Chapter 23: Chapter 23
"To put it simply, your choice of Pokémon is important. While trainers often say, 'There are no weak Pokémon, only weak trainers,' the reality is that certain Pokémon have advantages. Do you want a Caterpie to challenge a pseudo-legendary of the same level?" Takumi explained, raising an eyebrow.
"It's not an absolute rule, but it's a question of efficiency. Pokémon with natural disadvantages will require far more investment to reach the same level of power as champions. In contrast, a Pokémon with pseudo-legendary potential can steadily progress to greatness. With enough resources and the right training, it won't disappoint."
Ningguang listened closely, her eyes focused on Takumi. As someone who built herself up from humble beginnings, she understood the importance of starting with strength. If she had a powerful ally from the start, she wouldn't have faced so many thorns on her path.
"I overheard Hu Tao and Xiangling discussing Pokémon types and attributes. Club Manager Takumi, how many types are there?" Ningguang asked with curiosity.
Takumi smiled slightly:
"Eighteen types in total."
The entire room was taken aback, including those who had already adopted Pokémon but hadn't yet fully explored their guides.
It was a big leap!
Teyvat's elements—Ice, Fire, Water, Rock, Wind, Electro, and Dendro—correspond to seven ruling powers. But here, Pokémon can have dual types, expanding their versatility even further.
"Types include Poison, Bug, Dark, Steel, Fire, Water, Ice, Grass, Electric, Normal, Fighting, Flying, Ground, Rock, Ghost, Fairy, Dragon," Takumi listed, "and Psychic."
Hearing the attributes listed, everyone felt a profound sense of professionalism.
"Ghost?" Hu Tao leaned in, intrigued by the mention of ghost-type Pokémon.
Seeing her interest, Takumi smiled, "Yes, you'll see when you encounter mischievous Ghost-types like Gengar. They're different from the spirits you know!"
Excited, Hu Tao clenched her fist. "I've decided! No matter what, my next Pokémon will be a Ghost-type. I, Hu Tao, want to become a Ghost Pokémon Master!"
Takumi: …Well, making such a big decision so suddenly…
Xiangling clapped her hands and chimed in, "Then I'll become a Bug-type master!"
Takumi sighed internally. Was this the start of Teyvat's future Bug and Ghost-type masters?
"Dragon type…" Ningguang murmured. She had picked up on the mention of the Dragon type among the eighteen.
Liyue didn't worship dragon totems, but dragons, no matter where, represented power and nobility.
Seeing her interest, Takumi glanced at her. "Dragon-type Pokémon are often regarded as the strongest. But beware—Fairy-type Pokémon can counter them. And not all dragons are majestic; some like Drampa and Dragalge don't fit that traditional image."
Ningguang's gaze sharpened with determination.
In that moment, it was as if she silently declared, I, Ningguang, will become a Dragon Master.
Takumi gave a slight shrug, noting her interest. Everyone has big dreams at the beginning of their journey; the future would show if they stayed on the same path.
He handed Ningguang a blank Pokédex, which Cresselia had prepared.
"Here's how the store process works," Takumi explained. "Register, log in to your personal Pokédex, and begin your draw. Do you have any questions?"
"I heard from Hongyi that each person gets five chances to draw every week, regardless of the Pokémon they get?" Ningguang asked.
"That's correct. For beginners, it's five draws. But certified trainers in our store get an additional draw," Takumi clarified.
Ningguang took a small breath as she activated her Pokédex, her usually composed face showing a hint of anticipation.
Dragon-type…Dragon-type…
Beside her, the three secretaries clenched their fists, silently cheering her on. Come on, Lady Ningguang, draw a Dragon-type!
As the shadows of Pokémon flickered across the screen, Takumi wondered if Liyue's wealthiest woman would have luck on her side. A Dragon-type would certainly be fitting, but they were rare and precious.
A moment later, the screen froze on a Pokémon silhouette, and the name appeared:
Machop!
A small, gray-bodied creature with red eyes and a determined stance.
Ningguang raised her eyebrows, slightly disappointed it wasn't a Dragon-type. "Club Manager Takumi, what do you think of this Pokémon?"
Takumi gave an objective response, "Machop isn't weak. It evolves quickly, has a short training cycle, and is high in cost-effectiveness, making it a great choice for civilian trainers."
Ningguang paused. "Suitable for civilian trainers," she echoed thoughtfully.
What she wanted wasn't a high cost-effective choice but rather rarity and strength. As for resources…well, that's not my problem, she thought.