This elf world is a bit strange

Anyway, although there were some minor disturbances, as everyone in the research society left one after another and the Scaled Dragon returned to the team, life returned to normal.

Without any special arrangements, Firio just stayed in the Golden Gym. Every day he either trained by himself, or practiced with Nancy who had finished her own work, or gave some guidance to the apprentices in the gym. His life was very regular.

Until an invitation was delivered to the Golden Gym personally by a special guest.

......

......

In order to succeed his father Aju, who had gone to the Johto region to serve as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, after undergoing a long period of assessment as an acting gym leader, Axing was finally allowed to become the official gym leader of the alliance.

This young female ninja, who was powerful but always seemed a little green and immature, finally got what she wanted, and her inauguration ceremony was scheduled for three days later, on July 7th.

As good friends and former comrades-in-arms, and now colleagues of the museum owner, Nazi and Ma Zhishi were naturally also invited, and it was Ah Xing who visited them personally.

If it was an ordinary event, Nancy would definitely not attend, but would let her father Glo go instead. But after all, she is the daughter of her good friend Aju, and after visiting in person, she was also willing to go to the scene to show her support.

Then came the day of the ceremony.

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Light Red City is different from Golden Yellow City. It is a typical traditional city. Classical wooden and brick buildings are the mainstream here. Because of this, although the city is not small in size, the population is not as dense as that of a metropolis.

In the early years, there was a well-known wilderness area here, but now it has been replaced by a more interesting partner park. This leisure and outdoor experience place jointly built by the Kanto region and the Sinnoh region has attracted many tourists, especially the attention of traveling trainers, and has also added a lot of popularity to the city.

But if we really want to talk about the city's landmark building, it must be the Crimson Gym in the city center. It is not only one of the eight official gyms in Kanto, but also one of the largest existing ninja dojos in the world. It has been passed down for hundreds of years. The former gym owner, now one of the Four Heavenly Kings Aju, is a powerful man who has mastered the ninja way and poison attributes to perfection, and his daughter Axing is also practicing hard on this path.

Standing in front of the gym's gate, the plaque inscribed by Aju himself, "Poison Spreads Throughout the World", is the symbol of this holy land of ninjas.

But today, the numerous thorny defenses and tests for trainers have been removed, replaced with a warm and enthusiastic look to welcome the guests who have come from all regions.

......

......

"Secret and powerful, good at using everything as a weapon, hard to defend against, really feels like a ninja."

Walking on the wooden floor that was almost completely covered with countless spikes and collision marks, although Firion had never experienced the test of the gym himself, he was quite inspired and even felt a little itchy as a master of mechanism design.

At the same time, I also felt a little more sympathy for the trainers in the Kanto region.

After all, compared to the Kalos region, which is very willing and good at taking care of and training newcomers, traveling in a place like Kanto is a very difficult start. Growth may be faster, but the frustration and hardships will be several levels higher than other regions.

Nazi, who rarely changed into traditional clothes, walked slowly beside Filio in wooden clogs. After hearing his sigh, she saw what he was thinking at a glance and said with a smile, "If you are interested, I can also help you talk to A Xing and find a time for you two to compete with each other."

"I can't really call it a sparring match. I can't be compared with a professional ninja, but I'd like to ask for some advice on mechanical techniques... Eh? Isn't that Miss Ami from that day?"

He was pretending to be reserved when he suddenly saw a familiar figure at the corner ahead. He gently pulled Nazi's hand and pointed forward.

"Oh? Really? I didn't expect Lijia to be here too."

Nancy's eyes fixed on the beautiful older sister in kimono, and she raised her chin slightly.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Lijia and Ami, who were chatting not far away, turned their heads at the same time and came forward.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it, Nancy? I thought that Glo-senpai would also be participating this time. It seems that you have a good relationship with them. It would be great if I could see you more often in other activities in the future."

As the commander of one of the eight major gyms in the Kanto region, although her strength is a bit unworthy of her reputation, this eldest lady from the famous Yuhong family always has just the right temperament, and her words are gentle with a hint of complaint.

In fact, as the captain, she rarely has the opportunity to see Naz who almost never participates in various activities.

"If there is an event that I must attend, of course I will be there."

Nancy didn't comment, she pulled Firio over and was about to go around and head towards the venue.

She had never liked this gym leader who always lectured her every time they met. She didn't hate him, but she always felt he was a bit long-winded and nagging.

"Don't be so cold. Since we've met, why don't we go together? We're going to the venue as well. Besides, I'd also like to have a chance to communicate with Brother Filio."

Lijia smiled faintly, and did not give Nancy a chance to refuse. She pulled Ami, who was hesitant to speak, and followed the two of them, bowing gracefully to Filio.

The wooden clogs made a "clacking" sound as they stepped on the floor. Rika's gait was even lighter than Nancy's. She was obviously more suitable for this outfit. Compared with Nancy's elegant and mature temperament, she had the home advantage and they both had their own merits.

"Ms. Lijia, Miss Ami, good morning. Miss Ami and the Electric Dragon left a deep impression on us in Cerulean City. We didn't have a chance to say hello that day, and I thought you had already returned to Johto."

Nodding politely, Firio looked at Ami, who was the more familiar of the two, with a smile, and squeezed Nancy's hand imperceptibly. He and her slowed down their pace a little, keeping a small distance between themselves and Lijia.

The other party is very polite, so it is not right for me to be rude. I have to say a few polite words.

"I...no...I am..."

Firio forgot that Ami has always been shy about talking about her appetite.

After hearing what he said, the shy girl lowered her head and couldn't speak clearly.

Fortunately, Lijia acted as an interpreter: "She said that she was not in a hurry to go home, but made an appointment with me to play together in Kanto for a while."

"……Um."

After a while, Ami responded softly, but she still didn't raise her head, and kept it buried in her chest.

However, for Lijia, who is very good at communication, the mission of her best friend has been successfully completed.

Looking at Firion, who was trying to keep in line with Nancy and was polite but a little distant, she smiled and said, "I watched the entire Miare Conference this time, especially the one between you and Fengye. I was really impressed. Mega Dragonite was so powerful that everyone could see it. I believe Fengye also realized that there are always people who are better than you."

As the saying goes, you should never hit a smiling person. After hearing Lijia's praise, Firion had no choice but to express his appreciation. He could only be humble and polite and said, "My level is not worthy of your praise. I have heard from Master Fu that you and Miss Nazhong from Sinnoh are the straw mat experts who are closest to the level of the Four Heavenly Kings. If there is a chance in the future, I would like to ask the Wind Fairy to consult you more."

Unexpectedly, the small courtesy made her look delighted. She came closer and said seriously, "That's great. You are welcome to come to Yuhong anytime. I will definitely welcome you at Yuhong University and Yuhong Dojo. I think the students and apprentices will be very happy. How about setting the date after the youth competition?"

"Well...I..."

"He wouldn't have time."

Before Filio could think of any words, Nazhi had already rejected him outright. She suddenly exerted force on the hand that was holding Filio's, tightly clenching it, and her eyes became sharp.

"Eh……?"

Pretending to be surprised and lost, Lila covered most of her face with her long sleeves to hide her faint smile.

With a little trial, she realized that the relationship between Firion and Nancy was not ordinary. As she understood what was going on, the attributes of the little devil were fully aroused, causing Ami beside her to tremble all over.

After a moment's thought, Lijia pretended to be regretful: "Is it because Miss Korni wants you to go back? If so, I really can't force you to do anything..."

“You…!”

These simple words directly touched Nazhi's sore spot. In an instant, the small flame turned into a raging fire, and a battle seemed unstoppable.

However, facing Nancy who was about to explode, Lijia decisively ran to the corner in front with a few steps, turned around and chuckled, "If not, then I hope Firion can come to our Yuhong University and the gym to exchange ideas when he has time? I will definitely welcome you! See you later?"

After saying that, Lila pulled Ami, who seemed to want to say something, and before Nancy got completely angry, she turned around and slipped away without leaving any chance for revenge. She walked lightly and quickly, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"……hateful!"

Looking fiercely at Lijia's disappearing back, Nancy was angry but unable to retort. She could only clench her fists in hatred and look at Firio threateningly.

"Don't go."

"Ok."

Feeling the strength coming from the palm of his right hand, Firio chose to follow his heart and stand in the same trench with the beautiful Miss Nazi.

At a time like this, there was naturally no logic at all, and he had no intention of reasoning.

Just be a ruthless "Nazi is right" repeater.

Especially in front of a beautiful older sister whose attributes are a little bit similar to those of his girlfriend and whose elegant temperament makes people feel a sense of crisis.

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The hall of the dojo, the main venue for the inauguration ceremony.

Although she looked aloof, Nancy's temper always came and went quickly. By the time the ceremony started, she had basically calmed down. She only occasionally glared at Rika, who was standing not far away and had two dimples when she smiled.

On the stage, President Damalanchi was still using his standard catchphrase "I can't stand it anymore~" and giving a long speech that the guests in the audience couldn't stand in a physical sense.

After completing the handover ceremony, Aju was whispering encouragement to the woman who was now able to stand on her own, revealing a fatherly love and kindness that was rarely seen in normal times.

Ma Zhishi, a cheerful man, was impatient with the president's speech, but was quite moved by the conversation between the father and daughter. His expression was a little distorted for a moment, and it was difficult to tell what he meant.

Fortunately, his dilemma did not last long. As the restlessness in the audience became more and more obvious, President Damarachi, who was more or less aware of how boring his speech was, finally concluded with the words "I hope that Gym Master Axing can perform his duties better in the future and cultivate more outstanding trainers for the Kanto region." The drowsy inauguration ceremony finally came to an end.

Only after the busy old man hurriedly left did the guests begin to be interested in the content.

The Iga-ryu ninjutsu demonstrated personally by Aju and his daughter included a stunning performance of poison-attribute moves, as well as combat training and demonstrations by dozens of outstanding apprentices during the tour of the gym. This series of events showcased the style and strength of the Senhong Gym, which dazzled everyone and they didn't realize it was already evening.

Modern ninjutsu, which closely combines traditional skills with modern technology, is paired with poison-attribute combat skills that feature concealed means and an endless stream of techniques. The effect of the combination of the two is that 1+1 is far greater than 2. People who were originally worried about the future of the Senkuren Gym after Aju completely resigned from the position of gym leader, became relieved after seeing Axing's increasingly sophisticated skills, and gave enthusiastic cheers and applause to the young new gym leader.

In the midst of everyone's excitement, Nancy and Filio were ready to leave quietly, but unfortunately, before they had gone far, a phone call stopped them in their tracks.

The person who called was none other than Ma Zhishi.

As the most lively one among the three former Rockets players, he would naturally suggest a small gathering when the three of them gather together after a long absence like today.

Looking at the noisy crowd and the darkening sky, Nazi was a little hesitant. She was tempted, but also felt it was a bit troublesome.

Seeing her dilemma, Filio sympathetically advised: "Old friends haven't seen each other for a long time. We should get together properly. Otherwise, we don't know when the next time will be."

"What about you, staying in the hotel alone?" Nazi felt a little guilty.

Firion answered as a matter of course: "I can use the evening time to make some energy blocks. The consumption is quite high recently. If I don't make more, our Pokémon will run out of food."

"You... Well, I'll go talk to them. It shouldn't be too late." Nancy smiled and squeezed Firio's hand. Her eyes were gentle, but then a little cunning appeared on them. "Come to think of it, were you just crying poor to me?"

"No, I'm really poor. How about some pocket money?"

Firio grinned.

"Don't give me that. You're not poor! And you still owe me a debt!" Gently pinching Firio's cheek, Nancy said playfully, "Go back and cook well! Maybe Alakazam and the others will ask you for extra food when they get back."

"Yes, sir! And remember to wear a thin coat at night. Also, don't fight when you see Lijia. You're not dressed for violence."

"I know! That's a long way to go!"

After finishing the matter with Nancy, Firion smiled and waved his hand, then left alone with her cute rolling eyes.

The day of walking through the winding gym until my legs and feet were sore should have ended here.

Unfortunately, in this situation where the probability of an accident happening is theoretically very low, the time has come when an accident will happen unexpectedly.

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The absence of high-rise buildings means that this ancient city will gradually expand as the population increases, but these quaint buildings are each independent and include houses and courtyards, and each residence occupies a large area.

Walking through the quaint streets, the dim street lights and the twinkling lights make people feel as if they have returned to a pre-modern settlement, simple and natural, yet with a bit of the atmosphere of everyday life.

The distance from the gym in the city center to the suburban hotel where the two were staying was neither far nor close. It might be a bit tiring to walk, but it didn't seem cost-effective to call a taxi for this.

So, putting on the roller skates that are essential for travel, Filio started his long-lost roller skating trip, slowly moving through the city, stopping from time to time to look around, or walking into the alleys to experience the unique traditional life of Kanto, satisfying his unique interest in travel.

Compared to famous tourist attractions, he prefers to take a free tour around the streets, experience the local customs and get close to their real daily life. Now that Naz is not here, it is a perfect opportunity.

After a while, it was almost dark before we reached the hotel.

......

......

Walk through the small city park in front of you and go about one kilometer further, and you will reach the hotel.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead and recalling the scenes he saw along the way, Firion was in a good mood and his steps were especially brisk.

The boy and girl, each with Nidoran and Nidoran, chattered under the tree, running and playing with the two Pokémon.

A little boy who put on a piece of black cloth as a cape and ran around pretending to be a ninja, but was eventually caught and spanked by his mother along with Arbok.

There is also a nimble little girl who is picking flowers on the tree with Butterfree.

......

Life here is peaceful and the pace is slow, which is quite similar to the town scene in Sala.

The world is at peace and everything is safe and sound.

Except the air seemed a little chilly.

I touched my arm which was already covered with goose bumps, took out a handkerchief and wiped my wet hair. It seemed that my hair was a little bright because of sweat?

Firio thought so.

But when he looked at the setting sun which still had a little light left in the distance and the large clouds which had been dyed red, he felt something was wrong.

"Why is it so cold in summer?"

As he spoke, he shivered again unconsciously and felt the chill on his skin, as if the grove beside him was also cold.

No, this isn't right.

He stopped silently and looked around subconsciously at the quiet forest and grass, with his hands on his waist, keeping alert.