Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

"I wasn't talking about that ball of fire."

Ash shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the depths of the flame.

His pupils reflected the vibrant orange-red light.

"It's something from the fire."

Upon hearing this, the firebird, which had been hiding in the center of the flames, almost lost its balance and revealed its true form on the spot.

No?

I only glanced at you a few times because of your boss-like aura.

How did you even notice me?

Is it true that the hero chosen by Phoenix King this time has such a strong sixth sense?

Moltres grumbled to itself and shrank even deeper into the flames.

No wonder the leader refused to tell them anything more about this hero—

So it's meant to be a surprise for them!

As for why it hides in the fire... you don't really believe that any flame can never go out, do you?

That's impossible! Even Pokémon has its basic rules!

The reason for this legend is that it personally attends every conference, shining brightly and burning itself to illuminate others!

After all, it's not just humans; Pokémon also enjoy watching the excitement!

Not to mention the location on the Olympic flame platform, which is even more VIP than the VIP seats. Not only does it offer a 360-degree panoramic view without any blind spots, but it's also free!

"...What's in the fire?"

The bewildered Gary followed Ash's gaze and looked toward the sacred flame.

What is that?

Apart from the outline of the flame, which was unusually bold and resembled a large bird with outstretched wings, he couldn't make out anything else.

"Are you referring to historical origins?"

In order not to lose face, Xiao Mao tried to save face by recalling a secret story he had once seen at his grandfather's house.

"There is indeed some explanation for that."

"Historical origins?"

Ash scratched the back of his head, then turned to look at Pikachu.

“Pikachu..…”

Pikachu shook its head, indicating that the mouse didn't know.

Seeing that Ash was unfamiliar with something, Gary immediately perked up and began to explain it to him.

"This all started with the origins of the Quartz Conference..."

"Back then, the Kanto League hadn't been established yet, and the main format of the Indigo League wasn't Pokémon battles at all; it was mostly just free-for-all battles..."

"Oh! That was indeed a passionate era."

Xiao Zhi, who knew this, looked on with longing.

"Pickup!"

Xiaomao: "......"

He watched the master and pet nod in perfect unison, and his lips twitched. He felt a subtle sense of frustration, as if the momentum he had been building up for so long had been extinguished by a bucket of water.

"...Even if it's about passion, the problems are still obvious."

Xiao Mao decides to skip that part and continue with his story.

"That means it's okay during the day when there's light, but once night falls, it's pitch black and you can't see anything, which greatly affects everyone's efficiency."

"So, a few thoughtful people from the Kanto region started to study it."

"They discovered that some Pokémon in nature are born with their own fire, and once you persuade them with an item, it is very convenient to use at night."

"Based on the principle of mutual help, they spread the word about this discovery, and as a result, everyone started using their fists or tools to persuade Pokémon to help, which greatly promoted the development of the Pokémon trainer profession..."

"By the way, this is also the historical reason why Charizard is one of the three starter Pokémon in Kanto."

"After all, unlike other Pokémon, the flames on its tail can not only keep burning, but it can even fly, making it an extremely convenient mobile light source."

Ash nodded repeatedly, and Pikachu tilted its head, looking like it understood.

"But there weren't many fire-breathing dragons at that time, so some clever people put their ideas on the Moltres, which had a brighter flame and could also fly."

"Of course, the Moltres is so powerful that it is not something that ordinary people can match. But the people of Kanto may not have much else, but their steely will is innate and they will never succumb to difficulties."

"Thus, through the unremitting efforts of generations, the simple and honest people of Kanto also discovered that rocks have an extremely strong ability to restrain Moltres, which is a Flying-type Fire-type Pokémon."

"What followed was only natural. On a dark and windy night, a warrior finally managed to capture the first Moltres by taking advantage of type advantage and his strong arms."

"This is the origin of the sacred flame."

"Amazing!"

A crisp exclamation burst forth from the side.

Nemo, barely breathing, had somehow moved to Ash's other side.

I was trying to come over and arrange a time with Ash, but I never expected to overhear such a secret!

It's no wonder it's the Kanto region!

They dare to subdue even legendary beings; their will is truly as strong as iron!

I wonder what Rock-type Pokémon that warrior used...

Moltres: "......."

Its eyes were fixed on Xiao Mao's direction.

It said, "Why is the reputation of the Moltres clan so severely damaged?"

What "dark and windy night" and what "warrior"? Are these two places even correct? You're just making up unofficial history and spreading it everywhere!

good good!

You little brat! That mollusk isn't exactly a gentle bird!

It remembers this face very clearly!

Once a certain conference is over, make sure those bird-like creatures don't see it, or you'll be in big trouble!

........

On stage, Musashi, who had snatched the right to light the fire from Meow Meow and Kojiro, had a slightly dirty hem.

She pushed up the glasses she was using to disguise herself.

She hadn't expected that the three of them had originally planned to work part-time at the Quartz Convention to earn some extra money.

I never expected that I would become a model worker while doing this job.

The staff at this conference are really lazy and not diligent at all!

If Boss Sakaki saw this, he would be so proud of them!

But then again...

Musashi frowned and glanced down at the fire-starting stick in his hand.

Why is the Olympic flame so hot?

Even through the thick fireproof gloves, I could feel a scorching heat rising up, and my palms were almost blistered.

She remembered that the ignition stick was warm during training.

And... why does this color seem a lot redder than before?

Shaking his head, Musashi strode towards the huge bronze sacred fire basin directly in front of the three high platforms and inserted the ignition stick into the bottom of the basin.

With a loud bang.

The flames, as if they had been waiting impatiently, exploded with a roar.

The crimson flames shot straight up to the dome, spreading out in mid-air and transforming into the shape of a giant bird about to take flight.

Wings, tail feathers, and raised head—every feature is so clearly defined it looks like a living thing.

The heatwave surged and spread outwards, brushing against the faces of everyone in the stands.

They paid special attention to a certain blond, spiky-haired boy in the field.

After being pulled by Ash, Gary touched his burning cheeks, completely bewildered.

No, are there really that many hidden dangers associated with quartz crystals?

If Ash hadn't pulled him out, his hair would have almost been set on fire, right?

Unlike Xiao Mao, who was still shaken, a deafening cheer erupted from the stage.

"So handsome!!"

"It's shaped like a bird! The special effects are so realistic!"

"This effect must have cost a fortune! I heard that the Quartz Conference's annual budget for the torch alone is..."

Upon hearing this, Dama Lanqi burst out laughing on the podium.

Special effects? What special effects?

This can't compare to just getting a Moltres!

After all, the former requires money to support a team for research and development, while the latter only needs a few words of praise and some food to shine!

It's worry-free, effortless, and saves you money!

The only problem is that this bird is petty and has a bad temper. Every year, you have to praise it in different ways, and if you are not careful, it will hold a grudge.

but......

What does this have to do with me, who is retiring this year?