asleep.

Forget about him for now...

Xia Shen looked at the elves and said, "You probably can't go home anymore. You have two choices now. One is to go back to Xicui and continue living the life of wild elves, and the other is... to live here with me. I'll provide food and lodging, but the condition is that you have to listen to me."

As he spoke, he took out energy cubes of various flavors and other elf foods and placed them in front of them.

Xia Shen simply and clearly explained the two choices, without making any sentimental talk about any ties.

Pokémon captured by violence have no emotional connection whatsoever. If they're willing to stay, we can nurture them gradually over time.

The elves, who were complete strangers, looked at each other in bewilderment, and then tentatively tasted the food in front of them.

Judging from the pleased expressions on their faces, Xia Shen could tell that they were quite satisfied.

As expected, after the four elves finished eating, they gathered together as if discussing something, and in the end, without exception, they all chose to stay.

Freedom is precious, but food tastes even better.

Since we can't go back to the original time and space anyway, it doesn't matter where we live.

…………

Seeing that the four Pokémon had made the right choices, Xia Shen smiled slightly and looked at the last Pokémon, Rowlet.

Owlwood lay on the ground, oblivious to everything, snoring softly, continuing to dream his daydreams.

Is choosing freedom or just drifting through life more important than sleeping now?

Looking at the still-sleeping Wood Owl, Xia Shen sighed helplessly, picked up a sweet and sour energy cube, and walked up to him.

He crouched down and held the energy cube on Woody Owl's small nose.

The natural fragrance of tree fruit essence filled the air, and Woody Owl's snoring gradually subsided. Then, a pair of bright, round eyes suddenly opened.

With a swift movement, he stood up and swallowed the tempting orange energy cube in front of him.

After he had finished eating, he remembered to look around at his surroundings.

After looking around, Mumu Xiao tilted his head and looked at the man who was smiling at him and holding a piece of the delicious food he had just swallowed.

"Goo?" Mumu Xiao wasn't shy at all. He hopped forward a little, tilting his head slightly forward, as if asking if this was for me to eat.

Xia Shen was charmed by his adorable expression, stretched the energy cube in her hand forward again, and said with a smile, "Eat it, there are still many more."

Although Mumu Xiao was puzzled as to why this person was being so kind to him, the temptation of the delicious food made him forget all about it. He popped his head in and another energy cube went into his stomach.

"Gurgle~" Woody squinted its eyes contentedly. Waking up to delicious food is such a wonderful thing!

"Want some more?" Another energy cube appeared before them.

"Gurgle~" Of course, you're not a true jade-washing person if you don't eat.

Another energy cube went down.

"Stay by my side from now on and eat this every day, okay?" Along with the fragrant energy cubes, Xia Shen's coaxing voice rang out.

"Gulp~" Wood Owl swallowed it in one gulp and nodded happily.

Hmm, doesn't something seem off?