Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game

The seascape was completely different from the lake view he was used to seeing on Yuanling Island. There was no difference in quality; each had its own unique characteristics.

Yunze Lake is more delicate and refined, while the ocean is uniquely vast and magnificent.

Xia Chen had seen the sea while traveling to various regions.

However, the coastline of Ryukyu Island in the Hoenn region is too short, and the city of Niangguang in the Padia region is too commercialized, consisting mostly of docks, which is far inferior to the magnificent seascape of Sara.

At Milotic's urging, the elves all got the idea to go to the beach to play.

Xia Chen readily agreed.

It was still early, so Xia Chen bought swimsuits for herself and the elves at a shop near the hotel before heading to the beach.

Chapter 425 Night Battle with Korni

(The photos of me in women's clothing have been posted in the Eevee group. If you're not afraid of something cringeworthy, you can go check them out QAQ)

Before arriving in Sala City, Xia Chen never imagined that there were swimsuits sold to elves.

Why do we need swimsuits when we're not even fully clothed normally, but when we go swimming in the sea?

This behavior seems a bit like taking off your pants to fart.

But merchants can always come up with a whole bunch of reasons, like how elves' fur gets wet easily and makes it difficult for them to move around in water.

It can help certain Fire-type and Rock-type Pokémon, which are weak to Water-type, to safely enter the water, and things like that.

Actually, these are all excuses, or rather, added value. The biggest attraction of the Fairy swimsuit is that it looks good.

When Gardevoir, wearing an adorable swimsuit, shyly asked him if it looked good, Xia Chen knew he was definitely going to pay for it today.

It's late May, the temperature is just right, and there are quite a few people and fairies playing on the beach.

However, Xia Chen and his Pokémon still attracted attention—not to mention the two legendary Pokémon, Guleton and Deoxys, the Shiny Gardevoir and many other Pokémon were enough to draw attention.

Compared to their companions, Sinbu, Cypher, and Dorombalto were all rather unremarkable.

As expected, Xia Chen's identity was exposed. Seeing the swarming, enthusiastic fans, he had no choice but to take a group photo with the elf and everyone else before he could breathe the air of freedom again.

Milotic was the first to enter the water, and the other Pokémon, who rarely came to the beach, excitedly followed suit. Even the Steel-type Pokémon, Cypher and Goodra, went into the sea with them.

Although it's practically impossible for them to master swimming due to their body density and weight, the point is to participate.

Only Diancie, who had never seen the sea before, shrank back on the soft sand, watching the elves immersed in the cool, blue water with a mixture of curiosity and envy.

"Won't you come down and play together, Diancie?"

Xia Chen, dressed in casual beachwear, walked up to Tianxi and asked.

The princess of the Diamond Kingdom looked somewhat shy, "Tianxi... (Tianxi has never seen so much water before...)"

For safety reasons, Tianxi has never left the diamond-producing country since birth.

Xia Chen felt that while this was indeed a good way to protect her, wasn't it also a form of imprisonment?

Spending her days meditating in a dark, lifeless cave, this princess was doing worse than an ordinary wild elf in the mountains.

Xia Chen smiled and said, "Go have some fun, it's really interesting."

Diancie asked, puzzled, "What's so fun about...playing in the water?"

This question... seems a bit profound.

Xia Chen thought about it, but he couldn't come up with the answer to this seemingly very simple question.

But it's okay, he'll just make things up.

"Did you know that all life originated from the ocean, and water is the source of life? Humans develop and grow in amniotic fluid during embryonic development, and elves develop and grow in their eggs. Therefore, we have a natural affinity for water. By being with water, we may be able to understand the mysteries of life..."

Diancie's eyes sparkled. "So playing in the water is how you discover the mysteries of life? Diancie's going to play in the water!"

With that, she excitedly ran into the sea.

Xia Chen watched her retreating figure, feeling both amused and a little heartbroken.

Even simple playtime is imbued with the meaning of comprehending the mysteries of life. Carrying the fate of her clan, Diancie bears far too much for her age.

…………

As the sun sets, the tired elves emerge from the sea one after another.

The one who was most reluctant to part with Milotic was actually Diancie, who initially seemed uninterested.

She was initially happy in the water, but suddenly became depressed after seeing Xia Chen on the shore.

She twisted her fingers, a little guilty, and said, "I'm sorry, I haven't grasped the true meaning of life..."

In fact, once she got into the water, she put the origins and mysteries of life out of her mind and started playing with the other elves in a happy mood.

After indulging, comes a deep sense of guilt.

In human terms, it's called the "wise man's time."

Xia Chen, who had seen everything, suppressed a laugh and comforted her, "It's okay, you've done a great job. The mysteries of life are definitely not easy to understand. If you could understand a question that humanity has pondered for thousands of years all at once, wouldn't that make us look stupid?"

This kind of consolation through comparison was very effective, and the slight guilt in Tianxi's heart immediately vanished.

"Alright, let's pack up and head to the Sara Gym. Korini has been waiting for us for ages."

Xia Chen called the elves to move to another place.

Ke Erni knew that Xia Chen had come to Salo City long before Xia Chen was discovered by his fans.

After all, Sala City is only a small place, and Korrina is a high-ranking gym leader, so it's not surprising that she's well-informed.

After Milotic rinsed the Pokémon with water, and Azure Blade used hot air to quickly dry them, Xia Chen put them back into his Poké Ball and then headed to the Sala Gym.

Perhaps because Korne is a battle maniac, the Salo Gym's opening hours are quite late. When Xia Chen arrived at the gym, it was almost 6 PM, and Cucumber was still accepting gym challenges from visitors.

Xia Chen also spotted a familiar figure in the stands: Coco Bull.

This kind-faced, white-haired old man is Korni's grandfather and the current head of the Sara Dojo.

However, judging from the current situation, Korni will soon be able to take over the position from him.

Turning our attention back to the battlefield, the Pokémon in front of Korne was a Forsaken, a very rare Ghost/Fighting type Pokémon.

It was also an elf that Xia Chen had recommended Korni to raise.

Surprisingly, despite her rebellious nature, Kornie was quite obedient, and I actually bred one.

They've already reached elite-level strength, perfect for battling gym challengers.

However, this challenger was a bit weak and failed to pose much of a threat to the Abandoned Monkey before being knocked down by two angry punches.

Having won the match, the Abandoned Monkey didn't roar and scream like its unevolved monkey form. Instead, it calmly and collectedly adjusted its breathing.

With the poise of a gym leader, Korne commented on the challengers' strengths and weaknesses during the battle. After glancing at Xia Chen in the audience, she quickly announced the end of today's gym challenge.

…………

"Honestly, you came to Sala City without even telling me, and I had to come looking for you!"

Korni sat in a chair, taking off her roller skates and helmet, while complaining to Xia Chen.

Lucario, standing to the side, silently took a towel and wiped the sweat from the trainer's face.

Xia Chen was still being stubborn, saying, "Isn't this to let you better fulfill your duties as a host?"

"Hum~"

Korne gave a couple of ambiguous hums, then said, "I'm going to take a shower first. Grandpa, you can greet the guest first."

Coco nodded with a smile and started chatting with Xia Chen, her junior.

"I wonder when this child will ever get rid of his impulsiveness."

Although it was criticism, the kind tone made the words seem more like a doting remark.

"A youth who isn't reckless isn't a true youth."

Xia Chen said, "Grandpa's teaching is excellent, which is why Ke Erni is so outstanding."

Cocoble smiled and shook her head. "She's still far from truly outstanding..."

He then looked at Xia Chen, "I'll take the liberty of calling you Xiao Chen. If possible, could you please have a match against her later?"

Xia Chen couldn't help but chuckle. "Do you think that, given Kernie's personality, she won't challenge me to a fight later?"

Coco added, "What I mean is, the scene should be more dramatic, give her something intense."

Xia Chen was speechless; the old man's strictness towards his granddaughter was truly well-deserved.

After thinking for a moment, he nodded and replied, "Okay, I'll try my best."

Sure enough, right after dinner, Corinne, the battle maniac, challenged Xia Chen to a fight, citing the need to digest her food.

Xia Chen didn't refuse; he figured he'd have to fight sooner or later.

Besides, he hadn't had a proper match for over half a month, and he was getting a little itchy to play.

The battle rules are a regular 3v3 Gym challenge, allowing one Mega Evolution and one Crystallization. Dynamaxing is not allowed due to terrain and energy conditions.

Korrina was extremely excited about the match; even before it started, she was already gathering her Pokémon to discuss tactics, which showed how seriously she took it.

In general, Korne goes straight for the kill in battles.

Soon, the lights on the battlefield where the Sara Dojo Master was fighting came on.

An exchange and competition without an audience has officially begun.

…………

Cocoble stood on the sidelines of the battlefield, acting as the referee.

With a wave of his hand and a resounding "Battle begins!", Xia Chen and Korni simultaneously threw out their respective Poké Balls.

Two flashes of white light, and the starting Pokémon of both sides enter the fray—

In front of Korni was a resentful, arrogant, and cool-looking abandoned monkey with white hair.

The elf in front of Xia Chen was a burning insect lying on the ground, using its antennae to sense the changes in the surrounding temperature.

Upon seeing Xia Chen's starting Pokémon, Korni's expression immediately changed noticeably.

Surprise mingled with a hint of displeasure and resentment.