Old Chen: "..."
Su Feng: "..."
After a moment of silence, Old Chen slowly asked, "What exactly is this… 'Pokémon League' you mentioned?"
Though unfamiliar with the term, Old Chen could tell from Su Feng's tone that it sounded like a significant undertaking. However, the concept of a Pokémon League was too broad to explain thoroughly over the phone.
"The Pokémon League can be understood as an official organization that oversees Trainers and handles matters related to Pokémon," Su Feng replied.
"An organization managing Trainers and Pokémon…" Old Chen murmured. He sensed that Su Feng's vision was far grander than he'd initially thought—this "League" was no small-scale project.
With nearly everyone in the world destined to partner with Pokémon, managing such a global network would require an institution of unprecedented scope. The implications were immense, and even Old Chen hesitated to endorse it outright.
Still, he could support Su Feng's more immediate goal: establishing a Pokémon Academy. This would lay the groundwork for the future League.
"Xiao Feng, there's a sizable gathering in two days. Many influential figures in Long Guo will attend. How about you go in my stead?"
"A gathering?" Su Feng frowned. "What kind?"
"It's related to Pokémon, though the specifics are unclear. It'll be a chance to network with political and business leaders. Consider it an opportunity to build connections for your academy and League."
Old Chen chuckled. "I'll pull rank and introduce you as my protégé. That should open doors."
Su Feng, unaware of the prestige behind being Old Chen's disciple, nodded after a moment's thought. "Understood. But… won't you be attending?"
"No, no. These events are for the young. An old relic like me would just be in the way."
Moreover, his status made public appearances complicated. Invitations were a formality—his absence was expected, but failing to invite him would be a grave oversight.
"I'll have Xiao Jin pick you up. Don't embarrass me, eh?" Old Chen joked.
"Wouldn't dream of it! I'll make you proud!" Su Feng thumped his chest confidently.
Truthfully, Su Feng loathed such gatherings. Left to his own devices, he'd rather stay home guzzling soda and binge-watching videos. But for the League's sake, he'd endure.
Five minutes after ending the call, a knock sounded at the door.
As expected, it was Jin—dressed casually—wearing a smug grin. "Aren't you going to invite me in for a soda?"
After their last encounter, Jin had strategized: If I strike first, he can't outwit me!
Su Feng responded with a look of pure disdain. "A grown man can't afford a three-yuan soda? Go buy your own!"
He tossed a folder at Jin and slammed the door.
Jin: "..."
After a pause, Jin meekly knocked again. "I… can afford it…"
The next day, Su Feng and his Combusken headed to the bustling market district. While he needed formal attire for the event, his true goal was to modify his Key Stone into a durable, adventure-ready accessory.
Handsome as bracelets, necklaces, or champion-style lapel pins might be, none suited his rugged lifestyle. After deliberation, he settled on embedding the stone into a gauntlet—practical for Mega Evolution and offering protection.
Following Cheng Meng's recommendation, he navigated a maze of alleys to a hidden workshop: Lubolang.
Why name a craft shop after a café? Su Feng mused, eyeing the quaint storefront. Wind chimes tinkled as he pushed the creaky door open.
Inside, eclectic crafts cluttered the shelves—bone-carved ships, intricate metalwork, and polished stones. A lazy voice piped up from behind the counter: "Small items: 500. Large: 1,000. Don't touch if you're not buying."
Peering over the counter, Su Feng found a girl no older than Xiao Da lounging in a chair, a pink cat nestled in her arms. She wore a elegant Hanfu, though the goofy avocado-patterned eye mask ruined the vibe.
The cat—a Skitty—perked up at Su Feng's presence.
"Brother Feng?" The girl lifted her mask, revealing bright eyes.
"You know me?"
"Who doesn't?" She sat up, grinning. "Name's Cheng Die. Call me Lao Die."
Su Feng's eye twitched. "I'll stick with Xiao Die."
Lao Die ("Old Die") sounded like a dad joke waiting to happen.
Xiao Die pouted but shrugged. "Cheng Meng sent you? For the gauntlet?"
"Yep."
Her face lit up. "Oh! So you're her guy! This'll be fun~"