The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the hotel room as Arlo woke up. Stretching his limbs, he glanced at Link and Kage, both still sound asleep on their respective spots. It was a quiet morning—unusually calm after the events of the past day.
Arlo hadn't expected to sleep so soundly, but maybe it was the lingering exhaustion from the hectic day before."Guess I should get breakfast," he murmured to himself, pushing himself out of bed. The buffet downstairs would be closing soon, and Arlo wanted to grab something before it was too late.
But just as he reached for the door, the phone rang. Arlo's hand froze mid-motion. It was an unusual hour for a call, but he figured it might be something related to his ongoing quest or another unexpected turn in his vacation. He hesitated, then picked up the receiver, the low hum of the hotel's answering machine filling the space.
And then, a familiar voice came through, sounding a bit flustered. "Klein? Klein, are you there? It's Emma..." She paused, and the tone in her voice shifted from a hurried fluster to something more composed. "We should meet at this location in London, at 1:00 AM today."
Arlo immediately picked up the phone, still a little caught off guard by her urgency. "Emma?" he asked, keeping his voice calm.There was a slight pause before her voice came through again, this time a bit steadier. "Oh, you heard me. I wasn't sure if you'd be awake. I just wanted to tell you—meet me in London, alright?"
Arlo, sensing the strange urgency in her tone, let out a quiet sigh. "Alright, I'll meet you there."
Emma's voice sounded more relaxed. "Good. See you soon, Klein." She hung up, leaving Arlo standing there, thinking. 1:00 AM, huh? That's odd... He glanced at the time and realized breakfast would soon be over.
With a quick pace, he gathered himself together. The hotel room felt like a different world after the chaos of yesterday. As the minutes ticked by, Arlo made a mental checklist—find out why Emma's calling, keep his cool, and figure out what was going on. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than just a casual meet-up. He hastily dressed, opting for a simple yet comfortable outfit—a gray turtleneck, black jeans, a sleek black overcoat, and white sneakers. He gave himself a quick look in the mirror and smirked. "Yeah, looking good," he said, half to himself and half to Link and Kage, who were now stretching and yawning.
The Pokémon gave their approval, Kage lazily flicking his tail while Link gave a soft bark, as if agreeing with Arlo's self-assessment.
Once they were all set, Arlo motioned for his companions to follow him, and they left the hotel room. He checked his BrainLink to confirm their destination: a nearby coffee shop where he and Emma had arranged to meet. The day was still young, but Arlo could feel the weight of whatever Emma had planned starting to settle in.
The walk to the coffee shop was uneventful, and Arlo found himself scanning the area for anything unusual. As he reached the shop, he noticed Emma standing by the window, wearing sunglasses and a scarf that hid most of her face. It was a subtle gesture—probably to avoid drawing attention—but it didn't fool Arlo.
Inside, he saw Emma raise her hand to get his attention, and he made his way over to her. Once there, he slid into the chair across from her. "Hello, Emma. Sorry I brought my pets with me," Arlo said, half-apologetic.
Emma smiled warmly, brushing off the concern. "It's fine, Klein. I actually like them. They're cute." She reached over to pet both Link and Kage, the two Pokémon accepting the attention, though Kage gave a slight side-eye to Emma's hand, not a fan of being petted by strangers.
Arlo chuckled. "Well, Kage isn't a fan of being pet by anyone but me, but Link's always up for the attention."
After a moment, Emma leaned back in her chair, her expression shifting to something more serious. "This meeting… it's about last night. I just wanted to apologize to you, Klein," she said, a little embarrassed.
Arlo raised an eyebrow, keeping his tone neutral. "If you're referring to the kiss, it's fine. You don't need to apologize."
Emma blinked, caught off guard by his directness. She looked away for a moment, her cheeks flushing. "No, I mean—well, yes, that too, but it was more than that. I shouldn't have acted that way."
Arlo sighed inwardly. Here we go... he thought, realizing that Emma would likely try to find some justification for her actions.He held up a hand, cutting her off gently. "Emma, it's really fine. How about we let it go? It was harmless. I think we both know that."
Emma looked at him, visibly relieved. "You really think so? Because I… I was worried about the misunderstanding."
Arlo gave her a reassuring smile. "No offense taken. Now let's just enjoy our drinks, alright?" He signaled the waiter, and soon their beverages arrived.
As they sipped, their conversation naturally shifted. Emma, still a little flustered, continued to explain what she had been going through recently—balancing fame, school, and personal expectations. Arlo listened attentively, but inside, he kept his mind on the meeting.
At one point, Emma asked, "So, what's next for you, Klein? What are you going to do now?"
Arlo thought for a moment, then answered cryptically, "I might travel to some other countries. See where the winds take me."
Emma seemed a little downcast at his answer. "You're really not sticking around, are you?"
Arlo gave her a subtle smile, his gaze softening. "If fate allows it, we might cross paths again. Maybe in the most unexpected ways."
Emma seemed to understand what he meant. She sighed. "Yeah. You're right, I guess."
The conversation faded as they finished their drinks, and the time came for them to part ways.
Arlo stood up first and smiled. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Emma."
Emma smiled back, her eyes twinkling. "Yeah, it was. Thanks for everything, Klein."
Before he could say anything else, she surprised him with a quick kiss on the cheek. "Until we meet again, alright?" she said, a playful glint in her eye.
Arlo calmly smiled, brushing off the moment. "Yes, until we meet again."
With a final wave, Emma walked away, and Arlo, standing there with Link and Kage beside him, couldn't help but feel like his vacation had taken an unexpected turn.
As he watched Emma disappear into the distance, he muttered to his Pokémon, "Knock it off, you two," noticing their teasing expressions. But as he walked away from the coffee shop, he couldn't help but think that sometimes, life took you to places you least expected. And maybe, just maybe, this was one of those times.
***
Arlo's travels didn't end in London. Over the next five months, he and his Pokémon turned their vacation into a world tour, chasing landmarks, food, and cultures like a gamer unlocking achievements.
Their first stop was Paris. The city lived up to its hype—crowds swarmed the Eiffel Tower like it was the final raid boss, cameras flashing nonstop. Arlo stood beneath it with Link lounging at his feet and Kage perched nearby, thinking, If it wasn't for the food, this whole tower would feel overrated. But then came the cuisine. Fresh croissants that melted in the mouth, baguettes with a crunch like snapping twigs, and escargot that Arlo tried once, then never again. What really hooked him were the multi-course meals—duck confit, beef bourguignon, and crème brûlée so perfect that Link kept licking the spoon when Arlo wasn't looking.
From France, they headed south to Spain. Madrid hit him first with its tapas culture. Arlo found himself bouncing from one bar to the next, plates of patatas bravas, tortilla de patatas, and chorizo keeping the drinks company. The Prado Museum was crowded but worth it—Arlo found himself staring at Goya's "Saturn Devouring His Son" and muttered, "Man, this feels more Dark Souls than Renaissance." Kage, disguised by his collar, cocked his head at the painting as if agreeing.
Barcelona, though, felt like another world. Gaudí's architecture was less "buildings" and more "fantasy landscapes that glitched into reality." The Sagrada Familia especially—its towers reached like hands clawing at the sky. At La Boqueria market, Arlo introduced his Pokémon to fideuà, the noodle cousin of paella, and fresh seafood straight from the stalls. Link tried to swipe a piece of squid off his plate, earning himself a light scolding.
Rome was next. If Paris felt like history, Rome was history turned into a living museum. Every corner carried ruins or statues that screamed of emperors and gladiators. The Colosseum towered above him, a reminder that humans had always been obsessed with battles and arenas. Arlo couldn't help but compare it to Pokémon leagues. "Guess we're not so different after all," he muttered. Food-wise, Rome was simple but powerful—cacio e pepe, carbonara, and pizzas baked with blistered crusts. Link loved gelato, pressing his nose against the cold cup every time.
From Italy, they jumped forward in time—Dubai. The UAE's jewel city was less history, more science fiction. Burj Khalifa loomed so tall Arlo swore it was stabbing the stratosphere. The Burj Al Arab gleamed like a sail frozen mid-wind, and the Museum of the Future looked like something ripped from a cyberpunk novel. At night, they stood by Burj Khalifa Lake as fountains danced with lights, and Kage practically vibrated with excitement. Food was just as rich—Khuzi, roasted lamb on spiced rice, nearly put Arlo into a food coma. Harees, wheat mixed with meat until smooth, was comfort food at its finest.
India was chaos and color wrapped together. New Delhi smacked Arlo with sounds, smells, and flavors the moment he landed. Chaat from street vendors crackled with spice and tang, parathas oozed with fillings, and Mughlai classics like butter chicken and biryani hit him harder than a status buff. He explored landmarks like the towering Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb with its Mughal elegance, and the Jama Masjid, where the call to prayer echoed over the city. Kage perched on his shoulder, wide-eyed, while Link followed along, nose twitching at the scent of roasted meats everywhere.
Beijing was power in stone. The Forbidden City sprawled like an ancient kingdom frozen in time, each hall dripping with imperial grandeur. The Great Wall was the highlight—stretching endlessly, winding like a dragon over the mountains. Arlo walked a stretch of it with Link padding alongside him, thinking, If humanity could build this centuries ago without machines, no wonder they dominate worlds. Beijing cuisine was bold—Peking duck with crispy skin, lamb skewers spiced with cumin, noodles drenched in fermented sauces. Garlic, scallions, and bean paste dominated everything, leaving his taste buds on high alert.
Five months of nonstop traveling had left him and his Pokémon with countless memories and flavors. Each country was like a new save file unlocked, every landmark a cutscene worth keeping.
Finally, Taiwan. It was the last checkpoint before heading home, and Arlo decided to savor it.
***
[Taipei: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]
Arlo stepped out of the terminal of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the heavy Taipei air clinging to his jacket. He waved down a taxi and slid in, switching seamlessly to Mandarin when the driver asked where he was headed. "To the Regent Hotel, thanks." The driver glanced back, eyebrows raised. "Your Chinese is very good. Not like the other tourist."
Arlo gave him a polite nod and a smile. "I practiced a lot." Inwardly, he scoffed. Easy to say when [Linguistics Mastery] made language-learning feel like toggling subtitles on a Blu-ray.The taxi zipped through streets alive with neon. Scooters darted between lanes, families wandered by night markets, and skyscrapers blinked with LED displays. Arlo rested his elbow on the window, letting the city wash over him. Link and Kage were slumped in their carriers beside him, knocked out cold from the long flight. Jet lag hit them hard, but Arlo's body didn't even register fatigue. Perks of not being entirely human anymore. He checked into the hotel without a hitch. Room key, luggage, done. Link and Kage were asleep on the bed in minutes, snoring softly. Arlo sat at the desk, watching the night spread over Taipei through the window. He hummed the Halo 3 menu theme under his breath. The city pulsed below—alive, chaotic, tempting. "Night's young," he muttered. "Might as well see what Taipei's got." He changed into a fitted black jacket and stepped back into the streets. The smells hit him first—grilled squid skewers, fried stinky tofu, beef noodle soup bubbling in big pots. Musicians played erhu and acoustic guitars, their sound mixing with car horns and chatter. Arlo sampled a couple of skewers, savoring the spice before moving on. That was when he spotted it—a nightclub glowing under a red Mandarin sign. He smirked. "Alright. Let's see how this compares to GTA Online."
...
Inside, the bass shook the walls. Lights pulsed in sharp blues and purples, the dance floor packed with bodies moving in sync to the DJ's drops. The energy was raw, loud, electric. Arlo scanned the room like it was a map in Watch Dogs—checking exits, crowd flow, potential troublemakers. All looked good. He headed straight for the bar."Whiskey, neat," he ordered in Mandarin. The bartender raised a brow at his accent but nodded, pouring the drink. Arlo leaned against the counter, taking a sip. The burn felt clean, sharp. He let himself blend into the rhythm of the club, not dancing but not sticking out either.
A voice floated behind him, feminine and casual. "You're not from around here, are you?" Arlo turned slightly. The woman had a natural look—brown hair with side bangs, long lashes, a tattoo of lyrics curling across her shoulder. Minimal makeup, just enough to highlight her features. She wasn't trying too hard, which made her stand out more than anyone on the dance floor.
"Just landed," Arlo said with a small smile. "Last stop on my trip." She tilted her head. "Last stop? That sounds dramatic. Like a farewell tour.""Maybe it is." He extended a hand. "Arlo."
"Caroline," she replied, shaking it. Her grip was firm, confident. She leaned an elbow on the counter, studying him. "You don't look lost. Most foreigners are either too drunk or asking where the bathroom is.""I like to blend in. Makes life easier." He took another sip, watching her reaction.
Caroline smirked. "In Mandarin, no less. That's rare. I've lived here for 4 years and you sound better than half the experts I've met."
Arlo shrugged. "Languages are hard to learn. But that's gives your opportunity through them, and suddenly the whole map opens up." That got a laugh out of her. She clinked her glass against his. "Not bad. Gentleman and gamer rolled into one." Her eyes lingered longer than casual conversation required. She tilted her head toward a booth where three others sat watching. "Come on. My friends will kill me if I don't introduce you."
...
Arlo followed, weighing his options. Sit at the bar like background filler, or play along and see where this path branched. He chose the latter. At the booth, Caroline gestured. "This is Rachel, Richard, and Lucy."
Arlo's eyes locked on Lucy. Blonde, sharp features, that unmistakable profile. Scarlett Johansson—or more specifically, her role from the film Lucy. His gut tightened. No way. This world isn't just familiar. It's a fucking sci-fiction Movie.
"You okay?" Caroline asked, noticing the flicker in his expression.
Arlo forced a chuckle, covering smoothly. "Jet lag. And maybe the whiskey's catching up faster than I thought."
Richard slapped the table and laughed. "Lightweight! Don't worry, mate, we'll fix that tonight."
Arlo leaned back in his seat, keeping the calm smile. Great. First Emma Watson, now Scarlett Johansson? If Keanu Reeves shows up as my landlord, I'm logging out of this simulation.
Just then, his HUD flickered with a notification across his vision.