Chapter 10: The Secret Realm

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Xia Yu did not witness the grand finale of the auction. Compared to watching the spectacle, preserving his own life was far more important. A near-Top Four trainer of unknown origin—just the thought of it meant something major was unfolding. Xia Yu neither had the qualifications nor the ability to get involved.

Back home, lying in bed, Xia Yu’s mind was consumed all night by thoughts of Xu Xiu. He couldn’t fathom what in the small city of Starlight could possibly warrant the attention of a near-Top Four trainer like Xu Xiu.

Perhaps he had been mistaken—was that person not Xu Xiu? That seemed impossible. There were only a handful of near-Top Four Houndooms, and the others had no reason to conceal their identities.

Anxious, Xia Yu drifted into a restless sleep.

...

“Boom!”

In the dead of night, a sudden explosion shattered the tranquility of Starlight City, illuminating the pitch-black sky as if it were day. Already on edge because of Xu Xiu, Xia Yu jolted awake. He quickly dressed and stepped outside, just in time to see his father, Xia Yong, and elder brother, Xia Luo, emerge from the house with grim expressions.

“Dad, what’s happening?” Xia Yu couldn’t help but ask.

Hearing his youngest son’s question, Xia Yong forced a smile, masking his worry. “Nothing. Just stay inside and don’t go out.”

After speaking, Xia Yong turned seriously to Xia Luo. “Xia Luo, come with me.”

“All right, let’s go, Dad.” Xia Luo’s usual playful grin was gone, replaced by a stern demeanor. “Xia Yu, stay at home. I’m leaving my Heracross and Bastiodon with you. Keep them with you. I’ll also give you my Charizard. Whatever you do, don’t leave the house tonight.”

Xia Luo took out a red and white Poké Ball and handed over one of his main Pokémon, Charizard, to Xia Yu.

Their concern was palpable. Both father and brother left Xia Yu a strong Pokémon for protection, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

“Brother, Dad,” Xia Yu was moved and couldn’t resist asking, “What exactly is going on? Last night, I met a mysterious man in the underground black market. He looked very much like someone—a notorious wanted criminal, the former Dark-type near-Top Four trainer, Xu Xiu.”

“What?!”

Xia Yu recounted his encounter with Xu Xiu without mentioning that he had purchased an S-rank Thunder Stone, only saying he met a mysterious person with a near-Top Four Houndoom.

Upon hearing this, Xia Yong and Xia Luo’s faces darkened. They clearly understood the severity. “No doubt, that was definitely Xu Xiu. He must have gotten the information in advance. Just now, a small-scale Mirage has appeared in Starlight City. That is his target.”

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A Mirage is one of the unique phenomena in this world—essentially a small parallel realm. Usually, a Mirage contains rare treasures such as berries, items, or technical machines, and sometimes rare and precious Pokémon. These Pokémon often have high potential, and occasionally, even legendary Pokémon in transit appear, like Darkrai during the Nightmare Mirage three years ago.

A Mirage is a mysterious treasury, filled with opportunity but fraught with mortal danger.

During the Nightmare Mirage three years prior, countless lives were lost, many falling into eternal slumber. Among the victims was a near-Top Four trainer. Even to the very end, the powerful Darkrai eluded capture. After killing many, it used the power of dreams to leave the Mirage. To this day, many are still searching for Darkrai’s whereabouts.

A Mirage is like a casino—some strike it rich, while others lose everything. Only a Mirage can attract near-Top Four trainers like Xu Xiu.

“Xu Xiu’s strength likely reached the Top Four level by now. Three years ago, he slaughtered an entire family for a Tyranitar’s egg. Three years is enough time for a Larvitar to evolve into a Tyranitar. We must be cautious,” Xia Yong analyzed calmly. Even with Xia Luo joining forces, their chances of victory would be slim.

“But we must go to the Mirage. This is your chance to ascend to the Top Four! As long as you find a Pokémon with Top Four potential, you can become a Top Four trainer!” Xia Yong’s eyes flashed with determination. The leap from Gym Leader to Top Four is a huge hurdle—many spend over a decade trying and fail. Xu Xiu himself took ten years to nearly make the leap but ultimately risked everything for a Larvitar.

Now that the Mirage has appeared over Starlight City, Xia Yong and his sons cannot miss this opportunity.

“Xia Yu, stay home and don’t go out,” Xia Yong warned. Many Pokémon from the Mirage would escape into the city, a disaster for ordinary people. “Xue Mei, keep an eye on Xia Yu.”

“I’m heading to the Pokémon Center now—just received word. There will be many injuries today; I have to get to the hospital,” Lin Xuemei rolled her eyes at Xia Yong, then looked at Xia Yu. “Xia Yu, stay home and be careful.”

Her tone was full of affection. Among the family, Xia Yu was the weakest, naturally causing the most worry. She repeatedly urged him not to leave the house.

“Okay.”

...

“Click.”

The door closed, leaving Xia Yu alone. He watched the restless Foongus in its incubator, fed it some energy cubes, then returned it to its Poké Ball.

Next, Xia Yu changed into another set of clothes, preparing to go out. Though dangerous, he had his father’s Heracross and Bastiodon, plus his brother’s Charizard, giving him some ability to protect himself. As long as he didn’t encounter Xu Xiu, he should be relatively safe.

More than the danger, the rare treasures and Pokémon within the Mirage tempted Xia Yu. Mirages are exceedingly rare, and one appearing right above Starlight City was a once-in-a-century opportunity. Soon, all the strongest trainers in the Western Shu province would gather.

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If Xia Yu wanted to obtain treasure, he had to seize this chance. A newly appearing Mirage is filled with treasures, and he could not afford to miss it.

Stepping outside, the sky shone with dazzling white light, a silver vortex illuminating all of Starlight City.

Xia Yu summoned Charizard, climbed onto its back, and took to the air, heading toward the Mirage’s entrance in the sky.

“Boom!”

At that moment, a tremendous roar erupted. The Mirage in the sky surged, unleashing a powerful airflow that instantly sucked Xia Yu and Charizard inside.

After a dizzying whirl, Xia Yu regained consciousness in an unfamiliar world.

A gentle stream babbled nearby.

The scenery was beautiful and inviting.

The scent of fresh grass and towering trees made it feel like an enchanted realm.

Is this the Mirage?

Xia Yu looked up. In the sky was the massive silver vortex, just like in the real world—the gateway connecting the Mirage and reality.

If Xia Yu wanted to return, he only needed Charizard to fly him back through the vortex.

But having sneaked into the Mirage with such effort, Xia Yu would not leave empty-handed. He recalled Charizard, summoned his father’s Heracross, and began cautiously exploring this new world.