"In the age of the internet, how can we still run a business like those old-fashioned shops, just sitting around waiting for customers to walk in?"
Inside the Pokémon Home Pet Shop, Diancie was sitting quietly on the sofa, obediently watching Tom and Jerry. Meanwhile, Ren was sprawled across the counter, scrolling through his phone with a slight pout on his face.
Just as he had expected, the video of Diancie dancing to Pure Land of Bliss had blown up.
No—more than that. It had gone viral far faster than he'd imagined.
Well, that was only natural. Diancie's cuteness was something no ordinary person could resist—especially a Diancie that could dance perfectly to the beat.
Using short videos for promotion was only a small trick, but judging from the popularity, the results were outstanding.
"I just don't know how many locals from Magic City will actually come to the shop," Ren muttered to himself.
The thought had barely finished forming when—
Ding-ling~
The crisp, pleasant chime of the bell above the door rang out.
A customer!
Ren straightened up instantly and looked toward the entrance. Sure enough, the shop door was pushed open, and a young man wearing glasses, with a gentle and scholarly air, walked in.
"Welcome," Ren said, patting his face and putting on his signature professional smile.
"Boss… you really do have Diancie!"
The newcomer was Jason. He looked around the shop in curiosity, his gaze immediately locking onto Diancie.
When she heard her name, Diancie turned her head and looked at Jason with puzzled eyes.
"She's actually alive!"
Seeing Diancie move with his own eyes, Jason couldn't help but feel excited. The video was real!
Diancie was real!
Ren's eyelid twitched, and he smiled awkwardly but politely.
"Uh… sir, what you just said was a little rude."
Of course she was alive. Did he think she was some kind of decoration?
"S-sorry," Jason quickly reacted, rubbing his nose in embarrassment. "I watched your video on Station B, boss. I just got a little too excited seeing Diancie in person."
"I can understand," Ren replied, not taking it to heart. After all, Jason's reaction perfectly reflected the shock Diancie brought to people. "So, sir, are you here to buy a pet?"
"Yes, I want to take a look, but… boss, your shop…"
Jason adjusted his glasses and glanced around hesitantly.
Where were the pets?
This was his first time seriously considering raising a pet—and only because what Ren said in the video seemed real.
"Our shop's business model is a bit different from ordinary pet stores," Ren explained calmly. "I've always believed that pets and humans have their own destiny."
"So which pet you're meant to have depends on fate."
As he spoke, Ren led Jason to the rest area and handed him the store manager's Pokédex.
"This is the Pokédex. Please press the button and see what kind of partner fate has prepared for you."
Facing Jason's puzzled expression, Ren smiled and explained patiently.
"…Alright, then I'll give it a try."
Jason hesitated for a moment, then decided to trust him. He pressed the "Confirm" button on the Pokédex.
Dark silhouettes flashed rapidly across the screen. Jason's eyes were fixed on it without blinking.
He was extremely curious about these so-called "magical" pets Ren had mentioned before. Were there really Pokémon as beautiful and astonishing as Diancie?
Gradually, the shadow became clear.
"Boss, it's this one!"
When Jason saw the image displayed on the Pokédex, he froze for a moment—then his eyes lit up. He eagerly showed the screen to Ren.
"It seems you're quite lucky as well," Ren said, raising an eyebrow.
On the screen was Vulpix.
Although a standard Vulpix wasn't as stunning as an Alolan Vulpix, it was undoubtedly an extremely adorable little fox Pokémon.
"Boss, is this really possible?" Jason asked anxiously as he stared at the image, liking it more and more.
A fox!
Fox-type pets existed in this world, but the little fox in the image had multiple tails.
"Of course," Ren replied with a smile. "Please wait a moment."
He then walked toward the back room.
Naturally, he was going to retrieve the Vulpix from the system. Otherwise, where would the 'magic' come from?
A minute later, Ren walked back out. Padding quietly at his feet was a small fox Pokémon with six fluffy tails.
Jason's eyes instantly lit up.
The Vulpix wasn't large—if anything, it was a little small. Its fur was a warm reddish-brown, with large brown eyes, pointed ears, a tiny black nose, and six softly curved orange tails.
"There really is a six-tailed fox in this world…" Jason murmured in amazement. The affection in his eyes practically overflowed.
"Vul~pix?"
Vulpix lifted its head slightly and looked at Jason curiously, its brown eyes filled with innocence.
"When Vulpix is born, it only has one tail," Ren explained. "As it grows, that tail splits, and it becomes more and more beautiful."
"But it's still very young right now."
"Yes. Strictly speaking, this Vulpix is still an infant," Ren nodded.
"So… boss," Jason asked curiously, "will it grow even more tails in the future?"
"You're wondering if Vulpix can become Ninetales, right?" Ren chuckled. He didn't need to think twice to know what Jason was imagining.
After all, in local mythology, legends of nine-tailed foxes were extremely famous.
"I can tell you clearly—Vulpix can evolve into Ninetales, but it requires a special method. However, it's still too young right now and not suitable for evolution."
Vulpix evolves using a Fire Stone, but forcing evolution at such an early stage wouldn't be appropriate.
"Can I… hold it?" Jason asked softly.
After hearing that Vulpix could one day become a nine-tailed fox, Jason was already beyond thrilled. Now, he just wanted to get closer to it.
"Of course," Ren said with a smile. "Vulpix has a very gentle temperament."
Jason crouched down slightly. Vulpix tilted its head, still watching him curiously, but sensing no malice, it didn't retreat.
"So soft… and so warm!"
Jason carefully reached out and gently touched the fluffy fur on Vulpix's head. When he saw Vulpix squint its eyes in comfort, Jason felt his heart melt completely.
Mom… this little fox is seducing me!!!