Chapter 16

"Handsome Researcher: The little rattata accidentally ate a highly poisonous mushroom while playing. In a panic, the rattata mother thought it was the little rattata's fault and accidentally injured it in the chaos."

"Handsome Researcher: The misunderstanding is now cleared up. It asked me to thank you on its behalf."

Xiao Chi turned his head to look in the direction Bai Zhou was looking.

The Kangaskhan's eyes were filled with gratitude and apology. It bowed solemnly to Little Red, then took out a gleaming, claw-shaped object from its pouch and gently placed it in Little Red's hand.

"Little Red has obtained the Preemptive Claw!"

"Little Red put the Preemptive Claw into his item pocket."

"Battle Items!"

Crimson exclaimed in surprise.

"Triggering the hidden storyline has such an amazing reward!"

"Handsome Researcher: Alright, hot-blooded young man! I'll take care of escorting this lost girl home safely. Continue your adventure; the Alliance's challenges await you!"

The handsome researcher turned around and looked at Xiao Huang with a gentle but slightly serious expression.

"Handsome Researcher: It's extremely risky of you to venture into such a dangerous forest alone without a Pokémon partner. You can't be so reckless next time."

Xiao Huang nodded obediently and stood behind the researcher.

But her gaze remained fixed on Xiao Chi's figure, filled with reluctance and longing.

"Everyone's here!"

Chi Hong looked at the scene on the screen, her tone light and slightly smug, and turned to look at her companions on the sofa.

Qinglu crossed her arms, too lazy to pay attention to his belated realization.

Xiao Lan rolled her eyes dramatically.

Xiao Huang quickly lowered her head to hide her blushing cheeks, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

"hey-hey……"

Unaware of the danger, Crimson controlled the spirited Little Red, pointing towards the forest exit.

"Let's go! Destination—Dark Grey City!"

"cough."

A deliberate clearing of the throat interrupted Chi Hong's boastful words.

It is bluish-green.

Crimson looked at him with some confusion, only to see Green point out the window.

Golden particles of light quietly intruded, revealing a tranquil and peaceful scene outside.

"It's time to rest."

The green voice was simple and clear.

"Oh, is it this time already?"

Crimson was in a daze. She glanced at the game time on the screen and was surprised to realize that so much time had passed.

"Okay...we'll talk about it tomorrow."

He opened the Pokédex, still somewhat unsatisfied, and saved his progress.

"No, I need to go to the dojo tomorrow to take care of some things."

Qinglv's expressionless rebuttal signaled the end of tomorrow's event.

"Sure, I'll go."

Crimson shrugged nonchalantly.

"The game can still be played without you."

A clearly visible tic-tac-toe mark instantly appeared on Qinglu's forehead, just as the atmosphere was about to become delicate—

"Little Red..."

Xiao Huang quickly spoke up, her voice soft and gentle, carrying a hint of reminder.

"Don't you have training tomorrow...?"

"Ah! It seems so!"

Crimson then remembered this detail.

"Then let's meet the day after tomorrow! We'll meet here at the same time!"

"Not the day after tomorrow."

Xiao Lan spoke up at the opportune moment, admiring her freshly painted nails as she slowly said:

"I'm going to Golden City. Naza wants to go shopping with me this weekend."

Just as Crimson was about to speak, Little Blue glared at her, silencing her.

Okay, since you helped me find so many props, it's not that I'm afraid of arguing...

As the sun set, the four of them walked away from the research institute.

……

"Stop playing around. I happen to have some free time today, so I'll take you to register."

After finishing the game promotion plan, Bai Zhou scooped up Gastly, whose big face was almost pressed against the TV screen.

Ignoring its struggles, I put it on my head as a sun hat and went out under the scorching sun.

Unlike the game settings he remembered, there are very strict rules about catching Pokémon in the real world, and he needs to bring Gastly to register.

If a captured Pokémon is not reported to the League for an extended period, it may face imprisonment if discovered.

The Pokémon Center in Di'an City.

Bai Zhou was in a good mood and greeted Miss Joey, who was on duty, with great enthusiasm.

Good afternoon, Miss Joey.

So handsome!

Sunlight fell on his handsome profile, as if it were gilded.

Miss Joey felt a sudden heat rise to her cheeks, which turned slightly red.

Noticing her unusual behavior, Bai Zhou hesitated and said:

"Miss Joey?"

"Huh? I'm here!"

Miss Joey instantly displayed her high level of professionalism, placing her hands folded in front of her to suppress the slight ripples in her heart and revealing a standard gentle smile.

"Welcome! How can I help you?"

"This is Gastly, with whom I have formed a bond. It's here to register in the League system..."

Bai Zhou stopped mid-sentence, turned around in place, and even squatted down to tap his own shadow, but still couldn't find Gastly.

"Huh? Where's my huge Gastly?"

"Crack!"

With a strange cry, Gastly grinned, revealing its menacing fangs and a few wisps of eerie blue flames, and suddenly appeared behind Nurse Joy.

"ah!"

Miss Joy was startled, and even Chansey next to her stood up with his hands on his hips, puffing out his cheeks in annoyance.

"Lucky—"

"Sorry! Gastly has caused you trouble."

Bai Zhou reacted quickly, grabbing the still-chuckling Gastly and giving it a light chop to the neck. He then hugged Gastly and bowed to Nurse Joy in apology.

"It's alright, please come this way with me."

Miss Joey quickly regained her composure, smiled gently, and led him into the inner room, stopping in front of a testing machine.

The machine is square, like a precision metal stove, with six circular grooves embedded on the top and a small control screen on the front.

Isn't this the Pokémon Healing Device that's placed in the lobby of the Pokémon Center in the game?

Bai Zhou suppressed the urge to complain, took out a Moon Ball from his waist, recalled Gastly, and handed it to Nurse Joy.

"To prevent poaching and malicious actors, we need to verify the legality of Pokémon origins and investigate whether there is any oppression or abuse. We appreciate your understanding."

Miss Joey deftly inserted the moon sphere into the groove on top of the machine.

Press the start button, and a familiar, incredibly soothing melody begins to play.

ding↑

ding↑

噔↑嘚↓噔↑

OK, it's confirmed, everyone!

This is the Pokémon Healer from the game.

"No problem at all. Here is your Poké Ball, please keep it safe."

After the music ended, Miss Joy carefully reviewed the test report and returned the moon sphere.

"If you plan to collect Gym Badges to participate in the Eastern Pokémon League Tournament, please go to the League Battle Center to complete the battle verification first. After officially becoming a Trainer, you can enjoy free treatment services at the Pokémon Center and a 20% discount on shopping."

"Thank you for your help, Miss Joey."

Bai Zhou took the Moon Ball, raised an eyebrow at Gastly who was secretly releasing the ball automatically beside him, picked it up and pressed it against the shadow.

Gastly, unable to resist its father's suppression, pretended to be drowning, making an incomprehensible "gurgling" sound, and eventually sank into the shadow.

Having confirmed that Gastly had calmed down and stopped causing trouble, Bai Zhou quickly walked out of the Pokémon Center under Nurse Joy's slightly reluctant gaze.

Sigh, being handsome really is a sin.

"Gah!" (Battle!)

Just as they stepped outside, Gastly suddenly darted out of the shadows, its mouth wide open, revealing its bright red tongue, and excitedly flew up and down in the air, gesturing wildly at Shiraishu.

Bai Zhou understood.

"You want to go to the League Battle Center to watch the matches? Okay, I don't have anything else to do right now anyway."

"Crack!"

"Hey! Gastly, slow down, you might bump into someone!"

"Crack!"

"Oh, you're a gas, then it's alright."