Hearing the sound of footsteps, the female secretaries and Ningguang on the sofa glanced at Hiroshi, and then were momentarily stunned. They probably didn't expect that the young owner of this mysterious store was so good-looking.
The ripples in Ningguang's beautiful red eyes created a strange color.
Tsk, this appearance is superb. It might even rival that of Mr. Zhongli, the consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Ningguang's smile was very friendly, and her voice was much gentler than when she was issuing decrees in the Jade Chamber, making people feel like a spring breeze was blowing.
"In the past two days, even in the Jade Chamber high above the sky, I have heard news about Manager Hiroshi constantly."
"The reason why Liyue Harbor is prosperous is thanks to merchants like you, who find and transport rare and exotic creatures from across Teyvat, collecting, distributing, and selling them here, thus increasing the diversity and prosperity of Liyue's business."
Look at that. She is indeed the Tianquan, who started out as a business tycoon.
Her eloquence is top-tier.
Her words were pleasant to hear.
"Ah, Lady Ningguang?"
"The Tianquan!"
Hu Tao and Xiangling also came out of the arena space after hearing the voice. The chirping in the direction of the front store could be clearly heard.
With focused gazes, the newcomers glanced at the "clerk" behind the sofa—Cresselia.
The Legendary Pokémon remained in a floating position, her aurora-colored rings glowing softly.
She was obviously aware that Ningguang had been observing her keen eyes.
Cresselia blinked her bright, amethyst eyes.
"What do the guests need? Do you have any questions?"
A slightly shy, gentle voice resonated directly in their hearts.
Ningguang: ...
God knows how shocked she and the secretaries were when they heard Cresselia's voice in their minds for the first time when they entered the door not long ago.
This method of communication inevitably made Ningguang think of the aloof Prime Adeptus, Rex Lapis, who controlled Liyue's destiny.
"Is this the 'Legendary Beast' mentioned in Hongyi's report?"
Ningguang took a deep breath to steady her composure.
Captain Hongyi approached Xiangling and Hu Tao.
"It turns out that you guys had a battle just now. Unfortunately, I couldn't watch."
Hu Tao clenched her fists. "Then you'd better not have been there. I'm so embarrassed."
Xiangling, as the winner, was very happy.
"Yes, it's a pity that there was no audience to witness my heroic appearance!"
Hu Tao was so angry that she gritted her teeth again.
Damn it!
Just you wait. I will give you another ten days or half a month.
When this Director's baby Gible learns more skills, he will come back to avenge his shame!
"There is a video. Do you want to see it?"
Hiroshi coughed, pointing to the screen.
Ningguang showed a look of interest.
"W-what?!"
Hu Tao, who had just vowed to avenge her shame, froze, her expression crumbling.
"Why is there still a video?..." Hu Tao wailed in her heart. "Is this Director's wise reputation going to be swept across the floor today?"
Hiroshi ignored Hu Tao's changing expression. He downloaded the video of the [Arena] from the store's intranet and played it on the big advertising screen in the front store.
[Complete and Uncensored Battle Scenes]
"Larvesta——!"
"Gible!!"
Watching the game from the perspective of a bystander...
Xiangling's expression also froze. Her toes curled so tightly in her little boots that they almost smashed through the soles in embarrassment.
Is that stupid guy on the screen me?
Ah??
The trio of Ningguang, Hongyi, and the secretaries watched in silence.
(￣ω￣;)! Sweatdrop!
Ningguang opened her mouth. There were many things she wanted to say, but there were simply too many flaws to point out.
The battle short film ended.
An awkward atmosphere spread through the front store.
Hiroshi smiled secretly.
The plan was a great success. I asked you to pester me before, and it reminded me of the headache of raising babies. Now, die of social death!
This is just the beginning!
A large advertising screen hanging outside the store will play these "highlights" in a loop, day and night.
It's hard not to become famous and not cause widespread discussion.
Certainly, ignoring the tactical shortcomings of the novice Trainers, the elemental effects in the Pokémon battle were enough to make Ningguang and Hongyi watch with gusto.
"Take Down... 'Risking one's life'? Is that the skill that can collapse a house? A small body can have such explosive power!" Ningguang mused.
"The limiting effect of String Shot is quite significant!"
"Hey, look! That bug also has the Ember skill?"
After analyzing it, Ningguang thought for a moment, then looked at Hiroshi with admiration.
"Manager, can you comment on the breeding direction and training prospects of the Gible and Larvesta?"
She was not in a hurry to ask for a blank Pokédex to register and extract her own initial Pokémon.
Instead, she showed her wisdom and planned to listen to Hiroshi's professional information first.
Hiroshi's eyes showed admiration.
As expected of the woman who effectively took charge of Liyue's regional affairs; a strange woman who is nominally the Tianquan of the Qixing but acts with the foresight of a ruler.
"In fact, what a Pokémon relies on is nothing more than its potential, attributes, and evolutionary form."
"After all, this is reality, not a game."
"Even if there is an attribute panel on the Pokédex, it is only for the convenience of Teyvat Trainers to understand the basics."
"For example, in a game, you might need to reach a specific level to master a specific skill, but in reality, there is no such rigid setting at all."
"Captain Hongyi's Growlithe understood Ember, and Hu Tao's Gible understood Sand Attack."
"This is all about opportunity and comprehension."
"Growth and training are not stuck in a fixed range."
"Furthermore, the 'Nature' (Personality) is not like in the game, where it intuitively affects specific stats like Special Attack. It is more manifested in behavior."
"For example, a Pokémon who works hard and is serious will definitely not be lazy during training. A timid Pokémon might be faster at dodging."
"As for 'Effort Values' (EVs), it is even more nuanced in reality. It comes down to physical conditioning."
"There is another issue..."
Hiroshi paused, tapping the counter.
He had discovered it during the battle. It seemed that because Pokémon had arrived on the continent of Teyvat, where Elemental Energy was extremely abundant, their moves were amplified.
"When they use Elemental Skills, the power is not just a little bit stronger!"
"Two Embers knocked down a Gible..."
"In the game mechanics, against a Dragon/Ground type, that would require 'scraping' (chipping away) damage for a long time."
"Perhaps this is some kind of fusion between the elemental attributes of Pokémon and the elemental rules of Teyvat."
"This is also a change that I did not consider and ignored before!"
"Indeed," a deep, rumbling voice suddenly echoed from the ceiling, vibrating the teacups on the table and causing the secretaries to jump.
Zekrom, shrouded in shadow in the upper corner, opened its glowing red eyes.
"This world is rich in energy. The fire of the bug burns hotter here. The earth of the dragon is harder. It is a good testing ground for ideals."
Ningguang's pupils shrank as she looked up at the source of the voice, her composure finally cracking.
"Another... talking one?"