Pokemon: I refuse to be a supporting character!

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Mansheng City.

The capital city of Yuzhou, also known as the center of the region.

Spanning an area twice the size of Qingcheng, it is several times more prosperous, with breathtaking scenery earning it the title of "Heaven on Earth."

As a renowned commercial metropolis in the Zhuxia region, Mansheng boasts a permanent population of 8 million!

What does 8 million mean?

Unlike the world of his previous life, with a population of 1.4 billion and 34 provincial-level divisions, the Zhu Xia region in this world had a population just over 200 million, divided into nine states.

Thus, Mansheng's claim as the heart of Yuzhou, with its population of 8 million, was truly well-deserved.

When Li Xiang arrived in the city in Ms. Yin's car, it was enveloped in a light, continuous rain.

Under the gray, overcast skies, the muted brilliance of Mansheng exuded a unique charm.

Lining the roads were sycamore trees standing like sentinels, their bases surrounded by dew-kissed flowers and shrubs. The warm glow of yellowed streetlights added a touch of vibrancy to the rain-drenched cityscape. Storefronts basked in a cozy light as people, chatting and laughing, walked under umbrellas alongside their Pokémon.

It was a scene of pure beauty.

Li Xiang rested his hand against the cold car window, feeling the rhythmic patter of raindrops. The rain seemed to carry a refreshing scent, distinct from the earthy, dusty smell that rose from asphalt during rainfall in his previous life.

The difference lay in the greenery—the city's excellent landscaping made all the difference.

As he marveled, he gently patted Litten, who was nestled beside his legs.

The little cat hated rainy days with a passion. If not for Li Xiang's presence, it wouldn't have left the house at all.

"You seem to like it here," Ms. Yin remarked suddenly, her voice breaking the silence as she observed Li Xiang's mesmerized expression through the rearview mirror.

"No, I just like drizzly weather," Li Xiang replied with a smile. "The feeling of standing safely under a roof, breathing in the humid, cool air—not cold, but refreshing enough to clear your mind instantly—that's what I enjoy."

The gentle rain, like a lover's soft caress.

Litten raised its head. Although it couldn't understand Li Xiang's words, it could see the longing in his eyes as he gazed outside.

Yes, longing.

Much like its recent cravings for catnip, which it wasn't allowed to indulge in. The yearning in Li Xiang's gaze mirrored its own.

Rainy days… were they really so wonderful?

Litten was perplexed. It disliked rainy weather, just as it disliked water. But if Li Xiang liked it…

Then perhaps it could learn to adapt.

"Meow."

A soft, cool voice sounded beside Litten.

Turning its head, Litten saw Purugly yawning lazily, its amber eyes briefly glancing at Li Xiang's face.

"Meow~"

What did that mean? No need to force yourself?

"Meow?" Litten asked curiously.

Still young, it struggled to understand Purugly's more sophisticated expressions.

Purugly waved its paw dismissively, explaining that everyone had their strengths and weaknesses. Rather than forcing oneself to accommodate something unlikable, it was better to focus on honing one's talents.

Litten responded with a faint, uncertain meow, half understanding.

....

Mansheng Ranger Union.

A place where nature and modern technology intertwined.

The people working here, known as Rangers, used tools distinct from PokéBalls—Capture Stylers p—to temporarily borrow the powers of wild Pokémon.

These individuals were dedicated to protecting Pokémon from human abuse, rescuing those in distress in the wild, and ensuring the stability and prosperity of nature.

In essence, they maintained the delicate balance between nature, Pokémon, and humanity.

It was a profession worthy of admiration.

Without them, the greenery and urban landscapes of this world wouldn't be nearly as pristine.

Factories' waste and pollution, and the immense amounts of garbage produced by humans, would likely have gradually eroded the environment.

It could have even reached the level of the Kanto region in the Special Series, where the survival space of wild Pokémon was severely compressed.

The consequences? Li Xiang could imagine half a dozen dire scenarios.

Thankfully, such events were unlikely to occur in this world.

Li Xiang's purpose in coming to Mansheng was to investigate the anomalies affecting Litten.

The person who could help him was an elderly man known within the Mansheng Ranger Union as Professor Qian.

Professor Qian Kang was a leading authority in Pokémon individual differences research. He held a prominent position in the academic world, and many luminaries in the scientific community had been his students.

Such an influential figure wouldn't easily spare time for the Pokémon of a ranger base director's son.

The reason he agreed to help was due to connections established by Su Yiliu, who introduced him to Ms. Yin.

Li Xiang didn't know what arrangements had been made but understood that the favors he owed were piling up—debts he might never fully repay in his lifetime.

Such is the nature of receiving assistance from benefactors.

...

Ms. Yin led him deeper into the base.

In less than ten minutes, Li Xiang saw the elderly Professor Qian.

With frost-white sideburns and a balding head, the old man sat on a wooden chair, quietly sipping tea from an enamel cup.

Several younger individuals stood or sat around him, remaining silent as if waiting for something.

Although they had scheduled an appointment, it was clear from their demeanor that they had been waiting for some time.

Ms. Yin felt both flattered and slightly pressured by this.

Li Xiang, too, adjusted his posture, ensuring his expression remained respectful and composed.

After all, they were here to seek help.

Fortunately.

Such prominent figures were usually very kindhearted. Even their subordinates treated Ms. Yin with great respect, warmly greeting Li Xiang, despite him being just an eleven-year-old child.

Li Xiang responded politely and obediently handed over his Litten to the team. Since they were here, they had no choice but to follow the experts' arrangements.

Given Professor Qian's reputation and Su Yiliu's reliability, it was highly unlikely that anything would harm Litten.

After all, with years of accumulated prestige, why would they waste it on a mere kid?

Moreover, this was the Ranger Union's base—arguably the safest place for any Pokémon in the Zhu Xia region.

While other places might hide questionable activities, here, such risks were virtually nonexistent.

Why?

The capture stylus, the signature tool of rangers, operates on the foundation of an untainted, sincere heart. It transmits one's intent to wild Pokémon, fostering mutual understanding.

Any malice would immediately be rejected by the Pokémon.

And above the regular rangers stood the chief rangers, individuals whose slightest corruption would disqualify them entirely.

This was the standard of entry.

...

Diagnosing Litten's condition wasn't something that could be resolved in a single day.

Li Xiang, as Litten's trainer, could only wait. Despite being its partner, he lacked the expertise to understand the instruments and terminologies. His age also meant he was better off staying outside rather than getting in the way.

Ms. Yin, however, was more knowledgeable and stayed inside, accompanied by a Comfey.

....

Rest Area.

"Is this supposed to keep me entertained?"

Li Xiang looked at the game of aeroplane chess set up before him and couldn't help but smirk.

This was not a game one could play alone. Fortunately, Li Xiang wasn't alone.

Two feline companions were with him, but even so, he wasn't in the mood for board games.

His nerves were too tense to focus.

Just then, as if sensing his unease, a rugged man in casual clothes and flip-flops strolled over, a toothpick in his mouth. His reddish-brown ponytail and unkempt beard gave him a laid-back appearance.

"Li Xiang?"

The man scratched his full head of hair—envy-inducing to any programmer.

Wow. Smoky voice.

Though, his attire left much to be desired.

Li Xiang looked up and nodded politely at the man, who appeared to be around his father's age.

"Yes, that's me."

"Alright, follow me," the man said, clicking his tongue—not out of annoyance at Li Xiang but rather to deal with something stuck in his teeth. He even fidgeted with the toothpick, suggesting he had just finished eating.

Li Xiang remained composed and asked, "And you are?"

"I'm one of the staff here. Name's Zhong Hai. You can call me Uncle Zhong. I've been assigned to give you a tour of the base."

Zhong Hai's tone was relaxed, contradicting his rough appearance. He explained the situation patiently, which didn't quite match his rugged exterior.

"Come along. No one's gonna snatch you away in this place."

Despite his casual demeanor, Zhong Hai's confidence in this environment proved his credibility.

Besides—

"Zangoose!?"

Li Xiang's eyes lit up as a tall, white, humanoid feline Pokémon walked in. The Zangoose even closed the door carefully behind it with a polite motion.

The Pokémon's clean white fur, streaked with lightning-shaped red patterns, coupled with its large, fluffy tail, made it particularly striking.

For a self-proclaimed cat lover like Li Xiang, Zangoose was practically irresistible.

"Can I pet it, Uncle Zhong?"

Li Xiang looked at Zhong Hai expectantly. Compared to touring the base, the allure of Zangoose was far greater.

Meanwhile, two other feline Pokémon nearby fell into a speechless sulk, accustomed to this "unfaithful" behavior of their trainer.

Zhong Hai hadn't expected Li Xiang to show such enthusiasm for his Pokémon. Exchanging a quick glance with the slightly flustered Zangoose, he nodded.

"Of course."

Ignoring the Zangoose's hesitant expression, Zhong Hai gave his approval.

The Zangoose looked indignant but before it could protest, Li Xiang had already reached for its tail.

"Purr~"

The Zangoose let out an uncharacteristic, high-pitched sound as its tough-guy demeanor melted away. A faint blush appeared on its cool face.

Li Xiang grinned, stroking the fluffy tail with delight. There was nothing as soothing as a furry companion. Hugging the soft mass, he felt his earlier anxiety dissipate.

"Purr…"

The Zangoose sighed in resignation. It wanted to resist but couldn't deny Li Xiang's exceptional petting skills.

The boy seemed to know all its sensitive spots, leaving it with no chance to escape!

Forcing its way out risked injuring Li Xiang, and that was unacceptable.

What choice did it have?

If one can't resist, they might as well enjoy it.

Adopting a look of resigned determination, the Zangoose closed its eyes as waves of pleasure overtook it. Soon, it was purring contentedly, surrendering to the masterful strokes.

'Not bad, kid,' - zangoose thought begrudgingly.

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