"It seems we're here at just the right time." The five figures of Smith and his group appeared on the path where Ash was flying backward. Zhongli caught Ash mid-air and let him land safely.
This scene caught the attention of everyone, including Mewtwo, who looked over curiously.
"Who are you? Are you not human?" Mewtwo demanded, focusing particularly on Zhongli and Xiao. It could sense that these two were not human.
"Not human?" The others looked at Smith and his group, their curiosity piqued. Could they also be Pokémon?
Zhongli stepped forward slowly, scanning the area before settling his gaze in one direction. "The energy is very similar to yours, Mewtwo. I believe it should be Mew?"
"Mewtwo? Where?" At the mention of Mewtwo, a terrifying aura surged from Mewtwo. It no longer cared whether Zhongli and the others were human.
For Mewtwo, nothing mattered more than confronting Mewtwo—surpassing it or even destroying it. That, it seemed, was the very purpose of Mewtwo's existence.
At that moment, everyone could feel the immense power emanating from Mewtwo—far beyond that of a regular Pokémon. Up until now, Mewtwo hadn't fought seriously.
"Mew?" The pink, kitten-like Mew appeared quietly beside Smith and his group. Its clear, flawless eyes gazed at them with curiosity.
Like Mewtwo, Mew quickly noticed that Zhongli and Xiao were not human. Even Keqing, Hu Tao, and Smith seemed different from ordinary humans.
In this world, humans had special abilities, but it was clear that Smith and his group were not superpowered or wave guides. They were unlike any humans Mew had encountered before.
"So cute!" Keqing exclaimed as soon as she saw Mew. How could such a cute creature even exist?
"You finally came out." Mewtwo's eyes narrowed as it saw Mew. Its expression twisted with ferocity. Clenching its fists, a blue-purple energy ball formed in its palms and shot toward Mew.
In the face of such an attack, Menghuan appeared unfazed. Instead, it kept its eyes fixed on Zhongli.
Zhongli sighed softly when he saw Menghuan. Even he could not help but appreciate how adorable the creature was. Its pure, innocent presence seemed to heal something inside of him, slowing the wear and tear of time.
It was a shame that Menghuan couldn't be brought back to Teyvat.
After all, Menghuan was intrinsically connected to this world. According to the information Smith had provided, Menghuan was linked to the World Tree, the origin of this world itself.
They could not guarantee that Menghuan would be able to come to Teyvat, so it was better not to risk taking it away.
Just as the energy ball was about to hit Menghuan, a dark yellow shield appeared around it, protecting the creature.
"Wonderful!" Menghuan laughed softly, clearly impressed by the group's strength. "These people are really good."
"You are not human!" Mewtwo's eyes locked onto Zhongli now. "Are you here to help it?"
"I am here to save you," Zhongli responded with a soft sigh. "Do you realize you've been deceived by Team Rocket?"
"Deceived? Do you mean they want to use my power to conquer the world?" Mewtwo scoffed, disdain evident in its voice. "I have no good feelings for them. They may have created me, but they just wanted to use me. They've deceived me time and time again."
"Then do you know what Mew's true identity is?" Zhongli continued, speaking slowly. "Mew is the origin and ancestor of nearly all Pokémon. While you may be a clone of Mew, what does that make the other Pokémon? You were created by humans, so it could be said that you're actually a descendant of Mew, with more of its cells."
Mewtwo paused, processing Zhongli's words. This argument seemed logical, though Mewtwo couldn't quite accept it right away.
"As for humans," Zhongli continued, "there are both good and bad among them. You can't judge all humans based on the actions of a few." Zhongli's tone softened further. "I've managed tens of millions of humans in other worlds, guiding them forward, and protecting them as a god."
"What other world?" Mewtwo couldn't hold back anymore, its curiosity finally piqued.
"As you can see," Zhongli explained, "there are worlds beyond your own. The world you live in—the Pokémon world—is a creation of Arceus."
"Arceus?" Mewtwo blinked in confusion. "Why haven't I heard of this?"
Mewtwo turned to Mew for answers but found no surprise in its eyes. Clearly, Mew was already familiar with Arceus.
"Whether human or Pokémon," Zhongli continued, "everyone can find meaning in their existence, including you."
Mewtwo fell silent for a long moment. Then, its eyes began to burn with intensity as it locked onto Zhongli. "Fight with me."
"After defeating you, will you release your anger?" Zhongli asked gently, his voice still calm.
"I don't know," Mewtwo murmured. "But I feel that you are strong. Please, use your full power to defeat me. I want to fight a worthy opponent."
Mewtwo's eyes glowed with a fierce determination as it stared at Zhongli, undeterred by the presence of Mew beside it.
Zhongli's expression grew serious. "The strongest move, then? Very well. As you wish."
"How about we fight outside?" Zhongli suggested, stepping away.
"Fine!" Mewtwo readily agreed. It was already aware that fighting inside the castle might lead to destruction, and even the building itself might not survive the aftermath of such a battle.
Without another word, the two left the castle to begin their duel.
"Do you think the Emperor will be okay?" Keqing asked worriedly, watching the two leave.
Although she had confidence in Zhongli's strength, Mewtwo was still a god of this world, and the stakes were high.
Smith, holding Menghuan in his arms and gently stroking its head, reassured her, "Don't worry. This world is full of hidden talents. Besides, except for the top-tier gods who rarely show themselves, no one in this world can defeat Zhongli."
Smith smiled softly. "Mewtwo's potential is very high, but it hasn't fully matured yet."
Keqing nodded, understanding. "So, even though Mewtwo is strong, it still has room to grow?"
"Exactly. If Mewtwo reaches its full potential, we might need to worry. But right now, there's no need."
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