Everyone Else Awakened, But I Just Opened a Pokémon Pet Shop

Extreme Speed, with its +2 priority, is one of the fastest moves in existence—second only to Fake Out.

Few moves can compare: Feint, Sucker Punch, and Volt Tackle are among the rare exceptions.

However, Feint is a utility move that breaks through Protect and Detect, while Volt Tackle is a special move exclusive to Partner Pikachu and not worth considering in this context.

Only Sucker Punch—usable by a select few rare Pokémon—can truly rival Extreme Speed in terms of raw first-strike power.

As Su Bai ran his hand through Arcanine's thick, plush fur, he couldn't help but enjoy the sensation. Honestly, it was quite satisfying.

Zeraora was also pleasant to pet, but when it came to sheer fluffiness, Arcanine clearly took the crown.

It made Su Bai want to get his own big, soft Pokémon—just for cuddles.

"Extreme Speed is one of the reasons Arcanine is so revered—why it's considered a legendary Pokémon," Su Bai said as he continued to stroke the majestic creature.

"Outside of Lucario and the extremely rare Togekiss, Arcanine is the only non-Legendary and non-Pseudo-Legendary that can learn Extreme Speed."

This move, one of the best priority attacks in the game, is often associated with the terrifying combination of Dragon Dance + Extreme Speed on Dragonite.

A single powerful sweep can spell doom for any fragile Pokémon.

Even in the most recent Scarlet and Violet meta, Dragonite earned the nickname "Fat Dragon" as it dominated the competitive scene.

If your Pokémon couldn't survive one hit from it, you had no place on the battlefield.

Though Arcanine may not be quite as dominant as Dragonite, the mere fact that it learns Extreme Speed guarantees its potential will never fall below a certain floor.

"Just look at the other Pokémon that can learn Extreme Speed—it's practically a pantheon of gods!"

Su Bai listed off names like Raikou, Entei, Suicune… and then took it even further:

"Rayquaza, Deoxys, Arceus… They all have it."

"That alone elevates Arcanine to near-mythical status."

"Forget the 3,000 training points it costs to buy a Fire Stone. Even if it cost twice that—this Pokémon is worth every single point."

"A loyal, majestic steed that can learn one of the most powerful priority moves in the game… What more could you ask for?"

Su Bai's explanation had the gathered crowd completely enamored. Their eyes sparkled with admiration—and a bit of envy—as they stared at Arcanine.

In the middle of the crowd, Liu Yunlan's chuunibyou (middle-school syndrome) kicked into full overdrive. She pointed dramatically toward the exit:

"You are truly the spirit beast worthy of the strongest trainer!"

"I knew it! Our bond would make you one of the most powerful Pokémon ever!"

"Let's go, Arcanine! Time to train!"

"Let's conquer this new age!"

Arcanine responded with a loud, thunderous howl and dashed through the crowd with lightning speed, Liu Yunlan on its back like a heroine from a myth.

With just a few leaps, they vanished through the front doors of the Pokémon Center.

"Uh…" Su Bai blinked, speechless, lowering his raised hand.

"Is it just me, or is her chuunibyou getting worse?"

"Should I have Rotom give her a little zap?"

Beside him, Murong Nan gave a helpless smile and apologized on behalf of her overexcited best friend.

"Ahem… Sorry about that."

"As an apology… can I buy you dinner?"

Three Days Later – Afternoon, Outside Haicheng's City Gates

A massive crowd had gathered at the city's entrance.

Su Bai stood at the forefront alongside Zhu Jianyuan, while behind them, countless trainers waited with their Pokémon.

Everyone stared at the landscape before them, eyes wide in stunned awe.

The Pokémon phenomenon had been ongoing for nearly three days—and now, the transformation was complete.

Over the past seventy-two hours, Pokémon had not only descended into the world, but their presence had also reshaped the environment.

Previously withered trees and flowers—once choked by deathly miasma—were now blooming with vibrant new life.

The berries planted by the people of Haicheng were emitting a fragrant, refreshing aroma that lifted the soul.

For the citizens of Haicheng, this wasn't just the end of a transformation.

It was the beginning of a brand new world.

And each person present had contributed to that rebirth.

Now, it was finally time—for them to explore the great unknown.

These trainers, gathered here at the city gates, would be the first humans in history to make contact with wild Pokémon.

From this moment on, Pokémon would become an integral part of human life.

The corruption and destruction wrought by the death beasts would slowly be replaced by the life-giving presence of Pokémon.

What surprised Su Bai the most was how well the people had restrained themselves during the wait.

All the City Lord's Mansion had done was issue a simple order: do not leave the city for three days.

For powerful Awakeners with the right means, sneaking out wouldn't have been difficult.

And yet… not a single person disobeyed.

For humans used to the bleakness of a miasma-choked world, this new land brought by Pokémon was an overwhelming temptation.

One or two resisting that temptation might be normal.

But for an entire city to hold back?

That spoke volumes.

They were terrified of doing anything—anything at all—that might jeopardize the arrival of the Pokémon.

"Everyone… You've done incredibly well," Su Bai said sincerely as he sat astride Charizard, floating in the air above the crowd.

"As the owner of the Pokémon Center, and as a Pokémon Tamer—I want to thank you all for your patience and your contribution."

"I know everyone is eager to explore the world of Pokémon, so I'll keep this short."

"But before we go, I need to share some important information."

The huge crowd immediately fell silent.

Thousands of people, young and old, stared up at Su Bai—this man who had changed their city, and who now stood at the heart of a changing world.

Each of his words echoed clearly into the ears of those gathered.

"The Pokémon World is new—and unfamiliar."

"Unlike death beasts, Pokémon don't have an overwhelming urge to attack humans."

"But that doesn't mean they're harmless."

"Pokémon are territorial, and they will defend themselves if they feel threatened."

"Which is why I strongly advise anyone without combat or survival abilities to avoid wandering into the wild."

He pointed toward a wide path that extended into the newly transformed land.

"But don't worry—we haven't forgotten about everyone else."

"This road here has been cleared and designated safe. If you stick to it, you shouldn't encounter any aggressive Pokémon."

"Of course, traveling this road won't contribute to your exploration score, since it's not meant for exploration."

"It's meant to let everyday people safely experience this new world. A place to witness its beauty without fear."

As Su Bai finished, waves of cheers erupted from the crowd.

Especially among the ordinary citizens—those without Pokémon, who had feared being left behind—his words brought immense relief.

Just being able to see the new world, free from death and decay, was more than enough to stir their hearts.

The crowd's roaring excitement forced Su Bai to pause for a moment and smile.

He motioned for silence, then turned toward the eager trainers at the front of the formation.

"Now… it's your turn."

"Exploring the world of Pokémon—that's your mission."

"So tell me—are you ready?"

"Are you ready to embrace this new world?!"