Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game.

"Hey~ (Hey, this is a little gift for you~)"

Doronchi circled around the Burning Worm, which reminded the latter of the Poison Baby that appeared in swarms in that world, both equally silly.

She spent most of this week alone with Xia Chen and hadn't seen Duolongqi and the others much, so she didn't develop much enthusiasm for him out of affection for him.

Despite not being afraid of life, the Burning Worm is quite cautious – ever since it accepted the task given to it by "Light".

That evil and eerie gaze, the terrifying look that sent chills down Chong's spine at the mere thought of it, remained buried deep within her heart, lingering there forever.

This brought about a change in Burning Worm that she herself did not notice, a caution that even her close partner, Doronchi, did not immediately trust.

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Chapter 356 Gathering, Xia Chen's Friends' Reunion!

Dorgonchi is not a dragon who is afraid of being rejected. If he had someone he liked, he would probably be called "Boiling Dragon" for his behavior.

So when he saw the not-so-enthusiastic Burning Insect, he didn't care much, just assuming it was because the Burning Insect was shy.

After forcing the energy gem onto the Burning Worm, Doronchi circled around her with a grin, trying to cheer her up and ease her nervousness and shyness.

Her self-righteous approach did not resolve Burning Worm's inner conflict; she continued to watch Doronchi's performance with a blank expression.

Fortunately, the observant Gardevoir noticed Salamence's mood in time and stopped Dragapult, thus ending what could hardly be called a farce.

Having learned from Doronchi's mistake, the other elves gradually lost their desire to pry into the secrets.

Without this special bond, although they didn't say it, they felt a slight distance from their new partner.

Xia Chen, who was paying attention to this area, saw it all but didn't say anything, just silently kept it in mind.

Burning Bug is still young and probably doesn't understand social etiquette or the concept of "in the world, you rely on power." He'll be better when he grows up.

Let's leave that matter aside for now.

The next day was another sunny day, and the temperature rose to nearly 20 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable and pleasant.

The weather in Zhijiang is so unpredictable.

With only one day left before the gathering begins, the invited guests are gradually arriving at Yuanling Island.

The first person to arrive on the island was Mingyi, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. Accompanying her was Nimo, Xia Chen's senior who had been well taken care of during his trip to the Padia region.

Due to its geographical location and climate, Orange Academy's holidays are very strange. Unlike Donghuang's winter and summer vacation system, this is the beginning of the longest holiday at the end of the year.

However, even without holidays, given the open academic atmosphere of that famous academy, sneaking away to Donghuang for a few days wouldn't be a problem.

…………

"Claver wanted to come over for a visit, but unfortunately he's busy with the holiday week."

The student council president addresses the current principal by his full name and refers to him as "this guy," which can be considered a unique example of "filial piety."

Nemo still looked youthful, energetic, and full of vitality. When she first visited Xia Chen's new home and saw the brand-new battlefield, she immediately felt the urge to have a match.

Xia Chen flatly rejected this battle maniac without any hesitation.

It's been almost half a year since I last saw my childhood sweetheart. What's the point of us not reminiscing and talking about love when we finally meet again? Instead, I'm going to have a battle with her.

Nemo pursed her lips and remained silent.

Mingyi watched Qingmei bickering with her best friend and smiled.

Since Xia Chen left Padia, she has been on a gym challenge journey and has now collected all eight badges.

After I return from this holiday, I will be able to attend the League Conference to be held in Tabletop City next March.

After half a year of living outdoors in harsh conditions, this girl's skin is still fair, though she does look a little thinner.

Whether it's the contrast of his waistline or some growth, he seems to have grown up a bit, making him the complete opposite of a certain current Unova champion.

Mingyi's strength has also grown. When they parted, only Serperior and Cinderace had barely reached the elite level. Now, except for the pseudo-legendary Frostleaf, which has not yet evolved into its third form, they all have the strength of the elite level.

Compared to Xia Chen, there is definitely a big gap, but even in the elite Orange Academy, such a leap is a remarkable growth rate.

Nemo said that at the same age, she probably couldn't beat Mingyi.

As to whether this was modesty or the truth, Xia Chen had no way of knowing.

Speaking of which, Xia Chen also invited Papa, with whom he had a strange experience, and Qi Shu, the Gym Leader of Brewmaster City, from Padia.

Unfortunately, Xia Chen couldn't get in touch with the former, and the latter couldn't come because of the long distance, so he had to give up.

However, he plans to go to Padia early next year to resolve the issue of Doraki's evolution. If he has time then, he might visit Miss Kiju, who may or may not be a caged bird.

…………

Before Nemo and Mingyi had even finished touring their new home, more guests arrived on the island—

Superpower Queen, Unova's new champion, Xia Chen's mentor, Miss Cattleya, has graced us with her presence.

This guy flew directly eastward across the lake next to the villa on a sword, exuding an ethereal aura. The "sword" he rode was actually a super-evolved Metagross.

"Why does it need Mega Evolution? I don't remember Mega Evolution Metagross being faster!"

Xia Chen came out to greet him and asked him something.

Actually, Xia Chen remembered it wrong. Mega Metagross is indeed much faster than its normal form, but that's not why Gadria is faster.

"I heard you fainted on the battlefield a few days ago because of Mega Evolution. That was so embarrassing. After Mega Evolution, Metagross and I didn't feel any difference in our mental and physical strength."

She said this out of the blue, it was unclear whether she was mocking or encouraging her, but Xia Chen felt that given Cattleya's wicked nature, the former was more likely.

He couldn't help but retort, "That's because Gardevoir and Sylveon both Mega Evolved in the same match, simultaneously, understand?"

Caitlya released her Mega Alakazam and Mega Gallade from the Poké Ball, and Xia Chen remained silent.

She welcomed Gadria, who was already angry with her, into the house and had Xia Chen take her to her room to rest.

Xia Chen knew that with this guy's mental strength, which was even more terrifying than hers, he wasn't really tired; he just didn't want to communicate with Ming Yini Mo.

Cattleya has never had any concept of polite social interaction; she doesn't like wasting time on such useless things.

If it were an ordinary person, even a champion, they would inevitably be affected by this. But Gadalia is completely different; she is adorably unconventional.

Nemo, who was quite interested in this famous superhero champion, was turned away before she could even start talking to him, which was inevitably a bit frustrating.

But the girl, naturally cheerful and enthusiastic, forgot about the incident after running around and playing in the flower field where many skirt-wearing ladies and cherry blossoms lived.

After settling Nemo and Gadria in, Xia Chen finally had some time alone with his childhood sweetheart.

They strolled along the clear stream that ran through the island, chatting casually and without restraint.

From Xia Chen's almost forgotten childhood anecdotes to her experiences during this year's study tour, and even her visions for the future, the awkwardness caused by not seeing each other for so long was gradually replaced by a familiar atmosphere.

…………

"In just a few years, you've become an excellent trainer and researcher, and even realized your dream of opening a gym. If Uncle Xia and the others were still here, they would be so happy."

Mingyi suddenly brought up Xia Chen's parents, who had been missing in the Alola region for several years.

This was the first time since the two had started dating. In the past, she would always carefully avoid this sensitive topic that might upset Xia Chen.

Now, perhaps seeing that Xia Chen has grown up, or perhaps for some other reason, she brings up the old story again.

In fact, Xia Chen himself didn't mind. The main reason was that, as a time traveler, he didn't have a deep emotional connection with his parents, who only existed in his memories.

However, it was still something he cared about in this world. He nodded and replied, "Next year or the year after, I want to go to Alora. I think they are still alive."

Although the search team concluded that the disappearance was even more thorough than evaporating from the face of the earth, Xia Chen possessed some prophetic knowledge that did not belong to this world—the Ultimate Hole.

That is a mysterious passage connecting this world with the Ultimate Space. In the game, a large number of Pokémon called [Ultra Beasts] live there.

Even in the ultimate metropolis, there are still humans; perhaps our parents are still alive in that world.

Mingyi was unaware of these things. She assumed that Xia Chen hadn't given up on the idea yet, and comforted him by saying, "Yes, that must be it."

Walking back to the lakeside villa along the stream, we saw Michael and Daigo, the two best buddies, arriving on the island under Christa's guidance.

Since the Hoenn region is relatively close, they naturally arrived a little earlier.

After exchanging greetings and hugs, Mikey said, "Teacher Adam said he wouldn't participate in your young people's gathering anymore. Actually, he has an appointment with Jiaren, and Qianli has some things to take care of, so he won't be coming over until tomorrow."

Xia Chen smiled and nodded, "I understand. By the way, how are things between you and Naqi?"

Ruby and May, Michael and Naki, after arriving in Hoenn, Xia Chen found himself becoming increasingly gossipy, showing signs of becoming a matchmaker.

Mikoli smiled slightly, not disappointing Xia Chen, "The wedding will be held next spring. Please be sure to attend. It would be even better if you could be the best man."

Xia Chen pouted, "I'm happy just eating dog food. As for being a best man, let Dai Wu be the best man."

Daigo, who was admiring the beautiful Yunze Lake stones in the courtyard, was cued when he heard himself mentioned. He looked up in confusion with an "Ah".

Xia Chen couldn't help but laugh and said, "Won't Da Wu-sang spend the rest of his life with stones, will he?"

"of course not!"

Daigo's resolute voice made Xia Chen raise an eyebrow in surprise. Had this stone-obsessed guy finally come to his senses?

But the handsome blue-haired boy said firmly, "And the beautiful Steel-type Pokémon!"

Xia Chen: "."

…………

This is obviously a joke. Although Steven likes Rock and Steel-type Pokémon, he is still a normal human with a penchant for fun.

When not digging for stones, the young master of the Devon Group is dashing and debonair, so President Zvoich has no need to worry about the future successor.

After settling the two into the guest room, Xia Chen didn't take them wandering around the house this time.

These guys all came alone or in pairs. If a pair comes, they'll go around once, so he doesn't have to do anything today.

In fact, Xia Chen still has a lot to prepare for tomorrow's gathering.

As expected, in the afternoon, Professor Oak, Brock, and Blue from Kanto, Marshall, Karen, and Cucumber Korrina from Carlos, Alder and Dale from Unova, and the three members of the Ryūno family from Utopia all arrived on the island in groups.

The woman who made her grand finale appearance was that woman.

By this time, the party hadn't officially started yet, but everyone had already arrived.

Thus, a grand gathering with a combined number of attendees and sprites that could reach three digits began ahead of schedule.