For Kirlia, shopping alone was uncomfortable.
She truly didn't like being by herself.
The strange looks from passersby made her frown slightly.
She preferred holding Gu Qiu's hand, focusing all her attention on him.
Wherever he went, she wanted to follow.
But when she thought about tonight—
A blissful smile bloomed on her face.
She had already treated his promise to accompany her tonight as a date.
A happy, two-person date.
Just for them.
Day One of the preliminaries lasted long—
But each person only fought a few matches.
By the end of the day, Gu Qiu had battled three times.
Six Pokémon rounds total.
All victories.
All with Eevee.
She completed the system requirement.
And received the Heavenly Flame reward.
The draw result:
Green Lotus Core Flame.
Ranked 19th on the Heavenly Flame list.
Born deep within molten earth.
Tempered and compressed by countless cycles of geological fire.
Ten years to gain spirit.
Hundreds to take form.
Thousands to become a lotus.
When mature, its flame glows green.
Capable of triggering volcanic eruptions.
A force of natural destruction.
Gu Qiu had tested it inside the Living Space.
Terrifying.
Even he didn't dare touch it carelessly.
Eevee couldn't use it yet.
Fusion required evolution—
And system assistance.
"Gu Qiu! You were amazing!"
"Brother, that Eevee is so cute!"
Eevee had stolen the show.
Even a Level 26 opponent had been one-shot.
Gu Xin snatched Eevee into her arms and began petting.
Eevee looked at Gu Qiu helplessly.
Ignored.
Serena smiled.
"You might actually win the championship."
"Of course. With my strength, the title is ea—"
Gu Qiu's expression changed.
He sensed several malicious presences.
"Be careful."
Pikachu appeared instantly at his side.
With Pikachu there—
Even multiple Elite-level trainers wouldn't threaten them.
Five figures stepped forward.
The leader wore a lab coat.
Badge: Kanto Research Institute – Doctor
A woman in black leather stood beside him.
"You must be Gu Qiu. I'm Dr. Zhao. I research Pokémon evolution and behavior."
His gaze drifted toward Serena and Gu Xin.
Greedy.
Lustful.
Young. Beautiful.
Perfect.
He already envisioned:
Obtaining the evolution method—
And the girls.
Yet—
The three of them showed no awe.
This wasn't how it usually went.
Normally, students admired him immediately.
Easy to manipulate.
"You…"
"We're in a hurry. If you're done talking, move aside."
It was late.
The street nearly empty.
Carefully chosen.
Dr. Zhao smiled thinly.
"We're here about Feebas evolving into Milotic."
"A monumental discovery."
"I'm willing to publish it for you—free of charge."
"You'll gain fame, universities worldwide—"
"So you want my method, publish it under your name, maybe list me somewhere for appearances?"
Gu Qiu looked at him strangely.
"Yes! Brilliant! It will strengthen the nation! Surely you agree?"
Dr. Zhao licked his lips.
Give him second author credit?
Ridiculous.
Maybe toss the name somewhere.
Children were easy to deceive.
Gu Qiu stared at him calmly.
"Are you stupid?"
"Or do you think I am?"
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