-126- The Journey Begins (Please Subscribe!)

Following that, Tongsi began searching for other items. Soon, he spotted specific Eevee candies in the candy section. These candies were capable of enhancing all aspects of a specific Pokémon’s abilities. Tongsi retrieved the candy, marking it as his second choice.

Finally, he turned to the special items section. Without hesitation, Tongsi chose the Electirizer. It was an essential item for an Electabuzz to evolve into an Electivire. Even though his Elekid had not yet evolved into an Electabuzz, Tongsi felt compelled to plan ahead.

After selecting the three items, Tongsi reached the exit. Teacher Zhu Di registered the three items Tongsi had chosen, and with that done, Tongsi departed.

Upon returning to the JOJO Nursery, Tongsi released all three of his Pokémon. "Elekid, this Electirizer is for you. Eevee, here is your favorite candy. Shuckle, shall I help you tie on this Binding Band?" Tongsi presented the items to each of them.

"Ele-kid?"
"Eevee~"
"Shuck..."

Upon receiving the Electirizer, a faint golden electric spark flickered across Elekid’s body. Though the item was not large, it contained a vast amount of electrical energy. Elekid seemed to love the Electirizer. Once Eevee received the candy, it immediately popped it into its mouth, wearing a blissful expression. Tongsi personally helped Shuckle attach the Binding Band, fastening it around its arm. It was surprisingly a perfect fit.

Having received their respective gifts, all three Pokémon were in high spirits. Before long, they headed to the courtyard to begin their special training.

The other Pokémon in the backyard were filled with reluctance upon learning that Tongsi was taking Elekid, Eevee, and Shuckle on a journey. Some even looked on with envy; Rattata and Caterpie seemed to yearn for the world beyond.

That evening, Tongsi treated Song Xin to a meal. His main purpose was to ask her to help look after the Pokémon in the nursery’s backyard. Since he was going on a long trip, he needed someone to feed them. Upon hearing about his travels, Song Xin readily agreed to look after the group. She also offered to help manage the nursery when she had time; after all, there were dozens of Pokémon eggs in the nursery, and they couldn’t just sit there gathering dust.

Tongsi expressed his heartfelt gratitude for her offer and insisted on paying her a monthly salary of 50,000 Alliance Credits. At first, Song Xin was unwilling to accept, saying it was just a small favor, but Tongsi was firm. In the end, she accepted 100,000 Alliance Credits, covering her wages for looking after the nursery over the next two months.

...

With everything prepared, Tongsi shouldered his backpack and set off. He locked the nursery door and began his journey. His first destination was Linhu City, neighboring Jiahua City. It ranked seventh in Linhai Province and was a city nestled beside an inland lake.

Legend had it that Linhu City held four fishing competitions every year, and its residents were incredibly passionate about fishing. The city was connected by a vast network of lakes, home to many wild Water-type Pokémon. Trainers were permitted to catch these Pokémon, but they could not simply attack them; they had to be caught by fishing.

Tongsi chose to travel to Linhu City by Mantine-taxi. Compared to Dodrio-express or Arcanine-speed services, the Mantine-taxi was more affordable, costing only 100 Alliance Credits per kilometer. It was Tongsi’s first time riding a Mantine-taxi, and he found the experience quite novel. Similar to other taxi services, there was a driver sitting at the front, and Tongsi, as the passenger, sat on the Mantine’s back, simply enjoying the ride.

Traveling via the waterways, Tongsi left Jiahua City and soon arrived at the adjacent Linhu City. The journey of about thirty to forty kilometers cost a total of 3,600 Alliance Credits. Tongsi found the price acceptable, mostly because he had always wanted to try a Mantine-taxi.

"So this is Linhu City?" Upon stepping onto the shore, Tongsi looked at the various intersecting waterways and felt a sense of wonder. It truly was a city built by the water.

At that moment, he saw many anglers sitting by the lake. Because Linhu City was filled with lakes, the fishermen could simply set up a chair nearby and start fishing anywhere they pleased.

"Anglers are alw—" Tongsi cut himself off, swallowing the rest of the sentence, terrified of being beaten up by the locals.

"Roar... That’s a big catch!"

Just then, Tongsi saw an angler nearby pull up his rod, and a bright red Magikarp flopped out. This Magikarp was more than twice the size of a standard one.

"It’s an adult Magikarp! And a massive one at that!" Several other anglers crowded around. Seeing a stranger catch such a big fish made them just as excited. Even though they were strangers, their shared love for fishing made them instant friends.

"You could probably sell that Magikarp for a good price, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, an aquarium would definitely want a Magikarp this big."
"Forget the aquarium, even the Safari Zone might want to take it as a mascot."
"I think he should give it to the Fishing Association. They’re holding a competition soon; this Magikarp would surely be a top-tier prize."

The conversation among the anglers never strayed far from fishing. Tongsi smiled slightly and walked away. Of course, the shouts of anglers could be heard everywhere in the city.

Just then, Tongsi thought he heard the sound of birds.

"Yami~"
"Ya..."

A piercing bird cry echoed from a street corner.

"Those wretched creatures again!"
"So annoying! Every single day, they just have to disrupt our lives."
"Stinking Pokémon! Damn them!"

Hearing the passersby cursing, Tongsi was confused. What kind of Pokémon could make everyone so disgusted?

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through. Tongsi’s hair was blown into a mess, and the wind was so strong he could barely open his eyes.

"What kind of eerie wind is this?" Tongsi squinted, and through his half-closed eyes, he saw the people around him scrambling in all directions.

"What’s going on?" Tongsi wondered.

"Run! Those annoying pests are here again..."
"So irritating! Is there anyone who can help drive them away?"
"Young man, why are you still standing there? Run!"

The final remark came from an angler yelling at him. The man didn't even have time to pack up his fishing gear before fleeing.

... (To be continued)