Dawn broke over Liyue Harbor, painting the sky in hues of gold and amber that reflected off the harbor waters. Shinzō was already awake, having risen with the first light to begin preparing The Pokémon House for business. After a night of planning and studying the system, he felt more confident about the task ahead.
"Today, we make this place look like a proper Pokémon shop," he announced to Blaziken and Desert Tyrant, who had both taken to following him around the shop space with curious eyes.
The basic structure was already in place—counters, shelves, and display cases positioned throughout the main floor—but it still lacked personality and, more importantly, information. People in Teyvat had no concept of what Pokémon were, let alone how to care for them or battle with them.
Shinzō accessed the system interface again, navigating to a previously unexplored section labeled 'Shop Customization.' A range of options appeared, from color schemes to furniture styles.
"Let's go with something that blends Liyue aesthetics with Pokémon Center vibes," he mused, selecting options that would create a familiar feeling for him while remaining accessible to locals.
The shop began to transform around him. Wooden counters took on a polished red-brown finish with gold accents reminiscent of Liyue craftsmanship, while display cases emitted a soft light similar to those in Pokémon Centers. The walls shifted to a warm cream color with red and gold trim, and hanging lanterns appeared, shaped subtly like Pokéballs.
"Perfect," Shinzō nodded with satisfaction. "Now for the educational materials."
He selected an option to create informational displays, causing several blank poster boards to materialize on the walls. Using the system interface, Shinzō began designing content for each one:
The first poster displayed the Pokémon type chart—a comprehensive diagram showing how the eighteen types interacted with each other. Beneath it, he added an explanation in simple terms:
"Pokémon come in eighteen different types, each with strengths and weaknesses against others. Understanding these relationships is key to successful training and battling."
The second poster outlined basic Pokémon care:
"Pokémon are living creatures that require proper care, including regular feeding, exercise, and affection. Different species have different needs based on their natural habitats and behaviors."
He created additional posters about Pokéballs, training methods, evolution, and the ethical treatment of Pokémon. Each one featured colorful illustrations alongside clear, concise text that would be easily understood by someone with no prior knowledge of Pokémon.
"What do you think?" he asked his Pokémon companions as he finished the final display. Blaziken gave an approving chirp, while Desert Tyrant examined each poster with analytical eyes before offering a satisfied grunt.
Next, Shinzō turned his attention to the Selector Machine—the cylindrical device that would match customers with compatible Pokémon. According to the system, it would analyze a person's personality, aspirations, and innate affinity to suggest appropriate Pokémon partners.
"This needs to be the centerpiece," he decided, rearranging the shop layout to make the Selector more prominent. He positioned it on a raised platform near the back wall, surrounding it with tasteful lighting that highlighted its unique design—a blend of Liyue craftsmanship and otherworldly technology.
As the morning progressed, Shinzō received a notification that the initial inventory delivery had arrived. Opening the shop's storage room, he found neatly organized shelves filled with Pokéballs of various types, potions, revives, evolution items, and other supplies.
Most importantly, a special cabinet contained numerous standard Pokéballs, each holding a Pokémon available for distribution. The system provided a detailed inventory list:
Common Pokémon (Levels 5-15): Pidgey, Rattata, Caterpie, Weedle, etc.
Starter Pokémon (Level 5): Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and starters from other regions
Uncommon Pokémon (Levels 10-20): Pikachu, Growlithe, Vulpix, Eevee, etc.
Rare Pokémon (Levels 15-25): Limited quantities of Dratini, Beldum, Gible, etc.
"A good starting selection," Shinzō commented, checking each Pokéball to familiarize himself with the available inventory. "We'll need to price everything according to the system's guidelines."
He spent the next few hours creating price tags, organizing displays, and implementing the pricing structure. Common Pokémon would range from 50,000 to 120,000 Mora, starters from 250,000 to 400,000 Mora, and rare Pokémon from 500,000 to 1,500,000 Mora. It was a significant investment, but the system assured him these prices reflected the value these creatures would bring to their owners.
"Now for the finishing touches," Shinzō said, looking around the nearly-complete shop.
He accessed the system once more and selected an option labeled 'Ambient Elements.' Immediately, soft, familiar music—reminiscent of Pokémon Centers but with subtle Liyue instruments mixed in—began playing throughout the shop. The lighting adjusted to a warm, welcoming glow, and the air took on a fresh, pleasant scent.
"Perfect," Shinzō declared, stepping back to admire his work. "The Pokémon House is ready for business."
Just as he was about to unlock the front door, a knock sounded. Shinzō glanced at Blaziken and Desert Tyrant, who both tensed slightly.
"Probably best if you wait in the habitat area for now," he suggested. "Until we properly introduce the concept of Pokémon to everyone."
His partners nodded in understanding, with Blaziken heading through the portal to the habitat area while Desert Tyrant retreated to the storage room, positioning itself where it could observe without being immediately visible.
Shinzō took a deep breath and opened the door to find a middle-aged woman with a kind face and practical clothing standing outside. Based on the basket of goods she carried, she appeared to be a merchant from a nearby stall.
"Good morning!" she greeted him with a polite bow. "I'm Lin, I run the fabric shop across the way. We noticed you've been setting up and wanted to welcome you to the market district."
"That's very kind of you," Shinzō replied, returning the bow. "I'm Shinzō Tatsunaga, the proprietor of The Pokémon House."
"The Pokémon House?" Lin repeated curiously, peering past him into the shop. "What sort of goods do you sell? I've never heard that term before."
"They're creatures from beyond the Dark Sea," Shinzō explained, using the cover story the system had suggested. "Unique animals with special abilities that can bond with humans as companions and partners."
Lin's eyes widened with interest. "Like the adeptus beasts? Or perhaps more like pets?"
"Something in between," Shinzō said, stepping aside to invite her in. "Would you like to see?"
Lin hesitated only briefly before curiosity won out. She stepped inside, immediately gasping at the unique decor and strange items displayed in the cases.
"These are... Pokéballs," Shinzō explained, showing her one of the standard red and white spheres. "They're special devices for containing and transporting Pokémon safely."
"And these creatures—these Pokémon—they live inside these small spheres?" Lin asked, examining the ball with obvious fascination.
"They do, though they can be released at any time for exercise, companionship, or to assist their trainers," Shinzō confirmed. "Each Pokémon has unique abilities based on its type and species."
Lin moved around the shop, studying the informational posters with growing interest. "Fire types, Water types... they sound somewhat like Visions, but you're saying these creatures naturally possess these powers?"
"Exactly," Shinzō nodded. "Without the need for Visions or any divine blessing."
As Lin continued exploring the shop, another knock came at the door. This time, it was a young man in merchant's attire, accompanied by an older gentleman with a scholarly appearance.
"Forgive our intrusion," the young man said. "Word is spreading about a strange new shop, and Master Liu here was most curious about these foreign creatures you've brought to Liyue."
Before long, several more merchants and locals had gathered, drawn by curiosity and the unusual sight of The Pokémon House. Shinzō found himself repeating his explanation multiple times, answering questions about Pokémon, their abilities, and how they differed from the familiar creatures of Teyvat.
"Could we perhaps see one of these Pokémon?" asked Master Liu, adjusting his spectacles. "I've studied many rare beasts in my time, but never anything from beyond the Dark Sea."
Shinzō considered the request. This was precisely why he'd opened the shop—to introduce Pokémon to this world—but he wanted to make a good first impression.
"Of course," he decided. "Blaziken!"
On cue, his partner emerged from the habitat portal, causing gasps and murmurs from the assembled visitors. Blaziken stood tall, its presence commanding but non-threatening as it gave a respectful bow to the onlookers.
"This is Blaziken, a Fire and Fighting type Pokémon," Shinzō introduced. "One of my personal partners."
Master Liu approached cautiously, scholarly interest overriding any fear. "Remarkable! Bipedal, avian features, and you say it generates fire without a Vision?" He circled Blaziken, who patiently allowed the examination. "The anatomical implications alone are fascinating!"
While the scholar studied Blaziken, a commotion near the storage room drew everyone's attention. Desert Tyrant had apparently decided to make its own appearance, emerging with a low rumble that caused several visitors to back away in alarm.
"And this is Desert Tyrant, my Tyranitar," Shinzō added, trying to sound calm despite his concern about the imposing Rock/Dark type's effect on the crowd. "A Rock and Dark type Pokémon with tremendous strength and defensive capabilities."
To his relief, after the initial shock, the visitors seemed more awed than frightened. Desert Tyrant maintained a dignified posture, demonstrating its intelligence by offering a slight nod to the humans but remaining imposingly still otherwise.
"They seem so... aware," commented one woman, watching as Blaziken and Desert Tyrant positioned themselves protectively near Shinzō. "Not like ordinary beasts at all."
"Pokémon are highly intelligent," Shinzō confirmed. "They understand human speech, form deep bonds with their trainers, and possess reasoning capabilities far beyond most animals."
As the impromptu gathering continued, more questions emerged: How much did they cost? What did they eat? Could anyone have one? Were they dangerous? Shinzō answered each query patiently, laying the groundwork for what he hoped would be a successful business venture.
By midday, word had spread throughout the market district and beyond. Curious onlookers regularly passed by the shop windows, some brave enough to enter and ask questions, others content to gawk from outside at the strange creatures and exotic merchandise.
A group of children pressed their faces against the glass, eyes wide with wonder as Blaziken demonstrated a carefully controlled Blaze Kick, creating beautiful patterns of flame in the air without endangering anyone.
"When do you officially open for business?" asked Lin, who had stayed longer than the others, clearly captivated by the concept of Pokémon.
"Tomorrow morning," Shinzō decided, feeling confident in the positive reception so far. "Though I should warn potential customers that not everyone will be matched with a Pokémon right away. The selection process is important to ensure compatibility between Pokémon and trainer."
Lin nodded approvingly. "A wise approach. Liyue values proper contracts and clear expectations in all transactions."
As the afternoon wore on, Shinzō noticed a particularly well-dressed woman observing the shop from across the street. Something about her demeanor suggested she wasn't a mere curious onlooker but someone assessing a potential business opportunity—or threat.
"Excuse me a moment," he told Lin, stepping outside to approach the woman. "Welcome to The Pokémon House. Not officially open yet, but you're welcome to come in and look around."
The woman's expression remained carefully neutral. "Tianquan Ningguang will be most interested to hear about this novel enterprise," she said simply. "Particularly these creatures that possess elemental abilities without Visions."
Shinzō recognized the implications immediately—Ningguang was the head of the Liyue Qixing, the governing body of the harbor city. Her interest could be either beneficial or problematic, depending on how she viewed Pokémon.
"Please convey to Lady Ningguang that I would be honored to provide a proper demonstration and explanation at her convenience," Shinzō replied diplomatically. "The Pokémon House aims to enrich Liyue's culture and commerce, not disrupt it."
The woman gave a slight nod before departing, leaving Shinzō to wonder what consequences might come from catching the Tianquan's attention so quickly.
Returning inside, he found Lin preparing to leave as well. "You've certainly stirred up excitement in the market district," she observed with a smile. "I suspect you'll have quite the crowd tomorrow morning."
"I hope so," Shinzō replied. "Thank you for your welcome—it means a lot to have a friendly face nearby."
After seeing Lin out, Shinzō closed the door and turned the sign to "Opening Tomorrow" before collapsing into a chair behind the counter. Blaziken and Desert Tyrant approached, the former offering a supportive pat on the shoulder.
"Well, that was intense," Shinzō sighed. "But not bad for a first impression, right?"
Both Pokémon made sounds of agreement.
"Tomorrow's the real test," he continued, glancing around at the now-complete shop. "When people actually start trying to bond with Pokémon through the Selector."
The rest of the day passed in a blur of final preparations—adjusting displays, double-checking inventory, and reviewing the system's protocols for customer interactions. By nightfall, The Pokémon House was fully ready for its grand opening.
Standing outside as darkness fell over Liyue Harbor, Shinzō looked up at the freshly painted sign above the door—a stylized Pokéball alongside elegant Liyue characters spelling out "The Pokémon House." Light spilled from the windows onto the street, creating an inviting glow that already attracted evening passersby.
"Tomorrow," he told his Pokémon companions as they stood beside him, "we introduce Teyvat to a whole new world."