The blazing sunset bathed the land in fiery hues.
On the training field, Lyra watched Aria warily, hugging the Pichu Egg tightly in her arms, her lips muttering something under her breath.
Aria couldn't hear what she was saying—but she knew it wouldn't be anything nice. Still, she didn't mind.
Looking at the spirited young man before her, she smiled.
"Kael, Teacher Professor Alderon asked me to give this to you."
As she spoke, she pulled out a thick stack of test papers—at least ten or so.
Kael's mouth twitched.
"Teacher Professor Alderon really keeps her word…"
Seeing this, Aria said gleefully,
"That's what you get for teasing her in front of the principal."
"Looks like I'll need to be more careful in the future," Kael sighed.
Worst case—he'd say Corviknight accidentally ate them.
It wouldn't even be the first time.
"Kael, you're awful. Poor Corviknight—taking the blame for everything," Aria rolled her eyes.
"So what? Corviknight can't talk anyway," Kael replied casually.
"Oh right—did your Vulpix break through to Advanced-tier yet?" he suddenly asked.
That's right—Aria's starter Pokémon was a Vulpix, a relatively rare one.
She loved Pokémon battles as well and had wanted to become a Trainer after summoning it, but both Elayne and Ronan had firmly refused.
Being a Pokémon Trainer was simply too dangerous.
Even Ronan, a doting father, wouldn't agree.
Still, that didn't stop her Vulpix from growing stronger. Before Kael entered the Secret Realm, it had already reached Mid-tier Peak. After a month, it should have broken through.
Of course, a greenhouse Pokémon—even at Advanced-tier—couldn't compare to a Mid-tier Pokémon that had fought through blood and fire in the Secret Realm.
"I did! My dad said he'll buy me a Fire Stone soon—then Little Six can evolve into Ninetales," Aria said happily.
"Then—"
Kael was about to congratulate her when Lyra's unhappy voice cut in.
"Brother, are you done talking? Grandpa and Grandma are waiting for us."
"Sorry," Kael said apologetically. "Aria, let's talk at our usual spot in a couple of days."
"Alright. Same place," Aria nodded.
Their "usual spot" was the Pokémon Training Ground.
Every city had specialized training grounds for Pokémon—some professional, some basic.
The professional ones charged fees, while the free ones were simple open spaces with basic equipment provided by the authorities.
"Come out, Corviknight!"
Kael tapped the Great Ball at his waist.
A red flash burst forth as Corviknight materialized.
"Gah!!!"
The moment it appeared, its cry drew everyone's attention.
Gasps rang out as students stared at its massive, majestic form.
A Corviknight larger than usual was rare—especially in Magic City. None were bigger than Kael's.
"Hi, Little Crow!" Lyra greeted happily.
"Gah-gah…"
Corviknight narrowed its imposing eyes slightly and called back, clearly pleased.
After all, she fed it snacks all the time—how could it not like her?
"Alright, Lyra. Let's go—Grandpa and Grandma must be getting anxious," Kael said with a smile.
He wrapped an arm around her waist, bent his knees, and leapt onto Corviknight's back. Waving to Aria, he signaled Corviknight to take off.
"Gah!!"
Its nearly seven-meter wings spread wide. With a powerful flap, a fierce wind surged, kicking up dust.
Thankfully, Aria had already moved far away.
"Whoosh!"
Corviknight rose into the air, let out another cry, and streaked into the distance—soon shrinking into a black dot.
Watching it go, Aria's eyes filled with envy.
She wanted Kael to give her a ride too—but her home was only a ten-minute walk away. She didn't dare ask.
"So jealous… having such an amazing brother."
"Yeah—if only I had a brother like that."
"Corviknight is so cool…"
Listening to the chatter around her, Aria smiled, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and headed home.
Her mom was waiting—and if she was late, there'd be trouble.
High above Magic City, Lyra sat on Corviknight's back, looking down at the skyscrapers and ant-like crowds below, cheering excitedly.
"Wow!! Brother, look—Hongye Tower looks so tiny from up here!"