She probably doesn't know...

Time flies, and June has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Bai Zhou's days were packed to the brim this month.

From Monday to Friday, she accompanies Cynthia to screen interest groups in Di'an City, and on Saturday and Sunday, she accompanies Gastly to the preliminary rounds of the Spark Tournament.

Working non-stop like a spinning top, rest has become a luxury.

The preliminary rounds of the Spark Conference were not very intense, and Bai Zhou hardly participated in commanding.

"Consider this a practical training session; I'll practice myself!"

He waved his hand and handed command over to Gastly.

The little guy lived up to expectations, enjoying the league-level battle arena and a variety of sparring partners, and his skill proficiency improved rapidly.

The result was no surprise—Bai Zhou easily advanced from the preliminary rounds.

The main competition will be held in Longcheng next month, but we'll leave that for now.

Regarding live streaming, three ranked matches were broadcast this month. The main storyline was temporarily suspended to allow players to digest the previous game content.

The BP points gained are decent, serving as a build-up for the upcoming plot developments.

However, the investigation encountered difficulties.

Today is Saturday, a rare day off.

Zhu Lan's visit to the research institute seemed more like a way to pour out her troubles.

"call--"

At the tea table, Zhu Lan, biting on the straw of Moo Moo Milk, leaned slightly to the side, her body forming a languid curve, and complained sullenly.

"After screening all interest groups in Di'an, we couldn't find a single clue about the organization that infiltrated the First Emperor's Mausoleum. The mission has made absolutely no progress!"

Bai Zhou was quietly listening as he chopped tree fruit salad in the kitchen.

"And that local logistics company that's recently popped up—why did they have to choose such a terrible name? Rocket Express!"

Zhu Lan's voice carried a hint of irritation.

"I thought it was some Team Rocket remnants infiltrating the Eastern Region, and I wasted all my energy investigating. Turns out it's a legitimate company run by the son of the Anming Gym Leader..."

Click!

Bai Zhou's hand trembled, and he almost cut his finger.

He casually wiped away non-existent cold sweat from his forehead, handed the mixed salad to Gastly, and gestured for it to serve it to Cynthia.

An Yi is really something, he's quick on his feet.

Bai Zhou muttered to himself.

Ok……

Zhu Lan probably doesn't know that this courier company was my idea.

She probably doesn't know...

Gastly floated slowly out of the kitchen, carrying a salad bowl on its head.

Thanks to the nourishment brought by the continuous calming of the violent energy by the power of the super-counter, its size has increased significantly.

At this moment, it is anxious about its figure and trying to appear light and graceful.

"Gasp~"

"Thanks."

Laughing, Zhu Lan ruffled Gastly's big head, took the salad, but her gaze lingered on Shirazu through the kitchen window.

He stabbed a piece of fruit hard with his fork and put it in his mouth to chew.

Bai Zhou felt a chill run down his spine from that gaze, so he took the initiative to leave the kitchen and change the subject.

"It's your day off today. What are your plans for later? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"I need to go to the Pokémon Center."

Zhu Lan hugged the Gastly next to her, who was trying to make funny faces at her, and frowned slightly.

"The ghost energy tide is spreading, and even the Rockruff has been affected, looking listless... Shall we go together? And give Gastly a full check-up while we're at it."

Rockruff is one of Cyndaquil's main Pokémon, excelling in both physical attributes and overall strength.

Even it was affected, so the situation is clearly more serious than expected.

Bai Zhou pondered for a moment and said:

"Could I take a look at the Flower Rock Monster first? If it's not serious, I might be able to handle it."

Cynthia was a little surprised, but didn't ask any questions. She took out a Poké Ball and summoned Rockruff.

The Flower Rock Monster lay slumped on the wedge-shaped rock, its ghostly face in the purple vortex listless, as if all its strength had been drained.

Bai Zhou carefully lifted the wedge stone, and the power of the super-restraint flowed into it like a stream, seeping into its body.

"Waaah..."

The gentle energy made the Flower Rock Monster hum comfortably, and its entire ghostly face slapped against Bai Zhou's chest, rubbing against him affectionately.

really……

Bai Zhou felt a chill run down his spine.

The energy within the Globul is extremely weak, and its nature is completely different from the violent energy Gastly initially encountered. It is more like a kind of inert erosion, only causing it to become listless and lose its appetite.

But this only set his alarm bells off!

Is the effect only slight because the Flower Rock Monster is so powerful?

Or is it because...

It is not a Pokémon originating from the Imperial Tomb?

If it is the latter, it means that the Ghost-type Pokémon in the Imperial Mausoleum may have suffered an impact far beyond imagination!

This is directly related to Gastly's safety!

"The Flower Rock Monster is alright for now."

Bai Zhou suppressed his turbulent emotions and reluctantly handed the Flower Rock Monster to Zhu Lan.

"However, I still recommend going to the Pokémon Center for a thorough check-up. I'll go with you."

Zhu Lan took the Flower Rock Monster, but seemed a little lost in thought.

The moment Bai Zhou used his super-countering power, that intense sense of familiarity surged up again, clearer than ever before!

But before she could investigate further, the tide receded again.

Unbeknownst to her, the Thousand-Year Bracelet left by her grandmother around her neck had subtly emitted a soft white light when Bai Zhou used his power to fluctuate.

"Hmm? Oh, okay."

Zhu Lan brushed her blonde hair aside to hide her momentary daze, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Perhaps it was because they had gotten along comfortably over the past few days, or perhaps for some other reason, that she had long regarded Bai Zhou as a trustworthy partner.

The thought that her initial intentions in approaching him were not pure made her feel somewhat embarrassed.

"Gah? (Why are you suddenly using so much force?)"

(⊙_⊙)

Gastly looked up in confusion, feeling that Cynthia's massage had suddenly become stronger.

However, it didn't delve into the matter. It jumped out of Zhu Lan's embrace and planned to go into the bedroom to discuss move combinations with Lie Kongzuo.

But White Boat stopped Gastly.

"Don't wander off. We're going to the Pokémon Center later for a checkup..."

Bai Zhou gently placed it back into Zhu Lan's arms, who was still somewhat dazed.

"Keep watch for me for a while, I'll pack some things and then leave."

"Okay, leave it to me."

Zhu Lan sat upright, her fingertips unconsciously pinching and poking Gastly's soft cheeks.

Bai Zhou raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything more.

Actually, he was saying that to Gastly, which blinked imperceptibly.

The two, one human and one Pokémon, exchanged glances, their unspoken understanding unspoken.

Bai Zhou turned around and went back to the bedroom. He picked up the listless Rayquaza and hung it on his collar. Then he and Cynthia rushed to the Pokémon Center.

Pokémon Center.

Stepping through the gate, the sight before them made their hearts sink.

Unlike its usual orderly state, the center was now overcrowded, filled with anxious whispers and listless whimpers from Pokémon.

Trainers lined up, carrying listless Ghost-type Pokémon, while Nurse Joy and Chansey hurried along, their faces etched with exhaustion.

The display screen at the front desk was constantly scrolling with notifications.

Due to abnormal energy, the center is operating beyond its capacity. Please be patient and wait in line. If it is not an emergency, please postpone your visit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!