"What's happening?!"
"What's going on?!"
Panic erupted as the Beauty Contest ground to a halt. Passengers scrambled in confusion. Su Feng grabbed a fleeing crewmember.
"Explain. Now."
"Mr. Su! A mysterious realm's portal has opened ahead of the S.S. Anne! It's expanding—we can't turn the ship around! Everyone must evacuate via lifeboats!"
Su Feng's mind raced. A mysterious realm…
These enigmatic zones, linked to Pokémon's arrival on Earth, mirrored their surroundings. An oceanic realm likely awaited. While some spanned provinces, others were room-sized. But one truth held: realm-dwelling Pokémon were stronger, fiercer.
"Are there enough lifeboats?" Su Feng pressed.
"Y-yes… probably…"
Unacceptable answer. Before Su Feng could act, Mick blocked his path.
"Not joining the evacuation?"
"I'm entering the realm," Su Feng stated.
Mick chuckled. "Most flee realms. You chase them. Need backup?"
"Prefer solo."
"Pity." Mick feigned disappointment. "Could've shown off my skills."
Su Feng raised an eyebrow. Skills? With what—a pocket lint collection?
Ignoring the skepticism, Mick followed Su Feng to the deck. Crews orderly loaded lifeboats under Jin's command.
"Su Feng! Board now!" Jin barked. "Realm absorption in 20 minutes!"
"Can everyone evacuate in time?"
Jin nodded. "Yes. Now move."
"Mick, you too," Su Feng urged.
Mick grinned. "My seat goes to someone needier." With that, he vaulted over the railing.
"MICK!" Su Feng lunged forward, only to see the man surface atop a Wailmer, cradling a Feebas.
"Worried about me?" Mick teased.
Su Feng gaped. The Feebas, though identical to others, radiated peculiar grace.
"Feebas?" Mick marveled. "Always thought it was a Magikarp variant. Don't worry, darling—" he stroked the fish, "—I'll unveil your beauty to the world!"
The Feebas flapped approvingly.
"I'll be fine!" Mick called. "Go save the day!"
Milotic… Jealousy flickered in Su Feng. He shot Mick a middle finger.
Mick: "?"
Evacuation Complete
The deck emptied. Jin boarded the last lifeboat. "Su Feng! Let's go!"
"Forgot something!" Su Feng lied, darting to his cabin. He returned with his backpack—incubator inside.
As Jin reached to help him board, Su Feng slammed the lifeboat's release button.
"Exploring the realm. Bye~" He waved cheekily.
"SU FENG!!!" Jin's roar echoed across the sea as the boat descended.
Alone on the S.S. Anne, Su Feng watched the swirling portal loom.
Time to see what secrets you hold.