"Are you really not considering working at our Investigation Bureau during the summer vacation?" Zhong Ling asked, her voice tinged with genuine concern as she glanced at Renjiro.
They had finished their meal, but Zhong Ling seemed reluctant to leave the conversation at that. She truly wanted to help him. Although the bounty Renjiro earned for defeating Qiu Guocheng wasn't insignificant, Zhong Ling knew it could only temporarily improve his financial situation. The Investigation Bureau, however, offered something far more stable: a solid income, comprehensive benefits, and the backing of the Pokémon Alliance.
For someone like Renjiro—young, talented, and without the guidance of family—this could be the foundation for a secure future. Zhong Ling had seen promising trainers before, but none as naturally gifted as Renjiro. And at only eighteen, without elders at home to guide him, the risk of him being led astray was something Zhong Ling couldn't ignore.
"Is the Investigation Bureau really that desperate for people?" Renjiro asked, raising an eyebrow. His tone was half-teasing, but there was curiosity behind his words.
Zhong Ling smiled faintly, then shook her head. "Not here, no. But in the North Daxia War Zone, they're severely short-staffed. I'm actually being transferred up north soon."
"You're leaving?" Renjiro's smile faded, replaced by a look of surprise. He hadn't expected this.
Zhong Ling nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes. The Qingyan Sect is showing signs of revival in the North Daxia War Zone. There've already been several attacks linked to them. The Alliance doesn't want to take any chances—they're sending in reinforcements to prevent a repeat of what happened in the 1980s."
"The Qingyan Sect?" Renjiro frowned. The name stirred something in his memory. "Didn't that organization collapse decades ago?"
Zhong Ling let out a quiet sigh. "That's what most people think. But the truth is... while they were dealt a heavy blow, they were never completely wiped out. The leader vanished without a trace. And now, after forty years, they're resurfacing. This time, the Alliance wants to crush them completely—no loose ends."
Renjiro nodded thoughtfully, recalling his history lessons. The Qingyan Sect's name appeared more than once in the annals of Yanhuang's past. According to those records, its origins dated back to the Ming Dynasty. The sect was said to have been founded by Zhu Yunwen, who fled after Zhu Di usurped the throne. Seeking revenge and a return to power, Zhu Yunwen had built the sect in secrecy. But over time, the Qingyan Sect was nearly obliterated by imperial forces, and it faded into legend.
Generations later, in the 1980s, the Qingyan Sect reemerged during the early days of the Pokémon Alliance in the Yanhuang Region. What followed was a brutal five-year conflict between the sect and the Alliance—a war that ended with the Qingyan Sect's supposed destruction. Or so everyone believed.
Renjiro folded his arms, his mind racing. "And now they're back... It looks like history is repeating itself."
Zhong Ling's expression darkened. "Yes. The Qingyan Sect isn't just some criminal gang. It's an ancient organization with deep roots, powerful connections, and secrets even the Alliance doesn't fully understand. There were even reports of legendary Pokémon aiding them in the last war. That's why the Alliance is taking this so seriously."
Just then, a familiar chime echoed in Renjiro's mind—the system's voice, cold and mechanical, yet full of promise.
> Ding! Mission triggered: Destroy the Qingyan Cult and become the largest dark organization in the Yanhuang Region.
Mission reward: Depends on completion.
Renjiro's eyes flickered as he processed the new task. Another mission added to his already heavy list.
> Host: Renjiro
Pokémon: Giovanni's Beedrill, Milotic
Special abilities: Viridian Power (heal Pokémon, sense their inner thoughts, help Pokémon surpass racial limits); Eye of Insight (see through the essence of all things).
Battle value: 2700
Current missions:
Train or recruit ten junior trainers.
Obtain Mew gene.
Destroy the Qingyan Cult and become the largest dark organization in the Yanhuang Region.
Subsystems: Combat Value Lottery, Combat Value Mall.
Renjiro clenched his fists beneath the table. So this is my next step… The Qingyan Sect will be the stepping stone for Team Rocket's rise in the Yanhuang Region.
He smirked inwardly. Dark organizations… there should only be one.
"Renjiro, what's on your mind?" Zhong Ling's voice broke through his thoughts.
Renjiro blinked, returning to the present. "Ah, nothing. Just thinking about the future. I'm planning to apply to university in the capital. Maybe we'll bump into each other again."
"I hope not!" Zhong Ling shot him a mock glare. "Every time I see you, it's trouble."
Renjiro laughed. "That's unfair. I'm not that bad."
"Sure you're not," she teased, rolling her eyes.
Then Renjiro grew serious. "Officer Zhong, if the Qingyan Sect is just a remnant of the past, shouldn't the North Daxia War Zone be able to handle them? Why bring in outsiders?"
Zhong Ling hesitated. "I've been wondering the same thing. The North Daxia War Zone is the strongest of the five war zones. It's where the Alliance headquarters is. If anyone could deal with the Qingyan Sect, it'd be them. Yet they're calling for backup from places like our little fourth-tier city. It doesn't add up."
Renjiro nodded. "It feels like there's more to this than they're telling us."
Before Zhong Ling could respond, her phone buzzed urgently. The ringtone was one she reserved for official calls. She picked up immediately.
"Hello, Chief? …Yes, I understand. I'll head back right away."
Her expression shifted as she ended the call—her playful demeanor replaced by professionalism. "Renjiro, something's come up. I need to get back to the Bureau."
Renjiro stood as she rose. "Be careful out there. Looks like things are heating up."
Zhong Ling gave him a quick nod before hurrying off, her footsteps fading into the distance.
Renjiro watched her go, the weight of the situation settling on him. What's happening in this city that's got everyone so tense?
He took a deep breath, glancing at the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the streets of Century City. Somewhere beyond those buildings, the gears of fate were turning.
The Qingyan Sect, the Pokémon Alliance, Team Rocket… It's all connected. And I'll be at the center of it.
For the first time in a while, Renjiro felt the familiar thrill of the unknown. A storm was coming—and he was ready to face it head-on.
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