The morning sun cast long shadows across Liyue Harbor as Shinzō stood on the balcony of his shop, watching the city awaken. The Poké Emporium had been open for several months now, and the enthusiasm for Pokémon had spread through Teyvat like wildfire. Yet despite the success, Shinzō felt something was missing—a foundation of knowledge, a repository of information that would help trainers understand their new companions.
"We need a system," he muttered to himself, stroking the Growlithe that had faithfully remained by his side since his arrival. "Back home, we had the Pokédex. Here... nothing."
The absence of a comprehensive guide to Pokémon in Teyvat had become increasingly problematic. New trainers had countless questions: What do their Pokémon eat? How do they evolve? What moves can they learn? Questions that Shinzō alone couldn't answer for an entire region.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he called, turning to see Zhongli entering with a small bundle of papers tucked under his arm.
"Good morning," Zhongli said, his expression placid as ever. "I've brought the records you requested regarding local wildlife encounters with Pokémon. Though I must say, the data is woefully incomplete."
Shinzō sighed. "That's exactly the problem. Everyone's learning as they go, but there's no standardization, no central repository of knowledge."
"In my experience," Zhongli said, setting down the papers on Shinzō's desk, "knowledge is best preserved when it is both accessible and authoritative. Perhaps what Teyvat needs is its own version of your world's 'Pokédex.'"
Shinzō's eyes lit up. "That's it!" He paced excitedly. "A Teyvat Pokédex! But it would be an enormous undertaking. I'd need researchers, scholars, artists..."
"Fortunately," Zhongli replied with the ghost of a smile, "Liyue has no shortage of learned individuals who might be intrigued by such a novel project."
Later that afternoon, Shinzō found himself in the Jade Chamber, explaining his vision to Ningguang. She sat behind her desk, fingers steepled, as she listened to his proposal.
"So you wish to create a comprehensive encyclopedia of these creatures," she summarized. "And you believe this would benefit Liyue."
"Not just Liyue," Shinzō clarified. "All of Teyvat. Think of it as an investment in the future. As more Pokémon arrive, people need to understand them—their abilities, their needs, their potential dangers."
Ningguang's eyes narrowed slightly. "And the commercial applications?"
Shinzō smiled. He knew Ningguang well enough by now to understand her priorities. "Substantial. A reference guide would boost confidence in potential trainers, increase sales at the Emporium, and establish Liyue as the center of Pokémon knowledge in Teyvat."
"Hmm." Ningguang rose from her seat and walked to the window, gazing out at the harbor below. "The Qixing has been monitoring the economic impact of your shop. It has been... significant. Tourism is up, and several peripheral businesses have emerged to support Pokémon training."
She turned back to face him. "Very well. I will provide resources for this 'Pokédex' project. The Ministry of Civil Affairs has scholars who can assist with the research and documentation. I'll also arrange for artists from the Feiyun Commerce Guild to create the illustrations."
Shinzō bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lady Ningguang. You won't regret this investment."
"See that I don't," she replied, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "I expect regular progress reports. Now, I believe you should begin by establishing a methodology. Perhaps start with the creatures currently available in your shop?"
Shinzō nodded. "The first twenty species. That will give us a solid foundation."
The next morning, Shinzō converted the upper floor of the Poké Emporium into a research center. Tables were arranged with notebooks, measuring instruments, and observation equipment. Baizhu had loaned several specialized tools from Bubu Pharmacy for analyzing biological samples.
"Is this really necessary?" asked Ganyu, who had been assigned by Ningguang to oversee the project. "It seems rather elaborate for a simple catalog."
"A Pokédex is far more than a catalog," Shinzō explained. "It's a comprehensive database of everything we know about each species. In my world, it was created by Professor Oak and refined over generations. Here, we're starting from scratch."
The door opened, and a group of Liyue scholars entered, led by a bespectacled woman with a no-nonsense expression.
"Lady Ganyu, Mr. Shinzō," she greeted them with a bow. "I am Feiyue, head researcher from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. These are my colleagues, all specialists in various fields of natural science."
Shinzō welcomed them warmly. "Thank you all for joining this project. I know this is uncharted territory for Teyvat's scientific community."
"That's precisely why we're here," Feiyue replied. "The appearance of these creatures represents an unprecedented opportunity for research. Though I must admit, some of our traditional methodologies may require... adaptation."
Shinzō grinned. "You could say that. For instance, conventional taxonomy doesn't account for creatures that can manipulate elements without a Vision."
"Indeed." Feiyue adjusted her glasses. "We've brought some preliminary frameworks based on our study of your existing materials, but we'll need to establish new classification parameters."
The meeting continued as they discussed methodology, documentation standards, and research priorities. By noon, the team had a basic approach: they would examine each Pokémon species across several dimensions—physical characteristics, abilities, behavior, habitat preferences, and compatibility with Teyvat's environment.
The real work began the following day. Shinzō released a Squirtle into a specially designed observation area. The little water Pokémon looked around curiously before spotting a small pool in the corner and happily diving in.
"Subject appears to instinctively seek water environments," dictated Feiyue as her assistant scribbled notes. "Response to novel environment is curious rather than fearful."
"That's typical for Squirtle," Shinzō explained. "They're naturally inquisitive and adapt well to new surroundings."
A young scholar approached with measuring equipment. "With your permission, I'd like to take some basic measurements."
Shinzō nodded. "Squirtle, these people are going to help us create something important. Will you cooperate for a bit?"
The Squirtle looked up at him, then gave an enthusiastic "Squirt!" before allowing the researcher to approach.
Over the next several hours, the team meticulously documented everything about Squirtle—its shell's composition, its water-producing capabilities, its swimming speed, and its dietary preferences. Artists sketched it from various angles, while others recorded its vocalizations.
By the end of the day, they had compiled extensive notes on just one Pokémon. Shinzō looked at the stack of papers with a mixture of satisfaction and concern.
"At this rate, documenting twenty species will take months," he murmured to Ganyu.
"Perhaps we need to refine our approach," she suggested. "The Qixing expects results within a reasonable timeframe."
Shinzō thought for a moment. "You're right. Let's focus on the essential information first—a basic entry for each species. Then we can expand the research for future editions."
The revised strategy proved more efficient. Over the next three weeks, the team developed a standardized template for Pokédex entries:
Species name and classification Physical description and measurements Element/type Basic abilities Behavior patterns Diet and habitat Compatibility with Teyvat's environment Training recommendations Evolution data (if applicable) Potential risks and safety precautions
Each morning, Shinzō would introduce a new Pokémon species to the research team. They would spend the day observing, measuring, and documenting, with Shinzō filling in knowledge gaps from his experience. In the evenings, Feiyue and her team would compile their findings and prepare the draft entries.
The work was exhaustive but exhilarating. As they progressed through the available species, patterns began to emerge: Fire-type Pokémon showed particular affinity for regions with strong Pyro ley lines; Electric-types could sense and interact with Electro monuments; Grass-types flourished in areas rich with Dendro energy.
"It's as if they're responding to Teyvat's elemental foundations," Albedo observed during one of his visits to the research center. "Despite being from another world, they naturally align with our elemental principles."
"That's what makes them so adaptable here," Shinzō replied. "The elemental foundations are similar, just expressed differently."
By the end of the month, they had completed basic research on fifteen of the twenty species. Progress was steady, but tensions occasionally flared as the Liyue scholars debated classification methods.
"It's clearly not a reptile," argued one researcher during a heated discussion about Bulbasaur.
"Nor is it strictly a plant," countered another. "Our existing taxonomic system simply doesn't accommodate these creatures."
Feiyue intervened. "Perhaps we should adopt Mr. Shinzō's classification system rather than trying to force these creatures into our existing frameworks."
The suggestion was met with resistance from some of the more traditional scholars.
"With respect," one elderly researcher objected, "adopting foreign systems wholesale undermines thousands of years of Liyue scientific tradition."
The debate continued until Ningguang herself visited the research center. After observing their work and reviewing their progress, she made a decisive statement.
"The purpose of this project is practical knowledge for the people of Teyvat," she declared. "Academic disputes over classification serve no immediate purpose. Use a hybrid system if necessary, but focus on completing the first edition. Refinements can come later."
Her words settled the matter, and the work continued with renewed focus.
As they neared completion of their research, Shinzō began to consider the physical format of the Pokédex itself. In his world, the Pokédex was a technological marvel—a hand-held device that could scan and identify Pokémon instantly.
Such technology wasn't feasible in Teyvat, at least not immediately. Instead, they would need to begin with a printed book. But Shinzō had another idea.
"What if we incorporate some of your adeptal technology?" he suggested to Zhongli during one of their regular tea sessions. "Nothing elaborate, just something to make the Pokédex more... interactive."
Zhongli considered this. "An interesting proposition. The adepti have methods to infuse objects with memories and knowledge. However, such techniques are not typically used for commercial purposes."
"This wouldn't be merely commercial," Shinzō argued. "Think of it as educational—preserving knowledge in a form that's accessible to all."
After some deliberation, Zhongli agreed to consult with Madame Ping. A week later, he returned with an elegant solution: a special ink, infused with a minor adeptal blessing, that would allow illustrations to move slightly when touched, giving readers a better sense of each Pokémon's movements and behaviors.
With this final element in place, production of the first Teyvat Pokédex began in earnest.
The printing workshop bustled with activity as craftsmen carefully assembled the first copies of the Pokédex. The book was bound in sturdy red leather, with gold embossing depicting a Poké Ball intertwined with Liyue's traditional motifs. Inside, meticulously hand-painted illustrations—enhanced with the special adeptal ink—showed each Pokémon in vivid detail.
"It's beautiful," Shinzō said, holding the first completed copy. "Better than I had imagined."
Feiyue nodded in agreement. "A worthy repository of our research. Though I maintain that future editions should expand the scientific details."
"And they will," Shinzō promised. "This is just the beginning."
The initial printing would produce five hundred copies, to be distributed throughout Teyvat's major cities. Ningguang had already arranged for a copy to be sent to each of the Seven Nations, including a special edition for the Sumeru Academia.
The official launch of the Teyvat Pokédex took place in Liyue Harbor's central square. A crowd gathered as Ningguang herself presented the first copy to the public.
"Today marks a significant milestone in Liyue's ongoing adaptation to the arrival of Pokémon," she announced. "This Pokédex represents the combined efforts of our finest scholars and the expertise of Mr. Shinzō, whose knowledge has been invaluable."
She held up the book, its cover gleaming in the sunlight. "With this guide, trainers throughout Teyvat will better understand their Pokémon companions, leading to stronger bonds and safer interactions. It is my pleasure to announce that the first hundred copies will be available without charge to registered trainers, courtesy of the Liyue Qixing."
The crowd erupted in applause. As the ceremony concluded, people lined up eagerly to examine the Pokédex and secure their copies.
Shinzō watched with satisfaction as trainers opened the book, expressions of wonder spreading across their faces when they touched the illustrations and saw them subtly move.
"A successful venture, it seems," Zhongli commented, appearing beside him.
"Yes," Shinzō agreed. "But it's only twenty species so far. In my world, there are hundreds."
"Then perhaps we should consider this a living document," Zhongli suggested. "One that will grow as more Pokémon find their way to Teyvat."
Shinzō nodded, already thinking about future editions and the research they would require. The Pokédex project had accomplished more than just creating a guide—it had established a foundation for understanding Pokémon in Teyvat, bridging the gap between his world and this one.
As he watched a young trainer excitedly showing her Bulbasaur its entry in the Pokédex, Shinzō felt a sense of purpose stronger than ever before. He wasn't just bringing Pokémon to Teyvat; he was bringing understanding, and with it, the possibility of true harmony between the two worlds.
"Volume two," he said quietly to himself, "will be even better."