Chapter 1: Pokémon Home in Liyue Harbor

Teyvat Continent. 

Liyue Harbor. 

"Hmm? When did this new shop open? Why didn't I know about it? I didn't notice anything during my patrol yesterday…" 

A young girl with two cat-ear-shaped buns on her head, pushing a small cart labeled Master Ke's Beef Offal, frowned as she looked at the signboard of the store. 

Her name was Keqing, the Yuheng of Liyue Qixing. This time, she was experiencing the life of a street vendor while also keeping an eye out for any corrupt bullies oppressing the common folk. 

Dressed in simple clothing that blended seamlessly with the bustling streets, her knife skills were swift and precise as she cut the beef offal with practiced ease. It was hard to imagine that this was one of Liyue's esteemed Qixing. 

After selling the last portion of beef offal, Keqing parked her cart at a suitable spot and walked into the newly opened shop called [Pokémon Home]. 

As the Yuheng in charge of land development and civil affairs, every shop in Liyue Harbor was supposed to go through her approval. But no matter how hard she thought, she couldn't recall ever reviewing a store named Pokémon Home. 

Now, this was interesting. Her eyes gleamed as she prepared to probe the shop owner for some answers. 

"Welcome!" 

The moment she pushed open the door, a gentle voice greeted her. 

"Boss, is this shop new? What do you sell here?" 

Keqing scrutinized the young man who walked out from the depths of the store, asking her question in a casual tone. 

As an unconventional member of the Qixing, Keqing often conducted grassroots investigations and was familiar with most of the people in Liyue Harbor. Even if she didn't personally know someone, she would at least recognize their face. However, no matter how hard she searched her memory, she had no recollection of this young man in front of her. 

A foreigner? 

Instantly, Keqing became more vigilant, carefully observing her surroundings. 

The strange instruments and devices in the store were completely unfamiliar to her. 

Fontaine? Snezhnaya? 

It wasn't an unreasonable suspicion. After all, in her impression, only these two nations were known for producing such peculiar machinery. 

"Dear customer, this shop is a pet store that sells some rather special pets." 

"Special pets?" 

Li Pan stepped out from the store, smiling as he spoke. It had been an entire day since opening, and he had heard this question many times. But this time, it was different—he recognized Keqing. This was none other than the Yuheng Star, a genuine big shot. 

Secretly rubbing his hands together, Li Pan felt a surge of excitement. After an entire day, he was finally about to make his first sale! 

"Yes, unique pets." 

Keqing raised an eyebrow. "What's so special about them?" 

Pets weren't rare in Liyue. From common cats and dogs to more exotic creatures like cranes and wild boars, all of these were fairly normal. Yet, the store owner specifically mentioned special pets, which piqued her curiosity. 

But then, her expression suddenly changed. 

"These special pets aren't monsters, are they? Did you bring monsters into the city?" 

The mere thought of the filthy Hilichurls and those annoying Slimes lurking outside the city made her expression turn serious. While such creatures weren't much of a threat to Vision holders, they were lethal to ordinary civilians. 

"Dear customer, please do not compare these creatures to monsters. While Pokémon, like monsters, can use elemental powers, they are fundamentally different. Pokémon possess high intelligence, and with proper investment and training, their contributions can even surpass those of Vision holders. Meanwhile, monsters have low intelligence and no growth potential, making them a waste of effort and resources." 

Even after his explanation, Keqing still looked unconvinced. 

Seeing this, Li Pan simply smiled and gestured toward her. "If you don't believe me, why not take a look for yourself? It won't cost you anything." 

After a moment of contemplation, Keqing finally nodded. 

"Alright, I'll take a look." 

Hearing that he had successfully persuaded her, Li Pan felt a burst of joy. He quickly handed her a red and white Pokédex. 

"Dear customer, this is called a Pokédex. Please press this button to draw your first Pokémon. The first draw is free, and everyone gets five draws per day." 

"There are over a thousand species of Pokémon, and most of their basic forms can be drawn here. However, I must clarify that each Pokémon's price varies depending on its species and potential. But rest assured, all Pokémon sold in this store are of guaranteed quality." 

"Finally, I sincerely wish you good luck in drawing a Pokémon you love." 

Keqing's eyes widened. Over a thousand species? Was he serious? 

Taking the Pokédex from him, she pressed the most prominent button on the screen. 

Immediately, the screen started flashing rapidly, displaying countless silhouettes of different shapes. Each one was unique, and many were creatures Keqing had never seen before. 

After a few seconds, the silhouettes stopped, revealing a small, feline-like figure on the screen. 

At that moment, not only Keqing but even Li Pan leaned in curiously. After all, this was the first Pokémon to be drawn in his shop. 

"Boss, what is this?" 

Keqing held up the Pokédex to Li Pan. On the screen was a small, blue-and-black cat with golden eyes. The inside of its ears was adorned with star-shaped golden fur, and a tuft of gold fur extended from its tail. 

This strange creature was something Keqing had never seen before. 

Li Pan took a glance and chuckled. 

"Customer, your luck is quite good. This is a Shinx, an Electric-type Pokémon. Its final evolved form, Luxray, has outstanding potential." 

"Luxray boasts a base stat total of 523, which isn't much lower than that of starter Pokémon." 

Keqing examined the little creature on the screen, growing fonder of it by the second. 

"Seems promising. Can I see this little guy now?" 

"Of course, please wait a moment." 

Li Pan waved at Keqing before heading into the back of the store. The system would materialize the drawn Pokémon, but he needed to step away to maintain appearances. 

Not long after, he returned, holding a real-life Shinx in his arms. 

"This is a Shinx?" 

Seeing the little creature in his arms, Keqing's eyes widened. 

The real Shinx was even more adorable than its image on the screen. Its little tuft of fur bobbed as if it had a life of its own, its golden eyes sparkled with intelligence, and when it saw Keqing, it let out a delighted cry. 

"Yes, customer, this is Shinx." 

Li Pan placed Shinx on the floor. The little guy immediately trotted over to Keqing, rubbing against her leg while lifting its tiny paw in greeting. 

"Meow↗ ah~" 

Keqing paused for a moment. "Boss, this cat's cry sounds a bit… off?" 

"It's perfectly normal, customer. That's just its dialect." 

Keqing's eyes widened further. "Cats have dialects now?" 

Li Pan maintained his smile. "Of course! If humans can have dialects, why can't cats?" 

"Besides, Shinx has a special skill. Here, take a look." 

As he spoke, Li Pan crouched down and gently ruffled Shinx's fur before tossing a Mora into the air. 

"Shinx, use Quick Attack!" 

The moment the words left his mouth, a blue-black streak of lightning flashed across the room. 

When Shinx landed again, the Mora was already clamped between its teeth. 

Keqing's eyes widened in shock. 

That move had been so fast—she hadn't even been able to react!