"It feels… incredible…"
Emma stared blankly at Diancie, her mind still reeling from the information displayed in the Pokédex.
Praised as the most beautiful Pokémon in the world.
A legendary Pokémon.
Those words alone carried an overwhelming sense of weight—and awe.
"And why does it have so many moves?" Jason muttered, hugging his Vulpix with a deeply conflicted expression.
Something about this just didn't feel fair.
His Vulpix only knew Ember, Disable, and Tail Whip. That was it.
But Diancie?
Moonblast.
Diamond Storm.
Ancient Power.
The list just kept going.
As someone who'd grown up playing games, Jason immediately understood what "moves" meant. These were skills—special abilities.
And yet his Vulpix felt like a low-level monster, while Diancie was clearly a final boss.
This gap was outrageous.
"Did you notice Diancie's types?" Lily asked, blinking thoughtfully. "Rock makes sense, but what exactly is a Fairy-type?"
Neither Emma nor Jason could answer.
"Let's ask the boss later," Lily murmured. "The more I learn about these Pokémon, the more secrets there seem to be."
Nearby, Diancie calmly turned back to the TV, watching Tom and Jerry with faint disdain.
In its opinion, the cat was unbearably incompetent. One well-placed boulder would have ended the chase ages ago.
Before long, Ren emerged from the back room.
Walking beside him was a small, red, bipedal lizard—Charmander.
The little Pokémon clutched Ren's pant leg, peeking out cautiously at the unfamiliar faces. It was clearly shy.
"Is that Charmander?" Lily's eyes lit up. "I didn't realize little lizards could be this cute!"
"It does kind of resemble a Western dragon," Jason said, adjusting his glasses. "Just smaller. No wings yet."
The thought made him pause.
A six-tailed fox could become a nine-tailed fox—mythical in Eastern legends.
So why was a dragon suddenly so hard to believe?
"Char…"
Being stared at by three people at once was too much. Charmander squeaked softly and hid behind Ren, only daring to poke its head out again.
"Don't be scared," Ren said gently, lifting it up. "They won't hurt you."
He turned to Lily with a smile. "This one's shy by nature. If you take it in, you'll need patience and good communication."
Lily nodded eagerly, eyes sparkling.
"Charmander, this is your future Trainer. Try to get along with her."
The little Pokémon hesitated, then looked up at Lily. Her bright, gentle smile seemed to melt its fear.
"We'll be friends from now on," Lily said softly. "I'll take good care of you."
"Char~"
Charmander smiled shyly in response.
"So cute! Boss, can I hold it?" Lily asked.
"Of course. Just be careful of the flame on its tail," Ren reminded her.
The moment Lily held Charmander, she beamed. "It's warm—and light!"
She instinctively rubbed her cheek against its head.
Charmander hurriedly pushed her face away with its tiny paws.
This human is too enthusiastic… and her forehead is really hard.
"Careful, Lily," Emma sighed. "You'll burn your clothes."
"Boss," Emma asked curiously, "is the flame on Charmander's tail ever extinguished?"
"Yes," Ren replied calmly. "That flame is with it from birth. If it goes out, its life ends."
"A literal life flame…" Jason muttered.
"Then what if it falls into water?" Lily asked anxiously.
"That flame isn't ordinary fire," Ren explained patiently. "It reflects Charmander's life force and will. If it's healthy and strong, even days of rain won't extinguish it. But if it's weak, sick, or emotionally low… then water becomes dangerous."
"I see," Lily said solemnly.
"Just don't let it soak its tail for no reason," Ren added. "Bath time included."
"Don't worry!" Lily laughed, hugging Charmander happily. "I'll raise you big and strong!"
Watching her, Emma and Jason smiled in understanding.
"A Pokémon being loved by its Trainer," Ren said quietly, "that's the best outcome."
He then smiled brightly. "Since you're satisfied, the price is 250,000 yuan."
"Card or mobile payment?"