Dawn Winery.
Diluc walked out of his study, with a Bagon following beside him. His face was expressionless, showing no emotion.
The head maid stepped forward and bowed. "Master, as per your instructions, the owner of the Mondstadt Pokémon shop has sent over 200 batches of advanced Pokéblocks."
Diluc glanced to the side, where two maids each pushed a cart filled with boxes of Pokéblocks.
"Gah gah..."
Upon hearing this, Bagon's little legs hurriedly ran over to the cart, but they were too short to climb up.
Diluc bent down, lifted Bagon, and placed it on the cart. He instructed, "This little one can pick a bag. The rest goes to my study."
"Yes, sir."
Diluc took Bagon to the dining room, poured Pokéblocks into a bowl, and placed it on the table in front of Bagon, sharing lunch with it.
From morning until noon, Diluc had fought vigorously for a long time—something he hadn't done in a while.
Since discovering that Bagon could take on Magikarp, Diluc was determined to make it stronger.
After all, the people of Mondstadt still needed him, the Darknight Hero, for protection.
Relying on those stubborn and corrupt old nobles, Mondstadt had no future.
After a few fierce battles with Magikarp, Diluc began to understand some of the mysteries of Pokémon battles. There was a bond between a Pokémon and its trainer.
Just like his connection with the Vision inside him, Bagon had resonated with him, despite the small odds. They had an instant affinity, making him unable to let go.
He stabbed a piece of roast beef and brought it to his mouth, sneaking a glance at Bagon, who was munching away.
Bagon ate with a "munch munch" sound. Sensing Diluc's gaze, it slowed down, turning back to stare at Diluc with its sharp fangs and intense eyes.
Diluc rubbed his chin. He used to doubt the concept of bonds, but now, whether others believed it or not, he certainly did.
This little guy—when someone was watching it, it knew without even turning around.
"Tsk tsk..." Diluc forked another piece of beef and fed it to Bagon. He had stayed up all night reading the Trainer's Handbook and found that most foods people could eat, Pokémon could eat as well.
Of course, for Bagon's growth, Pokéblocks were indispensable.
"Bagon, after lunch, we'll continue training by the lake," Diluc decided, determined to outdo his peers.
Bagon's indomitable personality matched well with Diluc's. It let out a vigorous roar, "Gah gah (of course)."
Diluc imagined that when Bagon evolved into a full-fledged dragon, he would take it to protect Mondstadt together.
Picture a high windy night—one man and one dragon suddenly descending from the sky before criminals. Their faces would turn pale, and they'd tremble like leaves, cursing their luck before being brought to justice...
After lunch, Diluc and Bagon strolled along the path from the winery to the lake for half an hour to aid digestion before starting their training.
The wind blowing across the lake came from the edge of Dragonspine, carrying a chill. Bagon, feeling the icy wind, couldn't help but shiver.
Diluc looked at Bagon on the rock beside him, puzzled. "Bagon, are you sick?"
Bagon raised its little hands and shouted energetically, "Gah gah!"
Diluc narrowed his eyes slightly. It seemed he was overthinking—his Bagon was so healthy and strong, it couldn't get sick easily.
Diluc approached the lake and looked at the clear, azure waters. Blue dye darters, tea butterflies, and bitter puffers swam leisurely, unfazed by his presence.
Diluc's target, however, wasn't them—it was the Magikarp among them.
Not long after,
A Magikarp happened to pass by, leaping across the water's surface. The enemy was already showing off in front of him.
"Bagon, use Take Down." Diluc stood with his arms folded, speaking calmly.
"Gah gah..."
Receiving the command, Bagon leaped from the rock and charged toward the Magikarp. It hit it so hard that the Magikarp flipped, knocked out with a cross mark over its eyes.
"Not bad. Keep it up." Diluc nodded slightly.
"Gah gah..." Encouraged by its trainer, Bagon was filled with enthusiasm, eager to keep fighting.
Seeing Bagon's vigor, Diluc felt he couldn't lag behind. As a trainer, he needed not only to cheer on his Pokémon but also to understand the right time to attack during battles, ensuring he wouldn't face defeat.
As he planned to find the next Magikarp, he noticed a blooming Mist Flower not far away, accompanied by four Cryo Slimes hopping around it.
Diluc thought that Mist Flowers were crucial materials for making Frostshield Potions and Chilled Resistance Oils—essential for travelers exploring Dragonspine.
They were rarely seen, and once Bagon grew stronger, Diluc planned to explore Dragonspine, where he would need them.
"Let's deal with those slimes first." Diluc leaped forward, drawing his Wolf's Gravestone, which blazed with fire, and instantly eliminated three of the Cryo Slimes.
The remaining slime was too far away to be hit. It hopped towards him slowly. Diluc raised his sword, preparing to finish it with a single strike.
Then he saw Bagon running up beside him.
Bagon had only fought Magikarp before; it hadn't fought any enemies beyond that. Diluc wondered if it had grown stronger.
This Cryo Slime—he could easily deal with it, but why not let Bagon take it on? It could be an opportunity for Bagon's growth.
With that thought, Diluc decisively said, "Bagon, use Take Down on the Cryo Slime."
"Gah gah..." Bagon stomped its little legs, charging across the wet lakeshore.
In a flash, Bagon's steel-like head smashed into the Cryo Slime. The attack was super effective, sending the Cryo Slime flying.
However, in return, Bagon was frozen in mid-air, its eyes swirling.
Seeing Bagon struck, Diluc felt as if he were watching his own child being bullied. He raised his sword and swiftly finished off the Cryo Slime, saving Bagon.
Bagon had been turned into an ice statue and was completely unconscious.
Diluc quickly used his Vision to channel Pyro energy, melting the ice encasing Bagon. He cradled its small, delicate body and hurried back to the winery.
He pushed open the winery's doors, urgently addressing Adelinde, who was directing the maids in cleaning. "Prepare 100 million Mora and come with me to Mondstadt immediately."