Keqing: ...Is this truly a Gyarados? After visual inspection of the footage, it was nearly ten meters long. That is undoubtedly an Overlord!
Hu Tao: Is that tiny electric mouse really what killed an Overlord Gyarados in one hit? That's just too exaggerated!
Hongyi: Sigh. In truth, because Magikarp and Gyarados are so incredibly fertile, they have begun to overflow in the marshlands of Liyue. Lately, we've had reports of Gyarados attacks from Luhua Pool all the way to Qingce Village. Honestly, I'm paralyzed with paperwork!
Albedo: [Image Attached]. I have also discovered Gyarados activity near the Sal Terrae region beneath the snow-capped mountains...
Hiroshi clicked on the video and watched the "Pika-God" show off its power. One shot of 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt had electrocuted the Overlord Gyarados into a crisp.
"The environment was water, and Gyarados is a Water/Flying type, so a Z-Move of that magnitude is 4x effective," Hiroshi mused. "But even then, this power is terrifying. Just how many times was that damage multiplied?"
In the Research Institute, Hiroshi was about to shoo away the mischievous Hu Tao. However, after seeing Lumine's video, Hu Tao suddenly felt that her newly evolved Gabite was no longer as impressive as it was five minutes ago.
"Gabite, how can you let a little mouse be more powerful than you?" she sighed, showing the video to her Pokémon.
"Gab...?" The Gabite looked at the screen, and his whole body shook. There was deep shock in his eyes. He couldn't imagine that a small electric mouse could burst out a pillar of lightning capable of splitting mountains and exploding the sea.
"Hmph!" Hu Tao waved her hand. "Look at your lack of ambition! Weren't you just trying to challenge Goodra a moment ago?"
The Gabite roared, feeling a bit aggrieved. That "auntie" Goodra had a good temper, but a wild Gyarados was a pure madman!
In the group chat, the shock over the Pika-God's combat power gradually shifted toward a discussion on "Species Invasion." The water Pokémon were spreading far beyond the borders of the Ecological Zone.
Hiroshi: @Ningguang @Hongyi, there is no need to worry. The proliferation of Magikarp and Gyarados is indeed a problem. In the name of the Liyue Pokémon Alliance, I am issuing a Hunting Decree. Anyone who hunts Magikarp or Gyarados will not be in violation of Pokémon protection laws.
This kind of law existed in many regions on Earth for wild boars or invasive rabbits. Magikarp was the perfect candidate for this; they have amazing fecundity and can survive in a dirty ditch. With such a massive population, it wasn't surprising to see hundreds of Gyarados.
Ningguang: Understood! With this decree, Magikarp and Gyarados will lose their legal protection status. Their numbers will be curbed effectively!
Hu Tao: Hey, a Gyarados is still a powerful Pokémon with a base stat total of 540. Without legal restrictions, fishermen, sailors, and even pirates are going to try their hardest to capture one, right?
Jean: ...A storm of blood and rain may be coming to the docks.
Hiroshi: (Spreading hands) Very few Gyarados can truly control their tempers. They will only take orders from Trainers they truly trust.
As the nickname "Pika-God" spread through the group, the conversation turned back to the awe-inspiring pillar of lightning.
Hu Tao: So majestic! My Great Pika-God!
Wangshu Inn.
Lumine and Paimon were thanked profusely by the boss, Goldet. The guard, Huangshan, also provided a generous sum of Mora as a reward for saving the boat.
"I got another commission fee!" Paimon cheered, spinning in the air. "When we get to Liyue Harbor, I want a super feast!"
Lumine didn't share the excitement; she was worried. She kept glancing at the unconscious Partner Cap Pikachu in her arms.
"Traveler, don't worry! Didn't Manager Hiroshi say it?" Paimon comforted her. "The little guy is just overdrawn. There's literally not a drop of energy left! He has a physique like a Mythical Beast; he just needs to rest!"
Neither of them noticed that the Vigilant Yaksha, Xiao, was secretly following them, eavesdropping on their conversation. Xiao was still unsettled. That pillar of thunder had felt as frightening as a manifestation of a fierce Demon God.
Since the Archon War ended, no such raw power had caused such chaos in Liyue. Xiao was riddled with karmic debt, which usually made him avoid the prosperous city. But as he watched Lumine walk toward the harbor, he whispered:
"To kill to protect life... the karma I carry is the fate of the Yakshas. However, if one masters the power that mouse displayed... perhaps the Yakshas will not simply disappear from Liyue's history."
The Research Institute.
Hiroshi received the group of scholars arranged by Jean and Ningguang. He settled them into the dormitories, providing for all their needs. He was cultivating the future faculty for his Pokémon Academy. Among the scholars were even wanderers in Sumeru attire, but Hiroshi didn't pry.
He distributed the textbooks obtained from Professor Laventon in the Hisui region, letting them choose between Breeding, Coordination, or Research. He established a strict elimination system: monthly and quarterly exams.
"And the Entertainment Department," Hiroshi thought. "Programming, game design... it's a bit of a fantasy right now."
He decided he needed to go back to the Hisui region to cooperate with the Galaxy Team and Professor Laventon to establish a proper development studio in Jubilife Village.
"The sooner the better! I can't wait; the next task is coming."
He checked his current task progress: Publish a Work (Entertainment/Game).
Popularity Value: 880,000 / 1,000,000.
The Poké-Phones were selling on a large scale. The promotional videos were playing in every plaza. The goal was within reach.
"Should I be happy or sad?" Hiroshi complained. "Another ten-pull is coming, but I'm still doing all the work myself! I need a team!"
Just as Hiroshi stepped through the space-time door back from Hisui after a brief meeting with Commander Kamado, Meloetta was waiting for him.
"Master!"
"The store has a very special customer. He is asking specifically for you."
Hiroshi was stunned. "Who?"
Meloetta showed him the Pokédex image. Hiroshi grinned.
Isn't this the Conqueror of Demons, Lord Xiao? The Adepti were finally breaking the ice!
"Go, go, go..."
"Let's see what kind of initial Pokémon Liyue's last Yaksha will draw!"