This elf world is a bit strange

The clanging books hit Nimo's body and surroundings, making her dizzy.

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"Ding—ding"

The next morning, under the watchful eyes of Dr. Olin, the imaging equipment, which had not been used for many years but was still in good working order, took a long time to finally start up.

After inserting the CD, there was a noisy "rustling" sound, and then the video appeared. It seems a little blurry now, but it was quite clear given the technology at that time.

The content has nothing to do with any research projects. All the clips are just scenes of Papa as a child at home, in the park, and in the laboratory.

From the cute but wrinkled-faced Ouba Mastiff to the honest and extremely reliable Mastiff Godfather, the one who appears on the screen with him the most is also his best friend.

On the contrary, Dr. Fotu and Dr. Olin, as parents, rarely appear. They either show up at home in a hurry or are busy with research in their respective laboratories, and sometimes take a break to give young Papa some snacks or toys.

And these two busy men have never appeared in the same frame, just like their current situation, they are in two research institutes not far from each other, but it seems as if there is a chasm between them and they have never been able to meet.

"..."

Watching his son's growth experience from infancy to childhood, Dr. Olin said nothing. He just stood quietly in front of the screen, watching silently. His expression was a little dull, as if he was thinking and recalling something.

Her abnormality was noticed by several people, but they were tactful and did not ask any questions. However, Ye Ci's words that day kept flashing in Philio's mind, and he had a better understanding of her doubts or confusion.

Dr. Olin is indeed a bit weird now, but he doesn't know why.

In the vague memory, there is only the extent that "this doctor seems to have some problems, just like Dr. Futu", but there is no further understanding at all.

With his brows slightly furrowed, Firion subconsciously fell into thought. Because he was standing far back, Damon, Orin, and Nimo, who was still upset about something she had done, didn't notice him.

Only Caidou turned her head thoughtfully, took a quick glance, then turned around as if nothing had happened, hiding him behind her.

......

......

The video is not long, and even without acceleration and jumps, it only takes half an hour to play from beginning to end.

After watching this video, which did not show much affection but was invaluable to scientists who always worked overtime, Filio felt that Dr. Olin seemed to have changed. He did not know if it was his illusion.

It was as if... she became a little more alive, from her facial expression to her eyes to her subtle body language, it wasn't obvious but it couldn't be hidden from him.

"Phew... Thank you for letting me see my son's childhood again. I haven't seen him for many years." Dr. Olin folded her arms across her chest, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes as she let out a long sigh. Her words were sincere and earnest. "This is also what I asked for as a mother. I am so grateful for your help."

As she spoke, she lowered her head and bowed to the people across the screen.

"You're too polite, Dr. Olin. It's human nature, and I completely understand." Filio smiled and waved his hand, saying politely, "I'll bring the disc to you later so you can watch it anytime. In fact, you can also use the communication device to ask President Ye Ci to help contact Papa. I think he will miss you too."

"Yes... I can't. It's not good to trouble her with such a private matter." Olin looked embarrassed and turned her head slightly. "One day, I will completely repair the equipment here. By then, I will be able to find Papa by myself... It won't take long."

"This... Of course, this is your family affair." Although he was confused, Firio chose not to intervene in the other party's private family affairs. He just felt a little sorry for Papa and pointed to the complex and delicate equipment on the side. "Then please help us take a look. Is there any equipment repair or adjustment that we can help with?"

"The equipment here is already difficult to adjust using your methods. Futu and I are trying to use remote channels to restore some of the information functions inside so that it can open the last door of the institute. Now we have actually achieved some results. Once the adjustment is complete, we can also get out of this institute. You don't have to worry about me. Hurry up and come to the bottom floor. Although you can't get out, I have ways to help you."

As if pleased with Firion's thoughtfulness, Orin smiled brightly, explained softly, and then urged them to act.

Firion was about to speak but stopped talking, but remembering last night's fruitless attempt, he had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Nodding with satisfaction, Olin rested his hands on the lab table and said with a smile, "Then let's meet at the bottom level, excellent young people, but... one of you needs to stay at the fourth observation point and operate the equipment with me, so that we can locate your presence here. It won't work just relying on the equipment at the institute, and Futu and I can't do it together."

"We need someone to stay?" Caidou blinked. "I haven't heard you say that before."

"Eh? No? Maybe I was too busy to remember. The magnetic field disturbance here is particularly strong starting from the lower layers. The equipment of the institute must be used in combination with one of the third and fourth observation points to ensure accurate positioning."

Olin's smile became a little more awkward, and he scratched his head subconsciously, causing his gray-brown hair to sway slightly.

"Is that so? That's okay. I'll be in charge of the operation then." With a mixture of regret and relief, while the three of them were staring at each other, Damon took the initiative to step forward, walked in front of the screen, and looked at Olin intently. "I'm also a member of the research institute, so I have some basic knowledge of operating the equipment here."

"But Damon, don't you still want to go to the bottom floor to take a look...why don't you let me do it? I'm too lazy to walk!"

The kind-hearted Nemo felt a little reluctant and wanted to replace Damon, who might never have the chance to go to the bottom floor again, but he just rubbed his hair and pressed her down.

"You are an important fighting force, but I can't help you much. If you can take more photos for me, let Rotom record some videos on your phone, and give them to me when you come back, I will be very grateful!"

With a casual smile, Damon showed his "adult demeanor" and personally placed the film camera that he cherished like a treasure into Nemo's hands. His eyes were indescribably warm, just like a steady brother entrusting his naughty but smart sister.

In fact, along the way, it was his extra care for Nimo, who had poor self-care ability, that saved her a lot of trouble.

"...Oh." Neemo took the camera and a whole set of film hesitantly. Recalling Damon's style of "shooting wherever he goes", she nodded solemnly, picked up the Rotom phone that was slacking off, patted her chest, and said proudly, "Don't worry! I'll let the Rotom phone record all the precious pictures and pack them for you!"

Firion walked past Damon and patted his arm inconspicuously: "We will help too. I'll leave the logistics to you."

"That's fine, please!"

"Dots~!"

Damon laughed heartily, and the majestic fang in the Poké Ball on his waist suddenly popped out, and he nodded happily.

The ferocious horns also add a bit of cute simplicity.

......

......

The group of four became a group of three again. They said goodbye to Damon, who had specially put on an old white coat and pretended to be a non-staff member of the Area Zero Research Institute. The three of them walked out of the fourth observation point and continued forward in the lower level of Area Zero where there was no day or night.

Starting from here, not far away is the passage leading to the bottom floor. Going down along the spiral terrain, the large stone slab recording the map of the Padia region and the distribution of towns appeared in the middle of the road as expected. Even the details were almost the same as the map published by the Padia Alliance.

The only problem is that it seems to have existed for many years, at least... according to research, it has been standing here hundreds of years before the establishment of the Pardalian League.

The linearity and transmigration of time and space are confusing, and even Dr. Olin, who is in remote command, is unaware of this.

She only knew that the stone slab already existed when a group of exploration teams arrived here nearly a hundred years ago. The results of the investigation and sampling further demonstrated its long history, but no one could explain the reason.

There are all kinds of secrets beneath this huge pit formed in ancient times, each of which is difficult to solve.

However, "answering every puzzle" itself is not the purpose of Philio's trip. After taking a few photos for Damon as a souvenir, the three of them continued forward without hesitation and walked into the bottom floor full of dazzling gems.

The journey was peaceful. Not only were there no powerful paradoxical Pokémon, but even ordinary Pokémon were hardly seen, except for the Crystal Flowers that could be seen everywhere - this place seemed to have become a vacuum of life.

Compared with the first three layers, the area of ​​the bottom layer is much smaller. It can even be said that it is only a small area that is actually located in the center of the giant pit.

But in this even somewhat "narrow" space, a powerful energy that has the same origin as the energy on Rainbow Island but has a density that is completely on a completely different level than before appears in a shocking form.

Even the air was filled with a hint of colorful light, and the sounds of the detectors provided by the Kanto Alliance were almost continuous - this extraordinary concentration of energy was completely beyond the range of records.

And their source was right in front of the three of them.

......

......

Stepping into the ground floor, within the visible range, there are two similar-shaped building complexes, covering a large area and stretching as far as the eye can see.

It is not difficult to imagine that when they were first designed and built, they must have carried the ambition of the Padya Alliance to thoroughly explore Zone Zero and resolve all the puzzles left over from history.

But times have changed, and plans can never keep up with the changes. Now, all that's left here are empty buildings and two Pokémon doctors who were unable to evacuate during the disaster. They don't seem like researchers, but more like the gravekeepers of an ideal and history.

Because they are located at the very center of the periodic energy fluctuations, the ancient and future research institutes located on both sides of the entrance have become a form of complete fusion of human buildings and crystals. Completely different energies emanate from their underground and gather in the center.

At the beginning of their construction, the two research institutes were based on the basis of the world's rifts and achieved a delicate coordination that continues to this day.

"Why, are you surprised? Yes, if you look at it from the outside, it will definitely seem magical. We never imagined such a result when we designed it."

Dr. Olin's voice came from the Rotom mobile phone, with a hint of teasing ease.

Filio nodded slightly: "It is indeed a wonder of technology and nature. It is amazing."

"That's why we have to respect nature and the world." Dr. Olin shook his head meaningfully and smiled. "Okay, let's not talk about this for now. Go to the left. I have shut down the intelligent warning system outside the institute. Go all the way inside. The building with the red dome is my institute. To the right is Futu's Future Pokémon Institute, but he probably doesn't have time to pay attention to you now."

"Okay, I've seen it. It's the most beautiful house in the middle of the research area, right?"

Firio looked from a distance and saw that the eye-catching red dome was in perfect symmetry with the purple-roofed research institute on the right.

"Well, hurry up and come over, I will give you a little surprise!"

Dr. Olin showed an unfathomable expression, and his originally relaxed and natural smile also had a meaningful feeling.

Firion was not afraid of it, and his super powers extended everywhere like tentacles. After ensuring safety, he took Nemo and Caidou, who were still taking pictures, to Dr. Olin's private research institute - the Ancient Pokémon Research Institute.

......

......

They arrived at the gate of the research institute smoothly. As expected, this was the structure that Ye Ci described as "alloy and crystal integrated into one", tightly closed and emitting energy fluctuations.

From the outside, it seems that it is difficult to break it down violently no matter what method is used.

However, there are always people who don't believe in evil.

"Kentaro, use close combat to knock it away!"

Nemo, who will not turn back until she hits the wall, doesn't believe what the predecessors say. Faced with interesting challenges, she must give it a try.

With a wave of his hand, Kentaro, who had transformed and grown in the battle with the clay giant, became more and more powerful and attacked separately, his horns flashing with crystal white light, and charged forward headfirst.

"Bam—"

With an extremely dull sound, the pitch-black bull began to stagger and, despite its best efforts, failed to stand firm again, and fell to the ground in a daze.

And in front of it, the gate covered with crystals did not move at all, not even a trace was left.

"You won't be able to open the door like this, kids."

"Da da da……"

Along with the crisp footsteps, the familiar voice no longer came from the body of Mobile Rotom, but appeared behind the three people.

Firion, who was about to make fun of Nemo, turned his head and his pupils suddenly shrank in shock.

......

......

"I knew you would have this expression when you saw me. It's really funny! This robot was not designed in vain!"

In a small house next to the institute, Dr. Olin sat on a soft sofa, laughing heartily, but his movements were a little stiff.

"Isn't this robot very flexible? This is also the main way I have been out in the wild in recent years. Otherwise, it would be difficult to figure out what is happening outside if I only rely on the equipment in the base. Some things are difficult to repair if they are broken."

With a snap of the fingers, a household intelligent robot walked out of the kitchen and placed the steaming hot coffee that had been prepared on the table.

In the peaceful atmosphere of life, sitting opposite her were three people who had just come out of their surprise, each with a different expression.

After a brief moment of surprise, Caidou returned to her usual calm self, while Nimo kept approaching Olin, chattering about her concealment and bad taste.

Only Firio sat silently in his seat, his eyes looking inconspicuously at Olin's right ring finger.

He remembered clearly that when he saw Dr. Olin on the screen before, there was also an identical small scratch there, and the Dr. Olin in front of him... was undoubtedly a robot.

In other words, Dr. Olin is most likely... a robot with a concealed identity, or in other words, a piece of artificial intelligence.

The dormant fragments of memory were lit up one by one, and Ye Ci's words flashed in his mind. Countless tiny clues were instantly connected, and he thought of a strange possibility:

There were no survivors from the accident at the fourth observation point, only an AI robot that backed up its memory and humanity and continued to complete the original body's mission.

But...why hide it?

Question marks popped up in Firio's mind, making him appear calm on the surface, but in fact his hair stood on end and cold sweat oozed out of his back.

"But the little surprise I said I would give you is not something as trivial as my freedom of movement. The real surprise is right here!"

Dr. Olin had no idea of ​​Firion's thoughts and fears, and the joy on his face remained the same. With a wave of his hand, the Winged Hair, who had helped the three of them a lot, came out from the shadow in the corner and came forward affectionately.

"Flutter Wings?!"

Nimo's eyes widened and she blurted out in disbelief.

"Marta~!"

Very satisfied with Nemo's surprise, Zhenyifa happily waved his "little winged hands" and greeted everyone.

Especially the best playmate, little dream demon.

The two little guys, who had been separated for "many days", came together without saying a word and celebrated by bumping their chests passionately, although the combination of one big and one small looked quite funny.

"In order to protect your safety, I communicated with Yeci and sent Flutterhair outside. Although judging from the results, this protection was not very meaningful and did not help much." Olin hugged Flutterhair affectionately and stroked its soft head. The lively little guy narrowed his eyes in comfort, looking very happy. "However, I have seen everything you have done along the way. You are all excellent trainers, and you are not the arrogant people with ambitions."

At this point, Dr. Olin stood up and said seriously, "That's why I'm willing to help you. I'm also very grateful for your tolerance and help for my willfulness."

"I'm just doing my job. You're welcome, Dr. Olin." Seeing the intimacy between Olin and Zhenyifa, Filio understood a lot of things. He let down his guard a little, calmed down, and smiled, "But I'm a little curious, Zhenyifa, did you sneak away on purpose just to see us anxious when we looked for you?"

"Madge!"

"Ma... Marta? Marta~"

Listening to Firio and the little dream demon's questions that went straight to the depths of his soul, Zhen Yi was stunned for a moment, then his mind turned and he immediately came up with a solution.

The cute big eyes blinked, and his face was full of innocence and calmness. The little guy with perfect acting skills pursed his lips and shook his head, showing his "the cutest in the world" charm to the fullest.