Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Attracting the scorpion that was looking around, she picked up the small, chestnut-furred beast and took her first steps as promised.

Baby Dragon is too young and inexperienced to be seen for long in this dangerous place.

Lifting the shoulder straps gently relieves the pressure on the neck and shoulders. After picking a series of fresh fruits, the total weight of this backpack is quite daunting.

If it weren't for the compression technology of the Pokémon world, Nan Yin couldn't imagine how a human body could carry all the necessary items for a journey.

She was taking stock of her valuables and keeping an eye on her surroundings; multitasking was now a piece of cake for her.

Stepping out of the forest and crossing the stream, the road ahead is separated by a river that leads directly to the sea off Carlos.

Clearly, this was not an obstacle that could be overcome on foot, but fortunately, from here on, there were many more people living there.

The herb gatherer, the swimming trainer, the fisherman carrying a large fish, wandering around, humbly saying no.

If I'm not mistaken, there should be boats crossing the river here.

Thinking this to herself, she followed the trail of the water and soon found a simple bamboo house with a plaque on it.

"Excuse me, are there any seats available for the cross-strait today?"

A light knock was made on the door, and as footsteps approached from inside, an apologetic male voice followed.

"I'm sorry, young lady, all the passenger boats were rented out this morning. If you're willing to wait a little longer, I should be able to arrange an empty boat for you."

Judging from the tone of the voice, one could roughly tell that the other person was an elderly person.

"That would be too much trouble for you, sir."

As she was leaving the room, a large splash of water erupted behind her, followed by a slender, azure dragon slowly emerging from the river bend.

Laplace?

“Sha”

It let out a long, drawn-out cry and shifted its position, presenting its broad back to Nan Yin, as if to indicate that the former should sit down with peace of mind.

"grateful."

She thanked him softly, and through the feedback from the waveguide, the girl figured out the source of the other party's kindness.

The mutually beneficial relationship between humans and Pokémon has been passed down through generations and has become an unspoken, tacit understanding.

Take out any remaining energy cubes and give them all to the dragon.

Just like the humans who first met these big children, even though no reciprocation is needed at this moment, Nan Yin is still willing to follow the example of the sages and repay their kindness.

With that long, melodious voice, she gripped the protrusions of Laplace's shell, wrapped them around its cool skin, and reached the other side without any bumps.

With a wave of farewell, without needing to exert any effort, the outline of the Refined Tower came into view in the distance.

This is a landmark building.

Unfortunately, this time, her goal was not to visit Mr. Cocoble, nor to benefit her friend Korne; she only wanted to verify the existence of a certain possibility.

After passing through the main road of Saluo City and heading south, half an hour after turning a corner, a sudden mountain peak rose up, covering the sparse forest and completely blocking Nanyin's view.

Unlike the wonders of nature, this smooth and flat mountain looks almost like a product of human intervention.

This is the place, the so-called mirror cave.

After finding the best-lit opening and carefully observing it, she stepped inside without hesitation.

Once you delve deeper, the dazzling array of colors inside leaves Nanyin momentarily speechless.

Unlike the usual dimness of caves, the laws of nature seem to have lost their effect in this area.

Continuing deeper into the area, after squeezing through a narrow passage, a large, collapsed open space came into view.

Looking around, the once neat rock walls became increasingly rugged, with various colored minerals scattered throughout.

Strangely, despite the irregular edges of this type of mineral, the front is extremely smooth and mirror-like, even reflecting her and the little beasts' images.

Open the encyclopedia and let a glimmer of light shine upon it. Under the illumination of this light, her features and figure were perfectly integrated into the crystal mine before her.

There was no change. Whether it was the hand movements or the frowning of the eyebrows, these mirrors were merely copied verbatim. The so-called parallel world did not seem to exist.

Reflecting on the conditions that triggered the events in the drama, if one were to feel a strong emotional response at this moment, it could only be through—

She hugged Eevee tightly, resting her chin on the little guy's forehead, and sincerely expressed her love for him.

"Bu, bu-ee!"

Her face flushed red instantly. The little beast did not struggle away, but only gently swayed its tail and twitched its ear tips, silently enduring the girl's emotions.

Even though it was incredibly abrupt and straightforward, it still enjoyed this kind of interaction.

As the soothing bell swayed, its gentle sound spread outwards. Gradually, the image in the mirror began to shift and change, and the fixed image gradually transformed into a narrative.

Like pressing a musical note, the surrounding mirrored ores began to reflect countless versions of her from different worlds: herself as a trainer, a champion; herself as a renowned craftsman; and herself as a notorious Pokémon hunter...

Different spirits, different experiences, but none of them showed any trace of their past lives.

Having rejected the past and lifted the heavy weight from her heart, Nan Yin began to unravel the complexities of her life, savoring each and every detail.

Yes, joining the Rainbow Rockets and becoming the league champions as an inside man—this parallel world is probably the darkest example of its kind.

Glancing past many vastly different reflections, she focused her gaze on a scene of lush vegetation and ancient trees.

It's not because of the special environment, but because of the difference in era. Whether it's the clothing or the fruit balls, they are styles that only existed hundreds of years ago.

Looking closely, besides the 'Nanyin' from that lifetime, there was another graceful, ethereal spirit accompanying her.

Is it a dream monster?

No, it's more like some kind of paradox.

Before Nan Yin could confirm her thoughts, the figure passed through the mirror and appeared in front of the girl.

Paradoxical Pokémon, flapping its wings.

Chapter Forty-Five: Kiss and the Mineral Princess

[Individual: Zhenyifa; Gender: None]

[Type: Ghost, Fairy; Category: Paradox Pokémon]

[Characteristics: Ancient Activity]

[Ancient Activity: When the weather is sunny or you are carrying an item with full energy, your highest-value ability will be boosted.]

The scan results of the Palkia Encyclopedia are as described above.

Leaving aside the specific function of the characteristics, what Nanyin found most unusual was the suffix "ancient" and "absurd".

Judging solely from appearance, it would be normal for the former to be an ancient species of Dream Demon, but Paradox seems to prove that Winged Hair is not a product of natural evolution.

I've never heard of a similar name before, nor in previous generations. Could it be that it is also a unique individual from the Padiya region?

She cleared away her cluttered thoughts, not for any other reason than that the figure in dark blue had already arrived before her.

"Muma?"

It murmured without any intention to attack or harbor any ill will. Zhenyi simply lingered beside Nanyin, occasionally circling behind her to observe her carefully, and sometimes sniffing the air.

Seemingly satisfied with the answer, the nimble ghost opened its small mouth, revealing its canine teeth in a broad smile.

With its eyes narrowed, it let joy waft out like phosphorescent flames, while the beaded chain hanging on its chest also shimmered, symbolizing a joyful mood.

"Nee, how are you?"

She waved stiffly, and even though she had imagined it, Nan Yin was still somewhat at a loss when the Pokémon from the parallel world actually came to her.

Even if the waveguide provides reassurance, the sheer size of the dream creature astray abruptly passing through the mirror, transforming from an unreachable reflection into a tangible reality, is still astonishing enough.

Being able to accept the status quo does not mean there are no emotional fluctuations.

Looking at the elf who had grown up to her neck, and at its exquisite eyes and fur, Nan Yin's heart gradually calmed down for some reason.

Despite being quite large, she was surprisingly a beautiful and well-behaved child.

Instead of disturbing her, it hovered in mid-air, quietly waiting for her to calm down.

Since the visitor arrived through a mirror, it means that in that parallel world, this child is the Pokémon that accompanies them.

Is that why they are so friendly to me?

"Mmm~"

Perhaps through the perception of his mind, he understood the girl's guess, and Zhenyi nodded slightly to express his affirmation.

It didn't linger for long, glancing at Scorpion, Baby Dragon, and Eevee lying on the ground nearby, its neck fur bristling.

As if recalling some amusing incident, the nimble ghost moved and covered the slight upward curve of its lips.

It turns out that the ferocious fairy spirit was so small and delicate before it evolved.

Although he intended to play some impulsive pranks, he was only driven by curiosity to cross the mirror, and it wouldn't be good to keep the trainer on the other side waiting for too long.

It floated back to Nanyin's side, flapped its wings and moved its hair ribbon as if to say goodbye.

"Little one, are you planning to say goodbye?"

“Muma”.

He nodded in response, explaining that the crystals in the Mirror Cave only take effect between 8 a.m. and dusk, and that after that time, one can no longer return to the original parallel world.

With a touch of reluctance, she touched the other person's hairband. Even though they had only spent a few minutes together, the intimacy of their unspoken understanding and reunion made it impossible for Nan Yin to forget.

But this child is, after all, a companion in another world, and it would be unwise to forcefully keep him here.

Moreover, if fate allows, she believes she will meet this somewhat mischievous yet well-behaved dream monster again in the future.

Thinking this to herself, she raised her hand to say goodbye. Just as Nanyin was about to leave, a gentle breeze brushed her face, bringing coolness and a touch of moisture.

It wasn't a drop of water falling from a cave; as the hairband lifted her chin, and with a delicate and gentle application of force, a mark fell onto the girl's forehead.

It was a kiss.

"Buyi!"

Ignoring the furry roar of the little chestnut-haired beast, it flapped its wings to cover its mouth, which still held the warmth of their kiss, and stepped into the mirror with a smug look, leaving behind a playful smile.

This is...

Was she forcibly kissed by that child?

Feeling the lingering dampness on her forehead, Nan Yin felt a mix of emotions: a sense of melancholy, a touch of loss, and a quiet joy that she herself was unaware of.

My first time in this life was actually given to an adorable Pokémon.

She will probably never forget this memory, and at the same time, a distant landmark appears in her mind.

—Padia, Zone Zero, Lower Level, Observatory 4.

If I'm not mistaken, it should be the region where the isotope Zhenyi is located in this parallel world.

Sure enough, no matter what, I had to go to the new continent of Padiya.

It's not just about taking risks with the mindset of exploring the unknown, but also about starting over and rebuilding friendships with that still unfamiliar child.

The shoulder straps tightened, and it seemed that due to the reflection just now, many of the minerals on the rock wall fell into a dull color, losing their clear luster from earlier.

There was no need for her to stay here any longer. Now that her goal had been achieved, she should set off for the second destination, which had already been decided.

Nan Yin bent down and hugged Eevee, noticing that it was still frowning, still upset about the kiss. She couldn't help but find it a little funny.

"The sky is high and the earth is vast, but as I said, you will always be number one."

Parting the light layer of hair, she tilted her chin slightly and placed a dot on the little guy's forehead.

Having received such a promise, even though his face turned red, Ibu stubbornly crossed his little arms, putting on a magnanimous act.

"Pfft, spare her life?"

Recalling the powerful aura that the Pokémon had displayed when it first took off, Nan Yin even felt that the Pokémon that had bruteed its wings was at the level of a champion, and that the current Pokémon was far from being able to compete with it.

Is it a unique exception, or do all the Pokémon in Zone Zero possess extremely high levels?

Opening the encyclopedia, with a sliver of hope, she entered several relevant affixes to search for them.

Paradoxical Pokémon, flapping its wings.