Pokemon: A New Era Begins

c5: Diancie, Are You Filming?

After driving back to his villa, Bai Qianqian glanced at Squirtle, who was curled up comfortably on the co-pilot seat.

To his surprise, the tiny Water-type Pokémon was fast asleep, its head slightly tilted to the side. Just like in the Pokémon anime he had watched as a child, a large, translucent sleeping bubble swelled from Squirtle's nose, rising and falling with each peaceful breath.

A trickle of drool slipped from the corner of its mouth, and the relaxed expression on its face made it clear it was dreaming of something wonderful.

"Hee hee~ How can something be this adorable?"

Bai Qianqian's delicate face lit up with amusement as he admired Squirtle's sleeping form. Unable to resist the urge, he pulled out his phone, activated the video recording function, and focused the lens on the slumbering Pokémon.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he reached forward and gently poked the sleeping bubble with his fingertip.

Pop!

The bubble burst instantly, startling Squirtle awake. Its round eyes shot open, and in its panic, it flailed slightly only to realize that Bai Qianqian had unfastened its seatbelt earlier. The little turtle lost its balance and tumbled onto the car's cushion.

"Jen... Jenney!"

Squirtle's tiny limbs flailed as it sat up, looking around in confusion. Once it spotted Bai Qianqian, it let out a soft, pitiful cry and scrambled into his arms, burying its head against his chest.

Bai Qianqian was taken aback for a moment before his heart melted.

Did I… scare it just now?

"Okay, okay, don't be afraid," he cooed, rubbing Squirtle's smooth, round head in a comforting manner.

God!

How can a little turtle be this cute?!

Looking down at the blue-shelled Pokémon, Bai Qianqian could hardly contain his excitement. His heart swelled with affection, and an overwhelming desire to share this moment took hold of him.

Without hesitation, he uploaded the video to his social media.

'Meet the newest member of the family! Isn't he the cutest? Can't wait for the fun adventures ahead!'

After adding the caption, he tapped "post" and grinned, then instinctively reached out to rub Squirtle's bald head again.

The texture was perfect. Smooth, round, and

Mega satisfying!

Just moments later, his phone vibrated repeatedly with incoming notifications. Curious, Bai Qianqian opened the comment section.

"Omg, is that a turtle or some rare species? I've never seen anything this cute!"

"It's kinda big for a baby turtle. Where did you get it, Qianqian?"

"That sleepy face is too precious. And its little cry ahhh, I need one!"

"Wait, weren't you planning on getting a cat? But honestly, I can't blame you this little guy is adorable."

Bai Qianqian puffed out his chest with pride.

"Hmph~ A cat? What cat could possibly compare to my amazing Squirtle?"

Not only was Squirtle ridiculously cute, but once it grew stronger, it would become a powerful Blastoise, capable of unleashing powerful Water-type attacks like Hydro Pump and Water Spout!

Bai Qianqian stood up and stretched. "Alright, little one, let's head inside!"

"Jenny~!"

Squirtle responded enthusiastically, waving its stubby arms as Bai Qianqian scooped it up. He stepped out of the car and gestured to his servant.

"Bring the Energy Cubes. Make sure they're high-quality."

As they walked toward the villa, Squirtle happily nuzzled into Bai Qianqian's chest.

—

Meanwhile, at Pokémon House, Gu Xin was staring at his system screen in frustration.

"Does it really have to hit 100 million before unlocking the next stage?"

One billion…

If he thought about it optimistically, it didn't seem impossible. But in reality, it was a staggering goal.

Still, he had successfully sold the first Pokémon. That meant the second sale shouldn't be too far behind, right?

Hopefully, that woman Mitsumi could bring in more clients.

Just as he was contemplating his next move, a sweet and melodious voice rang out.

"Xin, this is for you. Made by Diancie please try it!"

The speaker, a small and elegant Diancie, floated over, holding a porcelain teacup with both hands.

Gu Xin raised an eyebrow in amusement. Despite the way Diancie moved with a gentle bounce in midair, not a single drop of tea spilled.

A legendary Pokémon really does have its own charm.

"Thanks, Diancie. But you don't have to serve me I can do things myself."

He flashed a smile at the Jewel Pokémon.

As expected of the Princess of the Diamond Domain, Diancie carried herself with a natural grace. Over time, Gu Xin had come to appreciate her refined mannerisms she truly behaved like royalty.

Not only was she polite and well-mannered, but her beauty was unreal.

In both presence and appearance, she was breathtaking.

"What is 'TV'?"

Diancie tilted her head in innocent curiosity, her jewel-like eyes filled with confusion.

Gu Xin chuckled. "It's an entertainment device for humans. It helps pass the time. Here, I'll show you."

He flipped to the animation channel, and soon, Diancie was watching a Pokémon cartoon with deep concentration.

Gu Xin smirked.

"If I can upgrade the system to Level 2, it'll make promoting Pokémon even easier."

He walked to the shop's entrance, lighting a cigarette as he gazed at the towering skyline in the distance.

Right now, the system was limited to running this pet shop format.

But if he could level it up…

He'd be able to introduce Pokémon on a much larger scale.

With wider exposure, he could eventually organize city-wide tournaments, then national leagues, and eventually even world championships!

The idea sent a rush of excitement through him.

This is going to be huge!

But then, reality set in.

He turned back toward his tiny, barely-busy Pokémon House… and let out a sigh, rubbing his temples.

This is going to be way harder than I thought.

…

Wait.

His eyes landed on Diancie, still watching TV like a fascinated child.

A lightbulb went off in his mind.

"Diancie..."

Sensing his intense gaze, Diancie blinked and turned toward him, her gemstone-like eyes filled with curiosity.

"Yes, Xin? Do you need something?"

"Ahem Diancie."

"Yes?"

"…Are you filming?"

"???"

Diancie looked utterly confused.

---