A rare benefit?
Elias raised a brow, a little puzzled.
Usually, the system's greatest use was… being useless.
Deep down, he didn't believe it could bring him anything unexpected.
[Mhm, mhm.]
The system nodded earnestly, confirming it again.
During this update, she had worked tirelessly through the night, cranking out page after page of long petitions to the higher-ups.
And in the end, with her brilliant writing—persuading with emotion and reasoning—she had successfully fought for a benefit.
…Though, in all fairness, it probably also had something to do with Elias having gotten an S-rank or higher three times in a row.
Still, the system felt the main reason was her own eloquent "essays."
After all, she'd skipped eating and drinking, given up her sleeping hours, and poured in real effort to write them.
When Elias finished listening, he stayed silent for two seconds.
Seeing her look so proud, he decided not to say anything that might burst her bubble.
She had put in genuine effort—so he might as well let her enjoy it.
So… what's the benefit?
Since it was something she'd fought to get, it should be useful, right?
That much made him curious too.
Only…
When the system heard his question, her voice froze mid-sentence, then came out small:
[I… don't know.]
From her tone, she seemed a little guilty.
Elias: ?
Apparently even the system realized there was something very wrong with that answer.
Before he could press her, she gave a quick cough and sent over a short text in the system mail.
[Look, Host—this is exactly what it says. Not my fault.]
Elias sighed and opened the file with some patience.
[The benefit you have received is as follows]:
[During your next simulation, if your real body is located in a specific area, a hidden Easter egg mechanism will be triggered.]
Just one sentence—and even Elias couldn't quite picture what it meant.
Judging from that, maybe it really wasn't the system's fault this time.
[Right? Exactly.]
Relieved, the system quickly spoke up—she had no desire to take the blame this time.
What counts as a 'specific area'?
Elias frowned slightly.
[The concept's a bit fuzzy—it basically means places that are normally very hard to reach.]
[Hisui just happens to qualify as one of those 'specific areas.' That's why I told you not to leave.]
The system flipped through her little notebook as she explained.
Elias thought about that for a couple of seconds, then let it go.
Even if he didn't know what the so-called Easter egg was, he'd find out during the next simulation.
The only thing was—didn't that mean his next simulation would be set here in Hisui?
[Host, looks like the benefit expires the day after tomorrow, so you'll need to hurry.]
The system's timely reminder sealed it.
Any thoughts Elias had about going back to the modern era for a bit were snuffed out entirely.
It seemed he'd better tell Irida and the others first—if he suddenly disappeared, they'd be worried.
"Garde~"
Just as Elias was calmly laying out his plan in his head, Gardevoir leaned in and tapped him.
When he turned, she lifted a pale hand and pointed toward the front door.
"Garde (Mew's doing something bad.)" she reported.
Elias narrowed his eyes.
So that's why he hadn't seen her for a while.
Taking a few Pokémon with him, he stepped out through the wooden door.
Thump—
The moment they got outside, a dull thud reached his ears.
Looking toward the sound, he saw two Zoroark lying in the yard, wearing equally wronged expressions.
Floating in front of them was Mew—chin up, smug, and occasionally giving their heads a few taps with her little paw.
"Mew!"
Mew looked thrilled.
While wandering in the back garden, she had found these two Pokémon.
They looked just like that dumb fox in the team—but their strength was on a totally different level.
Mew felt like she'd stumbled upon treasure.
Finally—she could make up for all the times she'd been bullied.
Only, just as she was basking in satisfaction, both Zoroark suddenly lifted their heads, a strange light in their eyes—
Like devout followers gazing upon their god.
Mew tilted her head, confused.
Then, she felt a prickling run up her spine, every fine hair standing on end.
Slowly, stiffly, she turned her head… to meet the gaze of another Zoroark.
But...
This one was Elias's.
"Mew (L-listen, I can explain…)" Mew's voice went soft, pleading.
...
Inside the cabin, in the warm orange lamplight.
Mew lay face-down on the bed, paws clutching her aching head.
She regretted it deeply… if she'd known, she would've tricked those two wild Zoroark farther away before bullying them.
Elias glanced at her, helpless.
Those two had actually come to Cogita's cabin to "pray for blessings."
It seemed this had become a custom among Zoroark clans.
Any who wanted to become stronger, or to gain good luck, would come here to pray and find some psychological comfort.
Only, what surprised Elias was...
According to those two, most of the clan didn't wish to get stronger.
Instead…
They wished to be like his Zoroark from a few years ago—picked up by a powerful Trainer, and kept as a wife.
That left Elias silent for a long while.
He figured that when he had time, he ought to visit the Zoroark clan and straighten out this warped dream.
"Elias, it's time to rest."
Latias floated closer, reminding him.
She liked taking up the "mom" role like before, urging Elias to bed—
Though Gardevoir often beat her to it.
Hearing her, Elias felt a wave of drowsiness and nodded.
Tomorrow, barring surprises, he would be starting a new simulation. Rest was important.
Stretching out on the familiar bed, Elias soon drifted into sleep.
...
Elias rose early, brewing a pot of tea using Cogita's old tea set.
"Such a good tea set…"
Thinking of her, Elias sighed softly.
She was the one person Elias had no leads on at all.
In this information-starved ancient era, trying to search for someone across continents…
That was probably something only Arceus could manage.
But asking for that one's help was obviously impossible right now.
Not only impossible—he might even have to avoid Arceus altogether.
"Come on, let's head back to the Pearl Clan first."
After finishing his tea and tidying up the cabin, Elias spoke to his Pokémon.
"Garde~"
"Mew!"
"Latia!"
---
PS: The system is at its most useful when it does absolutely nothing.