This was a parallel world where technology and culture mirrored Earth. About twenty years ago, due to an unstoppable force, the Pokémon world shattered into fragments. These fragments descended upon this Blue Planet in the form of "Secret Realms."
From these realms emerged a massive influx of supernatural creatures that modern science couldn't explain. Initially dubbed "Monsters," these creatures brought immense catastrophe to the Blue Planet. It wasn't until ten years ago, when survivors from the Pokémon world arrived with their advanced technology, that humanity began to systematically understand these beings. Now, the term "Monster" had been replaced by "Pokémon," and they were integrated into every facet of society.
Li Yuan had arrived on this planet over a decade ago. However, he wasn't a refugee from the Pokémon world; he was a transmigrator from Earth, starting a brand-new life here. Later, needing a place to stay for school, he moved into the home of his mother's close friend—his "Auntie" Delia.
Yes, that's right—the very same Delia who was Ash's mother in the Pokémon anime. Now, she was his live-in companion. Unfortunately, he never met Ash. Rumor had it that when the Pokémon world collapsed, Ash and his father were traveling and had been missing ever since.
The poor Delia had been devastated by the loss of her husband and son. Fortunately, Li Yuan's soul, strengthened by two lifetimes, had awakened the power of Aura. He used this spiritual energy to soothe Delia's shattered heart.
Over the years, his "tireless efforts" to heal her inner wounds had transformed their bond. He hadn't just comforted her with words; his Aura allowed for a deep, primal connection that eventually turned their platonic relationship into something far more carnal. Now, they were practically inseparable, their bodies and souls entwined in a way that was anything but innocent.
Even the term "inseparable" felt like an understatement. For example, as they sat on the sofa after lunch, a bored Delia leaned into Li Yuan. She grabbed his arm, pressing her soft, mature, and remarkably firm breasts against him as she rested her head on his shoulder.
For a woman of her age, she acted like a lovestruck teenager, clinging to him with a physical desperation that screamed of her desire. Li Yuan, of course, had no complaints. He wrapped his arm around his "Auntie's" curvaceous waist, pulling her closer so she could lean more comfortably.
Delia had spent years taking care of his daily needs, so what was wrong with him lending her a shoulder—or his entire body—to lean on? In fact, he was more than happy to let her take whatever she wanted.
Regrettably, this cozy, erotic atmosphere didn't last long. A familiar voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Excuse me, is the shop owner in?"
The voice belonged to a young woman in the prime of her youth. She pushed open the glass door and poked her head inside curiously.
Realizing a customer had arrived, Delia reluctantly pulled herself away from Li Yuan's side. She gave him a look filled with lingering heat and soft affection.
"Sounds like a customer. You should go check," Delia said, her voice dripping with a honey-like sweetness.
"Talk about bad timing," Li Yuan sighed. He wondered if young people these days had forgotten the concept of a nap. Why wander around when you could be at home?
But as a shop owner, he had to work. Unlike other transmigrators, Li Yuan had no interest in challenging Gyms or becoming a Champion. Instead, he opened a "Pokémon Martial Arts Hall" to live a comfortable, leisurely life.
His business covered "Move Tutoring," "Ability Development," and "Training Commissions." Sometimes, if he was in a good mood, he'd even help find lost Pokémon. His secret weapon was his unique Aura.
His Aura wasn't like the one in the anime. While the anime version could create shields and act like a radar, it only showed the world in grayscale outlines. Li Yuan's Aura was like an "Outer God" perspective; he could see every detail, including the core molecular composition of objects, all in vivid, high-definition color.
This was likely due to his system. As a dual-lifer, he had his own natural Aura, but the system had granted him a second "Aura Package" as a reward. When the two merged, his perception of the world evolved into something godlike.
The system was called the "Trainer Encyclopedia." Whenever he successfully "captured" (read: seduced and subjugated) a female trainer of significant status, he would unlock her entry in the encyclopedia and receive a special power.
What defined a "significant" trainer? After years of research, Li Yuan concluded it meant women who held important roles in the Pokémon games or anime. He had tried his luck with many women over the years, but so far, he had only managed to unlock three entries. The system was picky.
"I'm the owner. Can I help you, beautiful?" Li Yuan stood up from Delia's side and turned toward the door.
He froze. He thought the voice sounded familiar, but he didn't expect to see her.
"May?"
"Li Yuan?"
Both of them stared at each other in shock, as if they'd seen a ghost.
May had a deep impression of the boy standing before her. They were high school classmates, though their relationship had been... complicated. Mostly because Li Yuan was an idiot who insisted on calling her "May."
She had told him a thousand times: her name wasn't May, it was Sapphire! Giving people random nicknames was incredibly rude.
"You own this place?" Sapphire asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Do I not look like a boss?" Li Yuan retorted, rolling his eyes.
"But... I remember your grades were amazing. Why didn't you go to a top university? Why are you running a shop?" Sapphire was baffled. He was the top student in their graduation year. What kind of genius skips university to open a gym?
"Well, I figured since I couldn't be at the same school as you, life would be meaningless. So, I lost interest in studying," Li Yuan sighed, his face a mask of mock sorrow.
"Wh-what?! Stop talking nonsense!" Sapphire's face instantly flushed a deep crimson.
See? This was the problem. This guy was a total menace. Why would he say something that sounded like a confession just to mess with her? She knew his personality too well—he was unpredictable, shameless, and loved to tease her.
"Alright, alright. Who said I'm not in university? I'm at Sichuan University," Li Yuan admitted.
"Sichuan University? That's where I'm going!" Sapphire was surprised. With his grades, he could have gone to the best Pokémon academies in the country.
There were five elite Pokémon universities in the nation. Sichuan University was ranked third. The top two were in the capital and the economic hub, respectively. It was strange that he didn't choose the absolute best.
But then again, they lived in Sichuan province. Sichuan University was close to home. Who wouldn't want to be near family?
"Obviously. I specifically checked which school you applied for before I made my choice," Li Yuan said smoothly, lying through his teeth.
"Shut up!" Sapphire snapped, though her anger was clearly mixed with embarrassment. She felt a sudden urge to reach out and pinch the soft skin on his waist—a habit from high school.
Back then, he teased her so much that she probably left permanent bruises on his sides. She used to count the days until graduation just to get away from him. But now, looking at him again, she felt a strange sense of nostalgia.
She realized, perhaps a bit too late, that those days of "mutual sabotage" were actually the most carefree times of her life. Well, maybe not entirely carefree—the stress before the college entrance exams was enough to make anyone go bald.