You're not allowed to play Pokémon!

Chapter 396, Zone Zero: The Black Sky Thrower Reappears!
The next day, Qingyu set off for Jinhui Town early in the morning.

Jin Hui Town, located in western Padiya, is a town exuding a nostalgic atmosphere. It has also become a home to many restaurant headquarters due to its exceptionally developed food culture.

Of course, besides these, it also has natural geographical advantages—

As the lowest-lying area and closest to the surface of Sector Zero, the Alliance chose to build the entrance near Jinhui Town when initially exploring Sector Zero.

This refers to the currently blocked Zone Zero gate.

By riding a Pokémon with the ability to fly, you can enter the outer area of ​​Sector Zero from here.

If nothing unexpected happens, my trip to Jinhui Town, which was specifically requested by Chairman Yeci, will likely have its ultimate goal related to the mysterious Zero District.

Riding on Milton, whose physique was even more robust than before, Qingyu could already vaguely see the outline of the town in the distance.

The town is not very large, and apart from the numerous restaurants neatly arranged on both sides of the road, the location of Jinhui Dojo is also quite eye-catching.

but……

Qingyu had no intention of going to Jinhui Dojo.

The reason is simple: Uncle Aoki and he had arranged to meet at the Treasure Diner.

That is the most famous restaurant in Jinhui Town. It has no intention of becoming a chain, yet it is a miracle restaurant that has been able to consistently rank first on the best-review list in Patia and crush a number of high-end catering companies.

Speaking of Jinhui Town, it would be a shame not to visit it.

"Gah~"

Milton seemed to have noticed the aroma emanating from the shop not far away, and unusually responded to Qingyu with a light, metallic tone.

For it, Jinhui Town must be what paradise should be like, with all sorts of delicious food practically permeating the town...

Qingyu couldn't help but think.

After pushing open the door and entering the Bao Canteen, he subconsciously began to observe his surroundings.

As expected, the layout was simple, just like I remembered. However, even though it was morning, the cafeteria was already almost full, and the chefs were busy wielding their spatulas.

After all, in the game, the Pokémon Canteen also has the function of changing the type of Pokémon to Crystal, and I've been there quite a few times before.

However, the most distinctive feature of this store is... naturally, the entirely wooden battle arena in the center, enclosed by a fence.

Compared to Jinhui Dojo, Uncle Aoki seems to prefer accepting challenges from newcomers here.

The memory abruptly ended, and Qingyu immediately looked away, turning her gaze to the other side.

In an inconspicuous corner seat, the figure of a somewhat hunched office worker, whose edges have been worn down by life, seems to blend into the environment.

Even amidst the bustling activity around him, the man remained quietly seated, savoring a perfectly colored grilled rice ball. Unless one deliberately sought him out, he was virtually unnoticed.

Moreover, despite wearing a suit that should naturally boost confidence, he exuded an aura of decadence.

As for who this person is, there is no need to say more.

The only designated ox or horse in Padia, the ultimate corporate slave who does three jobs—

Aoki is also!

"Hey, Uncle Aoki."

Qingyu walked over without any hesitation, sat down in the seat opposite Qingmu, and waved to him.

"Ah."

Aoki nodded but did not respond, continuing with his grand plan to make a living.

It wasn't until Qingyu stared at his prominent dark circles and thinning hair for a while that he finally looked up and spoke, somewhat puzzled:
"Aren't you going to order something to eat? The rest of the day's itinerary might be quite tiring."

"And... the little guy next to you seems to be longing for a delicious breakfast too?"

Qingyu was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at her side.

Milton, who had followed him into the Treasure Canteen, was sitting on the ground in a very elegant and obedient "hen squat" posture. Judging from his lower body, he seemed very aloof.

However, its raised head and the burning gaze fixed on the grilled rice balls on the wooden plate betrayed its true thoughts.

"..."

Qingyu could only sigh and rub her forehead in exasperation.

Shouldn't you be glad that the "Paradise Guardian Dragon" you found wasn't Guleton?
If Milton were not a Pokémon from the future, it might not even have salivary glands, and it might be drooling all over the place by now.

"It's okay. Pokémon Cafeteria is a very Pokémon-friendly restaurant, and most of the food there is suitable for Pokémon tastes."

Noticing Qingyu's helpless expression, Qingmu smiled and, unusually, perked up, speaking.

"Since you are the host, you and your companions can eat as much as you want this time. It's just breakfast, I can afford it."

"...Is this really true?"

"of course."

Aoki nodded.

After receiving a confirmed reply from Aoki, Aoba suddenly raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Since Uncle Aoki has already said so, being too polite would seem like being too distant.

Without further hesitation, Qingyu immediately took out several Poké Balls from his pocket.

"Time to get out and eat, everyone!"

……

"I'm so sorry, we've used up all the ingredients we prepared this morning, so we really can't cook anything else!"

About an hour later, looking at the mountain of plates piled up in front of him, which was as tall as a person, Aoki's lips twitched violently a few times.

What should he say at this point?

No wonder Qingyu's main force has improved its combat power so quickly. You can tell just by looking at their daily diet. They are all big consumers of energy.

"Hmm~"

Especially that female Servant, could its stomach be connected to another dimension like Gengar's?

Of the mess on the table, at least 70% was its handiwork, and it still seemed to be enjoying itself.

If the head chef of Bao Canteen hadn't personally apologized and said there wasn't enough food, they might have continued to increase the amount and set a new record for the longest winning streak since Bao Canteen was founded!

"You've worked hard, General..."

Aoki put his hand to his forehead, preparing to take his wallet out of his pocket.

For a typical office worker, this one meal alone could probably bankrupt them...

Fortunately, besides being a "regular member," I also have two side jobs: being the club owner and the king, so I'm not short of money for this meal.

"I have a feeling that bringing Qingyu here isn't a good thing..."

After paying the bill, Aoki shook his head helplessly.

Money is a minor matter; the main thing is that I took a day off today to entertain him, something I hadn't done in a long time, thus breaking my perfect attendance record. However, compared to this meaningless and strange achievement, the important matter is more important.

After all, even though I said I had taken leave, I was actually still working overtime in another sense.

Can I really hold on until I'm forty and retire on time?

No, that's not right.

Given how much trust Ye Ci has in herself, even if she resigned voluntarily, it would be absolutely impossible for her to pass the review...

I feel like my life has suddenly become much darker.

"Today's destination isn't far, so it'll be a good post-meal exercise to aid digestion. Come along with me for a while."

Aoki stood up, spoke to Aoyu, and then walked out on his own.

After quickly using a Poké Ball to recall his Pokémon, Qingyu immediately followed.

After walking side by side for a few seconds, a dejected-looking Aoki suddenly spoke up and asked Aoba a question:
"Qingyu, how much do you know about Zone Zero?"

"I think you can more or less guess why Ye Ci would specifically ask you to come to Jinhui Town, right?"

As a mature and reliable member of society, he immediately got the answer he wanted from Qingyu's reaction after he spoke.

However, he still hoped that Qingyu would say it herself.

“Zero Zone… a giant crater discovered when humans first appeared in the Padia region, which has attracted humans to explore it for two thousand years.”

After a moment's thought, Qingyu took the initiative to speak.

“About two hundred years ago, Hezer and his expedition team ventured into Zone Zero and left behind those two exploration diaries that are ridiculed by many.”

"Shortly after his exploration ended, a special phenomenon called 'Tycrystallization' was first discovered inside Zone Zero, the cause of which remains unknown to this day."

"In order to study the teratogenic phenomenon, more than a decade ago, Dr. Orlin and Dr. Futu led a team into Zone Zero, established observation posts inside, and gradually elucidated the principle of teratogenicity."

"And then... that accident that happened about a year ago, right?"

Aoba's detailed reply caused Aoki to show a clear look of surprise.

He's never been to Zone Zero and is just a kid who's barely come of age, yet he's going to delve into information about Zone Zero?
But soon he realized what was going on, and his expression showed more sympathy.

makes sense……

After all, the former gym leaders of Sunny City Gym, that elite trainer couple who were quite strong, were temporarily assigned to work as guards in Area Zero due to a shortage of manpower in the League, and ultimately lost contact with the expedition team until now.

That's why he took the initiative to learn about the information about Sector Zero. Perhaps Ci also hopes that he can be the main member of the next operation to go deep into Sector Zero?

Aoki sighed inwardly, then looked ahead and spoke:
"As one of the biggest victims, I think you have the right to know the details of that accident."

Upon hearing this, Qingyu's attention was immediately drawn to it.

After all, it concerned his parents, and even though nearly a year had passed, their chances of survival were extremely slim. He hoped to obtain more information.

“Last May, Dr. Orin and Dr. Futu observed a special energy fluctuation at the deepest part of Zone Zero, and at the same time, a brand new terrestrial crystal phenomenon that had never been recorded before was also recorded.”

"Because of this discovery, the alliance has once again established a temporary investigation team—the largest ever—solely to ensure the safety of the research team."

"But the result... what exactly happened deep within Zone Zero is unknown to anyone still in the Alliance. All that is known is that none of the nearly one hundred elites who accompanied the team have returned, and the four observation outposts built inside Zone Zero have also completely lost contact."

Aoki paused after speaking.

"As for why we didn't choose to send anyone into Zone Zero, we'll understand once we witness it firsthand."

After saying that, Aoki stopped walking.

Before they knew it, the two had arrived at the gate of Zone Zero, which had already been sealed off.

"Although we don't have permission yet, we don't need to open the gate if we just want to take a look down."

After Aoki finished speaking, he gestured for Aoba to enter and pointed to the terrace next to him.

"I will be assigned by Ye Ci to guard Jinhui Town, and there is also the consideration of coming over from time to time to observe the situation inside the Zero District."

Qingyu did not reply, but nodded silently and immediately walked towards the place Qingmu pointed to.

Using special observation equipment, after passing through the thick fog surrounding Zone Zero, his eyes widened instantly.

Because he knew more or less about the plot, Qingyu actually had some idea of ​​what was going on inside the Zero District, but he only thought that there might be a certain number of Paradox Pokémon and probably some other ordinary Pokémon that had wandered in by mistake.

But actually...

At least within his observation range, there were no Pokémon in the outer layer of Sector Zero.

The entire Zeroth District seemed to fall into a deathly silence.

"Doesn't it seem strange?"

Aoki's voice suddenly came, bringing Aoba back to his senses as he was trying to find any proof of Pokémon's existence.

"The Zero District, which is listed as the Alliance's top secret and which we avoid like the plague, is actually such a boring place."

"The reason...it seems you'll find out soon enough."

Aoki's voice carried a hint of helplessness, and he quickly helped Aoyu adjust the angle to look into one of the less conspicuous caves.

"Based on past patterns, those guys should have shown up by now."

?

Just as Aoba was looking confused and was about to ask Aoki what kind of riddle he was talking about...

Suddenly, several Pokémon that he recognized very well appeared from the cave entrance at the same time, causing Qingyu to frown subconsciously.

That was a group of paradoxical Pokémon, including three ancient species and four future species.

The majestic teeth and iron tracks that he had seen with his own eyes, the Roaring Moon and Iron Warrior that he had learned about from Pipa's notes, and the Roaring Tail, Iron Poison Moth and Iron Thorn that only existed in his memory.

"Is this...impossible?"

Qingyu murmured subconsciously.

According to the game's lore, Paradox Pokémon are not creatures that travel in groups, and the Ancient and Future species are even sworn enemies.

They are so cold and cruel that they don't even spare their own kind, so how could they possibly be with their enemies?

However, before Qingyu could even begin to think, a loud dragon roar that followed interrupted his attention.

Along with the majestic dragon's roar, there also appeared...

The massive meteorite hurtled straight toward the location where the Paradox Pokémon appeared. Its terrifying speed caused it to violently rub against the air and directly covered its outer shell with a layer of raging flames.

Qingyu was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously looked up at the sky.

Its jet-black shell is covered with dark gold patterns, and a pair of scarlet eyes seem to be able to pierce through the mist and see everything inside the giant pit.

The loud and majestic dragon roar just now clearly came from that giant dragon.

There's no mistake, that's...

Black Rayquaza!
(End of this chapter)