Starlight cut through the silent night sky like a blade.
More than a dozen powerful Trainers, commanding dozens—nearly a hundred—strong Pokémon, destroyed 99% of the falling meteorite fragments, preventing a catastrophic disaster.
Several Champion-level Pokémon were involved.
Most of the others were at Elite level.
The crisis was finally over.
However—
There was still something they hadn't noticed.
A small number of meteorite fragments had already fallen into the West Lake Secret Realm.
One of the rainbow-colored streaks slammed straight into Chen Ran's chest. The impact was so heavy that his breath was knocked out of him.
"Ugh—!"
Chen Ran collapsed onto the grass.
Nearby lay a large meteorite fragment, still radiating intense heat.
"Ouch!"
Owner—are you okay?!
Charmander rushed over in a panic, taking big strides, his face full of worry.
Chen Ran took a deep breath. After a moment, he finally recovered.
He looked down at the rainbow-glowing meteorite cradled in his arms, shock and confusion written all over his face.
"This is…?"
Without hesitation—
Chen Ran remembered that he still had a system.
"Insight!"
A moment later—
Information appeared before his eyes.
His pupils shrank violently.
His breathing stopped.
"Holy—!"
This was the Wish Star.
Jirachi?!
---
[Colorful Meteorite]
Description:
The slumbering Wish Star Jirachi is sealed within.
There is still one month before its natural awakening.
If exposed to a pure singing voice, it can awaken ahead of time.
---
Jirachi!
The mythical Pokémon of legend.
A Pokémon said to be capable of granting wishes.
The notes on Jirachi's head manifest wishes, and the wisher must open the Eye of Truth on its abdomen and gaze into its third eye to make a wish.
"Awakening once every thousand years… descending upon the world once every thousand years…"
"Some people go their entire lives without ever seeing Jirachi."
Inside Chen Ran's heart, waves crashed like a raging storm.
He never imagined that Jirachi would be hidden within this Leonid meteor shower.
"This setting really is like a genie," he thought.
"Wealth, status, powerful Pokémon… even bizarre wishes could all be granted."
If he were allowed to use Jirachi's three wishes—
Chen Ran wouldn't waste them on absurd fantasies like 'becoming the richest person in the world' or 'obtaining Arceus'.
Especially with his instant-deal system, Jirachi's wishes weren't absolutely necessary for him.
"What I want… is to subdue Jirachi, and keep this priceless treasure by my side."
Chen Ran made his decision.
At that moment—
A massive orange-yellow figure descended from the sky.
Chen Ran's heart jumped. He hurriedly stuffed the colorful meteorite into his pocket.
"Ouch!"
Charmander shouted and pointed at Chen Ran's pants pocket.
Even through the fabric, rainbow light leaked out.
Chen Ran rubbed his forehead anxiously.
Just as he was desperately thinking of how to hide it—
The system responded.
"Ding! Host, please rest assured. This system can temporarily store the colorful meteorite."
"…!"
Say that earlier!
"Store it!"
Chen Ran was overjoyed.
The meteorite vanished from his hands. He finally let out a long breath of relief.
The newcomer was the red-haired man in a cloak—the one who had ridden Dragonite and obliterated the massive meteorite with Flamethrower.
Only when he drew closer did Chen Ran realize—
"Good grief…"
"It's really him."
Elite Four member Lance.
The contemporary Dragon-type Elite of the Indigo League.
"Are you injured?"
Dragonite flapped its wings and landed slowly in front of Chen Ran.
The enormous body radiated overwhelming pressure, making it hard to breathe.
"Roar!"
Charmander bristled and let out a fierce snarl.
He was extremely unhappy.
Who is this guy?!
Even though Charmander was small, his presence was anything but weak.
The roar actually made Dragonite feel dizzy for a moment.
"This is…?"
Lance immediately noticed Charmander's hostility and gestured for Dragonite to lower its posture.
"I apologize."
Despite his surprise, Lance bowed at once.
As one of the Elite Four, his upbringing and demeanor were impeccable—never arrogant, never condescending.
"Dragonite may have been affected by the meteorite's residual aura. I'm here to apologize to both you and Charmander."
He bowed slightly again.
Charmander finally relaxed.
"Roar~"
He even spat out a small Ember, puffing out his chest without a trace of stage fright.
"Amazing…"
Chen Ran admired Charmander from the bottom of his heart.
Even when facing a Champion-level Dragonite, he hadn't lost his presence—if anything, he'd outshone it.
"When he evolves, he might even awaken a Legendary-level pressure ability," Chen Ran thought, amused.
"It's fine. I should be thanking Champion Lance for saving my life just now."
Chen Ran smiled and pointed to the nearby meteorite fragment.
If it had been the massive one earlier—
He wouldn't be standing here.
"That's simply our duty."
Lance exhaled in relief.
Elite Trainers carried both glory and responsibility, responding to crises wherever they occurred.
Thankfully, he had arrived in time.
"Please leave the West Lake Secret Realm as soon as possible."
"You're a student, right? Should I have your school notified?"
Seeing Chen Ran's young age—and Charmander's low level—Lance kindly offered assistance.
Thanks to Lance's involvement, the school quickly dispatched a vehicle to bring Chen Ran back.
Before leaving, Lance sought him out once more.
"Your Charmander is strong."
His gaze burned with intensity.
"I believe I'll see you again—soon—during the Elite Challenge."
Those words made the counselor cover her mouth in shock.
Brilliant light flashed in her tired eyes.
"Don't disappoint me."
With a playful flick of his cloak, Lance turned and left.
"…"