The morning sun had barely crested the mountain peaks surrounding Liyue Harbor when Shinzō heard a knock at the door of The Pokémon House. He had been up for hours already, double-checking inventory and rehearsing his sales pitch with Blaziken and Desert Tyrant, who now exchanged curious glances at the early visitor.
"Seems we have an eager customer," Shinzō remarked, straightening his attire before moving to the entrance. "Remember the plan—Blaziken, you stay visible as our shop ambassador. Desert Tyrant, monitor from the habitat portal until we see how things go."
Both Pokémon nodded in understanding as Shinzō unlocked the door. Standing outside was a young woman with a bright smile, her hair styled in a braided ponytail adorned with a decorative hairpiece. She wore chef's attire complete with an apron, and the faint aroma of spices clung to her clothes.
"Hello! I hope I'm not too early," she greeted enthusiastically. "I'm Xiangling from Wanmin Restaurant. I heard about your shop yesterday and simply couldn't wait to see these amazing creatures from beyond the Dark Sea!"
Shinzō recognized the name immediately from his gaming days—Xiangling was one of Liyue's most renowned chefs and a Vision holder to boot.
"Not at all, welcome to The Pokémon House," he replied with a professional smile, stepping aside to let her enter. "I'm Shinzō Tatsunaga, the proprietor. We were just preparing to open, but I'm happy to accommodate such an eager visitor."
Xiangling practically bounced into the shop, her eyes widening as she took in the unusual décor and displays. When she spotted Blaziken standing proudly near the counter, she gasped and rushed over.
"Oh! Is this one of the Pokémon? It's magnificent!" she exclaimed, circling around Blaziken who maintained a dignified posture despite the scrutiny. "Such unique features! Like a bird and a fighter combined into one!"
"This is my partner Blaziken, a Fire and Fighting type Pokémon," Shinzō explained, pleased by her enthusiasm. "One of the strongest in my personal team."
Xiangling's eyes lit up at the mention of "Fire type," and she leaned in closer to examine Blaziken more thoroughly. "Fire type? So it can produce flames? Without a Pyro Vision?" She peered around Blaziken's body as if searching for a hidden Vision somewhere.
"That's correct. Pokémon naturally possess elemental abilities without requiring Visions," Shinzō confirmed. "Each type has its own elemental affinity—Fire, Water, Electric, and many more."
"Fascinating!" Xiangling clasped her hands together. "And what sort of flames can it produce? Are they hot enough for cooking? Could they be used to smoke meats or sear fish? Oh, the culinary possibilities!"
Shinzō blinked, suddenly realizing where this conversation might be heading. Blaziken seemed to share his concern, taking half a step back with narrowed eyes.
"Ah, I should clarify something important," Shinzō interjected carefully. "Pokémon are intelligent partners, not cooking tools or ingredients. They're more like... companions with special abilities who can assist humans in various tasks."
Xiangling tilted her head in thought before her eyes widened in horror. "Oh! Did you think I meant to cook your Blaziken? Goodness, no! I was thinking of how helpful a fire-producing partner would be in my kitchen." She laughed nervously. "Though I must admit, I do get curious about tasting unusual creatures. It's a professional hazard."
From the habitat portal, Desert Tyrant emitted a low, warning growl. Shinzō shot it a calming glance before turning back to Xiangling.
"I'm glad we cleared that up," he said with a relieved smile. "While Pokémon can certainly assist with tasks like cooking, they're valued primarily for their companionship and battle abilities."
"Battle abilities? Like Vision wielders?" Xiangling asked, her interest clearly piqued.
"Similar in some ways, but with their own unique system," Shinzō explained, gesturing to the type chart on the wall. "Pokémon battles are structured contests of skill between trained Pokémon and their trainers. It's both a sport and a way for Pokémon to grow stronger."
Xiangling studied the chart with fascination. "Eighteen different types? And each has strengths and weaknesses against others?" She traced the connections between Fire and Grass types with her finger. "This is like ingredient pairings in cooking! Some enhance each other while others clash."
"That's an excellent way of looking at it," Shinzō nodded, impressed by her quick understanding. "Just as a master chef knows which ingredients work together, a skilled Pokémon trainer understands type advantages to create effective strategies."
As they continued discussing the basics of Pokémon, more curious onlookers began gathering outside the shop. Shinzō noticed the growing crowd but decided to focus on Xiangling for now—first impressions were crucial, especially with someone of her status in Liyue.
"So," Xiangling finally said, turning away from the displays to face Shinzō directly, "how does one acquire a Pokémon partner? I'm particularly interested in Fire types, as you might have guessed."
"I'm glad you asked," Shinzō replied, guiding her toward the Selector Machine at the center of the shop. "This device helps match potential trainers with compatible Pokémon. It analyzes your personality, ambitions, and natural affinities to suggest appropriate partners."
Xiangling circled the cylindrical machine with wonder. "It can tell what kind of Pokémon would suit me best? That's incredible!"
"It's important that both trainer and Pokémon are compatible," Shinzō explained. "The bond between them is sacred and forms the foundation of their partnership."
"Like the relationship between a chef and their signature dish," Xiangling mused. "Both must complement each other perfectly."
"Exactly," Shinzō agreed. "Would you like to try the Selector? As our first official customer, there's no obligation to purchase today—consider it a demonstration for others who might be watching."
Xiangling's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'd be honored!"
Shinzō accessed the system interface and initiated the Selector sequence. The machine hummed to life, its surface illuminating with soft, multicolored lights.
"Place your hands on the marked panels," he instructed, indicating two glowing handprints on the machine's surface.
Xiangling did as directed, her expression a mixture of anticipation and wonder as the machine's lights pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat. After several seconds, the display screen flickered and began showing a series of Pokémon silhouettes, each one appearing briefly before being replaced by another.
"The Selector is analyzing your affinity with different Pokémon types and species," Shinzō explained as the machine worked. "This helps narrow down the possibilities to those most suited to you."
After nearly a minute of processing, the machine chimed and displayed three Pokémon outlines: a Growlithe, a Vulpix, and a Cyndaquil.
"All Fire types," Shinzō observed with a smile. "The Selector seems to agree with your affinity for flame."
Xiangling leaned forward eagerly, studying each silhouette. "What are they like? Can you tell me about them?"
"Of course," Shinzō replied. "Growlithe is loyal and brave, often used by law enforcement in my homeland for its keen sense of smell and protective nature. Vulpix is elegant and intelligent, able to control its flames with precise control—a trait that might appeal to a chef. And Cyndaquil is gentle but powerful, with flames that intensify when it's excited or threatened."
"They all sound wonderful," Xiangling said, clearly struggling to choose. "How do I decide?"
"The Selector offers three options, but the final choice comes down to personal connection," Shinzō explained. "You can 'roll' up to three times today to see different options, or select one of these three."
Xiangling studied the silhouettes again, then pointed decisively at the Growlithe outline. "This one calls to me. I appreciate loyalty and bravery in my kitchen team."
"An excellent choice," Shinzō affirmed, tapping the Growlithe silhouette on the screen. The machine chimed again and displayed more detailed information about the Pokémon:
Species: Growlithe
Type: Fire
Level: 25 (Silver Tier)
Nature: Brave
Characteristic: Strongly defiant
"The system has selected a Silver Tier Growlithe at level 25," Shinzō announced. "That's quite fortunate for a first-time customer. Silver Tier indicates it has already developed significant abilities beyond the basics."
"What does 'Brave' and 'Strongly defiant' mean?" Xiangling asked.
"Those describe its personality traits. 'Brave' means it doesn't shy away from challenges, and 'Strongly defiant' suggests it has a strong will—which can be good for battling but might require a firm but kind training approach."
Xiangling nodded thoughtfully. "Like working with a high-quality but temperamental ingredient. The best results come with respect for its nature."
"Precisely," Shinzō agreed, impressed again by her culinary analogies. "Now for the most important part—meeting your potential partner to ensure mutual compatibility."
He accessed the inventory system and retrieved the designated Pokéball from the storage room. Returning to the main floor, he handed the red and white sphere to Xiangling.
"Hold the button in the center and toss it gently onto that open space," he instructed, indicating a circular area marked on the floor specifically for Pokémon releases.
With a mixture of nervousness and excitement, Xiangling pressed the button and tossed the Pokéball. It split open in mid-air, releasing a flash of light that materialized into a canine form. When the light faded, a Growlithe stood before them—its orange and black striped fur gleaming under the shop lights, its posture alert and curious as it examined its surroundings.
"Oh!" Xiangling gasped in delight. "It's adorable!"
The Growlithe turned its attention to her, sniffing the air and wagging its fluffy tail tentatively. It seemed particularly interested in the spice aromas clinging to her clothing.
"It appears to be interested in your scent," Shinzō observed. "Perhaps the cooking spices?"
"I always smell like Jueyun Chilis and various spices," Xiangling confirmed with a laugh. "Do Pokémon like spicy food?"
"Some do, especially Fire types," Shinzō replied. "Though like people, they have individual preferences."
Xiangling knelt down, extending her hand palm-up toward the Growlithe. "Hello there. I'm Xiangling. Would you like to be my partner?"
The Growlithe approached cautiously, sniffing her hand before giving it a small lick. Then, to everyone's surprise, it barked happily and produced a tiny flame from its mouth that hovered above Xiangling's palm without burning her—a clear display of its fine fire control.
"Oh!" Xiangling exclaimed in delight. "It's showing me its flames!"
"That's a very good sign," Shinzō confirmed, pleased to see the immediate bond forming. "Growlithe seems to be accepting you. That flame display was perfectly controlled—it's demonstrating both its ability and its careful nature."
The Growlithe barked again and moved closer to Xiangling, rubbing against her leg affectionately. She laughed and gently petted its warm fur, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I think we have a match," Shinzō declared. "Would you like to make Growlithe your partner?"
"Absolutely!" Xiangling said without hesitation. "How much for this wonderful companion?"
"For a Silver Tier Fire type of this level and nature, the standard price would be 300,000 Mora," Shinzō stated, referring to the pricing structure he had established. "However, as our very first customer and considering your status as one of Liyue's finest chefs, I'd be willing to offer a 10% discount."
"That's very generous," Xiangling replied, reaching into her pouch to count out Mora. "270,000 Mora is still a significant investment, but seeing this little one's abilities, I believe it's well worth it."
As she handed over the payment, Shinzō provided her with a starter kit containing basic supplies: a pouch of premium Pokémon food formulated for Fire types, a grooming brush designed to manage Growlithe's shedding fur, and an instruction manual on basic care and training methods.
"These will help you get started," he explained. "Growlithe should be fed twice daily, and it benefits from regular exercise and training. The Pokéball allows you to transport it conveniently, though I recommend letting it out frequently for companionship and to strengthen your bond."
Xiangling nodded eagerly, absorbing every detail as she stroked her new partner's fur. "Will I need to bring it back for checkups or anything similar?"
"Periodic visits would be wise, especially in the beginning," Shinzō advised. "We can assess its progress and address any questions you might have. Additionally, as your bond grows stronger, Growlithe may eventually evolve into Arcanine—a larger and more powerful Fire type."
"Evolution?" Xiangling's eyes widened with fascination. "Like a dish transforming when the perfect technique is applied?"
"That's... actually quite an apt comparison," Shinzō chuckled. "Some Pokémon evolve when they reach certain levels of experience, while others require special conditions or items."
By now, a substantial crowd had gathered outside the shop, peering in through the windows with undisguised curiosity. Noticing them, Xiangling scooped up Growlithe in her arms and beamed at Shinzō.
"I should probably let your other customers have a turn," she said. "But I must say, this has been one of the most exciting mornings of my life! Wait until Chef Mao sees what I've brought home!"
"Before you go," Shinzō said, presenting her with an official Pokédex card, "this contains basic information about Growlithe's species, type advantages, and care requirements. It also serves as proof of legitimate purchase from The Pokémon House."
Xiangling accepted the card gratefully, tucking it safely into her apron pocket. "Thank you for everything, Shinzō! I'll return soon to share how we're getting along."
As she made her way to the door with Growlithe still in her arms, the Pokémon turned its head and gave a small bark of farewell to Shinzō and Blaziken. Then, as if to make a lasting impression on the gathering crowd, it released a tiny puff of flame that formed a perfect heart shape in the air before dissipating.
The onlookers gasped and applauded, their excitement palpable as Xiangling stepped outside, proudly showing off her new companion. Several people immediately pressed forward, eager to be next.
Shinzō took a deep breath and exchanged a meaningful glance with Blaziken. Their first sale had been a resounding success, and the day had only just begun. The system chimed softly, notifying him of a reward chest earned from his first successful transaction—something to look forward to opening later when the shop closed.
"Welcome to The Pokémon House," he announced to the waiting crowd as he ushered in the next customer. "Who's ready to meet their perfect Pokémon partner?"
The floodgates had opened, and the era of Pokémon in Teyvat had officially begun.