When Kael and Corviknight passed through the Secret Realm passage, the scene that unfolded before them was breathtaking.
Looking into the distance, towering skyscrapers rose into the clouds like steel giants, standing shoulder to shoulder in dense clusters, forming a vast forest of modern architecture.
Each building had its own distinct style—some were minimalist and imposing, with smooth, clean lines, while others were lavishly decorated and brimming with artistic flair. Sunlight spilled across glass curtain walls, refracting into dazzling, multicolored light that lent the entire city an almost dreamlike quality.
Lowering one's gaze, wide and flat roads could be seen crisscrossing the city like a gigantic spiderweb. Traffic surged endlessly along them—luxury sedans, buses, taxis, and cargo trucks flowing in an unbroken stream.
The roar of engines and the blare of horns intertwined into a unique urban symphony. The sidewalks were equally crowded, filled with people hurrying to work, busy shopping, or strolling leisurely.
And interwoven throughout this enormous steel jungle were Pokémon of all shapes and kinds, moving freely among the people.
"I'm finally back."
Kael looked around at his surroundings. Though his face showed fatigue, a brilliant smile bloomed across it. This time, he had stayed inside the Secret Realm for a full month.
Every Secret Realm opening came with strict time limits.
For example, low-level Secret Realms could only open once every two months. Once you entered, you had to stay inside for a full month before you could leave.
Low-level Secret Realms had limited resources, and the Pokémon within them were relatively weak—the strongest only reaching the Advanced Tier, with even the best aptitude capped at that level.
Above them were mid-level Secret Realms, high-level Secret Realms, and so on.
This time, Kael had entered a mid-level Secret Realm. The strongest Pokémon inside was that Boss Luxray, whose strength had reached the Pseudo–Champion Tier.
If not for Kael's Aura Power, he would never have obtained the Shinx Pokémon Egg.
That's right—Kael also had a cheat ability.
It was a Shop System, containing all kinds of items from the Pokémon world—such as Rare Candies, which could directly raise a Pokémon by one level.
There were also various auxiliary items like Fire Stones, Water Stones, and more.
Even Key Stones for Mega Evolution, Dynamax Bands, and similar items were available.
Otherwise, in just three short years, how could Corviknight possibly have reached the Elite Peak?
Kael's Aura Power itself had also been exchanged from the Shop System.
Of course, none of these items were free. They required points, which in turn had to be obtained by exchanging various treasures—such as heavenly materials and earthly treasures not belonging to the Pokémon world.
Crystals dropped by slain supernatural entities were especially valuable—the stronger the entity, the higher the price.
The same went for magical beasts.
"Please present your identification."
Just as Kael was lost in thought, a voice pulled him back to reality. At some point, a Pidgeot—slightly smaller than Corviknight—had flown in front of him. On its back sat a middle-aged man wearing a police uniform.
Kael smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."
He then took out an ID card from his chest pocket and handed it over. The back of the card bore a red-and-white Poké Ball insignia.
This was Kael's Pokémon Trainer License, which recorded his rank and his Pokémon's information.
After taking the card, the policeman glanced at the rank displayed—Elite Tier—and looked up at Kael in surprise. So young, yet already Elite Tier. His future was boundless.
Despite his amazement, the policeman still carried out his duty. After scanning the license with a device, he returned it to Kael and said:
"Thank you for your hard work. Welcome home."
"Thank you," Kael replied with a smile. He then patted Corviknight, signaling that it was free to go.
"Gah…"
Corviknight let out a low cry, beat its steel-like wings, and swiftly flew away.
The reason the policeman had said "hard work" was because entering Secret Realms wasn't just about treasure hunting. Trainers were also responsible for clearing out Pokémon that had lost their sanity.
For reasons unknown, at regular intervals, large numbers of irrational Pokémon would appear inside Secret Realms. These Pokémon were known as Magical Beasts.
They possessed no reason—only slaughter and destruction.
Worse still, these Magical Beasts could break out of Secret Realms and invade the Main World. Every such outbreak posed a severe threat to cities and ordinary civilians.
Because of this, higher authorities had issued orders: every Pokémon Trainer must periodically enter Secret Realms to combat Magical Beasts. This was why Trainer casualty rates remained persistently high.
As a result, every Trainer who returned safely from a Secret Realm was considered fortunate.
The police stationed in the Main World to guard these exits would always offer their blessings.
"I wonder how many casualties there were this time…"
Watching Kael and Corviknight disappear, the middle-aged policeman sighed softly and returned to his duties.
More and more flying Pokémon were emerging from the Secret Realm exit with their Trainers, while others were riding various Pokémon out along the ground.
In an instant, the entire area became bustling with activity.
Of course, this was merely the outskirts of Magic City (Magic City).
...
At the same time, inside Chunfeng High School in Magic City.
"Ding-ling-ling!!! Ding-ling-ling!!!"
The crisp sound of the dismissal bell rang out, and youthful boys and girls poured out of their classrooms.
In no time, the once-quiet campus was filled with laughter and chatter.
Inside Class 1 of the second year, homeroom teacher Professor Alderon looked at the students, who were already restless from the bell. Without any fuss, she said, "Class dismissed."
Hearing this, the students quickly stood up and saw Professor Alderon off.
Once she left, everyone went about their own business—some gathered in small groups chatting and laughing, others called a few friends and headed outside to play.
A skinny boy, lively as a monkey, bounced over to two beautiful girls and said with a cheeky grin,
"Elayne, Aria, how about we go watch a movie after school today? I'm telling you, there's a really good one that just came out this month!"
The girls he addressed—Elayne and Aria—one cool and elegant, the other lively and delicate, were both at the prime of their youth.
These three were none other than the first- and second-ranked students of their grade—Aria and Elayne—and the perennial bottom-of-the-class Drake.
"I don't have time," Aria said coolly, shooting Drakea glance. "Today's the day Kael comes back from the Secret Realm. I'm going to wait for him."
After saying that, Aria turned and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Drakemuttered under his breath with clear annoyance,
"Tch, what's so special about that… who knows if he'll even make it back this time…"
His words were filled with jealousy and resentment.
Although Elayne didn't hear him clearly, the tone alone was enough to tell it wasn't anything nice.
She deeply disliked Drake. If not for her good relationship with Aria, she would have long since stopped bothering with him altogether.
She hated childish people like this the most.
Still grinning shamelessly, Draketurned to Elayne and asked,
"Then what about you, Elayne?"
"I don't have time either," Elayne replied flatly. "After school, I have tutoring. If I want to become a Pokémon Doctor, there's a lot I need to learn."
After saying that, she picked up her book and began reading.
But even when Elayne ignored him, Drake showed no self-awareness at all, continuing to hover around her and chatter endlessly.