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The central region of China, known as the Immortal Realm.
Despite its name, the Immortal Realm isn't another dimension or mystical world. It earned this title because of its breathtaking beauty—scenery so magnificent it seems too perfect for the mortal world, as if it were a paradise where legendary beings might dwell.
Beyond its ethereal beauty, the Immortal Realm carries an A-rank danger classification. Legendary Pokémon have been spotted in its deepest reaches, which is why only a few kilometers of the outer areas remain open to public tourism. Even with these restrictions, it has become one of the country's premier tourist destinations.
Chris arrived by airplane at noon that day, touching down on the gateway city to the Immortal Realm's dangerous territory—at three o'clock in the afternoon.
A disciple from the Fang family had been assigned to welcome him.
The young man wore a simple mask and held up a sign with Chris's name written on it. "Greetings, honored guest. I am a student of the Fang family, here specifically to escort you," the disciple said with professional composure. His tone remained neutral and serious, showing no hint of excitement despite Chris's celebrity status—as if he had no idea who Chris truly was.
"Please follow me. Your transportation is waiting at the exit."
Chris nodded and followed the Fang disciple through the terminal to where a shuttle bus waited outside. As he climbed aboard, he noticed more than a dozen other passengers scattered throughout the vehicle.
The group consisted of both young adults and middle-aged individuals. When they spotted Chris entering the bus, every head turned in his direction. Their eyes immediately lit up with shock and surprise, and several couldn't contain their amazement.
"Is that really Chris?" someone whispered.
As China's recent "golden boy" sensation, Chris's popularity had actually surpassed that of the Elite Four members. His face was known throughout the region.
Chris's gaze swept over the other passengers, confirming he didn't recognize anyone among them. He offered a polite nod of acknowledgment before finding an empty window seat.
"Everyone who needs pickup has now arrived. We're departing for the Immortal Realm!" announced the bus driver.
The vehicle began its journey with a gentle rumble.
The passengers kept to themselves during the ride, with no one attempting to strike up conversations, though many clearly wanted to approach Chris. The atmosphere remained quietly anticipatory as they traveled.
The bus gradually left the urban area behind, passing through the city gates before entering the designated dangerous zone. It continued until reaching the end of the public tourism area—a transfer station equipped with a Pokémon Center and a modest hotel.
"This is as far as our transport service extends. You'll need to continue on foot from here," the driver explained as everyone disembarked.
"Please accept this compass, which will guide you to your destination. Keep it safe!" The Fang family disciple who had initially greeted Chris distributed palm-sized compasses to each passenger.
When Chris received his compass, he immediately sensed the Aura power emanating from it. This Aura energy possessed a guiding quality that created a clear directional pull—an almost magnetic urge to travel in a specific direction.
He raised his eyes toward that direction.
It pointed deeper into the Immortal Realm.
"During the secret realm's operational hours, our clan's elders maintain constant watch at the entrance. You may proceed whenever you feel ready," the Fang disciple added before heading toward the hotel with the driver for their evening meal.
The journey had taken over two hours, making it past five o'clock in the afternoon—nearly dusk.
The passengers stood around uncertainly, exchanging glances as they considered their options.
While daylight was fading, they faced a choice: follow the Aura compass's guidance immediately, or spend the night at the transfer station hotel and depart fresh in the morning.
"Since this is everyone's first visit, perhaps we should rest today, share dinner together, and set out as a group tomorrow morning?" suggested one of the travelers.
"Excellent idea. I'll cover dinner for everyone, and we can travel together. Before coming here, I knew I'd be entering the Aura Secret Realm, but nobody mentioned having to traverse a dangerous area alone," another person agreed enthusiastically.
Being unfamiliar with the territory and facing entry into a hazardous region, group travel seemed like the wisest choice.
Especially with strong companions.
Many eyes turned toward Chris.
No other Gym Leaders were present among the group, let alone any Elite-level trainers. Most people naturally viewed Chris as the strongest member and potential leader of their impromptu party.
If Chris voiced support for the group plan, likely eighty percent of the others would follow his lead.
However, Chris had no interest in sharing dinner with strangers, spending the entire night at the station, and departing tomorrow morning.
"Arcanine, let's head into the mountains!" Chris retrieved a Poké Ball and released his partner.
The magnificent Fire-type appeared instantly, tail wagging cheerfully as it allowed Chris to mount its back. Then they plunged directly into the depths of the Immortal Realm.
The other travelers watched Chris's retreating figure with mixed expressions, looking at each other uncertainly.
Now that the Gym Leader had chosen immediate departure, what should they do?
Should they chase after him and travel together, or maintain their group formation and leave tomorrow?
Ultimately, only one or two individuals chose to follow immediately, while the majority decided to proceed with their dinner plans and enter the Immortal Realm's depths the following day.
Many reasoned quite logically: as a Gym Leader, Chris possessed the skills and Pokémon necessary for nighttime operations in dangerous territory, but they did not. Rather than risking the Immortal Realm's depths at night, traveling with the full group tomorrow would prove much safer.
After leaving the transfer station, Chris rode Arcanine swiftly through the dense forest.
Time passed until sunset, when the sky transitioned from twilight into full darkness.
During nighttime travel, Arcanine's body emanated a gentle fire glow, like a living lantern providing excellent illumination.
This natural brightness, combined with the Pokémon's Intimidate ability, kept nocturnal wild Pokémon at a respectful distance. None dared approach, much less consider hostile action.
Chris didn't feel compelled to travel at night, but thanks to his "secret power," sleeping at hotels versus camping made little difference to his comfort.
Since he only had a general direction without knowing the exact distance, Chris's current strategy involved moving toward the objective until around ten o'clock in the evening.
That was typically his usual bedtime.
Besides, before resting, he could prepare instant noodles for a simple but satisfying meal—one of life's simple pleasures during wilderness travel.
However, Chris had underestimated Arcanine's incredible speed while overestimating the journey's distance.
Around nine-thirty that evening, Chris and Arcanine crested a high mountain ridge.
In the extremely dark forest below, a location glowed with soft blue radiance. As they approached closer, Chris could make out an ancient house with warm lights shining from its windows.
Someone had built a residence in this remote mountain wilderness?
Unless he'd encountered a Ghost-type Pokémon's elaborate prank, this had to be the Fang family's establishment.
Chris instinctively slowed Arcanine's pace and took a deep, measured breath.
The power here felt incredibly strong and pure.
It appeared he had reached his destination.