Forget about Venti's behavior; after all, it is well known that Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, has a "moral integrity" as light as a feather. But even the Old Man, the Geo Archon Zhongli, showed a rare, strong reaction. His usually calm and stoic face was practically engraved with an eagerness to explore the ancient Hisui Region.
Hiroshi suddenly realized he must have underestimated how much these immortal gods craved a change of scenery.
Venti wants to retire? He's already tossed his Gnosis away like a used bottle of cider.
Zhongli is planning his funeral? He's literally faking his death to escape the paperwork!
These two are essentially elderly tourists looking for a post-retirement world tour.
"What 'Primordial One', 'Phanes', or 'Istaroth'?" Hiroshi thought with a smirk. "To the players, those are mysterious lore points because the version hasn't updated. But to these two, there are no secrets—only contracts and rules that make them act like professional 'Riddlers'."
Knowing the Gate of Time and Space was entirely under his control made Hiroshi feel very comfortable. He was the gatekeeper. Whoever he wanted to let in, entered.
The Conditions for the Voyage
Seeing Hiroshi pondering, Venti was getting anxious. "Say it quickly! Say it quickly! What do we have to do to cross that door and venture into the Hisui Region?"
A wicked smile played on Hiroshi's lips. He spread his hands towards the two Archons.
"It's very simple. I make videos to promote and popularize Pokémon. Remember the First Trainer Sword Trial Conference I've been mentioning? No matter who you are, if you place in the Top Ten of that conference, you will earn the qualification to travel to the Hisui Region for one month! I have spoken!"
Venti and Zhongli were stunned.
"Where did he go?!" Venti screamed as Hiroshi teleported away. "Hey! Since you said so, I have to work even harder to cultivate my Lapras! I'm coming for that top spot!"
Zhongli's eyes showed a rare competitive spark. "Based on universal rationality, rewarding the top ten with a trip to a Secret Realm of Time and Space... this setting is very reasonable. It seems my Kubfu needs a stricter training regimen."
The Big Screen of Chihu Rock
The next morning, Hiroshi turned his focus to his publicity plan. While the Adventurers' Guild was at full capacity producing 100,000 Poké-Phones (the simplified "Elf Phones"), Hiroshi decided to give the public a visual shock.
He utilized a batch of large-screen monitors and transmission technology he had "acquired" from the Hisui region's Research Outpost.
Under Ningguang's orders, Hongyi and the Millelith transported a massive advertising screen to Chihu Rock.
Chihu Rock was the heart of Liyue's working class. The grand shipyard stood nearby, and the streets were filled with dock workers, sailors, and the smell of Xiangling's cooking from Wanmin Restaurant.
Beep!
The giant screen in the square suddenly lit up, cutting through the sunlight with crystalline clarity.
"What is this? A creation of Fontaine?"
"Look at that craftsmanship! It must cost a fortune!"
The workers who were struggling to make ends meet stopped in their tracks. On the screen, Hiroshi appeared.
"Many people may or may not know me... I am Hiroshi, the Manager of Pokémon Home."
The promotional video for "Understanding the Pokémon World" began to play. It showed the majestic Hisuian Goodra, the fierce Kleavor, and most importantly for the sailors—the Basculegion (Dark-tail Blackfish).
"Wait! You can ride that fish?" a dock worker shouted, pointing at the screen. "If I had a mount like that, why would I use a wooden boat to fish in the dangerous offshore currents?"
"Stupid! If you had that fish, you wouldn't be fishing! You could ride it straight into a pirate's lair and collect the bounty!"
"Bloody right! Did you hear about Captain Hongyi's promotion? If I get a fish like that, I'll be an Admiral in no time!"
The crowd went wild. The "Generation of Pokémon" was no longer just a rumor for the rich—it was now a dream for every commoner in Liyue.
The Ambition of the Two Friends
Hu Tao and Xiangling stood at the edge of the crowd, watching the chaos.
"Mom... cough," Hu Tao pouted, catching herself. "What this Director wants is that Hisuian Goodra! It looks so much like a snail, but it's so powerful!"
Xiangling smiled, her eyes fixed on the Kleavor. "I just want my Scyther to evolve into that Axe-wielding Mantis. Imagine how fast I could chop vegetables!"
They bumped into Keqing, who was supervising the final installation of the antenna.
"Are there more of these screens?" Hu Tao asked.
"Chihu Rock, the Harbor Docks, the General Affairs Department, the Jade Chamber, even Qingce Village and Wangshu Inn," Keqing replied with a tired but satisfied smile. "About a dozen in total. Manager Hiroshi wants the whole country to see."
As the sun reached its peak, the entirety of Liyue Harbor was throbbing with a new kind of heat—the heat of ambition.
Ningguang (in the Group Chat): Liyue Harbor is completely noisy! (Sigh)
Jean (in the Group Chat): The wind blowing in Mondstadt today is also a lot more throbbing and hot... (Smile)