Ren's video went viral the moment it was uploaded.
Poké Balls and capturing Pokémon instantly became the hottest topics online. Pokémon-related discussions flooded every platform.
After all, Pokémon had first appeared through Pokémon House.
From the very beginning—Diancie's viral house-dance video—to Emma, Lily, and Jason becoming the first batch of Trainers, everything traced back to that store.
So naturally, Ren himself became a hot topic of investigation.
Now that Pokémon were appearing all over Magic City, some imaginative netizens started speculating wildly.
Were Pokémon brought here by Ren?
Where did these magical creatures come from?
Were they native to Earth?
Or…
Was Ren some kind of alien?
There were endless theories—some even shockingly detailed.
But in reality, most people didn't truly care.
On one hand, the subtle influence of the system smoothed public perception.
On the other hand, the authorities had openly expressed support for peaceful coexistence between humans and Pokémon.
And when the official stance was clear, the public largely accepted it.
Of course, some complained:
Why were Pokémon only appearing in Magic City?
Wasn't that unfair treatment?
Still, none of that had much to do with Ren.
---
Pokémon House
"It seems to be working well."
Sitting in the rest area while enjoying Ralts' tiny fist massage, Ren smiled faintly at his phone.
The educational video had done exactly what he intended—it gave overwhelmed citizens a clear direction.
The Pokémon Store's business was also strong. At 200 yuan, standard Poké Balls weren't expensive, and they sold quickly.
"Business isn't great today, manager."
Rao Xiaofei yawned cutely from behind the counter.
There had only been one customer all day—a huge drop compared to the previous two days.
"Normal," Ren replied calmly, taking a sip of coffee. "Today's the first day wild Pokémon appeared."
Everyone's attention had shifted to the wilderness.
Those who originally planned to visit the shop were probably out exploring instead.
Ren had seen in the group chat that Lucas had gone adventuring south of the city—with his little secretary.
That was only natural.
When Pokémon first appeared, who wouldn't want to experience the real-world version of a game or anime adventure?
But the hype would cool eventually.
When it did, people would calm down.
Jingle—
The wind chime at the door rang.
"Welcome~"
Rao Xiaofei stood instantly, wearing her sweetest smile.
"Eh? Lily? Emma?"
The two young ladies shuffled in sluggishly, looking half-dead.
"Xiao Feifei… ice cola… please…" Lily groaned dramatically.
"Lemonade for me, thank you," Emma added weakly.
They collapsed into the rest area chairs.
"Are you treating this place like a café now?" Ren asked dryly.
"We're close enough, right?" Lily replied in a tragic tone, sprawled across the table. "Do you know how many shops would beg this young lady to visit?"
Soon, drinks were delivered.
"Thank youuu~"
Lily sucked down half a glass of icy cola in one go.
"Hoo— I'm alive."
She leaned back in bliss.
"You two went adventuring. Why do you look like you ran a marathon?" Ren asked.
Emma's expression turned grim.
"Don't mention it."
"This idiot," Emma began flatly, pointing at Lily, "provoked Gyarados first. Then in the forest, she grabbed a Teddiursa and angered an Ursaring. We were chased for half an hour."
Lily protested immediately. "I just wanted to pet it!"
"Pet it?" Emma nearly laughed. "You nearly got us killed!"
Lily crossed her arms defensively.
"That Ursaring was unreasonable!"
"Then," Emma continued mercilessly, "after escaping, she stepped on Victreebel's vine."
Ren blinked.
"…Victreebel?"
Emma nodded weakly.
"It nearly swallowed my Squirtle whole."
Lily shuddered.
They could still remember it clearly—
A massive Victreebel towering above them.
One Vine Whip had snatched Squirtle and shoved it halfway into its mouth.
Only Squirtle's bald little head remained visible, crying desperately.
Charmander had barely burned the vines with Ember in time.
They had dragged Squirtle out and fled.
"This afternoon," Emma concluded, "was just running for our lives."
Rao Xiaofei covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Ren explained patiently, "Wild Pokémon have territories. Leaders especially. Gyarados and Ursaring are both extremely aggressive species."
"Leader?" Lily repeated.
"Stronger wild Pokémon often dominate an area. Some even become Totem-level Pokémon—larger and far more powerful than normal individuals."
Emma swallowed.
"Totem-level?"
"Rare," Ren clarified. "But much more dangerous."
"Anyway," Lily waved weakly, "I'm never going back to the western suburbs anytime soon."
"You're still too weak," Ren said lightly. "I warned you not to go too deep."
Their current team composition simply wasn't strong enough to challenge fully evolved wild leaders.
Jingle—
The wind chime rang again.
"Welcome—"
"Boss! Help!"
Miya rushed in anxiously.
Two men followed, carrying a pale young man.
Ren stood immediately.
"…Lucas?"
Emma and Lily gasped.
Lucas' face was pale, sweat covering his forehead.
"What happened?" Ren asked calmly.
"It's poisoning," Ren assessed at a glance. "Not severe. What attacked him?"
He motioned for Rao Xiaofei to bring an antidote.
Miya hesitated awkwardly.
"President Chen… insisted on getting close to a group of Beedrill."
Emma blinked.
"Beedrill?"
"He said he wanted to test 'battle spirit.'" Miya looked helpless. "They chased us. He tripped. Then a Weedle stung him."
Silence.
Lily slowly turned to Emma.
"…Battle spirit?"
Emma rubbed her temples.
Ren handed Lucas the antidote.
"You're lucky it was only Weedle poison."
Lucas coughed weakly after drinking it, color gradually returning to his face.
"I… almost had it…" he muttered stubbornly.
Miya stared at him blankly.
Lily burst out laughing.
"President Lucas," she wheezed, "next time maybe test your spirit against something smaller than a swarm of Beedrill."
-------------Author---------------
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