Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

She is eager for recognition of her own achievements and those of Nanyin music.

"So crispy, great!"

Biting into the chocolate coating and letting the sweetness flow into her throat, Wanlong couldn't help but murmur.

"It does a better job than those ordinary stores."

Picking up the round cake with two fingers and chewing it in small bites, Karuni was able to appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship of this dessert because of her love for sweets and her frequent enjoyment of them.

It doesn't have the common broken skin or the greasy stickiness; its excellent taste offers a contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft interior.

“I give it a perfect score. The fourth princess key already belongs to someone.”

It was a playful remark, but also a veiled compliment.

"It's not just about cooking skills, it's also about the close bond between you and this child."

She took out the scoring board from somewhere and, without hiding her thoughts, Zhu Lan smiled and finished the preface.

"Although Ms. Zhulan's words are a bit exaggerated, the theme of this Triple Crown Satellite Tournament is indeed the collaboration between Pokémon and Trainers in cooking. If Nanyin were to participate, perhaps, the collaboration just now and the finished product would be enough to win the championship."

She covered her slightly flushed cheeks with her long sleeves, the rich aroma of nuts still lingering on Ma Xiu's lips and tongue, making her unable to calm her mind.

"You flatter me, it's just a very common practice."

Using this opportunity, Nan Yin politely declined Ma Xiu's further invitation, and gazing out the window at the sun hanging high in the sea of ​​clouds, she knew that the gathering was coming to an end.

It was indeed a lucky coincidence to meet several trainers with profound influence, but she still has her own journey ahead, and no amount of verbal instruction can compare to the true unity of knowledge and action.

Moreover, it's best to avoid spending the night at someone else's residence, as one can tell from the atmosphere that evening's affairs are not as leisurely as the morning or afternoon chats.

To avoid embarrassment, it would be more appropriate for her to say goodbye in advance.

"It's getting late, everyone, we'll take our leave now."

After briefly explaining the reason to the still dazed Korni, Nan Yin turned and walked out the door.

"Have a safe journey, and I look forward to seeing you again next time."

Without any instructions like a teacher would give, Zhu Lan had gradually figured out the girl's temperament after spending half a day together.

Similar to herself, although she is still young, she is meticulous in her thinking and resolute in her mind, and does not need earnest guidance.

In short, everyone here is an adult, able to distinguish right from wrong, and makes their own judgments.

In this situation, there is no need to pretend to be a senior figure. Moreover, at this gathering, they only met out of friendship, and there was no comparison of their social status.

At least, we played games and had dessert together this afternoon, and that memory is enough, fulfilling our initial goal.

"She's a very nice girl, isn't she?"

Taking a sip of warm coffee and fiddling with her light purple eyeshadow, Karuni asked the question.

"Not only is he composed and decisive, but he also possesses a hidden gentleness, making him an ideal protagonist."

"...Yes, she is very serious about Pokémon, and her psychic energy fluctuations are quite clear."

One after the other, Wanlong and Jiadeliya gave their respective insights.

"So, does this mean that you, Karuni, are planning to step down and hand over the reins?"

"Zhulan!"

It's a drawn-out, reproachful tone.

As their footsteps faded into the distance, their interactions, whether in their conversations or their physical contact, became more direct and unrestrained.

......

The gathering of the former has not yet ended, and Nanyin has not stopped its pace either.

While enjoying that leisure time, she had already decided where to go on her next journey.

—The Basilica of Balfam, a palace with a history of three hundred years.

Legend has it that it has a deep connection with the Unova region, and that there is a statue of two dragons, one representing reality and the other ideal, carved in the garden behind it.

It's quite remarkable that a building that is clearly native to Carlos retains traces of another remote region.

Beyond simply wanting to observe, Nanyin also wanted to see for herself the history of this land.

Lost in thought, lost in reverie, until finally a girl's startled cry broke the silence.

"Nanyin, pinch me! Just now, I wasn't dreaming, was I? I was actually the champion of Bamboo Orchid!"

Even now, as she finally emerges from the afterglow of the party, Corinne still finds it hard to believe.

This is understandable. The female champion is not only outstanding in skill, but also beautiful in appearance, straightforward in personality, and has the demeanor of a senior. She can be described as an idol in the hearts of countless trainers.

only--

“You’ve already met the person and said your goodbyes. If you really want to see them again, you can go after them.”

Contrary to what Kerni described, Nan Yin simply clarified the facts through direct language.

Admittedly, she held Zhu Lan in high regard, but this did not mean being overly reserved or humble. The idea of ​​treating each other as equals was proposed by Zhu Lan, and she did indeed gain Shu Yi's support through communication.

This kind of atmosphere maintains the necessary distance and doesn't infringe on each other's privacy, which is the way she prefers to interact.

"Hmm, that tone is so fierce~"

Muttering to herself, as if she had thought of something again, Korni's eyes lit up, and she leaped to the girl's side.

"Nanyin, did you just eat—"

"You think too much."

With a nonchalant denial, Nan Yin said what she considered to be the truth.

"Ok."

Perhaps they felt wronged, but they remained silent. As night approached and the sounds of birdsong faded, they slowed their pace as they walked through the streets and alleys, their steps slowing down spontaneously.

Chirp chirp.

It was the urgent chirping of the nightingale.

As if fleeing from something, several little finches darted into the nearby bushes in a panic.

"The birds have caught a whiff of what has passed."

Raising her voice to utter a melodious sound, Tianxi frowned slightly and looked into the distance.

Similarly, through the waveguide's perception, Nan Yin also noticed a slight anomaly in the evening breeze.

At the edge of the horizon, a giant with withered skin and filthy braids lay flat on a park bench, gulping down greenish canned food.

There was no expression, no dissatisfaction, just like an old machine. It was someone I had once caught my eye, and an ancient being I had later found while specifically reading history books.

Known as a wise king by the people, yet portrayed by history as a tyrant, the king who activated the ultimate weapon and ended the protracted war was named—

AZ.

P.S.: Bang, bang bang... I'm so sorry for the late update.

I'll try to avoid it next time. Love you all the same, goodnight. Give me some encouragement! ~┭┮﹏┭┮~

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Yveltal and Crisis

Anyone who wanders for a thousand years in guilt and self-blame will live no different from a walking corpse.

With a hunched back and head buried in a pile of discarded junk, the giant paid no attention to the gazes of the others, simply chewing the leftovers dumped by the surrounding residents.

"Nanyin, who...who is he?"

Covering her lips, Korni instinctively took two steps back and hid behind the girl.

This is not the former's fault. Over the course of several days, she had gradually become accustomed to being taken care of and often relied on Nan Yin's meticulous and calm approach to things.

Moreover, anyone who sees a three-meter-tall behemoth in person will instinctively tremble and feel their legs shake; this is a result of instinct.

"He is, AZ, the wise king of Carlos three thousand years ago."

"But aren't those figures from the Records of the Grand Historian and totems?"

It was unbelievable, but the inhuman figure before my eyes was terrifying, and it also brought together the discrepancy between knowledge and what I saw.

The war between Kalos and Galar lasted for a century, wiping out countless lives. In despair, the kingdom, desperate to save its beloved Pokémon, the now-dead Floripod, prayed to the power of legend and forged it into the ultimate weapon. Divine punishment descended, ending the war.

This is a heavy page in ancient history.

As if hearing the words "wise king" in the girl's words, the ragged giant, supporting himself on his knees, slowly rose to his feet like an aging machine.

"...I am not worthy of this title. I am merely a person burdened with guilt."

With his speech function almost completely lost, he stumbled and rejected the previous title in a hoarse voice.

“A wise king.”

What was said in jest was taken to heart by the listener. As the princess of the Mining Kingdom, Diancie also bore the responsibility of improving the lives of her subjects.

Therefore, open your eyes wide and listen attentively.

In the dead of night, with all the lights off and few people passing by, their actions, whether standing in silence or talking, were particularly noticeable.

Why deny such a title?

It wasn't a straightforward verbal description; the shared feelings were transformed into melodious murmurs that echoed in everyone's minds.

After leaping in front of Nan Yin and ensuring each other's safety, the Pink Diamond Princess softly asked a question.

“Mingming, both Nanyin music and historical records affirm your achievements.”

"..."

The man bent down and turned his head, looking towards the source of his thoughts.

But when it came into view, the incredibly beautiful, seemingly eternal lotus root powder made AZ pause and look away.

He opened his mouth, but could only utter words intermittently.

"Because even it abandoned me, even it did not give me its approval."

He didn't want to recall it, didn't want to go into details, but upon hearing this innocent and naive question, the old king couldn't help but respond.

"What is it?"

“In the past, one of my companions.”

"Then they must be friends."

After exchanging thoughts with Nan Yin and receiving a reply that everything was alright, Princess Pink Diamond led the two of them slowly closer.

"friend......"

He murmured and remained silent, each time the man spoke, it was as if he had been refined by the passage of time.

"Did it leave?"

"It was I who let it down."

His breathing grew heavier, and his words began to choke.

To save Floripod, the old king deceived the gods and sacrificed countless Pokémon to activate the ultimate weapon. Indeed, he was able to reunite with his beloved Pokémon, but countless lives were lost as a result.

Upon learning the truth, the little crimson flower was also deeply disappointed and bid farewell in silence.

"And my life... also ended at that time."

The radiation from the ultimate weapon altered the structure of the human body, giving rise to eternal life. However, the endless years did not bring AZ corresponding physical abilities. Instead, he was like a flickering candle, burning faintly and about to go out.

"I cannot look directly at my own mistakes, nor can I calmly accept their departure."

After his companions departed, the old king was filled with grief, yet he could not die. He could only sink into despair, wandering in every corner of Carlos, praying to be reunited with his beloved elf.

only--

"Sir, life is a heavy word. An endless life gives rise to more possibilities, and those possibilities are the chance to make amends."

Without showing pity or continuing the conversation, Nan Yin simply expressed her feelings in a calm manner, leaving the other person room to think.