Of course, Uncle Darius and Uncle Corin weren't foolish enough to empty the family's coffers just to buy Kael a Pokémon Egg.
They still needed enough money to live and to do business.
Besides, they all understood the benefits of having a powerful Trainer in the family—that was why they were willing to support Kael with most of their resources.
"Grandpa, Grandma, don't worry. I already have my second Pokémon lined up—it's a Shinx," Kael said with a smile, seeing the expressions on their faces.
Everyone immediately reacted.
Uncle Corin: "Shinx, huh? Its final evolution is Luxray, a pure Electric-type Pokémon. That's no worse than Charmander."
Uncle Darius: "Exactly. That thing looks like a lion king."
Aunt Liora: "Whatever Pokémon you choose, Kael, we'll support you."
Mother Faye: "My precious grandson, how much does it cost? Grandma will pay."
Father Orion: "Your grandma's right, Kael."
Hearing so many people backing him, Kael felt nothing but gratitude.
Still, he hurriedly explained—otherwise, his grandma might even dig out her life savings.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle—please don't worry. I already got the Shinx in the Secret Realm. I didn't have to buy it."
Everyone was delighted for him.
"Mom, Brother also gave me a Pichu Egg," Lyra suddenly chimed in.
"What?!" Aunt Liora was shocked.
"Kael, you even gave Lyra a Pichu Egg?"
After all, Pichu had three evolutionary stages. Its final form, Raichu, was also a powerful Pokémon—assuming it had at least Elite-tier aptitude.
Otherwise, it might only evolve into Pikachu, or fail to evolve at all.
That was the harsh reality of this world. Without good aptitude and opportunity, no matter how hard you tried, you would remain at the bottom—whether Pokémon or human.
Even so, a low-aptitude Pichu Egg still cost around one million, which was why Aunt Liora reacted so strongly.
She also knew how much Kael doted on Lyra—the egg's aptitude definitely wouldn't be low.
Uncle Corin thought the same and quickly said,
"Kael, that's far too valuable. You should take it back."
"Aunt, Uncle, once I give something away, I don't take it back," Kael said firmly.
"Lyra is my sister. How could I take back a gift meant for her?"
He deliberately spoke forcefully—otherwise, Aunt Liora and Uncle Corin might insist that Lyra return the egg, which was the last thing he wanted.
Aunt Liora and Uncle Corin exchanged glances, clearly hesitant.
Seeing this, Father Orion spoke up.
"Alright, Meng'an, Uncle Corin. Since it's a gift from Kael as her brother, accept it. This is his goodwill."
Mother Faye nodded along.
"That's right. It's a gift from Kael to his sister."
She then turned to Lyra, who still looked a little unhappy, and smiled.
"Lyra, just keep it. If your parents say anything, tell Grandma—I'll deal with them."
Lyra beamed sweetly.
"I understand, Grandma."
Aunt Liora and Uncle Corin could only smile helplessly, having nothing more to say.
After all, the highest authority in the family had spoken.
"Brother… brother… I want a Pokémon Egg too," Taro said at this moment.
"Sure," Kael replied with a laugh.
"When you grow up, I'll give you a really powerful Pokémon."
"Taro, you heard that, right?" Aunt Maris said with a smile.
"You'll have to study hard. Otherwise, even if you get a Pokémon, you won't know how to take care of it."
"Mommy, I know," Taro nodded earnestly.
At that moment, the large television in the living room began broadcasting news about the Trainers who had returned from the Secret Realms today—showing casualty reports from cities all across Yanxia.
The laughter in the room gradually faded into silence.
Father Orion and Mother Faye looked at the rows of young faces on the screen, their hearts heavy.
Aunt Liora and Uncle Corin, Aunt Maris and Uncle Darius—all fell silent as well.
Lyra tightly grasped Kael's hand, visibly uneasy, as if afraid he might disappear.
Kael gave her a reassuring look, then turned his gaze back to the television.
Even though he had seen this many times before, his heart still felt heavy.
He had personally witnessed countless Trainers and Pokémon being torn to shreds by Magical Beasts.
Those brutal scenes replayed in his mind from time to time. There were moments when he felt lost—why choose to become a Trainer, a profession where death lurked at every turn?
But when he looked at Lyra and the others, he knew the answer.
He wanted to protect his family.
He needed power—enough power to protect them.
He didn't want to be helpless if danger ever came to them.
So he had to keep growing stronger, even if the price was his life.
At the same time, the news broadcast across all of Yanxia, reminding the people to remember the heroes who had sacrificed themselves for the nation.
...
In Shuxiang Yayuan Residential Complex, at Aria's home.
Elayne and Aria were also watching the news. The young faces on the screen made both mother and daughter feel stifled and heavy-hearted.
"Aria, don't blame Mom for not letting you become a Trainer," Elayne said suddenly, her voice hoarse.
"I don't want white-haired parents sending off a black-haired child. If anything happened to you, I wouldn't be able to go on living either."
Aria's body trembled slightly. She then said softly,
"Mom, I know you and Dad are doing this for my own good."
She understood that her parents' opposition came from love. To most parents, their children's safety mattered more than wealth or glory.
There were exceptions, of course—but people were complicated. There was good and bad in everyone.
Seeing her daughter's understanding, Elayne felt deeply relieved. She then thought of something and asked,
"Oh right—how's Kael doing?"
Elayne was quite familiar with Kael. After all, he and her daughter were close friends, and he often came over. Besides, Kael had a certain level of fame in Magic City.
"He's back," Aria replied softly.