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

As he spoke, Pei Jingguo pressed his hand into the recessed slot of the Pokédex.

The device shook slightly.

A moment later, a silhouette appeared on its screen.

Su Bai glanced at Pei Jingguo, then at the Pokémon's shadowy image.

He couldn't help but nod.

Confirmed!

Although Pokémon selection is randomized, the first partner usually matches its trainer's personality and traits.

"It's Pawniard!" Su Bai raised an eyebrow and explained, "You got lucky!"

"Pawniard is a rare humanoid Pokémon, and both its arms are formed into sharp blades."

"Not only that, even its head and abdomen are equipped with blade-like edges."

"It's one of the few true weapon-type Pokémon!"

Despite only seeing it through the Pokédex, Pei Jingguo was instantly captivated by the fierce and defiant little Pokémon.

He grinned excitedly. "Say no more, boss! How much? I'm buying!"

"A Pokémon that lives and breathes the way of the blade—this was meant for me!"

Su Bai chuckled. "This one's priced at one million. It's equivalent in value to a starter-class Pokémon. Its final evolution might even surpass most starters."

Pei Jingguo didn't hesitate. He handed over his black credit card with both hands. "That's a bargain!"

For someone like him, it truly was. His sword alone was worth five hundred thousand—and that was just one piece of gear.

For elites like him, a million was pocket change.

Grotle, for example—if that battle beast was auctioned after its duel, it would easily fetch a sky-high price.

Su's Pet Shop—honest and fair!

Su Bai swiped the card, took the payment, and handed the Poké Ball to Pei Jingguo. He briefly explained how to use it.

Pei Jingguo listened carefully, though his eyes were glued to the newly released Pawniard—a proud, sharp-edged figure now standing before him.

The "First Sword of Haicheng", a man obsessed with the blade, was now entirely focused on his cool, arrogant little partner.

"Pawniard is a true training maniac," Su Bai added. "It trains every day without fail and never backs down from a fight, no matter how strong the opponent."

"Oh, and be careful with its blades. If they're damaged, it could be fatal."

"Each Pawniard treats its weapons like precious treasure."

"But you're a weapons expert, you probably know that already, huh?"

Pei Jingguo couldn't take his eyes off Pawniard. The more he looked, the more he liked it.

A training fiend that treasures its blades?

That's exactly like me!

And that proud attitude? Perfect.

A true swordsman should have some edge, both literally and figuratively!

Wild Pawniards honed their blades on river stones. But his Pawniard would have access to the finest sharpening stones in the country!

This Pokémon was practically made for him.

"Phew… finally found it!"

Just as Su Bai was about to discuss Pawniard's future training with Pei Jingguo, two breathless voices rang out from the door.

Su Bai looked over and spotted two familiar faces waving black crystal cards at him.

"Ding Yue? Li Xiaoyu?" Su Bai blinked in surprise. "You're here already? Didn't wait for the ranking matches to end?"

The two girls noticed Pei Jingguo was already in the shop, and that a cool-looking Pawniard now stood beside him.

Ding Yue pouted. "Why wait for the rankings? Even this guy bailed. What's the point of us losers hanging around?"

"Besides, it's obvious, future rankings will be based on Pokémon battles."

"We're just preparing ahead of time!"

She leaned closer to Pawniard, curiously tapping on its metallic chest. "Whoa, it's like armor!"

"And its hands, are those swords?"

"This is the Pokémon Pei Jingguo got? Looks just as arrogant as he is."

Then she stepped back and raised her card.

"Anyway, don't forget why we're here!"

"I need to train a powerful Pokémon and take back my dignity from Murong Nan!"

"Boss, you still in business or what?"

Su Bai laughed as she practically shoved her card in his face.

He took it, then passed her the Pokédex.

"Alright, let's begin."

"But first, the rules: you can only draw once. No rerolls."

"You must decide whether to buy before drawing again."

Ding Yue and Li Xiaoyu nodded eagerly.

They'd already tasted defeat at the hands of others' Pokémon, they knew exactly how powerful they could be.

If money could solve it, then it wasn't a real problem.

Top-tier Awakeners never worried about money.

Under their impatient urging, Su Bai quickly explained the process.

Ding Yue went first.

A small bird appeared before her.

Its head was bright orange-red, with a yellow triangle-shaped marking behind its eyes. Its body and wings were gray.

Its tail was the most distinct, white and V-shaped, like a feathered arrow.

"So tiny!" Ding Yue crouched down carefully and held out her hand.

The little bird hopped onto her palm, chirping sweetly.

But her face looked a little unsure. "It kinda looks like a sparrow… Boss, are you sure this isn't just a regular bird?"

Su Bai nearly rolled his eyes. "Come on, this is an honest business!"

"That's Fletchling."

"You actually got pretty lucky."

"Fletchling might not be rare, but it's an extremely practical Pokémon."

"It's part Flying-type and can learn Fire-type moves."

"It evolves quickly, too. One of the best beginner Pokémon out there."

"Among bird-types, Fletchling is top-tier for speed, huge advantage in battle."

"And it's cheap. Only 400,000."

This was the classic starter bird, the go-to early game partner for countless players.

It loved humans, trained easily, and when it evolved into Talonflame, its signature Brave Bird attack could even rattle pseudo-legendaries!

With a base Speed stat of 126, it almost always got the first strike in a duel.

At just 400,000 credits, the value was through the roof.

Sensing Ding Yue's hesitation, Fletchling lowered its head sadly.

Its feathers grew noticeably warmer.

"Ah! You're getting hot!" Ding Yue exclaimed.

"Are you upset?"

"This little one is way too perceptive!"

Feeling guilty, she gently brought the bird up to eye level and apologized.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that."

"You're not some ordinary bird."

"We're going to become the best partners ever!"

Fletchling perked up, happily nuzzling her cheek.

Su Bai smiled. "Many Pokémon are incredibly sensitive. They can sense your emotions."

"Doubting your Pokémon is a big no-no."

"The bond between trainer and Pokémon runs deeper than most professional partnerships."

"Just because a Pokémon is cheap doesn't mean it's weak. Train your Fletchling well, and it'll surprise you!"